Are you considering an extended tummy tuck and wondering what it involves?
This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from not just the abdomen, but also the sides and lower back.
An extended tummy tuck offers more comprehensive results compared to a standard tummy tuck, making it an excellent option for those who want significant body reshaping.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the extended tummy tuck, including who it’s for, the surgical process, and what to expect in terms of recovery and results.
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Key Points
- An extended tummy tuck is a comprehensive body contouring procedure that addresses excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, and lower back using a longer incision compared to a standard tummy tuck.
- Ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck include those with significant weight loss and loose skin in multiple areas, or in patients who have a larger amount of excess fat in the abdomen and flanks. Ideally, patients are in good health; smoking and unstable weight can disqualify potential candidates.
- Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for ensuring patient safety and achieving optimal results, as they possess the necessary training and skills to perform the procedure successfully.
What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is a specialized body contouring procedure designed to address excess and sagging skin on the abdomen and flanks, using a longer incision that extends beyond the front of the abdomen and includes the sides of the waist.
The incisions do not meet in the back, so it is not a circumferential tummy tuck.
Unlike standard tummy tucks that primarily target the front abdominal area, extended tummy tucks treat the area from hip to hip and often include the flanks (or sides of the waist), making them ideal for individuals seeking a more comprehensive body reshaping.
This procedure is particularly effective for those who have loose skin around the hips and lower back, which is often a result of significant weight loss or post-pregnancy changes.
It is also used for patients that may carry more weight and fat on the sides and flanks.
The longer incision in an extended tummy tuck allows for the removal of more excess skin and fat, resulting in a smoother and more contoured appearance.
The longer, extended incision prevents the occurrence of “dog ears” which are pockets of excess skin and fat that can sometimes occur at the ends of a traditional tummy tuck incision.
The results extend beyond mere aesthetics; they can significantly enhance one’s confidence and comfort.
Candidates need to be in good physical condition and have their medical history thoroughly reviewed before undergoing this procedure.
Stable health and medical clearance from a primary care provider are necessary to ensure a safe and effective surgery.
Differences Between Standard and Extended Tummy Tucks
Knowing the differences between standard and extended tummy tuck procedures helps in choosing the right option for your needs.
The most notable difference lies in the incision length.
A standard tummy tuck utilizes a curved, lower abdominal incision that typically extends from hip to hip, primarily focusing on the front abdominal area.
In contrast, an extended tummy tuck utilizes a longer incision that wraps around the flanks, addressing not only the abdominal region but also the flanks and lower back.
This procedure is especially beneficial for individuals with significant weight loss or excess weight in the flank area, as it helps contour the body from various angles, resulting in a more balanced and smooth contour.
While the main goal of a standard tummy tuck is to firm and tighten the area above and below the belly button, an extended tummy tuck goes further by removing excess skin and fat from the sides and lower back.
This makes extended tummy tucks more effective for those dealing with loose skin or fat around the hips and flanks, offering a more complete solution for body contouring.
Ideal Candidates for an Extended Tummy Tuck
Ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck are often individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and are left with loose skin in multiple areas, including the abdomen, hips, and flanks.
These candidates typically have significant excess skin or excess fat that affects the entire lower torso.
In these patients, a standard tummy tuck might not address all of this excess skin and fat, thereby making them good candidates for this comprehensive body contouring procedure.
Such extensive reshaping through body contouring procedures can greatly enhance one’s physical appearance and boost self-esteem.
However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for an extended tummy tuck.
Individuals who smoke are generally not suited for the procedure due to potential healing complications.
It is recommended that patients stop smoking/vaping at least 4 weeks prior to surgery.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent body weight is crucial before undergoing surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes and to prevent further skin sagging post-procedure.
Knowing these criteria helps ensure you are well-prepared and in optimal health to undergo this transformative surgery.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine if you meet the requirements and if an extended tummy tuck is the right choice for you.
The Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery Process
Extended tummy tuck surgery begins with general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free.
The surgery itself is typically initiated with liposuction of the back, abdomen, and flanks (360 liposuction).
The extended lower incision is then made in the lower abdomen and around the hips.
Excess skin is removed through this incision.
The rectus abdominus muscles are tightened and repaired with sutures.
Long acting pain medication is injected into the abdomen to assist with post-operative pain control.
Drains are placed and the incision is closed in multiple layers of absorbable sutures.
Repositioning the belly button is a critical step during the procedure to ensure it maintains a natural appearance after the removal of excess skin.
This meticulous attention to detail is what sets an extended tummy tuck apart from other tummy tuck procedures.
The entire surgical process can take anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on the complexity and extent of the procedure.
The surgery itself can be done in either a hospital or outpatient surgery setting.
If done in the hospital, patients are required to stay overnight in the hospital for one night.
If done in an outpatient surgery setting, patients are required to spend one night in an aftercare facility.
Recovery and Aftercare for Extended Tummy Tuck Patients
Recovery from an extended tummy tuck generally requires a longer healing period compared to a standard tummy tuck.
After spending one night in the hospital or aftercare facility, patients are sent home for the remainder of their recovery.
Drains are placed to manage the fluid that accumulates after surgery.
Depending on how extensive the surgery was, drains can stay in place for 1-2 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the amount of output.
During this time, it is critically important that patients avoid excess activity.
Excess movement and activity generate fluid, which makes it harder to remove the drains in a timely fashion.
Patients should walk around the house for about 5-10 minutes every 2-3 hours.
However, they should avoid prolonged walking, errands, and household chores.
These restrictions will be in place until the drains are removed.
