Which Tummy Tuck Option Is Right for Me?

Posted January 12, 2026 in Tummy Tuck

After years of regular exercise, clean eating, and doing everything you’re “supposed” to do to maintain a slim and healthy physique, it can be discouraging when your abdomen still shows loose skin or a persistent lower-belly pooch that never seems to flatten. Maybe pregnancy changed your midsection more than you expected, or weight fluctuations left behind skin that no amount of core work will tighten. You’re ready to undergo a tummy tuck, but with several techniques available, figuring out which one will actually deliver the results you want can be daunting. In this blog, we’ll go over the tummy tuck options offered by Dr. Brian Boyd so you can be prepared with questions and feel more knowledgeable when you go into your tummy tuck consultation.

6 Min Read:

Table of Contents

• What Is a Tummy Tuck?
• Mini Tummy Tuck
• Full (Traditional) Tummy Tuck
• High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck
• How Dr. Brian Boyd Tailors Each Tummy Tuck to Your Body Type
• How Do I Choose the Right Tummy Tuck For Me?

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to sculpt a flatter, smoother, and more toned stomach by removing excess or lax skin and fat, repairing damaged abdominal muscles, and reshaping your midsection into a slimmer, more attractive contour. It’s especially beneficial after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, when your skin and muscles may not “bounce back” on their own. The result is a firmer, more contoured waistline that enhances both your comfort and confidence. Dr. Boyd offers three abdominoplasty options at his practice in South Bay, ensuring that every patient can find the tummy tuck that will offer the best possible results for their needs. Below, we delve into the types of tummy tucks he offers, as well as their benefits.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is an excellent choice if you only struggle with a small amount of excess skin and mild muscle laxity below your belly button. It uses a shorter incision, focuses exclusively on your lower abdomen, and typically offers a quicker recovery than more extensive tummy tuck techniques. This is certainly not appropriate for everyone and Dr. Boyd will tell you frankly if you are a candidate or not. It helps if you are slim to start with, and if your belly-button is high riding.

Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck

• Smaller incision
• Minimal scarring
• Limited muscle tightening possible
• Faster recovery
• Addresses stubborn lower-belly pooch that won’t respond to diet and exercise efforts
• Natural-looking improvement

Full (Traditional) Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is the most well-known option, and is used to address moderate to significant skin laxity, weakened or separated abdominal muscles (a condition known as diastasis recti), and excess flab across your entire abdomen. The procedure involves tightening damaged abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning your belly button, all of which work together to create a smoother, firmer contour.

Benefits of a Full Tummy Tuck

• Comprehensive improvement of your upper and lower abdomen
• Repairs separated abdominal muscles
• Removes significant excess skin
• Includes belly button reshaping
• Dramatically improves core strength and associated issues
• Ideal after pregnancy or significant weight loss

High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

The high lateral tension tummy tuck is a more advanced technique that focuses on sculpting your midsection even more than in a traditional tummy tuck. Instead of only tightening your abdomen vertically, this approach also tightens horizontally to enhance the definition of your waist and create a more sculpted hourglass contour. It is especially beneficial if you’re seeking both abdominal tightening and a more dramatically contoured torso.

Benefits of a High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

• Enhances both the front and side views of your silhouette
• Improves the taper of your waist for a slimmer, more hourglass figure
• Offers more durable, longer-lasting tightening
• Ideal for patients with significant skin laxity and excess flab in the flank area
• Provides a more athletic-looking and refined shape compared to other methods

How Dr. Brian Boyd Tailors Each Tummy Tuck to Your Body Type

Dr. Brian Boyd is known for his extensive experience and meticulous approach to tummy tuck surgery. He understands that your body shape is unique, as are your body contouring goals, which is why he customizes every tummy tuck based on several factors, including your skin elasticity, muscle tone, and natural waist shape. During your personalized tummy tuck consultation, he will evaluate both the aesthetics and function of your abdomen so he can most effectively address how much muscle tightening is needed, where you have the most excess skin, and which incision placement will deliver the most natural result. Dr. Boyd also analyzes the contours of your waistline and flank to ensure your final tummy tuck results are balanced, proportionate, and flattering from all angles. His tailored approach ensures you receive the most beneficial and least invasive procedure necessary to achieve your ideal abdominal contouring results.

How Do I Choose the Right Tummy Tuck For Me?

Choosing the right tummy tuck begins with knowing what contouring concerns you’d like to address. If your biggest frustration is a slight lower-belly bulge that refuses to budge, a mini tummy tuck may be all you need to improve your silhouette. If you have a significant amount of excess or loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or more comprehensive abdominal changes from pregnancy or weight loss, a full tummy tuck will likely offer the most effective and balanced transformation. If your goal is not just firmer, tighter skin across your entire abdomen but also creating a beautifully sculpted waistline, the high lateral tension technique may be the most beneficial option.

Dr. Boyd will guide you through your options with an artistic eye and anatomical knowledge, showing you what each option can achieve and explaining the results you can realistically expect according to your body type. With his help, you can decide which technique aligns best with your body and goals, so you can feel confident going into your tummy tuck surgery.

Explore Tummy Tuck Options in South Bay

If you’re frustrated by a less-than-flattering midsection and are ready to take the first step toward feeling comfortable in your skin again, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Boyd. He’ll evaluate your anatomy, listen to your goals, and explain which tummy tuck approach will give you the most stunning, natural-looking results. Make an appointment with Dr. Boyd today by calling (310) 597-4734 or completing the online contact form.