Choosing Between 5 Different Types of Tummy Tucks!6 min read

1: Traditional Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen exclusively, focusing on toning and reshaping
the lower stomach area, which is why it is popular amongst women who have gone through pregnancy
and childbirth! The incision is made above the pubic area and below the belly button to achieve the
optimal removal of fatty tissue and excess skin. For women who have had a C-section before during
pregnancy, the same incision can be used for an abdominoplasty, reducing the appearance of any
additional scars. Oftentimes, liposuction may be used to supplement the traditional tummy tuck to remove stubborn fat around the abdomen.

2: Mini Tummy Tuck

For a less invasive procedure, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck. This procedure is ideal for people who only desire to remove a small amount of excess fatty tissue or skin below the belly button.
Although less invasive, a mini tummy tuck still provides the same results and benefits as a traditional
abdominoplasty.

Patients who are primarily concerned over a “pooch” on their lower abdomen even after practicing a strict
diet and exercise routine can look into having a mini tummy tuck done as it targets loose skin or stretch
marks below their belly button. The incision is much smaller than a traditional tummy tuck and is made
right above the pubic area, so the belly button does not need to be repositioned. This option is also great
for women who still want to flaunt their best bikinis since the scarring is minimal and the incision is
smaller! The recovery time for healthy patients can take at least two weeks.

3: Reverse Tummy Tuck

Unlike the traditional tummy tuck, which involves the lower abdomen, a reverse tummy tuck focuses on the upper abdomen of the midsection just below the breast crease. A reverse abdominoplasty addresses
patients whose problem areas involve excess skin and extra fatty tissue on their upper torso. This
procedure is done with one long incision right under the breast folds, and the excess skin and fat on the upper torso are removed and tucked upwards.

A mini tummy tuck works well in conjunction with a reverse tummy tuck toward achieving an overall
improved and streamlined appearance on the midsection. There are a lot of procedures that can work
well alongside a reverse abdominoplasty, such as breast augmentation, since it can utilize the same
incision done for a reverse tummy tuck, allowing you to hit two birds with one stone!

4: Extended Tummy Tuck

For some patients, it’s a common problem to deal with “muffin tops” or “love handles,” where the lower
abdominal area and the hip or lower back contain a significant amount of fatty tissue and skin. If you can’t
get rid of your love handles, then the extended tummy tuck is the procedure for you!

Extended tummy tucks are more invasive than other tummy tucks because the incision is longer and is
made above the pubic area, thus spanning over the entire width of the abdomen as it extends towards the back of each hip. Since the extended tummy tuck allows for more skin to be removed from a wider area compared to the traditional tummy tuck, it is often advisable for patients seeking massive weight loss. This method also requires repositioning the belly button to achieve a normal appearance.

5: Panniculectomy

This type of tummy tuck aims to help patients who lost a significant amount of weight (e.g., more than 100
pounds) or are dealing with excess folds of fat and skin, also known as “apron” tissue, post-bariatric surgery. This method is more challenging and complex as it involves removing a substantial amount of tissue.