Looking for a second opinion. Do I need a full TT? (Photo)

If you're worried about the appearance of your belly button, or the shape or position of the scar, you should. That's why you should find a doctor who does it right: low scars, natural belly buttons, and aggressive skin removal with progressive tension sutures. Your skin laxity goes beyond your belly and into the waist area. This is important for you to know because the optimum result will be an extended tummy tuck; although not evident now, once liposuction has deflated your lateral waist, your skin will be loose all the way around towards the back. Once again, having the right surgeon will ensure that the scar sits in the appropriate place around the hip area, as well as keeping it very low in the pubic area.

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photos, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty to get rid of excess skin. The only difference in a mini vs a full abdominoplasty is how long the incision is. A mini tummy tuck is going to have a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and liposuction are all included with both a mini and a full tummy tuck. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

I think liposuction with a mini-tummy tuck is a very reasonable option given you expectations and photos. This is done with local tumescent anesthesia and an oral cocktail of pills so you do not have to go asleep, no drains and a very reasonable recovery and return to work in 3-5 days. See attached link for an example. Thank you.

Dear kelsrosado,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question and the photos you provided. If you want a mini tuck, you will sacrifice loose skin to the upper abdomen that may hood over your belly button. This can happen after liposuction. Since your natural belly button will obscured, you might as well get the full tummy tuck as recommended. Good luck! Make sure you have your procedure performed by a board certified plastic surgon.

Hello; there is sagging, cracks and fat in the lower abdomen. Other than that, in the abdominal muscles; there is laxity. By applying for Mini Tummy Tuck; unfortunately, it is not possible for solving these kind of problems. The best solution is; which is Lipoabdominoplasty. With this method, cracked and sagging skin in the lower abdomen; can be removed and loosened abdominal muscles can be repaired. In addition to these, excess fat can be erased.

With a full tummy tuck you'll get more of the stretch marks out. Liposuction of the waists can be done with either technique. It all depends what you expect to look after. They won't give you the same result.

Liposuction will not tighten loose skin, which you most likely have based on your photos. Therefore a full tummy tuck would most likely be the most suitable option for you.

You would do well with liposuction to your upper abdomen and a mini tuck. However, you still may have a little loose skin in the upper abdomen after liposuction. Minimally invasive skin tightening like Renuvion could be helpful. However, for the flattest and tightest abdomen, the full tuck is best.

An in person evaluation is best but based on the submitted photos you are a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck. Liposuction can be added for further contouring. This will address excess fat, skin, and the abdominal wall. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful when deciding between the procedures.