Coolsculpting, mini tummy tuck, or a tummy tuck?
Most plastic surgeons would want to recommend the most minimally invasive procedure to treat a patient no matter if it is a facelift, tummy tuck or any operation.
However, we all know that the less you do, the less of a result one well achieve.
When I look at your pictures, I see not only some excess fat, but also loose skin and loose rectus muscles (all caused by pregnancies).
Coolsculpting is not even an option. It gives minimal results and is only good for one with minimal fat excess or who accepts those minimal results.
We all define mini-tummy tucks differently but, again, any mini-tuck would improve you just not completely. You are an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. Yes, it is more aggressive and has more down time but the results are dramatic. (Robert J. Spies, MD, Paradise Valley Plastic Surgeon)
Since you have laxity above your belly button, a mini tummy tuck won’t do because it won’t be able to address the laxity above the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is good for a small amount of laxity below the belly button only. COOL SCULPTING will not work because your problem is skin laxity and some fat. Cool sculpting will only reduce fat. If you are looking for a excellent Tummy Tuck in the San Diego area, I would recommend Dr. Carlos Chacon. (Daniel Barrett, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck or lipo
To get the most dramatic improvement a tummy tuck is the best option. It will flatten your belly by tightening the muscles which have stretched out from pregnancy(it is referred to as diastasis).
Also, the stretched out skin can be tightened and removed with a tummy tuck. Cool sculpting will do nothing liposuction won’t do and both will give you marginal if any benefit if you have no belly fat and have mostly loose skin. (Dev Wali, MD, Claremont Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck vs. CoolScuplting
Whether a tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or CoolSculpting is the best choice for you depends on several factors. The best place to start is by seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon who can review your personal goals and perform a physical examination. A tummy tuck is great for repairing the six-pack muscles that separate with pregnancy, as well as tightening the skin both above and below the belly button.
However, both the recovery time and the cost of a tummy tuck are greater than with the other options.A mini tummy tuck tightens the lower abdomen, and CoolSculpting can reduce the fatty bulges, but neither results in a complete muscle repair.
Both are usually less expensive than a full tummy tuck, and the recovery time is much less (zero with CoolSculpting!), but the contour improvement isn’t as dramatic.Because there are so many variables to consider, including your goals, the cost of each procedure, the findings on a physical examination, the potential risks, the benefits, and the downtime, you’ll need to see a plastic surgeon before you can decide what’s right for you. (Heather J. Furnas, MD, Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Options
As I am sure you are aware only a formal exam can determine what is your best option. But from what you are saying and from the photos, I suspect you will need a full Tummy Tuck.
Having had 2 full term pregnancies and your mention that the skin hangs indicates a procedure that tightens your skin and tightens your muscles would give you the best result. That procedure is an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). You appear to have too much loose skin for a mini tummy tuck and Coolsculpting would reduce your fat but not give the best result.
See a board certified Plastic Surgeon and they can give you an exam and be sure to give you the best recommendation. (Scott R. Brundage, MD, Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty versus cool sculpting
Pretty much, almost every body that poses this question re. surgical versus noninvasive treatment of the abdomen will in fact do better with surgery. Noninvasive like Cool sculpting, thermage, Excelis, Ulthera, etc. are compromises to limit down time but just don’t do the same kinds of result. C section patients in particular benefit from muscle tightening. (Robert Oliver Jr., MD)