Which Tummy Tuck Option Is Right For You?

August 5th, 2024 | Posted in: Tummy Tuck |

Torso of a woman with flat belly in white underwear.

Men and women worldwide seek tummy tuck surgery to achieve slimmer waists and an ideal body contour. A qualified plastic surgeon can modify tummy tuck surgery to meet the needs of a wide variety of individuals. This blog will describe five different tummy tuck techniques and who they might be best for.

4 Min Read:

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Many dream of showing off their trim midsection. The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles. Typically, patients seek this surgery after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

What Types of Tummy Tucks Are There?

An experienced surgeon might use several techniques to perform abdominoplasty. Often, a tummy tuck is combined with liposuction for additional fat removal and body contouring.

Traditional (Full) Tummy Tuck

With a full tummy tuck, a first incision is made from hip to hip, and a second incision goes around the navel. This allows your surgeon to access the lower and upper abdomen to remove sagging skin. A traditional tummy tuck also makes it possible to tighten the abdominal muscles to correct diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles). During a full tummy tuck, the belly button can also be repositioned if desired.

You may benefit from a full tummy tuck if you

are post-pregnancy
have experienced major weight loss
are unhappy with how aging or genetics have affected your body

Partial (Mini) Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower stomach, between the navel and pubic area. Your surgeon will make one incision under the bikini line that’s usually shorter than the incision for a full tummy tuck. Excess skin and fat can be removed. Some muscle repair may be possible, but not always.

You may benefit from a mini tummy tuck if you

only want to correct a “pooch” in the lower belly
have stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise
are post-pregnancy
desire scar revision after a C-section

Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

Also known as a high lateral tension abdominoplasty (HLTA), this technique tightens more than vertically. A longer incision distributes tension across the upper and lower abdomen. The scar is lower and more easily hidden. With this technique, the flanks, back, and abdomen are contoured, and the upper thighs and groin can be tightened.

You may benefit from a lateral tension tummy tuck if you

have loose skin on your belly, upper thighs, and groin
have separated abdominal muscles
are near your target weight

Reverse Tummy Tuck

This technique removes excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen, as opposed to accessing the lower abdomen with a traditional tummy tuck. Liposuction can still address excess fat in the lower abdomen. Sometimes, women combine this procedure with a breast lift or natural breast augmentation using excess tissue from the abdomen.

You may benefit from a reverse tummy tuck if you

have loose skin in your upper abdomen, but not lower
do not have separated muscles in the lower abdomen

Modified Tummy Tuck

Also known as a limited or mid tummy tuck, this technique is customizable. It is similar to a mini tummy tuck but with a smaller incision. Depending on the surgical plan, skin is removed, some muscle tightening or belly button repositioning may occur, and liposuction can be used for additional contouring.

You may benefit from a modified tummy tuck if you

are close to your ideal weight
are post-pregnancy
desire minimal skin tightening below the navel

Which Tummy Tuck Is Best For Me?

The only way to determine which procedure or technique is best for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. At your consultation, you can discuss your goals and ask questions. Your surgeon will examine you, review your medical records, and determine the best course of action. This is the first step on your journey toward your ideal body, and it’s well worth the time.

Interested in a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills?

Dr. Chiu is a highly experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon dedicated to making patients feel comfortable and get stunning results. Schedule a consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling (310)-888-8087.