Many men and women are frustrated by having a round belly and love handles despite all their hard work to get rid of them. Even with proper diet and exercise, your midsection can still have excess skin and undesirable amounts of fat. For people with these concerns, an extended tummy tuck is an effective way to redefine the waistline. Let’s look at what the extended tummy tuck procedure involves at our Edina plastic surgery practice.
What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?
An extended tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty with flankplasty, is very similar to a traditional tummy tuck. However, in addition to treating the abdominal area, the procedure also removes skin and fatty tissue from the sides and back – giving you an all-around flatter, tighter midsection and more streamlined waist.
Some patients opt to complete the transformation with liposuction or other body contouring treatments, such as breast augmentation or breast lift, procedures that are commonly part of “mommy makeovers.”
Am I a Good Candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck?
All candidates for plastic surgery should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure. To be considered for a tummy tuck, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your ideal body weight and have good skin elasticity.
Patients who seek this treatment often have excess skin and fat around their midsection due to:
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Significant weight loss, particularly from bariatric surgery
An extended tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss. Also, abdominoplasty is not recommended for patients who intend to lose more weight, or for women who intend to become pregnant in the future.
A consultation and physical exam with Dr. Kobienia will determine whether a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck will best address your individual concerns.
How Is an Extended Tummy Tuck Performed?
During an extended abdominoplasty, Dr. Kobienia will make an incision around your waistline, often extending around your sides. The underlying abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, lower sides, and back. The skin from your upper abdomen is pulled taut, and a new opening is created for the belly button, which will be preserved throughout the procedure. Drains may be inserted to reduce the build-up of blood or fluid as your body heals.
What Can I Expect after the Procedure?
After tummy tuck surgery, most patients need one to two weeks at home to rest and recover. We will give you a prescription for pain medication, which will help you control pain during the first few days. You can expect to see swelling and bruising for several weeks, and you may be instructed to wear an elastic binder to help with swelling and protect the muscles as they heal.
As the swelling subsides, you will gradually begin to notice your sleeker midsection and new shape. Your body may look more fit and toned than it has in years. Hundreds of tummy tuck patients are extremely satisfied with the results of this procedure, saying it helps them feel more confident in their everyday lives.
Learn More about Extended Tummy Tucks
Extended tummy tuck surgery can transform your midsection and give you the shape you’ve been looking for. If you are considering abdominoplasty to get rid of excess skin and fat around your waistline, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kobienia today. Our entire team looks forward to helping you achieve your ideal figure.