If you’re considering getting a tummy tuck, you’re probably not alone. Tummy tucks are one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States today, and for good reason. They can help you get rid of the excess skin that may have left your belly looking saggy after childbirth or weight loss, and they can also make you feel more confident about your body. But before you go under the knife, it’s important to make sure that this is something you want to do.
So what makes a good tummy tuck photo? It all comes down to making sure that your surgeon is doing an excellent job with your results, but also making sure that you look like yourself in the photo as well!
In this guide, we review the aspects of Best tummy tuck pictures: what is a hybrid tummy tuck, a circular tummy tuck vs. an extended tummy tuck, and does a tummy tuck make you look thinner.
Choose photos where you’re smiling and laughing. Your surgeon should be able to give you a natural-looking smile without any visible scarring or stitching on your lips or face!
Pick photos where the lighting is flattering. You want to show off how great your body looks under strong lighting conditions instead of gloomy ones, which might make it look worse than it actually does.
Best tummy tuck pictures

This 38-year-old mother wanted to restore the figure she had before multiple pregnancies. Dr. Stoker in Los Angeles performed an abdominoplasty and power-assisted liposuction. She is shown before and eight weeks following her surgery.


What is a hybrid tummy tuck
Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure for both men and women to restore their body and get a smoother, more toned appearance in their midsection. Patients typically seek out this popular body contouring option to address sagging, loose skin and muscle weakness that may be a result of weight changes, pregnancy, or the effects of aging.
Oftentimes, patients may already be doing all the right things to take care of themselves by exercising and eating a nutritious diet. Yet, simply living a healthy lifestyle and doing tons of crunches in the gym cannot resolve excess skin or internal muscle weakness. So, many patients turn to plastic surgery for help achieving the aesthetic results they want.
While the cosmetic change can certainly be dramatic, having a tummy tuck can yield other benefits too. Many patients report that it’s easier for them to exercise, they’re even more motivated to take care of themselves, and best of all, they feel much more confident – even while wearing a swimsuit!
You may, however, be surprised to learn that a tummy tuck is not a “one size fits all” procedure. Just as there are many different body types, so are there several different ways for a plastic surgeon to approach an abdominoplasty procedure. Following is an overview of four techniques a plastic surgeon may use to perform a tummy tuck and the advantages of each.
Conventional Tummy Tuck
A traditional abdominoplasty involves removing an oval- or ellipse-shaped wedge of loose skin underneath the belly button to smooth and flatten the area. This technique commonly results in an incision line that runs from hip to hip about an inch or so below the navel. The scar can generally be hidden beneath most underwear or a swimsuit.
In addition to removing excess skin, a plastic surgeon also may tighten the abdominal muscles during a conventional tummy tuck procedure. These muscles may have become stretched out during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby, or weakened over time due to weight gain. While performing a tummy tuck, many plastic surgeons will tighten these muscles, much like an internal corset, to further enhance the cosmetic result.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Some patients are candidates for a “mini” tummy tuck procedure to remove excess skin and smooth the abdomen. The advantage to this approach is the incision line can be shorter and lower, resulting in what we call a “lingerie scar” that can be more easily hidden – even under a string bikini. However, a mini tummy tuck typically does not address muscle weakness, especially higher up on the abdominal wall. In addition, most patients are not candidates for this procedure, because the excess skin to be removed must be localized under the belly button only.
Get the most out of your consultation. Come prepared with this comprehensive checklist to help you ask all the right questions.
Hybrid Abdominoplasty
The most commonly performed abdominoplasty technique at our practice is known as a hybrid abdominoplasty. With this technique our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is able to combine the benefits of the conventional and mini tummy tuck to achieve optimal results and give patients the best of both worlds – a low, short incision line with full muscle tightening.
Instead of making an elliptical incision, our hybrid abdominoplasty involves making a pentagon-shaped incision. This approach ensures the scar is low and enables us to achieve some lateral tightening while minimizing the width of the incision. The resulting “lingerie” scar is easily hidden underneath even the tiniest bikinis and undergarments, and will fade beautifully over time.
By creating a “central tunnel,” in essence, via the pentagonal incision, our surgeon can expose the musculature and tighten up the abdomen all the way up to the rib cage or the xiphoid process – the lower end of the sternum or breastbone. Our team approaches this step in a manner that preserves as much vascularity as possible, which means patients heal faster, have better-looking scars, and have a much lower risk of complications. Additionally, the technique makes it possible to perform liposuction for some patients who will benefit from additional body sculpting.
Patients often ask, “What happens to my belly button?” While performing his hybrid abdominoplasty procedure, your surgeon actually anchors the new belly button, or umbilicus, to the abdominal wall tightly. This approach creates some hooding on the top of the belly button and a flap below, so the scar is hidden. Once healed, the belly button is an “innie” instead of an “outie,” which most patients prefer.
