Feeling confident in your own body sometimes requires a little extra help. Despite countless hours at the gym and strict dieting, stubborn belly fat and excess skin can linger. It's no wonder that a tummy tuck has remained the 3rd most popular cosmetic surgery procedure over recent years.
But not all tummy tuck procedures are the same. So, how do you know which type is right for you? To make this choice easier, Bookimed has reached out to top plastic surgeons for their expert insights. This article will walk you through each option and what sets them apart so you can understand what might work best for your body and goals.
Key Takeaways
- ⭐ Standard tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles across the abdomen.
- ⭐ Mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen with a smaller incision.
- ⭐ Extended tummy tuck addresses the abdomen, flanks, and lower back.
- ⭐ Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck uses both horizontal and vertical incisions. Ideal for major skin laxity, often after massive weight loss.
- ⭐ Reverse abdominoplasty lifts and tightens the upper abdomen.
- ⭐ Lipo-abdominoplasty combines a tummy tuck with liposuction for enhanced contouring.
- 📌 Factors to consider: Skin and muscle laxity, fat location, desired results, scarring, and recovery time.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Tummy Tuck?
- What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
- Customizing Your Procedure: Additional Types of Tummy Tucks
- Choosing the Right Type of Tummy Tuck
- How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic plastic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure creates a smoother, firmer look and enhances the body contour.
👍 Common reasons why tummy tuck patients opt for this surgical procedure are:
- Post-pregnancy body changes, such as “diastasis recti”—the separation of rectus muscles.
- Loose abdominal skin after significant weight loss.
- Stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise due to aging or genetics.
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🤩 The benefits of a tummy tuck include:
- Smooth, flat stomach: Creates a more toned appearance.
- Stronger core muscles: Helps restore separated abdominal muscles and tighten the abdominal wall.
- Improved posture: Strengthens the core, potentially reducing back pain.
- Boosted confidence: Enhances body image and self-esteem.
💡 Learn what to expect from the procedure in our comprehensive guide to tummy tucks.
What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
There are 4 main types of tummy tucks, each addressing specific concerns and body shapes:
1. Standard (Full) Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck is the most common abdominoplasty type.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: In a full tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the hip bones just above the pubic area. Excess skin and underlying fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The belly button is often repositioned to create a natural look.
🎯 Goal: To remove a significant amount of excess skin and fat, tighten the abdominal wall, and create a flatter, more contoured abdomen.
👌 Best For: Patients with a lot of sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles, typically after massive weight loss or pregnancy.
Results of a tummy tuck performed at Hospital de la Familia (Mexicali, Mexico)
Hospital de la Familia in Mexicali, Mexico offers tummy tuck procedures starting from $4,550 USD. The clinic is located just yards from the Calexico, California border. Dr. Joaquin Ayala Del Muro, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 32 years of experience, performs these procedures.
The tummy tuck removes excess skin from the abdomen. It tightens the abdominal muscles. The procedure creates a flatter, firmer stomach contour. Patients who have lost significant weight often benefit from this surgery.
Treatment Options and Pricing
The clinic offers several tummy tuck packages. A standard tummy tuck costs $4,550 to $5,300 USD. An extended tummy tuck ranges from $4,900 to $5,100 USD. Adding 360-degree liposuction increases the price by $500 to $800 USD.
Most packages include one night in the hospital. Some options provide two nights of care. Pre-operative tests and medications are part of the standard package. Round-trip transportation from San Diego or Calexico is included.
Surgical Team
Dr. Joaquin Ayala Del Muro leads the plastic surgery team. He completed specialized training in Brazil under renowned surgeon Ivo Pitanguy. Dr. Ayala has performed over 900 procedures. His record shows no deaths or lawsuits.
Dr. Marco Sariñana also performs tummy tucks at the facility. He has 16 years of experience in cosmetic and bariatric surgery. Dr. Sariñana serves as Secretary of the National Council of Aesthetic Surgery in Mexico. He has completed over 1,100 treatments.
Hospital Facilities
Hospital de la Familia is a 32-room boutique hospital. All rooms are private. The facility holds accreditation from the Consejo de Salubridad General. Patient reviews give the clinic a 4.5 out of 5 rating. About 91% of patients recommend the hospital to others.
The hospital offers multiple medical specialties. These include gastroenterology, cardiac surgery, and neurosurgery. The location near the US border makes it convenient for American patients.
Recovery and Follow-up
Most patients stay one night in the hospital after surgery. The typical recovery period is 5 to 7 days. Compression garments help reduce swelling. Follow-up examinations ensure proper healing.
