49kg, 5'1, could I be left with uneven bulges if I have a TT with shorter scar? (Photos)

Dear foozball,
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

You have 3 problems need to be fixed.1. Excess skin around belly button and below the belly button.2. Muscle diastasis3. Stretch Marks.
So, a full tummy tuck can fix all these problems. And as a double board plastic surgeon, ı always perform 360 vaser hi- def liposuction with tummy tuck. This gives more definition and snatched waist.Incision length is an issue but the result is always more important.

Hello @foozball, thank you for your question. A tummy tuck (TT) would be the most beneficial procedure. While it is difficult to predict all outcomes with any cosmetic surgery procedure, in general it's best to opt for a full TT if you are looking for maximum results and have enough laxity in the skin of your abdomen. Depending on how much fat is present in those areas, liposuction may also help to create evenness across both sides of your lower abdomen. It`s also important to remember that the incision size depends on the technique used by the specialist performing surgery. 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)

Hi This is Dr Özge Ergün.
Thank you for your sharing photo.
Regarding the truncal contour, the notable presence of supraumbilical cutaneous laxity and striae confirms the necessity for comprehensive surgical correction.
1. Procedure: A full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is absolutely required to achieve complete excision of the excess skin and address the striae located superior to the umbilicus.
2. Operative Efficiency: Given the patient’s favorable low body mass index (BMI), the surgical plan anticipates an optimized operative time, which typically correlates with a smoother and shorter post-operative course.

Thank you for your question regarding the appropriate tummy tuck procedure for you. The terminology – whether it's a mini, modified, standard, or extended tummy tuck – isn't as important as the results you are looking to achieve.
From my perspective, a standard tummy tuck may be most suitable for you. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat from your lower abdomen, repositioning of the belly button, tightening of the abdominal muscles, lifting of the pubic region, and potentially, targeted liposuction if necessary.
Remember, your surgeon should tailor the surgery to your unique needs. It's crucial to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate procedure for you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You may be a better candidate for a full tummy tuck rather than one that limits the scar which may compromise the amount of skin resection and leave “dog ears”.

Your concerns are valid.

In my opinion, the procedure needed to achieve your desired results is a full tummy tuck. Based on the amount and pattern of your skin excess, a short-scar approach may not remove all of the loose skin and could leave residual unevenness. A full abdominoplasty allows for more complete skin tightening and a smoother, more balanced contour.

Whenever you’re ready:
Let’s make it better.

Warmly,
Dr. Luis Mejía, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
CECILIP – Dominican Republic

In reviewing the pictures you have submitted, they show loose skin above the belly button. In my experience, this requires a full tummy tuck and not a "mini". In performing this, I have the patient wear a bikini bottom on the day of surgery. I draw where the bikini bottom sits on the patient, then design the incision quite low so it is hidden beneath a bikini bottom. The incision curves slightly upward as it heads toward the hip bones. It's length is dependent upon how much skin is removed. I always try to keep the incision as short as possible but also taper it at its ends so it transitions smoothly toward the hips. I find the scar length is almost always proportional to the amount of skin removed. If you make the scar too short, you will end up with some bunching of skin at the ends of the incision, commonly referred to as a "dog ear".

Hello,
Thank you for the question. From the photos, you qualify for a standard tummy tuck with muscle repair. The length of the scar is determined based on the amount of skin that is removed in order to allow it to be hidden under thin underwear.
I wish you the best.
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Scar length depends on the amount of loose skin. If there is loose skin in the flank area, this can be excised but the scar will be longer. Liposuction of the flanks is also an option. A full abdominplasty is generally better since it removes more tissue with better results. I would seek another option to clarify your concerns.

A mini-abdominoplasty is a short scar abdominoplasty. Optimal candidates have minimal skin excess localized below the level of the umbilicus (belly button). The major benefit of the procedure is the shorter scar burden. Alternatively, the drawback to the procedure is it's minimal access nature. The shorter scar and the upper limit of dissection (belly button) limits the opportunity to tighten the muscle as you only have access to the lower 1/3 of the muscle in the midline for plication (unless you float/detach the umbilicus which can only be performed in cases of minimal infraumbilical skin excess).

Based upon your photos, you would likely benefit from a formal abdominoplasty with muscle tightening. It is unlikely that a mini-tummy tuck/short scar abdominoplasty will deliver the results you seek.

As always discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).