Am I candidate for a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I am trying to decide between a mini and a full tummy tuck. I've been told with a full tuck I will have vertical scar as well but the results would be more optimal. My primary goal is to get rid of the loose skin and smooth out the area around and bellow my belly button. Will a mini with lipo give me good results anyway?

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

There are actually three kinds of tummy tuck:
1) regular. This has a hip-to-hip scar and a scar around the belly button. The muscles are repaired above and below the belly button, and the excess skin is removed.
2) Mini. extra skin below the belly button is removed, and the muscles may or may not be removed below the belly button,
3) Fleur-di-lis. This is a regular tummy tuck with an added vertical incision. This is great for people who have lost 80-100 lbs, but it would be overkill for you
Based on your pictures a traditional tummy tuck would be the best option.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

"Based on your description and pictures, aiming to address the loose skin around and below your belly button, a full tummy tuck would be the most effective approach. This procedure allows for comprehensive removal and tightening of excess skin and can also address any underlying muscle separation. It's tailored to create a smoother, flatter abdominal profile.

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J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your history and pictures. Based on the information provided, I would recommend a full tummy tuck. Here's why:
Excess Skin & Fat Removal: A full tummy tuck will effectively remove excess skin and fat from the pubic area to above the belly button. It also raises and flattens the pubic region, providing a more harmonious contour.
Muscle Tightening: One of the primary benefits of a full tummy tuck is the ability to suture the rectus abdominis muscle, which helps flatten the tummy and enhance the waistline.
Incision Location: The incision for your tummy tuck would be made from hip to hip, strategically placed below the belt line to ensure any scarring remains concealed.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck: While a mini tummy tuck with liposuction might be an option, given your specific anatomy and desired outcome, a full tummy tuck is likely to offer a more satisfactory and comprehensive result.
Avoiding Vertical Incision: From what you've provided, it seems you won't need a vertical or Fleur de lis (FDL) incision, which is beneficial in minimizing scarring.
In conclusion, it's essential to have a detailed discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide personalized advice and set realistic expectations. Still, based on the provided data, a full tummy tuck seems the most appropriate approach for optimal results.
Good luck with your procedure!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen.

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

Mini tummy tucks are often used in very select patients who only have loose skin below the belly button. They sacrifice the best results for a smaller scar. Additionally since they don't relocate your belly button, your belly button gets pulled down which can make you look older and less in shape. 
You look like you take good care of yourself and based on the pictures it looked like you have excess loose skin above and below the belly button. You could try a mini tummy tuck but you would likely get much better results with a full tummy tuck. I would recommend a full tummy tuck, I think you could get a great result.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi! This is Arzu from Dr. Caner Kaçmaz Clinic. You need full tummy tuck because you have a big quantity of skin excess. For more information you can contact with us.
Kind Regards

Salvador Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I am Dr Salvador Garcia from Guadalajara, Mexico, an expert in body contouring, my recommendation is to perform a complete tummy tuck, because is a lot of excess skin that you have, if you performed a mini TT, you could end up with the famous ears. dog, and to remove them, the TT would have to be extended, so it is better to do it from the beginning and have a good result

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you are trying to smooth out the area around and below your belly button, then a full tummy tuck would be more suitable. A mini only targets the area below your belly button, so you’ll be left with a bulge and loose skin above.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

The skin of the lower abdomen is cracked and of poor quality. The upper abdominal skin looks good. The condition of muscle laxity is important. If your abdominal muscles are not loose, Mini Tummy Tuck can be performed. The cracked and bad looking skin underneath is removed. A much better appearance is obtained than the current appearance. But if your abdominal muscles are loose, better results are obtained with Lipoabdominoplasty or Classic Tummy Tuck. In this way, both the cracked abdominal skin will be completely removed and the loosened abdominal muscles will be repaired.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck.  A mini tummy tuck would not correct the problem above the umbilicus.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Thanks for the photos. Although an exam would help, judging by the photos you have provided, I would have to say a full tummy tuck would be the way to go for you. A full tummy tuck will remove the excess skin above and below the belly button, as well as address the muscle plication.

I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further.

Hope that helps.

I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further.

Hope that helps.

Am I candidate for a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (18)

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