Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery By Hadi Rassael on September 27, 2013

If you are embarrassed by having loose skin on the belly and love handles that have not gone away with diet and exercise, you might want to consider an extended tummy tuck to redefine your waistline. An extended tummy tuck is a great option for patients who have recently lost a lot of weight but are still plagued by excess skin.

Because this is a major surgery, you should know the facts - including what makes a good candidate, what the procedure involves, and what you can expect afterward.

What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty with flankplasty, is basically the same as a tummy tuck. In addition to treating the abdominal area, the procedure removes skin and fatty tissue from the flank (sides) and back areas to give you a flatter, tighter tummy and more streamlined waist. The procedure often involves a longer incision (cut) than a traditional tummy tuck.

By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles, your body will look more fit and toned than it has in years. Some patients opt to complete the transformation with liposuction or other body contouring treatments.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Men and women in good overall health, who are within 20 pounds of their target weight, and are completely free of nicotine products can be considered for this procedure. Common reasons that patients seek this treatment to remove excess skin and fat are:

Pregnancy
Aging
Significant weight loss (typically at least 75 pounds)
Prior surgery, particularly bariatric surgery

Keep in mind that an extended tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. An appropriate diet and exercise plan will be needed to maintain the results. If you plan on becoming pregnant or losing weight, you should postpone a tummy tuck until after those stages of your life are completed.

A consultation and physical exam with a board certified cosmetic surgeon will determine whether a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck is the best option for you.

What Is Involved in the Procedure?

Length: 5 hours with overnight stay

During an extended abdominoplasty, skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, lower sides, and back, and the abdominal muscles are tightened.

Your surgeon will make an incision around your waistline, possibly extended around your sides, depending on the extent of skin and tissues to be removed.

As with a traditional tummy tuck, the upper abdominal skin is pulled downward, and a new opening is created for the belly button, which will be preserved throughout the procedure.

Suction drains will be inserted to reduce the build-up of blood or fluid as your body heals. You will also be fitted with a compression garment, which will help with swelling and protect the muscle repair. You can expect moderate to severe pain the first few days, which we will help you manage with pain medications. You will also notice swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several weeks. You will need one to two weeks at home to rest and recover.