While our surgeon is able to achieve the “lingerie” scar for most patients who opt for the hybrid abdominoplasty, the extent of minimizing the scar is very dependent on the individual patient and their goals. If a patient wants to address excess skin or fat laterally, for example, we can customize the procedure and extend the incision slightly to achieve even more smoothing and full abdominal tightening. Because hybrid abdominoplasty is such a flexible approach and can be fully customized for patients, while helping them achieve the most aesthetically pleasing outcomes, this option is well suited for most tummy tuck candidates.
Fleur-De-Lis
For patients who have a great deal of horizontal excess skin that extends around the abdomen to the back, flanks, and buttocks, the fleur-de-lis may be the best approach. Neither a conventional nor a hybrid abdominoplasty addresses horizontal skin laxity. So, for patients who have extensive abdominal wall laxity in the horizontal dimension, other procedures would shrink down their core but leave them tremendous horizontal excess. The fleur-de-lis adds in the vertical component, allowing our surgeon to tighten the sides and back, creating an hourglass shape. The vertical incision line heals well, and patients find it worth the tradeoff to be able to achieve a significantly tightened, tailored waistline. This option is particularly appropriate for many patients who have experienced massive weight loss.
Which Type of Tummy Tuck is Best for You?
Every body is unique. So, even when patients have the same goal – to achieve a flat, toned abdomen, for example – the approach a surgeon takes will vary depending on factors including how much skin and fat is removed and from where, the quality of the skin, the individual’s body type, and whether muscle repair is required. While understanding the different types of tummy tuck can guide your thinking about what you might need, the best way to determine which technique is right for you is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing abdominoplasty surgery. Schedule your consultation today to meet with our body contouring specialist, discuss your goals, and get a treatment plan designed especially for you.
circular tummy tuck vs extended tummy tuck
Did you know that there are multiple types of tummy tucks? Dr. Shahram Salemy, a board certified plastic surgeon with an active practice in Seattle, Washington, explains the different varieties of tummy tucks and offers insights about selecting the appropriate one.
Commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, an abdominoplasty creates a firmer, flatter belly and a narrower waist by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution and not a substitute for weight loss through diet and exercise. There are actually several different types of this popular procedure, each designed to effectively address specific issues while ultimately producing the desired contour. How do you know which type of tummy tuck is right for you? The answer depends on your goals and your existing anatomy.
The Full Tummy Tuck
Suitable for healthy men and women who have weakened abdominal muscles or excessive skin around their midsections, the full tummy tuck is ideal for people who want to flatten the area above and below the belly button. Also called a traditional or standard tummy tuck, this procedure requires a horizontal incision between the hipbones and often an incision around the umbilicus (belly button). During the surgery, the plastic surgeon tightens the muscles and pulls down the skin over the stomach, removing the excess. While a tummy tuck is not intended to be a weight-loss surgery, liposuction can be used during the procedure to contour and reduce excess fat. Once the desired contours have been established, the surgeon repositions the belly button and closes the incision. The typical recovery period is about two weeks long.

The mini tummy tuck
Even people who are thin occasionally struggle with a stubborn belly pooch that defies all attempts at dieting and exercise. The mini tummy tuck is designed for exactly this situation. It flattens out a small bulge in the lower abdomen by treating the region between the mons pubis and the belly button. The surgeon can tighten the underlying muscles and remove extra skin by making a small horizontal incision between the hipbones in the region that a bikini bottom would typically cover.
If necessary, liposuction can be utilized to remove fat deposits before the surgeon closes the incision. Since the scope of this procedure is smaller than a standard tummy tuck, there is no need to reposition the belly button, and patients generally enjoy a quicker recovery. The downside is that the areas of excess skin, fat and muscle laxity above the umbilicus are not altered. Most are able to return to their normal activities in a week or so.
The extended tummy tuck
As its name suggests, the extended tummy tuck is a more extensive version of a full tummy tuck. It aims to solve the problems experienced by both men and women who are in generally good health but have extra skin on their hips, tummies, and lower back sides. For an extended tummy tuck, the horizontal incision can stretch across the lower belly and around the hips, and a vertical incision may also be required.
This allows the surgeon to treat a wider area and remove more surplus tissue. Liposuction is commonly used to contour and reduce excess fat, and the belly button is repositioned before the incision is closed. Patients who undergo this procedure should expect their recovery to take a few weeks.
A matter of anatomy
While the amount and location of your excess skin are clearly a major factor in determining which type of tummy tuck is appropriate, other aspects of your anatomy can also come into play. Skin quality and body type can both impact your results. Scarring from previous surgeries also needs to be considered; it can complicate future surgeries. In addition, the placement of excess fat deposits also matters. While tummy tucks are effective in reducing fat that is located in front of the muscle wall, it does not address the deeper visceral fat located behind it.
