What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
Posted January 27, 2025 in Tummy Tuck

Whether due to aging, the aftereffects of pregnancy, or weight loss, your abdomen may not look the way you want. Loosened skin, stubborn fat, and weakening muscles can leave your abdomen looking saggy or flabby. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can help reverse these to help you look and feel your best. This blog will discuss various tummy tuck techniques and ideal candidates for this popular body contouring procedure.
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Who Is An Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Some people are more suited for a tummy tuck than others. The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who:
- Is at a stable weight and in good health
- At or near their goal weight
- Is willing to maintain their weight with healthy lifestyle choices
- Does not smoke
- Has stubborn fat and excess skin in the tummy region
- Is not planning to become pregnant in the future
People who don’t meet these criteria may not get the results they desire.
Types of Tummy Tucks
While all tummy tucks work toward the same goal of tightening and improving the aesthetic of the abdominal area, there are several methods for achieving this outcome. You have options when it comes to getting a slimmer abdomen, and a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you choose the best one.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full abdominoplasty is the typical procedure people think of when they hear tummy tuck. The surgeon creates an incision across the lower belly from hip to hip and a smaller one around the belly button. They separate the skin and fat from the abdominal wall, realign the abdominal muscles to create a tighter core, and remove excess skin. It’s ideal for those with sagging skin or weakened abdominal muscles. Some plastic surgeons, like Dr. Rudolf Thompson, combine circumferential liposuction to reduce fat and further sculpt the area.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck expands the range of a full tummy tuck to the lower back, flanks (love handles), hips, and abdomen. It requires longer incisions that reach around the lower back. This surgery shows full results between six months and a year after the procedure. An extended tummy tuck provides excellent results, tightening the abdominal area, waist, and flanks.
Which Tummy Tuck Is Right for Me?
It’s impossible for a plastic surgeon to determine the right tummy tuck for you without a thorough assessment. During an initial consultation, your surgeon considers several factors, such as your personal concerns and goals, skin laxity, health, and body type. For example, someone who wants to address their abdomen above and below the belly button may benefit most from a full tummy tuck. Someone looking for a minimally invasive procedure without long recovery periods may best benefit from a non-surgical tummy tuck method.
Interested in a Tummy Tuck in New Jersey?
If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon you choose is a crucial factor in your safety, experience, and the quality of your results. Dr. Thompson is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in specialized body contouring procedures. Whether you’re looking to regain your youthful appearance or reverse the effects a pregnancy or weight loss has on your body, our team is ready to guide you through the process.
Reach out to request a consultation online or over the phone at (732) 410-4789 today.