Once the drains are removed, patients may return to more normal activities of daily living, but avoid lifting anything more than 5-10 pounds for 6 weeks.
For the first week, patients will need to sleep in a reclined position (beach chair position) and walk slightly bent over.
These limitations decrease the amount of strain and tension on the incisions.
After a week, patients may start to stand up straight and may sleep in any position they prefer.
Most patients can return to in-person work once the drains are removed.
Remote or virtual work may be resumed earlier, depending on patient comfort.
For patients with physically demanding jobs, a full 6 weeks off from work is advised, unless they can return with modified light duty.
Scar management is typically initiated after 2-3 weeks.
This involves multiple scar modalities, including silicone scar therapies, sun precautions, microneedling and laser treatments.
Compression garments should be worn for most of the day and night during the first 6 weeks.
As swelling decreases, it’s not uncommon to purchase a smaller sized compression garment.
Benefits from compression garments can be seen with additional use up to 3 months.
Swelling will start to improve after the first week and continue to improve over time.
By 6 weeks, most patients will see resolution of about 80-90% of their swelling.
Swelling is fully resolved by 3-6 months.
Post-operative lymphatic massages are strongly recommended and may be initiated within the first week of surgery.
These massages will help the swelling to resolve faster and will limit the amount of scarring and fibrosis that may occur in the soft tissues.
These guidelines support a smooth and successful tummy tuck recovery process.
Potential Risks and Complications
Patients should be aware of the various potential risks and complications associated with extended tummy tuck procedures.
Factors such as high body mass index, and previous abdominal scars can increase the likelihood of complications.
Most common complications are related to wound healing.
This includes areas of the incision that take longer to heal or potential wound infections.
Most of these can be treated with local wound care and oral antibiotics.
Fluid accumulations (seromas) can occur after the drains are removed.
These are treated with in-office aspirations, and sometimes a drain replacement.
While all precautions are taken to improve the appearance of the scars, some patients may have scars that become thick or dark (hyperpigmented).
These scars may require additional therapies and possible scar revisions to improve their appearance.
Moreover, serious risks such as deep vein thrombosis can develop after extended tummy tuck surgeries.
For this reason, early movement and ambulation after surgery is critical to decrease the chances of this occurring.
Monitoring for increased swelling, bruising, bleeding, or pain during recovery is crucial, as these can be signs of more serious complications.
Other potential complications include asymmetrical healing, numbness or changes in sensation in the abdominal area.
Being aware of these risks and having realistic expectations can help patients prepare better for the surgery and recovery process.
Proactively addressing these issues with your surgeon can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and ensure a smoother recovery.
Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for the success of your tummy tuck procedure.
Reviewing your plastic surgeon’s tummy tuck before and after photos helps to see experience and skill.
Surgeons with board certification undergo rigorous training to ensure high competency in performing plastic surgery procedures.
They are committed to ethical practices, prioritizing patient safety and well-being, which is paramount for any cosmetic procedure.
To maintain their certification, board-certified surgeons must engage in ongoing education and stay updated with advancements in their field.
This continuous learning process ensures that they are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the surgery and provide optimal results for their patients.
The certification process includes comprehensive evaluations of a surgeon’s credentials, education, and practical experience, offering assurance of their qualifications.
Researching and reviewing potential surgeons’ qualifications helps you find a qualified professional for your tummy tuck.
By choosing a board-certified surgeon, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and ensure a safer, more successful outcome.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
An initial consultation is essential for anyone considering an extended tummy tuck procedure.
Virtual consultations and a review of photographs can be done ahead of time, but a formal in-person consultation is frequently required in order to fully assess the quality and composition of the soft tissues.
This allows for the optimal surgical plan to be tailored specifically to your needs.
This meeting also allows you to discuss any concerns and expectations related to the tummy tuck procedure.
During this consultation, your surgeon will provide a general outline of the procedure and help you understand what to expect.
Patients should prepare a list of questions to ensure they are fully informed about the tummy tuck process before making a decision.
Discussing your medical history with the surgeon helps determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered.
The initial consultation is a crucial part of the journey toward achieving your desired body transformation.
Final Summary on The Extended Tummy Tuck
In this guide, we have explored the comprehensive process of an extended tummy tuck, from understanding what the procedure entails to identifying the ideal candidates and navigating the recovery journey.
The extended tummy tuck offers a more extensive solution for those dealing with excess skin and fat around the abdomen, flanks, and lower back, providing a more sculpted and toned appearance.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Millicent Rovelo, and scheduling an initial consultation are critical steps in ensuring a safe and successful outcome.
By having realistic expectations and being well-informed about the potential risks and benefits, you can make empowered decisions about your body transformation journey.
Take the next step towards achieving the body you desire with confidence and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does an extended tummy tuck target?
An extended tummy tuck targets the abdomen, flanks, and lower back, offering a more comprehensive solution for body contouring. This procedure effectively addresses excess skin and fat in these areas.
How long does recovery from an extended tummy tuck take?
Recovery from an extended tummy tuck typically requires two to four weeks off work, with full recovery extending over several months. It is crucial to refrain from strenuous activities during this period to ensure optimal healing.
What are the potential risks of an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck poses risks such as infection, seroma, unfavorable scarring, and deep vein thrombosis. It is essential to monitor for any signs of these complications post-surgery.
Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential as they have undergone extensive training and adhere to strict ethical standards, ensuring both safety and high-quality results. This certification reflects their commitment to ongoing education and patient care excellence.
What should I discuss during the initial consultation?
It is essential to discuss your medical history, concerns, and expectations during the initial consultation. Additionally, prepare a list of questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the tummy tuck process and assess your candidacy.
