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3 Factors That Make You a Great Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck (With Photos)

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Curvy woman with her hands on her waist

A mini tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck, creating a smoother, toned abdomen, but this technique is not the recommended plan for everyone. Here, Dr. Emily Kirby, a female Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, shares real patient photos and explains three key features she uses to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. 

1. Well-defined upper abdominal wall

Mini tummy tucks primarily target the lower abdomen, so if you have well-defined, strong upper abdominal muscles with no separation, or diastasis recti, you may be a good fit for a mini abdominoplasty.

Female patient before and after mini tummy tuck Fort Worth
Notice how this patient has defined upper abdominal muscles in her before photo (left). Dr. Kirby planned to contour the area below her belly button to achieve the firm tummy she desired, so a mini tummy tuck was the best option for her goals. The results in her after photo (right) show how her lower abdomen now complements the tone of her upper abdomen.
Female patient before and after full tummy tuck Fort Worth
In contrast, this patient’s before photo (left) shows more fullness (and muscle separation) in her upper abdomen. Dr. Kirby performed a full tummy tuck with rectus muscle plication and liposuction to contour her upper and lower abdomen to achieve this beautiful result shown in her after photo (right). 

“I was so fortunate to find Dr. Kirby. I honestly researched for months before making an appointment. I really wanted a woman provider and Dr. Kirby and her staff did not disappoint. They made me feel comfortable, explained everything in detail, and really just listened to my wants and concerns. I could not have asked for a better provider and the outcome is fantastic. Thank you!”

—5-star Google review

2. High belly button position and natural appearance

A slightly higher belly button with minimal excess tissue around it is ideal for a mini tummy tuck. If your belly button’s position and appearance is still natural-looking when Dr. Kirby pulls on the lower abdomen (simulating tissue removal), then a mini tummy tuck may be suitable for you. 

Female patient before and after mini tummy tuck Fort Worth
This patient’s pre-surgery belly button in the before photo (left) was positioned high enough that moving it down slightly while removing the stretched skin in her lower abdomen still resulted in a natural-looking placement. The after photo (right) shows how the mini tummy tuck also slimmed the width of her belly button for a more subtle appearance.
Female patient before and after full tummy tuck Fort Worth
In the before photo (left) you can see how this patient’s belly button was stretched out horizontally, so a mini tummy tuck would have only exaggerated its droopy shape. Dr. Kirby restored the appearance and position of her belly button during surgery. The results pictured in the after photo (right) are a good example of when a full tummy tuck is the right choice.

3. Small amount of excess tissue

A mini tummy tuck involves a shorter incision and only removes a limited amount of tissue. If you have significant unwanted skin in your midsection, the longer incision of a full tummy tuck is necessary to prevent the remaining skin from bunching or gathering at the sides of an incision that is too short. 

Female patient before and after mini tummy tuck Fort Worth
This patient’s before photo (left) shows that she only had a small amount of lax skin, so a mini tummy tuck incision was long enough to remove it and restore the muscles in her lower abdomen. Dr. Kirby also reshaped her belly button during the procedure. There are several techniques Dr. Kirby can use to adjust the belly button during a mini tummy tuck.
Female patient before and after full tummy tuck Fort Worth
In this patient’s before photo (left) you can see how she had excess skin that spanned across her midsection and extended to the sides of her hips. Dr. Kirby performed a full tummy tuck to ensure that the incision was long enough to trim all of the excess skin. In her after photo (right) you can see a smoother contour in her abdomen and flanks. 

For more insight on ideal mini tummy tuck candidates, watch Dr. Kirby’s video below:

Are you considering a mini tummy tuck in Fort Worth? 

If you think you might be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your anatomy and explain which abdominoplasty technique can achieve beautiful, natural-looking results that meet your expectations. 

To learn more and find out if a mini tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation with Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby at Kirby Plastic Surgery. Call or text (817) 292-4200 today.

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Emily J. Kirby, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Fort Worth, Texas   Award-Winning
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