The answer to this question depends on your goals, finances and recovery. In a full abdominoplasty, the skin is elevated to a greater degree providing access to the entirety of the abdominal muscles for tightening. More skin is removed, providing a tighter result and a new umbilicus is formed. The trade-off is a longer scar (generally), moredifficult recovery, and additional expense. You will be pulled tight enough that you can plan on 7-10 days in a flexed position day and night after a full abdominoplasty. Generally this costs about $1,500 to $3,000 more as well.

A mini-abdominoplasty will address only the skin between the umbilicus and pubic region, but will help a great deal with the extra skin over the belt line in a seated or flexed position. This is best for the little lower abdominal bulge that is very common after childbearing.   

Your plastic surgeon can give you a good idea of which you would benefit from most at the time of the consultation.