Mini Tummy Tuck/Liposuction - best option for me? (photos)

Question

I am looking into a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck with liposuction. Despite having 2 kids, I have good skin elasticity and no stretch marks. I have taught fitness for years and I believe I have good ab muscles and "possibly" may not need them repaired. Would love to get feedback to see if I could get abdominal lipo and a "MINI" tummy tuck instead of a full. I wlll be having breast aug simultaneously.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photos, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty to get rid of any 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!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Actually, there is another option for rejuvenating your tummy. Given your tummy muscles are flat and tight I would recommend liposuction with skin excision and umbilical transposition. This is a tummy tuck type of skin excision excluding the muscle tightening. This can be done with an oral cocktail for sedation and local tumescent anesthesia, so you never go "under". There are no drains with resumption of activity as tolerated. There is an overall lower complication rate and down time compared to a traditional tummy tuck. Another major advantage is the abdominal flap can be thinned at the same time so your skin flaps are thinner. On caveat is that you may have a vertical scar if your umbilical opening does not stretch down to your horizontal scar below the bikini line; but still, I think it would be a good "trade-off" to rejuvenate your tummy. This is a great option for many women out there . . . An in-person exam by an experienced body plastic surgeon will help guide you in your decision. See attached for reference (not exactly your body, but demonstrates what can be done). Thank you, I hope this helps.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. I would recommend you full tummy tuck with Liposuction for betters results. If you're willing to travel, Surgeons in the Dominican Republic have experience and very high standard of excellence when it comes to plastic surgery. I'm positive you can get what you're looking for

Thomas G. Liszka, MD · Answer

Mini tummy tucks usually address the abdomen from the umbilicus to the pubic area. In my opinion, the best way to get a flat abdomen would be to repair the separation in the muscle all the way to your breast bone (sternum) which most doctors consider as a regular tummy tuck. Just tightening the muscle from the umbilicus down would not give you a good result. When you see your plastic surgeon, make sure you understand what he/she is doing since different doctors may use different names for the same operation. Best of luck.
Dr.Liszka

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Based on your photo alone, you appear to have some loose skin above and below your belly button. For this reason, a full tummy tuck would probably be the most suitable option. Liposuction can be performed at the same time to enhance your results.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks. The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue. Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat. I would favor the full approach because it appears that your skin laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vtgirl,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Just based only on the one view photo, you might do well with liposuction to the upper abdomen and a mini tuck. An examination is needed to be sure.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi dear , I hope you are ok, according to your photos, you are a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, and depending on your medical results you can do all the processes together.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to advise with the photo submitted, but it appears you would have the best results from a standard tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This would remove the optimal amount of fat and skin as well correct any abdominal wall laxity.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Mini Tummy Tuck/Liposuction - best option for me? (photos)

Answers (13)

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