An abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck is a procedure which improves sagging skin and loose muscle in the abdomen, both of which are very common after weight loss or pregnancy. A Tummy Tuck will often address the entire tummy, and correct the entire abdominal wall.  The recovery is very similar to the Mini Tummy Tuck, and overall results achieved are much more pleasing to the patient.

Some patients can benefit from a Mini Tummy Tuck, which addresses an isolated problem of excess skin below the belly button only.  Ideal candidates for the Mini Tummy Tuck have excellent skin elasticity and excess skin below the belly button only.  If the upper abdominal fascia is loose as well, you will most likely be dissatisfied with the results of your Mini Tummy Tuck, due to the bulge that may appear at the top of your abdomen where the skin and muscle was not tightened.

I recommend that you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to discuss which of these would be most appropriate for you.  Be sure to have him perform a full exam of your belly, including assessing the separation of your rectus abdominis muscles that is so common with pregnancy and weight gain.

You and your surgeon should come up with a surgical plan together that addresses your concerns and meets your specific goals. If you feel you have extra skin above the belly button, then a mini tummy tuck is probably not going to give you a full correction.