There are several different types of tummy tuck methods. The full tummy tuck is the most common procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia.

When your only problem is that area below your belly button, it may be more beneficial to have a less complex surgery called a mini tummy tuck. This can often be performed under a local anesthetic and as an outpatient basis. There is also the option of either a mini, full or extended tummy tuck being done in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction. This will remove the fat deposited from the hips for a better body contour. Liposuction is sometimes the better option instead of a tummy tuck.

A Typical Tummy Tuck

180 Tummy tuck aka Hip to hip, Normal Abdominoplasty (pictures depict a full tummy tuck procedure):

An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen.

Skin is separated from the abdominal wall, all the way up to the ribs.

The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, tightening them, thus narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.

After surgery, you will enjoy a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but fade over time.

With the normal 180 tummy tuck procedure, a long incision is made along the bikini line, usually from hip to hip. From there the naval is cut away from the surrounding tissue as it will be needed to returned to its proper position once the skin is stretched into its final place.

The surgeon will usually tighten the abdominal muscle wall by stitching the muscles into position, from there the skin is stretched and shaped by cutting the excess away and stitching the remaining skin into place. This is usually done under general anesthesia. Although it’s up to the individual surgeon, liposuction is usually performed at the same time to create a nice contour.

Before Tummy Tuck

After Tummy Tuck 

Before Hip to Hip Tummy Tuck

7 Days after Tummy Tuck

360/Extended Tummy Tuck
Those people who have a great deal of excess fat and have overhanging skin that extends to the back are the ideal candidates for the extended tummy tuck. This is usually for obese patients.

The incision needs to be extended beyond the hip area and extend more towards the back, in order to leave a nice contour. Again, in this case the stomach muscles are tightened and new belly button created.

This procedure is only necessary when a patient has a significant amount of excess fat and skin in the flank and upper hip regions.

Liposuction is usually performed at the same time to create a nice contour.

Before 360 degree Tummy Tuck

After Tummy Tuck

The length of scar continues around the waistline.