For the best results, tummy tucks should be tailored to the patient’s unique needs, so consulting with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is absolutely crucial. After discussing your individual goals and examining your anatomy, the doctor can educate you about the possibilities, help you understand what type of results you can expect, and design a treatment plan that includes the appropriate type of tummy tuck and incorporates any other necessary procedures.
Body Sculpting
The tummy tuck alone will remove excess skin and tissue from the abdomen. It’s common to pair this procedure with liposuction. Adding selective body contouring, involving additional liposuction around the hips and back, can create a beautiful shape and enhance your natural curves.
Intentional Suturing
During a standard tummy tuck procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened. This is accomplished by placing permanent sutures within the abdominal structure. The effects of this are a tighter, leaner-looking abdomen. This also helps during the healing process as this internal suturing can help provide abdominal stability. But most patients appreciate the leaner look that is gained in addition to liposuction.
How do your natural curves affect your results?
Ultimately the body you start with will determine the results you achieve. Even the most talented plastic surgeons cannot change your natural anatomy. One thing that sets Dr. Larsen apart is his talent for working with a patient’s natural anatomy to achieve optimal results, enhancing a patient’s natural beauty. While a tummy tuck can improve your natural body, it’s easier to accentuate an hourglass shape on someone who has gained a few pounds than to create an hourglass shape on someone who lacks curves and has a more straight body type.
However, if this is a concern, curves can still be added by performing other procedures such as a breast exam or a Brazilian butt lift surgery. The best way to understand which strategies will benefit your specific body type is by booking a free consultation. Our talented staff will answer your questions and help you determine an optimal treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
Are there non-surgical options?
Although a tummy tuck will give you the most dramatic results, less invasive options are available if you aren’t ready for an extensive surgical procedure. For example, BeautiFill is an excellent option for fat transfer. This is a surgical procedure but not as invasive as a tummy tuck; you can remove fat from one body area and transfer it to another area. If you are curious about a tummy tuck but are on the fence, many people start with BeautiFill.
Body contouring is a rapidly growing industry, and both Buckhead Plastic Surgery and LUX Med Spa have a few options available. Accent Prime is one of our more popular non-invasive body sculpting options. You can call our offices to learn more about these procedures.
Why should I choose Buckhead Plastic Surgery for my tummy tuck?
Dr. Larsen is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and many excellent reviews for this specific procedure. In addition, he has carefully chosen a staff member who shares his people-first attitude to ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

Dr. Larsen prides himself on communicating clearly and providing you with realistic options for your optimal results. He takes great pride in his surgical skill and is known for his kind and direct approach with his patients.
If you are interested in talking to Dr. Larsen about a Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover procedure, call us today at 404.367.9005 to book your consultation. Let Dr. Larsen examine and present you with the options that will give your most optimal results. This is a perfect time to get your questions about all of the possible procedures involved answered and see before & after pictures from other patients just like you.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After undergoing a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, it is important to understand the recovery process and what to expect during this time. Tummy tuck recovery can vary from patient to patient, but there are general guidelines that can help you prepare for the post-operative period.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
Immediately following your tummy tuck surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored closely by medical staff. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area, which is normal after this type of procedure. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage any discomfort.During the first few days after surgery, it is important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. You will need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. It is also important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care to prevent infection.
Weeks 1-2
During the first two weeks of tummy tuck recovery, you may still experience some discomfort and swelling. It is important to continue wearing your compression garment as directed and to avoid any activities that could strain your abdominal muscles. Your surgeon may recommend light walking to promote circulation and aid in healing.You may also have follow-up appointments with your surgeon during this time to monitor your progress and remove any sutures or drains that were placed during surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
Weeks 3-6
As you enter the third to sixth weeks of tummy tuck recovery, you may start to feel more like yourself again. Swelling and bruising should begin to subside, and you may be able to gradually increase your activity level. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as this can delay the healing process.Your surgeon may recommend starting light exercises to help strengthen your abdominal muscles and improve your overall results. It is important to continue wearing your compression garment as directed to support the healing process and reduce swelling.
Months 3-6
By the third to sixth months of tummy tuck recovery, you should start to see the final results of your procedure. Swelling should be minimal, and your scars may begin to fade. It is important to continue following your surgeon’s instructions for scar care to promote optimal healing.At this point, you may be able to resume all of your normal activities, including exercise and strenuous physical activity. It is important to continue to listen to your body and not overdo it, as this can cause complications and delay your recovery.
Long-Term Results
It is important to remember that tummy tuck recovery is a gradual process, and it is normal to experience ups and downs along the way. It is important to be patient and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. By following your surgeon’s instructions and taking care of yourself, you can achieve the best possible results from your tummy tuck procedure.