TrustMed Clinic : Abdominoplasty Techniques Explained: From Mini to Extended

What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure that reshapes and firms the abdomen by:

• Removing excess skin and fat
• Tightening the abdominal muscles
• Improving the overall body contour

However, not all tummy tucks are the same. Surgeons use various abdominoplasty techniques depending on a patient’s body type, skin laxity, goals, and previous weight loss or pregnancies.

At Trustmed Clinic, your surgeon will recommend the best method based on a detailed assessment of your anatomy and expectations.

Overview of Abdominoplasty Techniques

Mini Abdominoplasty

What It Is:

A limited tummy tuck that addresses only the lower abdomen.

Best Candidates:

• Mild skin laxity or bulge below the belly button

• Good skin elasticity above the navel

• No or minor muscle separation

Key Features:

• Shorter incision

• Quick recovery

• No belly button repositioning

• Less dramatic but effective results

Ideal For:

Slim patients, moms with a post-pregnancy “pooch,” or those wanting subtle correction without a full tummy tuck.

Full Abdominoplasty

What It Is:

The classic tummy tuck, most commonly performed worldwide.

Best Candidates:

• Skin laxity both above and below the belly button

• Muscle separation (diastasis recti)

• Post-pregnancy or post-weight loss contour issues

Key Features:

• Incision from hip to hip

• Muscle repair across the full abdomen

• Repositioned belly button

• Visible but concealable scar

Ideal For:

Patients looking for full abdominal rejuvenation and core strength restoration.

Extended Abdominoplasty

What It Is:

An advanced technique that extends the incision around the hips to treat the flanks and lower back.

Best Candidates:

• Massive weight loss patients with excess skin around waist

• Patients with love handles and side fat in addition to abdominal laxity

Key Features:

• Long incision extending beyond the standard hip line

• Comprehensive muscle and skin repair

• Can be combined with 360° liposuction or BBL

Ideal For:

Men and women needing dramatic reshaping, especially after bariatric surgery.

Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

What It Is:

A technique that removes both vertical and horizontal excess skin, forming an anchor-shaped (inverted T) scar.

Best Candidates:

• Patients with severe skin laxity in multiple directions

• Those who have undergone massive weight loss

• Individuals with previously failed tummy tucks

Key Features:

• Two incisions: horizontal (hip to hip) + vertical (midline)

• Comprehensive skin excision

• More intensive recovery

• Most dramatic transformation for the torso

Ideal For:

Post-bariatric patients or those seeking extensive body contouring.

What Determines the Right Technique?

Your Trustmed Clinic surgeon will assess:

• Skin quality and elasticity
• Amount and location of fat deposits
• Degree of muscle separation
• Any history of pregnancy or weight loss
• Desired aesthetic outcome and scar tolerance

Can Abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine abdominoplasty with:

• Liposuction (for better contouring)
• BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
• Breast augmentation or lift
• Mommy makeover package
• Thigh or arm lift after major weight loss

Trustmed Clinic designs custom combination surgeries that balance safety with transformative results.

What to Expect From Your Surgery Journey

At Trustmed Clinic:

• Free virtual consultation with 3D simulation
• All procedures in JCI-accredited hospitals
• Surgeons certified by EBOPRAS and ISAPS
• Nurse-supported hotel recovery
• 4X Insurance Protection
• 1-year remote follow-up care