The clinic provides post-operative medications. These help manage pain and prevent infection. Staff members speak English and assist international patients throughout their stay.
Contact Hospital de la Familia to discuss your tummy tuck options. The medical team can review your case and provide a personalized treatment plan.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
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2. Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: A mini-abdominoplasty involves a smaller incision below the belly button. The procedure focuses on the lower abdomen, removing a small amount of lax skin and tightening muscles there. The belly button is left in place.
🎯 Goal: To target and refine the lower abdominal area with less invasive plastic surgery and shorter recovery time.
👌 Best For: Those with minor lower belly pooch, loose skin, or stretch marks in the pubic region.
Before and after pictures of a mini tummy tuck at Istanbul Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center (Istanbul, Turkey)
Istanbul Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center offers tummy tuck surgery starting at €4,500. The clinic is located in Istanbul, Turkey. Dr. Ergin Er, a plastic surgeon with 31 years of experience, performs the procedure. He has completed over 10,000 operations and specializes in advanced abdominoplasty techniques.
The tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Dr. Er uses several methods including full abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, and VASER liposuction. He also applies endoscopic surgery and dermolipectomy techniques. These approaches help achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
Many packages combine tummy tuck with 360° liposuction. This treats the entire midsection in one surgery. It removes fat from the abdomen, waist, back, and flanks. Some programs also include fat transfer to hips for better body contour.
What's Included
Standard packages typically include:
- The abdominoplasty procedure
- 6-7 nights hotel accommodation at a 4-star hotel
- 1-2 nights hospital stay
- Airport transfers
- Pre-operative blood tests
- Consultations and follow-up checkups
- Post-operative medications
- Compression garment (corset)
Airfare is not included. The final cost may change after an in-person consultation. Each program is personalized based on your specific needs.
The Surgeon
Dr. Ergin Er trained internationally in the United States. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He also belongs to the American Society of Liposuction Surgery. His certifications ensure high standards of care. He has won multiple awards for excellence in plastic surgery.
The clinic also works with Prof. Dr. Gürhan Özcan. He has 42 years of experience and has performed over 900 procedures. He is certified by the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS). He is a member of the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
The Clinic
Istanbul Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center has a 4.7 rating based on over 440 patient reviews. 94% of patients recommend the clinic. It specializes in aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures. The clinic uses modern methods like VASER liposuction. Over 4,000 patients have chosen this clinic for plastic procedures.
Both surgeons offer online consultations for international patients. They speak multiple languages to help diverse patients. The clinic provides comprehensive support including accommodation and transportation arrangements.
Contact the clinic to discuss your specific case and receive a personalized treatment plan with accurate pricing.
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| Tummy tuck | $3000 - $4500 |
3. Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck surgery offers more extensive results than the standard abdominoplasty and is often paired with liposuction.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: The extended tummy tuck goes beyond the standard procedure by addressing excess skin and fat on the flanks and lower back. The incision runs across the lower abdomen (above the pubic area) and extends to the sides, allowing for a more comprehensive contouring.
🎯 Goal: To remove excess skin and fat around the upper and lower abdomen, hips, and lower back.
👌 Best For: People with significant extra skin and fat around the abdomen and flanks, often following major weight loss or multiple pregnancies.
Before and after pictures of an extended tummy tuck at Dr. MED (Istanbul, Turkey)
Tummy tuck surgery at Dr. MED clinic in Istanbul, Turkey starts from €4,990 for the all-inclusive package. The clinic offers several approaches to abdominoplasty, including combined procedures with liposuction and diastasis correction. Experienced plastic surgeons perform over 900 procedures annually with a reported 98.5% success rate in mommy makeover surgeries.
The clinic employs two board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Muhammet Mustafa Aydinol has 15 years of experience and is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Hasan Celik brings 11 years of experience and holds double board certification from EBOPRAS and the Turkish National Board. Both surgeons specialize in body contouring procedures.
Treatment Options
The clinic offers several tummy tuck packages. The basic abdominoplasty addresses excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. The 360° liposuction package combines tummy tuck with fat removal from the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. VASER liposuction technology removes fat while tightening skin for better contours.
Diastasis recti repair is included in most packages. This procedure repairs separated abdominal muscles, a common issue after pregnancy. The surgeon assesses the need for muscle repair during the pre-operative consultation.
Package Inclusions
All packages include comprehensive care:
- Pre-operative consultation and blood tests
- Surgery with general anesthesia
- 2 nights hospital stay with meals
- 5 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Post-operative medications and compression garments
- VIP airport transfers
- Follow-up appointments during recovery
The total stay in Turkey requires 7-8 days. Patients can typically shower on day three after surgery. Most return to work within 7-8 days, though individual recovery varies.
