8 mo postpartum with my 2nd, both c-sections - mini tuck vs. full? (Photo)

Although it's difficult to answer this question without a frontal view and a physical examination, your side photo suggests that you would require a diastasis repair to achieve a good aesthetic outcome. This being the case a more standard procedure would be recommended rather than a mini.

Thank you for your inquiry! This type of surgery is determined by the amount of abdominal skin laxity you have. This is hard to determine by photos. We would love to sit down with you and discuss your options. Schedule an appointment with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

It is difficult to tell from a single photo, but this would be best improved with a traditional tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck will inadequately address the bulging above the umbilicus, leading to poor results. The length of the scar from hip to hip is dependent on the amount of skin to be removed. A frontal photo would help to determine the quality of the abdominal tissues and the anticipated amount of skin that can be removed.

Dear ascend,
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

Thank you for your query. You do need a repair of the rectus diastasis , both above and below the belly button. The best way of avoiding a full tummy tuck in this situation, is to have a mini tummy-tuck with the “floating belly button” tummy-tuck technique where a complete repair of the diastasis can be done with no scar around the belly button and a shorter scar in the lower part. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

It looks like you would benefit from a full tummy tuck since you mention that you have abdominal muscle separation above your belly button.

Thank you for your question regarding whether a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck is the best option for your postpartum concerns. Based on the photo you submitted, it’s difficult to give a definitive answer without seeing a frontal view of your abdomen. A frontal view is essential to determine the degree of excess skin, the distribution of your diastasis recti, and the type of incision required for optimal results.

From what I can see, you would likely benefit significantly from muscle plication, especially with the diastasis recti you described, which extends from your navel downward and somewhat involves your upper abs. Muscle plication involves tightening the abdominal muscles to repair separation, which provides core strength and a flatter appearance. This technique generally requires a longer incision to access the full abdominal area and achieve the best results.

In some cases, the incision for a full tummy tuck can stop just before each hip, especially if you don’t have significant excess skin extending far out to the sides. However, without a frontal view, it’s hard to assess whether this is feasible in your situation. A mini tummy tuck typically addresses only the lower abdomen and does not allow for comprehensive muscle repair, so it may not fully resolve your concerns about the "shelf" and diastasis recti.

I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your abdomen in person, review your goals, and provide a tailored plan for achieving the best outcome. Thank you for sharing your journey, and congratulations on your two little ones!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gleaning from your photos, your will benefit from a full tummy tuck with muscle plication (tightening) and skin removal with a umbilicoplasty. Unfortunately, there will be the hip-to-hip scar, but we keep it low under your bikini line. It is smart to consider your options, but I would not hesitate to proceed as a full tummy tuck will address all the issues in rejuvenating your tummy.

Thanks for your question! It's hard to tell with only a side photo. You may be a candidate for a modified where we repair the diastasis but float the belly button. However, a mini tummy tuck will not correct your diastasis so I wouldn't suggest going that route. Please seek out an in person consultation for your best evaluation. Good luck!

It’s a bit hard to fully assess your skin laxity from the single-view photos, but based on your description of muscle separation and the side view, it looks like a full muscle repair is needed from just below your sternum to your pubic bone. Unfortunately, this can’t be done with the smaller incision of a mini tummy tuck, and you might not be satisfied with the results if your main concerns aren’t fully addressed.

That said, while the full tummy tuck incision does extend hip to hip and is more noticeable in the first year, it typically fades significantly over time and becomes a non-issue for most patients, even when not clothed.

Dr. B.