4 Ways To Trim Your Belly: Mini Tummy Tuck & More

If you’ve been researching tummy tuck surgery, you may be unsure which type best suits your needs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the ideal procedure for your goals.

This blog post will focus on 4 options: the mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, and the mommy makeover. I hope this explanation will give you a clearer understanding of each and help you make an informed decision about which procedure best fits your concerns and goals.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, creating a smoother, more toned midsection. It’s particularly effective for those who’ve experienced significant weight loss or have loose abdominal skin or separated ab muscles (whether due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations).

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you meet the following criteria:

• You’re in good overall health.
• You have a healthy BMI (body mass index), meaning your weight is in a good range for your height.
• You don’t use nicotine or can stop using it for a few weeks before and after the surgery.
• You can take a couple of weeks off work to give yourself enough time to recover properly.
• You’re done having children (future pregnancies could affect the results of your tummy tuck).

Read our related blog post to learn more about the things you should know about tummy tuck surgery before you make your decision.

Types of Tummy Tucks

In my practice, I offer several options to cater to different patient needs.

1. Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck can be an excellent option if you have limited excess skin and fat isolated to the area below the bellybutton. The procedure focuses on the lower abdomen and best suits those requiring minimal correction.

With a mini tummy tuck, the scar is smaller than with other tummy tuck options and easily concealed within the bikini line so you can confidently show off your results without worry. Similarly, you will likely need less recovery time with a mini tummy tuck than with a full abdominoplasty.

2. Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck provides a comprehensive solution if you have significant excess skin and fat in both the upper and lower abdomen. The trade-off is a longer incision than with a mini tummy tuck, typically from hip to hip. A skilled surgeon will do everything possible to minimize scarring and make sure the incision is placed so it can be concealed under clothing or swimwear.

3. Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck provides extensive body contouring for patients with excess skin and fat that extends beyond the abdomen to the hips and flanks. This procedure enables the removal of a more significant amount of tissue, resulting in a dramatic transformation. The incision is longer due to the larger area addressed, which results in a longer scar. However, most patients find the scar a worthwhile trade-off for a smoother, sleeker midsection.

4. Mommy Makeover

The mommy makeover is popular with patients looking to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. The procedure provides truly transformative results by combining a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck with other procedures, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and liposuction.

Request a Consultation

If you’re interested in speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon about which tummy tuck option is best suited to your needs, call our office today at (847) 504-2333 or request a consultation.