Types of Tummy Tuck
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
There are six main types of tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck treats loose skin below the belly button only, and a standard tummy tuck treats the whole abdomen and repairs the muscles. A circumferential tummy tuck goes all round the waist after major weight loss, and fleur-de-lis adds a vertical cut for very loose skin. A drainless tummy tuck avoids drains, and a tummy tuck with liposuction also slims the flanks. Main guide: Tummy tuck in Bangalore.
Types of tummy tuck compared
| Type | Best for | Scar |
|---|---|---|
| Mini tummy tuck | Loose skin below the belly button only | Short, low scar. No scar around the belly button |
| Standard tummy tuck | Loose skin above and below the belly button, plus muscle separation, often after pregnancy | Hip to hip just above the pubic hairline, plus around the belly button |
| Tummy tuck with liposuction (lipo-abdominoplasty) | Loose skin plus fat on the flanks and love handles | Often a shorter scar |
| Drainless tummy tuck | Avoiding drains | No drain scars |
| Circumferential (belt) tummy tuck | Loose skin around the whole waist after bariatric surgery | Around the body |
| Fleur-de-lis | Selected patients after massive weight loss | Horizontal plus vertical scar |
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck removes loose skin below the belly button only. There is no scar around the belly button, and it has the least scarring and pain of all abdominal procedures.
Standard tummy tuck
The most common type. It uses a hip-to-hip cut plus one around the belly button, and the separated tummy muscles are repaired (rectus plication).
Circumferential tummy tuck
Used for loose skin all round the waist, usually after major weight loss. It can be done in one or two stages, and it has a higher risk of wound-healing problems. See Post-bariatric body reshaping.
Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck
For a select few patients after massive weight loss, when there is loose skin both vertically and horizontally. The vertical scar shows with two-piece swimwear.
Drainless tummy tuck
Quilting (progressive tension) stitches close the space where fluid collects, so drains aren't needed. This also reduces pain.
Tummy tuck with liposuction
Liposuction treats the flanks, love handles, lower back and side fat rolls for better curves. Read more: Lipo-abdominoplasty.
Related pages: Tummy tuck · Tummy tuck FAQs · Liposuction vs tummy tuck · Tummy tuck surgery day
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.
