Extended Tummy Tuck
An expanded abdominoplasty, also known as an extended “tummy tuck”, is a procedure in which the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal region as well as the flanks or sides of the patient’s body. This procedure goes beyond the traditional tummy tuck to tighten the appearance of the hips as well as the stomach.
Are you a good candidate?
This procedure was developed for patients who might still have extra folds of skin and fat in their back or flank areas after undergoing traditional abdominoplasty surgery. If you have excess skin and fat in these regions as well as your abdomen, an extended tummy tuck may be right for you. This procedure is particularly popular with patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, but still have pockets of stubborn fat remaining on their torso. It is also popular among women who have given birth, as this can lead to loose muscles and excess skin in the abdominal region.
Procedure
To perform an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision across the stomach, extending around the sides of the patient. The exact length of the incision depends on the patient’s size and how much of the excess tissue is located in the hips and back as opposed to the stomach. The surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess fat, either using liposuction or traditional surgical techniques. Excess skin will be trimmed away around the incision site. The belly button may also be moved to a higher position to match the new contours of the patient’s body. Once the tissues of the abdomen and hips have been sculpted by the surgeon, the incision is closed with sutures.
Complications & Risks
Because the extended tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure than the traditional abdominoplasty surgery, it carries a higher risk of complications. These include blood clots, infection, and significant bleeding. Visible scarring and other unsatisfactory visual results are also possible. Anyone considering an extended tummy tuck should discuss the potential risks in detail with their surgeon.
Recovery Time
After the extended tummy tuck, most patients remain in the hospital for at least 24 hours. Once they return home, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks to allow the body time to recover and adjust to the dramatic physical changes. You may want to arrange for someone to stay with you after surgery. After the procedure, there will be sutures as well as drainage tubes to prevent the accumulation of fluid under the skin. Showering should be avoided until the drainage tubes have been removed from the incisions, which could be as long as one to two weeks after the procedure.
During this time, expect to feel pain, soreness, and tenderness. Common side effects include bleeding, swelling, redness, and bruising. These side effects should subside within about a month, after which time you will be able to see the full results of the surgical procedure. Most patients resume light to moderate activity within two weeks of undergoing an extended tummy tuck, and are back to work in about four weeks, depending on the physical requirements of their job.
Cost
The average cost of an extended tummy tuck is about $8,000 to $12,000, making it one of the more expensive forms of body contouring surgery. The costs of a tummy tuck include the surgeon’s fee as well as costs for the anesthesia and the surgical facility. The fee for this procedure is dependent on many factors, including the extent of surgical work to be done.