Procedure Options

There is no one-size-fits-all tummy tuck. The right approach depends on your body, your goals, and what you want to achieve. Here is an honest look at each option.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Who this is for

Women with minimal loose skin below the belly button
Those with good skin elasticity above the navel
Patients who don't need muscle repair

What happens in surgery

Shorter incision (typically 4-6 inches) above the pubic area
Removes small amount of excess skin
Belly button stays in place
Usually 1-2 hours of surgery time

Scars & incisions

Shorter horizontal scar hidden by underwear. Typically fades well over 12-18 months.

Incision Placement

Mini: Short incision above pubic area

Recovery snapshot

1-2 weeks off work for desk jobs. Light activity at 2-3 weeks.

Pros & trade-offs

Pros

Shorter scar
Faster recovery
Less invasive

Trade-offs

Only addresses lower abdomen
Not suitable for significant skin excess

Full Tummy Tuck

Who this is for

Women with loose skin above and below the belly button
Those with separated abdominal muscles (diastasis)
Patients seeking comprehensive abdominal contouring

What happens in surgery

Hip-to-hip incision above the pubic area
Belly button is repositioned to natural location
Abdominal muscles are tightened
Usually 2-4 hours of surgery time

Scars & incisions

Longer horizontal scar from hip to hip, plus small circle around belly button. Both typically hidden by underwear.

Incision Placement

Full: Hip-to-hip incision (hidden by bikini)

Recovery snapshot

2-3 weeks off work for desk jobs. 4-6 weeks for physical work.

Pros & trade-offs

Pros

Addresses entire abdomen
Tightens core muscles
Most comprehensive results

Trade-offs

Longer scar
More recovery time
Higher cost

Extended Tummy Tuck

Who this is for

Women with excess skin extending to the flanks or hips
Those who've had significant weight loss
Patients wanting to address love handles along with abdomen

What happens in surgery

Incision extends beyond hips toward the back
Removes skin from abdomen and flanks
Muscle repair included
Usually 3-5 hours of surgery time

Scars & incisions

Longer scar that extends toward the back, hidden by most underwear and swimwear.

Incision Placement

Extended: Incision extends to flanks

Recovery snapshot

2-4 weeks off work. Full activity at 6-8 weeks.

Pros & trade-offs

Pros

Addresses flanks and hips
Better for larger amounts of excess skin
More dramatic transformation

Trade-offs

Longest scar
Longest recovery
Highest cost

After Major Weight Loss

Who this is for

Women who've lost 100+ pounds through diet or bariatric surgery
Those with significant skin laxity and hanging apron of skin
Patients ready for body contouring after stable weight

What happens in surgery

Often combines techniques from extended tummy tuck
May include panniculectomy for hanging skin
Customized approach based on individual anatomy
May be staged in multiple procedures

Scars & incisions

Location and length depend on the amount of skin removed. Discussed thoroughly in consultation.

Recovery snapshot

3-4 weeks off work. Full activity at 8-12 weeks depending on extent.

Pros & trade-offs

Pros

Addresses dramatic body changes
Removes functional issues from excess skin
Can be life-changing

Trade-offs

More complex surgery
May need multiple stages
Longer overall recovery

Revision Tummy Tuck

Who this is for

Women unhappy with results from a previous tummy tuck
Those who've had weight changes after initial surgery
Patients with complications or asymmetry from prior procedure

What happens in surgery

Approach varies based on what needs correction
May address scar placement, contour irregularities, or residual skin
Often more complex than primary surgery

Scars & incisions

Existing scars are typically revised or incorporated into new incision.

Recovery snapshot

Similar to full tummy tuck: 2-4 weeks off work.

Pros & trade-offs

Pros

Corrects previous results
Second chance for desired outcome

Trade-offs

More challenging surgery
Results depend on prior procedure
May have limitations

Quick Comparison

Type	Coverage Area	Scar Length	Typical Downtime
Mini	Below navel only	4-6 inches	1-2 weeks
Full	Entire abdomen	Hip to hip	2-3 weeks
Extended	Abdomen + flanks	Extends to back	2-4 weeks
After Weight Loss	Varies (often extensive)	Customized	3-4 weeks
Revision	Targeted areas	Revises existing	2-4 weeks

Recovery Differences

Recovery time varies significantly between a Mini and Extended tummy tuck. Learn what to expect day-by-day.

Read Recovery Guide

Common Questions

Wondering about drains, scars, or combining procedures? Our FAQ covers the most asked questions.

View FAQ

For more medical details on tummy tuck procedures, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Ready to learn about costs?

Understanding pricing helps you plan and make informed decisions.

View Costs & Financing Guide