The right type of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) depends on how much excess skin and muscle laxity you have and which areas of the abdomen you want to improve. While most patients at my Gilbert, Arizona, practice prefer the least invasive tummy tuck option, my job as a board-certified plastic surgeon is to recommend the procedure that will produce the best results.
In most cases, a full tummy tuck is the appropriate path. But some patients may need an extended tummy tuck or circumferential abdominoplasty. Keep reading—understanding the differences between full, extended and mini tummy tuck can help you feel more confident and informed before scheduling a consultation.
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The women and men who get tummy tuck surgery using any of these techniques are almost universally willing to trade having an incision for removing unsightly excess skin that makes them self-conscious about their appearance.
What Tummy Tuck Technique Is Best?
The “best” surgical technique depends on the amount of excess skin and other unique factors, such as whether repair of abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) is necessary. This step addresses separated abdominal muscles that can cause a “belly pooch” even if the skin is tight. I also examine whether excess skin extends beyond the abdominal area. In many cases I pair liposuction with a tummy tuck for optimal results. You can see more of my patients’ tummy tuck before-and-after photos in our photo gallery.
Here are the different tummy tuck options offered at Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute:
Mini Tummy Tuck
Even though some patients can benefit from a mini tummy tuck, it’s fairly uncommon. That’s because the procedure is limited to patients concerned only about the area below the umbilicus—the belly button. The advantage of a mini tummy tuck is that it requires a much shorter incision than a traditional tummy tuck, and no incision is made around the belly button. Because it’s less invasive, the recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is also shorter.
Full Tummy Tuck
This is what’s considered the traditional tummy tuck. It’s often combined with liposuction, breast augmentation, and breast lift as part of a Mommy Makeover for women who aren’t planning to have any more children. During a full tummy tuck, I make a horizontal incision that stretches from hip to hip just above the pubic area, where bikini briefs can conceal it. Another incision around the belly button is necessary.
After removing the excess skin and pulling the remaining skin down, I create a new, natural-looking umbilicus. This is a popular procedure not only for moms but also for men and women whose abdominal skin has lost its elasticity due to age or weight loss.
Extended Tummy Tuck
This procedure may be called different things by different plastic surgeons, such as a belt lipectomy, body lift, or, as I mentioned earlier, a circumferential abdominoplasty. What these procedures all have in common is that the incision extends along the back—circumferentially—above the buttocks to remove excess skin on the outer hips and buttocks.
Patients who are good candidates for this type of tummy tuck have typically lost a significant amount of weight either through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery. They may have other post-weight loss plastic surgery procedures performed, too, such as an arm lift or body lift.
Ready to Explore Your Tummy Tuck Options?
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring, I’m here to help you look your best and feel more confident in your skin. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in Gilbert, AZ, to perform a tummy tuck, use our online contact form to request a consultation or call our office at (480) 466-7355 to schedule an appointment.
This blog post was originally published in December 2020 and updated in January 2026.
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