When it comes to body contouring, few procedures are as transformative and rewarding as abdominoplasty commonly known as a tummy tuck. Whether you are dealing with loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat deposits, abdominoplasty offers a powerful solution to restore a firmer, flatter and more sculpted midsection.
As a plastic surgeon, one of the most important aspects of my work is helping patients understand which type of abdominoplasty best matches their needs. There are several techniques, each designed to address different anatomical challenges and aesthetic goals.
At our clinic, we offer a full range of abdominoplasty techniques tailored to different needs. All these procedures are performed under twilight anaesthesia, a safe and effective alternative to general anaesthesia that offers a more comfortable, lower-risk experience.
Let us explore the main types of abdominoplasty (Pic 1), what makes each one unique, and what to expect after surgery.
The mini tummy tuck is the least invasive form of abdominoplasty. It focuses only on the lower abdomen, below the belly button. This procedure is ideal for patients who are in relatively good shape but have a small amount of excess skin or a “pouch” that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise.
There’s no need for belly button repositioning, and the scar is typically shorter than with other types of abdominoplasties. Recovery is generally quicker, and muscle repair may be minimal or not needed at all.
- Patients with mild lower abdominal skin laxity
- Those with minimal or no muscle separation
- Individuals close to their ideal weight seeking subtle improvement
This is the classic full tummy tuck, enhanced with a modern technique we call “lock and glue.” In this approach, internal sutures are used to secure the underlying tissues (the “lock”), and surgical adhesives are applied to help the skin layers bond smoothly (the “glue”). This often eliminates the need for surgical drains, making recovery more comfortable.
The standard abdominoplasty addresses the entire front of the abdomen, removing excess skin and repairing diastasis recti (muscle separation) (Pic 2) to restore core strength and contour. Judicious liposuction of your whole abdomen including the flanks is included in the procedure.
- Post-pregnancy patients
- Individuals with moderate skin and muscle laxity
- Patients who prefer a drain-free recovery
An extended tummy tuck goes beyond the front of the abdomen extending slightly into the flanks (love handles). This is a more comprehensive procedure that allows for a greater degree of contouring and skin removal. It’s particularly well-suited for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose skin not only in the abdomen but also along the sides of the torso.
- Post-weight loss patients
- Those with excess tissue extending around the waistline
- Patients seeking more dramatic reshaping of the lower torso
The 360° lower body lift, also known as a circumferential body reduction, is the most extensive procedure in this category and it can be performed either as one or two stage. It removes excess skin and fat from the entire lower torso front, sides, back, and buttocks. It also lifts the outer thighs and buttocks in addition to tightening the abdomen.
This surgery is ideal for patients who have experienced massive weight loss and are left with skin laxity all the way around the midsection.
- Post-bariatric or massive weight loss patients
- Individuals with circumferential skin laxity
- Those looking for full lower body transformation
The Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck (Pic 3) is a specialised technique designed for patients with both vertical and horizontal skin excess. In addition to the traditional horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, a vertical incision is made up the centre of the abdomen, allowing for more skin to be removed and the waistline to be cinched in more tightly.
While this method results in a visible vertical scar, it provides dramatic improvements in contour especially for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have significant skin redundancy in the upper abdomen.
- Patients with severe skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal dimensions
- Post-massive weight loss patients
- Those prioritising contour and tightness over minimal scarring
All our abdominoplasty procedures are performed using twilight anaesthesia, also known as conscious sedation. Unlike general anaesthesia, which requires a breathing tube and full unconsciousness, twilight anaesthesia keeps you relaxed, pain-free, and breathing on your own.
Benefits include:
- Lower risk of complications
- Less nausea and grogginess
- Faster recovery
- Smoother transition post-op
After any form of abdominoplasty, careful adherence to postoperative instructions is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results. Here’s what we typically advise:
- Wear compression garments as directed to reduce swelling and support healing.
- Attend your complementary manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) procedure
- Avoid heavy lifting or intense activity for at least 4–6 weeks.
- Avoid core exercises (Yoga, Pilates) for 3 months
- Sleep with your upper body elevated and hips slightly flexed for the first 1–2 weeks.
- Stay mobile with gentle walking to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing progress.
- Follow incision care instructions closely to minimize scarring.
We provide each patient with a customised recovery plan and are always available to guide you through the process.
Every patient is unique, and no single abdominoplasty technique is right for everyone.
Whether you are looking for subtle enhancement or dramatic transformation, there is a tummy tuck technique that can help you achieve your goals and feel confident again safely and comfortably under twilight anaesthesia.
If you are considering abdominoplasty and would like to learn more about the options available, you can book a consultation to discuss your goals and create a personalised plan that fits your body, lifestyle and vision.
Miss Maria Chasapi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring. Known for her meticulous technique and personalised care, Miss Chasapi is committed to delivering natural, beautiful, and lasting results.
