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POSTED UNDER Mini Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Tummy Tuck w/lipo of flanks

ORIGINAL POST

I'm seeking a tummy tuck (possibly mini?) to...

ariette
WORTH IT$8,954
I'm seeking a tummy tuck (possibly mini?) to correct loose skin and crooked c-section scar. I had my son at a young age (16) and I gained about 70 lbs. During my pregnancy, I gained weight so fast that I have stretch marks from my breasts down to my calves. I have tried exercising in the past and losing weight but my stomach stays the same no matter what I do. I've used every oil, cream, scrub and chemical peel known to man to try and tighten the skin as well as lighten the stretch marks. Believe it or not, this is the best they have ever looked. It took 10 years to even consider taking pictures of my stomach. I'm determined to do whatever it takes to save money for this surgery. I guess I'm here looking for advice. I most likely would need a full tummy tuck? but I'm afraid of the scar and the way the belly button looks after surgery.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

ariette's provider

Replies (8)

December 31, 2013
Welcome to the community.  Yes, the scar is always the big worry before surgery.  You will love how a tummy tuck flattens everything out.  Personally I can tell you that my scar does not bother me.  It's low and hides in my bikini bottoms.  It's much better than having my old muffin top.

Please make sure to schedule at least 3 consults before deciding on a doctor.  Do your research and keep moving forward.  
February 10, 2014
Hi Ariette, did you ever decide on the mini or full tummy tuck? Thanks
February 28, 2014
I haven't decided yet.
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February 24, 2014
I absolutely don't think you would need a full. You should call my PS in Columbus. The consult is free and he charges 4,440 for a mini tummy tuck. It includes lipo to the upper abs for free if needed. Check out ohioplasticsurgeons.com
February 28, 2014
wow thank you! I will check it out.
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September 20, 2014
I would love to know what you find out about Dr.s in Dayton as I'm also looking.
June 19, 2018
I would recommend a full tummy tuck. I just had a mini tummy tuck done almost 2 months ago. My belly button looks even weirder after having a mini! Pick someone who is board certified and you have confidence in. My doctor was amazing and actually recommended a full for me. I had even less visible skin than you but had bad muscle separation. I think a full will give you what you’re looking for. You will need a full month of rest and won’t feel normal until 6 weeks. You have your entire life to live with either decision... make sure you remember that! 6 weeks isn’t very long in the grand scheme of things.
June 22, 2018
my surgery was the 8th and I had a full TT. I went back to work after 10 days and I feel mostly normal.
UPDATED FROM ariette
2 years pre

2 years later

ariette
I can't believe I started this review over 2 years ago but I've finally decided to schedule a consultation for Monday April 18...and I am also already pre-approved for financing through care credit. I was hesitant to finance cosmetic surgery but I'm just ready to have a normal looking stomach at any cost.
Im crossing my fingers that I don't have muscle separation (diastasis) and could possibly get great results with only a mini tuck. I'm still back and forth on what I want. I want the best results possible but I'm very afraid of a huge scar and unnatural looking belly button with a full tummy tuck. A lot of tummy tuck scars look to me like the patient has been severed in half. And then I do see some that have faded so nicely that they're almost invisible.
Another concern is recovery time. My job is very physically demanding.
Send prayers and good vibes my way.

Replies (1)

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April 19, 2016
Good luck. I agree with you on the looked severed in half, I'd keep my flat but flabby tummy unless I already had a c-section scar because my scars don't fade easily.
UPDATED FROM ariette
2 years pre

1st consultation done

ariette
Here are the markings from the surgeon. The lower solid markings near my pubic area/c-section are the mini TT. The skin inside that little almond shape is the skin that would be excised and pulled down to create a new scar in the same spot but a little bit longer.

The dotted marking up to my belly button are the full TT. All of the skin inside the dotted markings would be excised and then a little lipo (no lipo with mini) also the dot above my belly button would be pulled down to where my belly button is. So, everything would be stretched down a lot more and mostly all of my stretch marks on my stomach taken away (I still have them everywhere else unfortunately) but also with a bigger and higher scar. The scar would be at the top of mini TT markings and go from hip to hip.

He said my muscles are in good condition.

I thought there might be a third option offered for someone who doesn't quite need a full but a little more than a mini...but he didn't mention anything. He alluded that I wouldn't be happy with a mini. Then I asked him what he thought I should do and he really gave no opinion either way. Is that common? For a surgeon to just remain neutral when you're asking their professional opinion? I thought that's what I was paying him for lol.

It's basically a little under 5k for a mini and a little under 10k for a full. *sigh* I wouldn't mind paying 6 or 7 for a surgeon to customize my procedure to my specific wants and needs. Especially now that I know my muscle are in good condition.

Any advice or suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

Replies (3)

April 19, 2016
Hi, i have the same concerns sa yourself, about the long scar and the look of the belly button after a full tummy tuck. How about you ask in your next consultation about a combination of smart lipo to boost collagen and a mini tummy tuck?
I have been thinking about that. Good luck!
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April 20, 2016
A full will be a 6-8 week recovery.... That is holding me back! I too, have a demanding job. I'm considering a mini... Had one cosult. Another next month.
April 21, 2016
A good surgeon would want what is best for you. If you have enough skin above your belly button that it could all be excised, you should go for the full. You will not be happy with a mini. BI would see another surgeon for a second opinion. You should leave a consult feeling confident about what was discussed. I had a full tummy tuck and am so happy that I did. Don't let the recovery time or the scar deter you from a full. Do you want a nice taut stomach or a shorter, lower scar but loose skin? Good luck to you! If you have any questions, feel free to message me :)