Tummy Tuck Before & After Case 381

This 40 year old, 5'3, 140 pound mother of three came to Dr. Vath with aspirations of surgically achieving her pre-pregnancy tummy. After her initial consultation, Dr. Vath determined that she was a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck as opposed to a standard tummy tuck. Only a select few patients are truly candidates for this particular procedure with consideration given not only to the degree of abdominal skin laxity, but more importantly to the relaxation of the abdominal muscles and the natural separation of those tissues which occurs during pregnancy. In addition, the location of the umbilicus (belly button) must be considered since removal of the lower abdominal tissue naturally pulls down on this structure. A mini tummy tuck does not require the belly button to be moved or incised, where as a standard tummy relocates the belly button into a new hole. In most cases, the patients abdominal muscles need to be surgically tightened both above and below the umbilicus (belly button) to achieve a flat and consistent appearance to the abdomen. A mini tummy tuck does not require upper abdominal tightening. Post operative pictures were taken at 4 months.