Mini or short scar TT, what would be the best option for flat stomach & smaller waist? (Photos)

Thank you for sharing your pictures. Based on them, a full tummy tuck would be the most effective way to address muscle separation and excess skin in your abdominal area. The mini tummy tuck (short scar) doesn't address muscle separation, and only removes a partial amount of excess skin.

You can also look into additional procedures, such as Ab Silhouetch, which can further enhance the appearance of your abdominal area by highlighting your muscles.

Thank you for your question about whether you need a mini or short scar tummy tuck and what would be the best option for a flat stomach and smaller waist. First, let’s talk about the differences between a mini and a short scar tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck and a short scar tummy tuck are both variations of a tummy tuck procedure, but they differ in their extent of tissue removal and the length of the incision.

A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure than a full tummy tuck, and it is typically performed on patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. During a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a small incision in the lower abdomen and removes a small amount of skin and fat, focusing on the area below the belly button. The abdominal muscles may or may not be tightened during a mini tummy tuck, depending on the patient's individual needs.

A short scar tummy tuck is a variation of a full tummy tuck that involves a shorter incision than the traditional tummy tuck. This technique is designed for patients who require more extensive tissue removal and muscle tightening than can be achieved with a mini tummy tuck, but do not require a full tummy tuck. During a short scar tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic area, and removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The abdominal muscles are tightened, and the belly button may be repositioned for a more natural appearance. In summary, the main differences between a mini tummy tuck and a short scar tummy tuck are the extent of tissue removal, the length of the incision, and the degree of muscle tightening involved.

In your case, I would highly recommend the short scar tummy tuck. On profile view, your abdomen is distended indicating a weak abdominal wall, probably due to multiple pregnancies. This abdominal muscle MUST be repaired to achieve a flat abdomen. Therefore, my vote for you is for a short scar tummy tuck. I hope that I have answered your question about whether you need a mini or short scar tummy tuck and what would be the best option for a flat stomach and smaller waist.

Hi Cestlavie123. A mini tummy tuck would only address excess skin and fat below the level of the belly button. You would likely get the best result from a full tummy tuck, allowing your surgeon to repair your diastasis (ab separation) at the same time as flattening the contour of your abdomen by removing additional skin and fat. Often, liposuction is an integral part of the procedure to further refine the result. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is commonly performed for patients in your situation (multiple pregnancies) to restore youthfulness and reverse post-partum changes. Each surgeon will approach this slightly differently, so it is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon regarding your specific situation. Best of luck!

Based on limited photos and history of pregnancies - it appears that you would benefit from a full abdominoplasty. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS to review your options.

Thanks for your question! I would likely recommend a tummy tuck and liposuction to really shape in the waist. You appear to be pretty early post-partum so I would give it some time prior to proceeding. Best of luck!

It appears that you have some excess skin and fat above your belly button, therefore a full tummy tuck would probably be the most suitable option for you. This would give you a firmer and flatter mid-section and a smaller waist circumference. Liposuction may be performed at the same time to further enhance your waist if necessary.

Regarding your photos, I would like to say that you need to tummy tuck with waist liposuction. Of course we will repair the diastas of your muscle tighten the muscles. After these procedures you will have your body back.

Hello @cestlavie123, thank you for your question. To make an informed recommendation, we need more information. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is realistically possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

The shorter the scar, the smaller the result. The most common complaint after a full abdominoplasty is that not enough skin was removed. 'Mini' tucks have very few good candidates, and virtually none of them had children. Your concern about scaring is well founded, but you are confused about just what makes them look bad. It is NOT the length, it is the position on the abdomen. A scar that is least conspicuous is one that follows the 'borderline' between the abdominal and thigh units to the side, and between the abdominal and pubic unit centrally. This means that the scar needs to be very, very low, something that surgeons are just starting to do more of. The impediment to proper scar placement had been the nagging issue with the hole in the skin where it was once attached to the belly button. It was considered imperative to remove the skin that had the hole, something that forces the surgeon to place a higher and more conspicuous scar. That was wrong headed thinking, and now surgeons are realizing the aesthetic benefit of ignoring the hole, placing the long scar where it should be, and simply closing the hole as a small vertical incision as seen on my social media. Don't waste your time and money, go to a great surgeon that understands the benefits of low scar placement and get the right operation, a full abdominoplasty.

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.