Understanding the Different Types of Tummy Tucks

If you’ve been thinking about tummy tuck surgery, it can be hard to know where to start. There’s a lot of information out there, and not every option is going to be the right fit for you. At Plastic Surgery Central, we take a straightforward approach, no pressure, just honest information to help you understand what’s available and what might suit your goals.

There are several types of tummy tucks, and they each target different areas of the body. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones and what they involve.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Often chosen by: People with a small amount of loose skin below the belly button

Shorter incision (usually above the pubic area)
Focuses just on the lower stomach
Doesn’t involve moving the belly button
Muscle repair may not be needed
Suitable if you have mild skin laxity and don’t need major changes

Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck

Often chosen by: People with excess skin or muscle separation across the whole abdomen

Involves a hip-to-hip incision
Can include muscle repair, especially after pregnancy
The belly button is usually repositioned
A good option if you want a more noticeable change across the midsection

Extended Tummy Tuck

Often chosen by: People who’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin around their sides

Longer incision that reaches around the hips
Removes skin from the front and sides of the body
Includes muscle repair and belly button repositioning
It can help with shaping the waist and lower back as well

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

Often chosen by: People with skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal directions

Involves a vertical and horizontal incision (forming a T shape)
Removes skin from the upper and lower abdomen
Usually recommended after major weight loss
Allows for a more tailored result when other options aren’t enough

Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Body Lift)

Often chosen by: People with skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal directions

Involves a vertical and horizontal incision (forming a T shape)
Removes skin from the upper and lower abdomen
Usually recommended after major weight loss
Allows for a more tailored result when other options aren’t enough

Reverse Tummy Tuck

Often chosen by: People with loose skin above the belly button

Incision is made under the breasts
Tightens the upper abdomen
Sometimes paired with breast surgery
Less common, but useful for specific body types

Which One is Right for You?

That depends on what’s bothering you and what outcome you’re hoping for. Some people are mostly concerned about a small area of skin below the belly button. Others may be dealing with wider areas of excess skin or changes to their abdominal muscles.

Everyone’s body and story are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all. The best way to work out what’s suitable is to have a chat with a qualified plastic surgeon who’ll take the time to understand your situation and talk you through the options.

At Plastic Surgery Central, we’re here to give you clear advice without the jargon. If you’re thinking about a tummy tuck, we can help you understand the types of procedures available and what recovery might look like for you.