What’s the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tuck, and Extended Tummy Tuck?

When people start searching for tummy tuck options, they often see three terms: full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Each procedure delivers transformative contouring but targets different areas, levels of abdominal laxity, and goals.

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At Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery, Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform thousands of tummy tuck variations every year. While every body is unique, understanding the differences can help you feel confident and informed as you explore options.

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This full guide walks through what each procedure includes, who’s a candidate, incision location, recovery expectations, and results—so you know exactly which may fit your goals.

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What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that:

• Removes extra, loose skin
  
• Tightens separated or stretched abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
  
• Improves abdominal contour
  
• Often reduces stretch marks located on the lower stomach
  
• Boosts overall body proportion
  

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Patients often choose tummy tuck surgery after:

• Pregnancy
  
• Significant weight loss
  
• Aging-related skin laxity
  
• Abdominal weakness or bulging
  

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Think of it as reshaping the core foundation, not just smoothing the surface.

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Full Tummy Tuck vs Mini vs Extended — Side-by-Side

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What Is a Full Tummy Tuck?

A full tummy tuck is the most commonly performed type. It:

• Addresses loose skin above and below the belly button
  
• Corrects diastasis recti (muscle separation)
  
• Repositions the belly button for a natural look
  
• Creates a flatter, tighter abdominal profile
  
• Removes lower abdominal stretch marks
  

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Who Is It Ideal For?

A full tummy tuck may be best if you:

• Have loose skin both above and below the navel
  
• Experience muscle separation/bulging
  
• Want a complete abdominal makeover
  
• Have multiple pregnancies or major weight changes
  

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Incision Location

The incision runs hip-to-hip, low enough to hide beneath panties or swimwear.

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Recovery

Most full tummy tuck patients return to light activities within 10–14 days, with gradual easing back into exercise over 4–6 weeks.

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What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck focuses only on the area below the belly button. It is a great option for those with mild lower-abdominal issues but not full laxity.

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What Does It Include?

• Removal of a small amount of loose lower skin
  
• Sometimes tightening limited lower abdominal muscle laxity
  
• Shorter incision and shorter recovery
  

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Who Is It Ideal For?

A mini tummy tuck may be best if:

• You have a slight lower belly “pooch”
  
• You don’t have sagging skin above the belly button
  
• You don’t need full muscle tightening
  
• You have good skin elasticity above the waistline
  

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Belly Button

The navel typically remains untouched.

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Recovery

Mini tummy tucks generally allow faster return to normal life, often within 7–10 days.

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What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is designed for patients who have significant extra skin that stretches not only across the abdomen but around the flanks (love handles) and lower back.

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What Does It Include?

• Removal of extra skin from the abdomen and hips/flanks
  
• Muscle tightening (diastasis recti repair)
  
• Belly button repositioning
  
• More dramatic sculpting contour
  

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Who Is It Ideal For?

An extended tummy tuck may be best for patients who:

• Lost a large amount of weight
  
• Have laxity and skin folds around the abdomen and sides
  
• Want more comprehensive reshaping than a full tummy tuck
  

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Incision

The incision extends slightly beyond the traditional hip-to-hip line to wrap around the sides, allowing fuller contouring.

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Recovery

Recovery is similar to a full tummy tuck, but longer drains or compression may be required due to larger treatment areas.

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What About Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck?

Most Beautologie patients combine tummy tuck with liposuction to enhance contours. Liposuction:

• Removes fat deposits
  
• Sharpens the waistline
  
• Improves hourglass shape
  

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Your surgeon may recommend lipo to:

• Flanks (love handles)
  
• Upper abdomen
  
• Hips
  
• Lower back
  

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Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you:

• Are close to a stable healthy weight
  
• Are not planning future pregnancies (not mandatory but recommended)
  
• Have loose abdominal skin
  
• Experience muscle separation
  
• Want improved abdominal contour
  

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Surgery & Recovery Overview

• Performed under full anesthesia in our on-site AAAHC-accredited surgery centers
  
• Typical surgery time: 2–4 hours, depending on type
  
• Compression garments worn post-op
  
• Walking encouraged early
  
• Light activities resume in 1–2 weeks
  
• Final results appear as swelling resolves over several months
  

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Your surgeon will create a personalized recovery plan.

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Expected Results

Patients often report:

• Stronger core
  
• Flatter tummy profile
  
• Better posture
  
• Improved confidence in swimsuits and clothing
  
• Reduced back discomfort from weak abdominal muscles
  

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Results are long-lasting, especially with stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

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Complications & Safety

Tummy tuck surgery is safe when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited facilities.

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Possible risks include:

• Infection
  
• Seroma (fluid buildup)
  
• Poor wound healing
  
• Sensation changes
  

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At Beautologie:

• We use advanced surgical techniques to prevent complications
  
• Nurses provide close aftercare
  
• We maintain strict safety standards and 24/7 availability
  

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Why Patients Choose Beautologie (Bakersfield and Stockton)

Beautologie serves tummy tuck patients from Bakersfield, Stockton, and the entire Central Valley and California. Many patients travel to us for our:

• Board-certified surgeons
• AAAHC-accredited onsite surgery centers
• Exceptional safety track record
• Thousands of tummy tuck surgeries performed
• Award-winning results
• Complimentary consultations

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Whether you live locally or travel in, you’re welcomed like family.

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Key Takeaways

• Mini tummy tuck addresses only lower abdominal skin laxity with minimal recovery.
  
• Full tummy tuck repairs muscle separation and removes skin above and below the belly button.
  
• Extended tummy tuck treats abdomen plus flanks, ideal for significant weight loss patients.
  
• All three procedures create smoother contours, but differ in incision length and target area.
  
• Consultation is required to determine which approach best fits anatomy and goals.
  

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FAQs

Can I choose between a mini and full tummy tuck?
Your surgeon will evaluate skin, fat, and muscle laxity to determine the best fit and make recommendations. 

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Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks located on removed skin, typically below the belly button, may be reduced.

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Is liposuction included with a tummy tuck?
It can be added to improve contour; many Beautologie patients combine procedures.

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How long does recovery take?
Mini: 7–10 days; Full: 10–14 days; Extended: similar to full but slightly longer.

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Will I have drains?
Some patients do; your surgeon will discuss based on your specific surgical plan.

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How long will results last?
Results can be long-lasting with stable weight and healthy habits.

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Can I have another pregnancy after a tummy tuck?
Yes, but pregnancy may alter results. Most patients wait until family planning is complete.

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Is a tummy tuck painful?
Patients describe discomfort, not sharp pain; medication and support garments help.

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What type of scar will I have?
Scars are placed low and hidden beneath underwear or bikini bottoms.

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Will my belly button look natural?
Yes. Beautologie surgeons are experts at crafting a natural, aesthetic belly button shape.

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Your Tummy Tuck Journey Starts with an Expert Consultation

You deserve to feel confident in your body. Whether you’re considering a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck, our expert surgeons will create a personalized plan tailored to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. With thousands of surgeries performed, award-winning results, state-of-the-art onsite surgery centers, and a truly compassionate team, Beautologie delivers care you can trust.

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Schedule a complimentary consultation with our award-winning surgeons today and begin your journey to a flatter, stronger, more confident you.

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