Understanding the Different Types of Tummy Tucks: Which One Is Right for You?

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A slimmer physique and flatter belly are goals many of us strive for through diet and exercise. But sometimes, diet and exercise are simply not enough to make a significant difference. That’s where cosmetic surgery comes in. The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an increasingly popular surgical procedure that enhances the shape and appearance of the abdomen.

Tummy tucks are a popular body contouring procedure for individuals whose bodies have undergone significant changes due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, there are now more tummy tuck options than ever to help you achieve your aesthetic goals, including:

But what is the right choice? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the different types of tummy tucks to help you learn which is best for you.

Traditional Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Lower and middle of the abdomen
Goal: Get rid of excess skin and fat while tightening abdominal muscles
Ideal For: Anyone with moderately loose skin and muscle laxity (including women post-pregnancy)

This is the most common form of tummy tuck. It involves a horizontal incision from hip to hip and a second incision around the belly button. The surgeon removes extra fat and skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and may reposition the navel. Recovery usually takes a few weeks, and the scar can be hidden below the bikini line.

Tummy Tuck Before and After*

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*As with any cosmetic surgery, results may vary.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

Target Area: Lower abdomen below the belly button
Goal: Smooth and flatten minor abdominal bulges
Ideal For: Individuals with minimal skin laxity or a stubborn lower belly “pooch”

Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is a more minor, less invasive surgery. Also known as a partial abdominoplasty, this procedure only removes a little bit of skin and fat from the lower part of the stomach. This surgery is a great alternative for people who wish to get rid of a minor amount of skin and fat on their lower bellies and flatten their “pooch.”

During the surgery, a small cut is made near the bikini line, and some extra skin is removed. A surgeon can also use liposuction to eliminate excess fat. Sometimes, the stomach muscles are tightened. Compared to a classic tummy tuck, this procedure is shorter and recovery time is quicker. Additionally, patients are left with a smaller scar that is a few inches long.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Abdomen, hips, and lower flanks
Goal: Remove significant amounts of loose skin and fat
Ideal For: Individuals with massive weight loss or post-multiple pregnancies

This surgery is more complicated and involves a bigger incision above the pubic area and each hip. The belly button is also moved and repositioned to look normal. Next, a surgeon removes any extra skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the belly. Since this surgery is more invasive, patients stay in the hospital overnight to be safely monitored.

After surgery, patients may have drainage tubes inserted to help get rid of extra liquid. If so, the surgeon will advise keeping the area clean until the tubes are removed a few days later. The surgical scar from an extended tummy tuck can be hidden beneath underwear or a bathing suit but may not be fully covered for some patients.

Panniculectomy

Target Area: Lower abdomen
Goal: Remove hanging skin and improve mobility
Ideal For: Patients post-bariatric surgery or after major weight loss

A panniculectomy is a form of tummy tuck surgery that removes extra skin and fat from the lower belly area (pannus). This surgery is helpful for people who have lost an enormous amount of weight or have excess skin that hangs due to weight loss surgery. This tummy tuck surgery successfully removes skin folds and improves the patient’s ability to move around.

This is a more complex tummy tuck procedure since a larger amount of fatty tissue and skin folds are removed. This surgery offers dramatic results for patients greatly impacted by the amount of loose skin left behind from weight loss. However, it is important to realize that a panniculectomy is a major surgery that requires careful consideration and consultation with a physician.

How Does a Panniculectomy Work?

Reverse Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Upper abdomen above the belly button
Goal: Tighten and contour the upper abdominal region
Ideal For: Individuals with firm lower abdomens and loose upper abdominal skin

A reverse tummy tuck (also known as an inverted tummy tuck) is excellent for individuals with a tight lower tummy and sagging skin above their belly button. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, this procedure addresses the upper torso area. This surgery is a great way to remove loose skin and fat in the upper torso and achieve a lean and toned upper stomach. It is sometimes paired with a breast lift or breast augmentation to fully contour the area.

During a reverse tummy tuck, the surgeon makes incisions below the breasts, removing excess skin and fatty tissue. This body sculpting procedure eliminates flabby skin and shapes the upper stomach to create a slimmer appearance. Often, liposuction is used to remove unwanted fatty tissue. The loose skin is trimmed away and pulled tight where the incisions are made under the breasts. A reverse tummy tuck does not tighten the abdominal muscles like a standard tummy tuck.

Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Full abdomen; vertical and horizontal excess skin
Goal: Remove a large amount of loose skin for dramatic contouring
Ideal For: Patients with significant weight loss who have excess skin in multiple directions

This procedure is a more extensive version of a traditional abdominoplasty. It addresses significant excess skin in the upper abdomen. With a vertical incision, your surgeon can remove more skin compared to the classic surgery. It also helps to address sagging skin and excess tissue in the upper abdomen, which a traditional tummy tuck may not be able to achieve.

Tightening the abdominal muscles and removing unwanted skin creates a firmer, flatter abdomen and sculpts the waistline. As a more extensive procedure, the recovery period may be longer, the results are transformational.

Which is the Best Tummy Tuck Procedure for You?

With so many options available to customize for your specific needs, it can feel slightly overwhelming to make a decision. The comparison chart below helps break down the different procedures based on treatment area, how extensive the surgery is, and candidacy.

Type of Tummy Tuck Surgery	Treatment Area	Skin & Fat Removal Level	Does it Tighten Muscles?	Where Will the Scar Be Located?	Who is An Ideal Candidate?
Mini Tummy Tuck	Lower abdomen-below the belly button	Minimal	Yes	Small horizontal scar along the bikini line	Mild lower belly pooch Skin tone is good overall
Traditional Tummy Tuck	Full lower and mid-abdomen	Moderate	Yes	Horizontal scar from hip to hip around the navel	Loose skin/fat and muscle laxity after pregnancy or weight loss
Extended Tummy Tuck	Abdomen, hips/flanks (love handles)	Significant	Yes	Horizontal scar extending past the hips	Massive weight loss or multiple pregnancies
Panniculectomy	Lower abdomen	Excess skin only	No	Similar to traditional Tummy Tuck	After significant weight loss, mobility affected by excess skin
Reverse Tummy Tuck	Upper abdomen above belly button	Moderate	Sometimes	Horizontal scar under breasts	Loose skin/fat in upper torso but firm lower abdomen
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck	Full vertical and horizontal abdomen	Significant	Yes	Vertical scar from chest to pubic area and horizontal scar	Major weight loss with excess skin in both vertical and horizontal directions

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, schedule a consultation with a reputable provider like Advanced Body Sculpting. The right surgeon will recommend a solution to help you reach your goals, supporting you along your body contouring journey.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Regardless of which option you choose, tummy tucks remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, helping you look and feel your best. Beyond tightening and flattening the stomach area, tummy tucks have many advantages, including:

These benefits make tummy tucks the gold standard in both cosmetic and functional improvements. Whether you’ve lost a lot of weight, gone through pregnancy, or just want a more defined midsection, abdominoplasty can help.

Tummy Tuck Near You: Schedule Your Abdominoplasty in Massachusetts

A tummy tuck can be the perfect solution if you are unhappy with your stomach pooch and desire a flatter stomach. Learn more about all the options available by contacting Advanced Body Sculpting of New England. We are the top provider of body contouring procedures in Fall River, Massachusetts. Our specialists are ready to help customize your tummy tuck procedure to meet your needs and goals. Call us at (877) 577-5476 or reach out online to learn how this body sculpting procedure can help you enjoy a slimmer, new, and improved body that looks and feels amazing.