What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that seeks to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It is usually sought after by people who have lost significant weight or by women post-pregnancy. While a standard tummy tuck targets the area between the belly button and pubic bone, some patients require more extensive treatment. This is where an extended tummy tuck comes into play. This blog will explore what an extended tummy tuck is, how it differs from a standard tummy tuck, and who might benefit from the procedure.

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An Extended Tummy Tuck, Explained

An extended tummy tuck is a more comprehensive form of abdominoplasty. While a traditional tummy tuck focuses on the midsection, an extended tummy tuck also targets the flanks and lower back area. This type of surgery is designed for patients who have a more significant amount of excess skin or fat around their abdomen and hips.

Many people who have undergone significant weight loss, either through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery, opt for this procedure. It is also a common choice for women who have experienced multiple pregnancies, which can stretch the skin and weaken the muscles not just in the front but around the sides and lower back as well.

How Does an Extended Tummy Tuck Differ from a Regular Tummy Tuck?

The primary difference between an extended tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck is the area treated. A regular tummy tuck focuses on the area between the belly button and the pubic area, while an extended tummy tuck includes the entire midsection, from hip to hip, and often the lower back. Here is a quick comparison of the two:

A standard tummy tuck:

• Focuses on the front of the abdomen.
• Removes skin and fat between the belly button and the pubic area.
• Tightens the abdominal muscles.

An extended tummy tuck:

• Addresses the front of the abdomen, flanks (sides), and lower back.
• Removes more skin and fat than a standard tummy tuck.
• Addresses skin laxity and excess fat in the hip and love handle areas.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck isn’t for everyone. This procedure is generally recommended for patients who have excess skin or fat that extends beyond the front of their abdomen. If significant weight loss or pregnancy has left you with sagging skin around your hips or back, you may benefit from an extended tummy tuck.

You might be a good candidate if:

• You have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin around your hips and back.
• You have had multiple pregnancies that have affected not just your stomach but also your sides and lower back.
• You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
• You are within a stable weight range and do not plan on losing a large amount of weight in the future.
• You do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery, as smoking can affect healing.

As with any surgical procedure, it is important to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo an extended tummy tuck. Your surgeon will likely require a medical history review during your consultation and possibly order lab work. Being in good physical condition can help reduce the risk of complications and improve your healing process. Your candidacy for an extended tummy tuck can be determined during your initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

What to Expect During Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery

An extended tummy tuck is a major surgery that can take several hours. It is performed under general anesthesia, which means you'll be asleep during the entire procedure. Here's a general outline of what happens during the surgery:

• Incision: Your surgeon will make a long, horizontal incision that runs from hip to hip, extending around to the lower back. This allows access to the entire area being treated.
• Removal of excess skin and fat: The surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from the front, sides, and back of the abdomen. Liposuction may also be used to contour the flanks and lower back.
• Muscle tightening: If necessary, the surgeon will tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. This step is particularly helpful for women who have experienced muscle separation after pregnancy.
• Repositioning the belly button: Since a large area of skin is removed, the surgeon will need to reposition the belly button to maintain a natural look.
• Closing the incision: Finally, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, and a drain may be placed to remove excess fluid as you heal.

Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery from an extended tummy tuck is more involved than that of a standard tummy tuck. Patients will need to take about two to four weeks off work, depending on the extent of the surgery and their individual healing process.

Here’s generally what patients can expect during recovery:

• Initial recovery (first week): You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Pain can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will need to avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.
• Wear a compression garment: You will be given a compression garment to wear around your midsection. This helps reduce swelling and supports your healing tissues.
• Attend your follow-up appointments: It’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing and receive further aftercare instructions. They may also remove any drains during these visits.
• Long-term recovery: While you’ll start to feel better after a few weeks, it can take several months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to become visible.

Risks

As with any surgery, an extended tummy tuck does come with risks. These include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Scarring
• Fluid accumulation
• Anesthesia risks

It's important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding on surgery. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon with years of experience and skill can minimize these risks. Following aftercare instructions as closely as possible is another way to reduce the chances of complications.

Learn More About Extended Tummy Tucks in Williamsville, NY

Dr. Raymond Schultz and the caring team at Artesia Plastic Surgery are here for you if you’re interested in learning more about an extended tummy tuck and whether it is right for you. Call (716) 650-4622 or fill out our contact form today to schedule your consultation.