Pricing and Special Offers
Standard tummy tuck prices range from €5,550 to €7,200 depending on the procedure complexity. The clinic frequently offers campaign prices for cash payments. These special rates can reduce costs by €700-€1,500. Campaign prices typically require booking within specific timeframes.
The 360° liposuction with tummy tuck package costs €6,490-€7,290. The abdominal liposuction with tummy tuck starts at €5,590. Prices include all medical services, accommodation, and transfers. Airfare is not included in any package.
Dr. MED clinic maintains a 4.9 rating based on nearly 200 patient reviews. The facility is located in Istanbul and serves international patients. Contact the clinic directly for current campaign prices and to schedule a consultation with your preferred surgeon.
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4. Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is the most comprehensive option.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: This procedure involves a horizontal incision along the pubic bone and a vertical incision along the middle of the abdomen. This layout creates a shape similar to a fleur-de-lis (a lily flower with three petals). It allows surgeons to remove excess tissue both horizontally and vertically, creating a more extensive contouring effect.
🎯 Goal: To reshape the abdomen significantly by removing a large amount of excess fat and skin.
👌 Best For: Patients who lost a lot of weight (45 kg or more), often after bariatric surgery.
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Here’s a brief comparison of the 4 types of tummy tucks for your convenience:
Parameter | Standard Tummy Tuck | Mini Tummy Tuck | Extended Tummy Tuck | Fleur-de-Lis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Incision Type and Size | Horizontal, hip to hip | Small, below the belly button (10-20 cm) | Longer incision across the abdomen and extending to the flanks | Horizontal & vertical (15-25 cm) |
Focus Area | Entire abdomen | Lower abdomen | Abdomen, flanks, lower back | Entire abdomen |
Belly Button | Repositioned | Left in place | Repositioned | Repositioned |
Skin Excision | Moderate to significant | Minimal | Extensive | Very extensive |
Best For | Post-pregnancy, weight loss | Minor belly pooch | Significant sagging on abdomen and sides | Extreme skin laxity after major weight loss |
Recovery Period | 2-8 weeks | 2-6 weeks | 4-12 weeks | 4-12 weeks |
- Method: All-Inclusive Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Special Deal
- Ergin Er is a top-rated tummy tuck surgeon and a winner of multiple national awards.
- Istanbul Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center serves over 4,000 patients for plastic procedures annually.
- Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, consultation with an anesthesiologist, preoperative tests, medications, consumable materials, compression garments, general anesthesia, follow-up examination, follow-up visit, 5* hotel, transfer airport-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hospital, 6 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Technique: Mommy Makeover (breast reduction or lift, tummy lipo, tummy tuck, diastases correction)
- Muhammet Mustafa Aydinol specializes in advanced plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery techniques.
- Dr. MED Clinic boasts a 98.5% success rate for mommy makeover procedures.
- Included Services: Consultation with a plastic surgeon, consultation with an anesthesiologist, general anesthesia, post-operative care, post-op medications, blood tests, medications, hotel, breakfast only, full board, hospitalization, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 2 days in the hospital, 5 days in the hotel, included in the price.
- Dr. Murat Yaman treats up to 500 patients annually, ensuring high patient satisfaction.
- Lokman Hekim Istanbul Hospital serves patients from the CIS, Africa, and Arab League States most often.
- Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, general anesthesia, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), consultation with an anesthesiologist, chest X-ray, language assistance, biochemistry blood test, consultation with a plastic surgeon, full board (breakfast+lunch+dinner+drinks), hospitalization + afterward hotel stay, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 3 days stay in the hospital, 3 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Technique: Premium tummy tuck with no implant applicable
- Dr. Phatcharasak Kraisornphongsakul Md is board certified in plastic surgery since 2000.
- ID Clinic Bangkok has a 96% success rate for tummy tuck procedures.
- Included Services: Chest X-ray, complete blood count (CBC), consultation with a plastic surgeon, hospitalization, afterward hotel stay, transfer to the hospital.
- Stay Info: 1 day stay in the hospital, 5 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
- Technique: Standard tummy tuck, no implant applicable
- Atilla Adnan Eyuboglu is a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery.
- Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital is a multidisciplinary medical center with an eco-friendly design in Istanbul.
- Included Services: Blood tests, 5-star hotel, VIP transfer (premium vehicle service, all transfers between airport, hotel, and clinic).
- Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hospital, 7 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
Customizing Your Procedure: Additional Types of Tummy Tucks
Beyond the standard types of tummy tucks, additional options can further customize the procedure to suit individual needs:
1. Reverse Abdominoplasty
Reverse tummy tuck tightens and lifts the upper belly specifically.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: The incision for a reverse tummy tuck is made under the breasts. The scars can often be hidden within the natural crease. The surgeon pulls the skin upward rather than downward, removing excess tissue in the upper abdomen. In many cases, surgeons can use this tissue for breast augmentation.
🎯 Goal: To remove hanging skin in the upper abdominal area and provide additional breast contouring, if needed.
👌 Best For: Individuals with sagging skin in the upper abdomen, typically after substantial weight loss or previous surgeries.
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2. Lipo-Abdominoplasty
Lipo-abdominoplasty combines the benefits of liposuction with a traditional tummy tuck. Although other types of tummy tucks remove some fat, lipo-abdominoplasty is more effective at targeting larger fat deposits.
👩🏻⚕️ How It's Done: The surgeon uses liposuction to remove excess fat from the abdomen and flanks before tightening the skin and muscles.
🎯 Goal: To provide a more extensive contouring of the entire midsection.
👌 Best For: Patients looking for more precise body sculpting than a traditional tummy tuck provides.
Before and after photos of a lipo-abdominoplasty at Kucukcekmece Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey)
Choosing the Right Type of Tummy Tuck
Each patient's needs and goals are unique, so it's important to weigh these aspects carefully when choosing between different types of tummy tucks:
1. Skin laxity 🥀
Determine where the majority of excess skin is located.
- Reverse abdominoplasty is ideal for loose skin in the upper belly, while mini tummy tucks target the lower abdomen.
- Extended and fleur-de-lis options address sagging across both the upper and lower abdomen, as well as other areas.
2. Fat deposits ⚖️
Assess the size and location of fat deposits.
- If stubborn fat is mainly around the lower abdominal region, a traditional tummy tuck procedure may suffice.
- For those with significant fat around the abdomen, waist, and flanks, lipo-abdominoplasty provides a more effective solution.
3. Muscle laxity 💪
Consider whether abdominal muscles need extensive tightening.
- Patients often experience weakened abdominal muscles post-pregnancy (diastasis recti) or after major weight loss. Procedures like the standard tummy tuck are effective for tightening these muscles.
- If muscle separation is primarily in the upper midsection, reverse tummy tuck might be more suitable.
4. Desired outcome 🤩
Think about how dramatic a change you seek.
- If you're looking for a slight improvement in the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time.
- For those seeking a more significant transformation, including contouring of the entire midsection, options like extended tummy tuck or lipo-abdominoplasty may be fitting.
5. Scarring considerations 🩹
If scarring is a major concern, discuss with your surgeon which procedure will minimize visible marks while still achieving your desired results.
- Mini tummy tucks result in smaller, more concealed scars.
- Extended and fleur-de-lis procedures involve more extensive scarring.
6. Recovery time and lifestyle ⏳
Evaluate how much downtime you can afford. If your lifestyle or job requires you to be active quickly, a tummy tuck procedure with a faster recovery time may be more suitable.
7. Consultation with a qualified surgeon 👨⚕️
Ultimately, the best way to choose between different types of tummy tucks is through a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the procedure that aligns with your desired outcome and recovery expectations.
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How to Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is key to a successful tummy tuck. Here’s how to do it:
1️⃣ Check board certification. Make sure you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. This certification guarantees they have the proper training and follow the highest safety standards.
2️⃣ Assess experience. You want a surgeon who’s well-versed in the types of tummy tuck you're considering. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience and look at before-and-after photos of their work.
3️⃣ Read reviews. Patient testimonials can give you a real sense of the surgeon’s skill and bedside manner.
4️⃣ Schedule a consultation. A good surgeon will listen, answer your questions, and give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
💚 Why choose Bookimed?
Searching for the right surgeon and clinic can feel overwhelming. That’s where Bookimed comes in. With our network of 1,500+ medical centers and 280+ board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in different types of tummy tucks, we make the process easier for you. Just leave a request, and your medical coordinator will help you find the perfect clinic and doctor based on your needs.
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All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Ergin Er, Plastic surgeon.
Last updated: September 19, 2024.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimed’s internal database December 2025, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across 3 accredited clinics in Mexico.
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimed’s partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2025 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimed’s verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023–2025).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Tummy tuck. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Healthline. (2020). Everything You Want to Know About a Mini Tummy Tuck. https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/mini-tummy-tuck
- Healthline. (2021). What to Know About an Extended Tummy Tuck. https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/extended-tummy-tuck
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2016). What is a reverse abdominoplasty and who needs it? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-a-reverse-abdominoplasty-and-who-needs-it