Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at creating a firmer, smoother, and more harmonious abdominal profile by removing excess skin, improving the body's contours, and in some cases, restoring the stability of the abdominal wall.

There are several different types of abdominoplasties, and the choice of method is always based on your anatomy, skin quality, the amount of excess skin, and whether the abdominal muscles need to be addressed.

At Molding, we work with an individualized and body-sculpting philosophy where the goal is a natural, proportionate, and long-term sustainable result.

Below, we go through the most common types of abdominoplasty and when each method is applicable.

Mini abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty is suitable for those who have a limited amount of excess skin below the navel and where the skin's elasticity above the navel is still good.

In a mini abdominoplasty:

• Excess skin is removed below the navel

• The navel is usually not moved

• The abdominal muscles are normally not stitched

• The scars are shorter than with a larger abdominoplasty

The procedure is less extensive than a full abdominoplasty and is suitable for patients with a localized excess of skin in the lower abdomen, for example, after pregnancy or minor weight loss.

Tunnel abdominoplasty – mini abdominoplasty with muscle suturing

In some cases, the patient has only a small amount of excess skin below the navel but also a separation of the rectus abdominal muscles (diastasis).

In that case, a so-called tunnel abdominoplasty may be an option.

In a tunnel abdominoplasty:

• A mini abdominoplasty with limited skin detachment is performed

• The surgeon creates a tunnel up towards the upper abdomen

• The abdominal muscles can be stitched even though the procedure is less than a classic full abdominoplasty

This technique allows for the restoration of the stability of the abdominal wall while avoiding a more extensive procedure.

Full abdominoplasty

A full abdominoplasty is relevant when the excess skin is more extensive or when the abdominal wall needs to be restored.

This method is usually used when:

• There is excess skin both above and below the navel

• The skin has lost elasticity after pregnancy or significant weight loss

• The abdominal muscles need to be stitched to restore stability and shape

In a full abdominoplasty:

• Skin is removed from the entire lower abdomen

• The navel is moved to a new position

• The abdominal muscles are stitched if necessary

• The waist and contours can be further improved with advanced liposuction

At Molding, the procedure is often combined with body-sculpting techniques inspired by Total Definer to create a more defined and athletic silhouette.

Reverse abdominoplasty

A reverse abdominoplasty targets the upper part of the abdomen and is suitable for those who primarily have excess skin above the navel.

This method is appropriate when:

• The excess skin is located in the upper abdomen

• The lower part of the abdomen is relatively tight

• The abdominal muscles do not need to be stitched

Scars are usually placed along the breast folds, which means that the procedure is often combined with a breast lift as the scars can then coincide and provide a harmonious aesthetic result.

However, reverse abdominoplasty is not suitable if you have significant excess skin below the navel or if the abdominal muscles need correction.

Body-sculpting abdominoplasty – Molding's philosophy

At Molding, we place great importance on not only removing excess skin but also actively sculpting and shaping the body to create natural proportions and an aesthetically pleasing overall result.

We view abdominoplasty as part of a larger body-sculpting treatment and often combine the procedure with:

• advanced liposuction to define the waist and contours

• skin-tightening techniques for improved skin quality and retraction

• fat transplantation to create balance, softer transitions, and more harmonious proportions

By treating the entire area instead of just the skin, we can create a more athletic, natural, and long-term sustainable result.

Individual planning for the best results

The choice of abdominoplasty is always based on a careful analysis of:

• Skin elasticity

• Distribution of excess skin

• Stability of the abdominal wall

• Body proportions

• Your personal goals

At Molding, the goal is not just a flat stomach, but to create natural contours and a balanced overall view that harmonizes with the rest of the body.

During the consultation, we will go through which method is most suitable for you and whether the procedure should be combined with other body-sculpting treatments to achieve an optimal result. Book a free consultation here.