Mini vs. full tummy tuck

Going by your picture, you will not benefit by a tummy tuck of any kind. Most of the stretch marks (which bother you) cannot be removed because you have little excess redundant skin.

As a generalization, very few women are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

Full Tummy Tucks are generally more Rejuvenating

I generally perform very few Mini Tummy Tucks in women after their childbearing years. A full tummy tuck is often more rejuvenating and gives a more youthful appearance, for several reasons: With a full Tummy Tuck the entire abdominal wall is tightened from breastbone down to pubic bone.

Mini vs. full tummy tuck operation

The loose skin of the lower abdomen is removed and the healthier upper abdominal skin is re-draped over the entire abdomen. The more limited Mini Tummy Tuck removes very little or no skin from the lower abdominal region only and generally tightens the lower half of the abdominal wall only.

Mini Tummy Tucks are generally well suited for women with excellent skin quality and a bulge of the lower abdomen below the bellybutton level.

Ask the questions of your surgeon and review before and after photos of both techniques so you have a clear understanding of the difference in results so you can make a well informed decision. (Behzad Parva, MD, Washington DC Plastic Surgeon)

How to decide between a mini and full abdominoplasty

Mini vs. full tummy tuck photo

A miniabdominoplasty generally removes a minimal of excess skin above the pubic hair line and some amount of muscle tightening. The upper abdominal skin is usually untouched. The belly button stays in the same position or might move lower. A full abdominoplasty usually involves tightening of the entire abdominal muscle, liposuction of the hips, and tightening of the abdominal skin all the way to the ribs. It is not always easy to form opinions from 1 photo, however, it seems as if your skin laxity goes above the belly button. In addition, your belly button is a little low on your abdomen. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which surgery is best for you. It is likely your best outcome would be with a full abdominoplasty. (Glen Brooks, MD, Springfield Plastic Surgeon)

Mini or full tummy tuck?

Mini vs. full tummy tuck surgery

It is hard to determine what you would need without an examination. Although your upper abdomen looks fairly good in the photo, you probably still have upper fascial laxity. Imagine a partially inflated long balloon, if you squeeze the lower end you’ll note that the upper end expands. This is what will happen with a mini tuck. Less than 2% of my patients qualify for a mini tummy tuck. Good luck and make sure all your questions are answered at the consultation. (George Marosan, MD, Bellevue Plastic Surgeon)

This is difficult to determine based on your photos alone. An examination by a qualified plastic surgeon could easily determine the best procedure for you. If you have enough loose skin, then a full tummy tuck almost always produces the better result. The scar from a mini-tummy tuck is actually not that “mini” compared to a full tummy tuck. It is not very common to find a patient who is a perfect candidate for a mini-tummy tuck.

A mini-tummy tuck may sound good, but the results may not be what you expect. A full tummy tuck has a slightly longer incision but the result is typically well worth it. Your plastic surgeon will help you make the right decision. (William Bruno, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Full or mini tummy tuck, many considerations

It is difficult to determine with a single photo whether a mini or a full tummy tuck is the best choice. The skin elasticity and quality of the stretch marks, muscular laxity must be considered. Also we must consider your goals, concerns with potential scars and umbilical scar, medical history, and of course cost and recovery issues. Get your list of questions together before your visit, and your ‘dream’ result to be ready for your consultation. Its possible things could go either way. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)