Both women and men can feel self-conscious about how their midsection looks, especially when dealing with the excess skin that frequently accompanies an extreme weight loss of fifty or more pounds. Loose, sagging skin and folds can strip people of the pride and confidence they deserve to feel after their weight loss success. An Extended Tummy Tuck can help complete a person’s transformation after their weight loss journey by removing excess skin and restoring a flatter, tighter, and more youthfully contoured midsection.
What is the difference between a Standard and Extended Tummy Tuck?
Standard Tummy Tuck
“Tummy Tuck surgery generally involves making an incision within the bikini line that extends hip to hip as well as around the belly button,” explains Dr. Michael Philbin, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “After excess fat and skin are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is stretched to create a flatter stomach and slimmer contour. A Standard Tummy Tuck is usually performed on patients who have had children or lost weight and now have loose, crepey skin on the front of their abdomen.”
Extended Tummy Tuck
“When a patient exhibits a significant amount of excess abdominal skin and muscle laxity that extends around to the hips and lower back after dramatic weight loss or pregnancy, they may be a great candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck,” says Dr. Philbin. “If a patient experiencing these symptoms were to undergo a Standard Tummy Tuck, they would likely have aesthetic dissonance between their front, sides and back, severely decreasing the likelihood that they would be happy with their results. An Extended Tummy Tuck addresses these additional areas and can offer better balance to the patient’s overall physique. Although it has the trade-off of a more prominent scar that can encircle the entire torso in some cases, the Extended Tummy Tuck addresses a far more extensive degree of excess skin removal.”
Can other procedures be performed with an Extended Tummy Tuck?
“During your consultation process at Edina Plastic Surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you have an additional procedure performed with your Extended Tummy Tuck if it fits your goals,” shares Dr. Philbin. “We recommend these procedures for several reasons. First, it saves you on long-term costs since you only need to pay for anesthesia and facility fees once. Secondly, combinations require much less recovery time than having each one performed separately. And lastly, it is the best way to provide the dramatic results many patients aim for. “
Liposuction is frequently performed with an Extended Tummy Tuck. This duo allows your plastic surgeon to remove stubborn pockets of fat and further contour your midsection. The two surgeries work together to restore a flatter, smoother, more defined, and youthful waistline.
Other procedures commonly performed with an Extended Tummy Tuck include:
Who is a good candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck?
“If you are experiencing a significant amount of excess skin around your waist due to extreme weight fluctuations, you may be a good candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck,” says Dr. Philbin. “When someone gains substantial weight or has a pregnancy with twins or triplets, the skin around their midsection needs to stretch to accommodate the new size. This causes tremendous strain on tissues, and it’s tough for skin to snap back into place if it EVER does. Only surgery can completely remove the loose, deflated, sagging skin resulting from these size shifts. An Extended Tummy Tuck will be the best option for patients experiencing this excess skin on their low abdominals, flanks, and lower back area.”
As with most body contouring procedures, your surgeon will want you at a stable weight that you have maintained for at least six months before scheduling your Tummy Tuck surgery. Your weight should be within 10-20 lbs. of your ideal weight. This ensures that you are committed to your results and that they will not be compromised by dramatic fluctuations in your weight in the future.
What are the results like with an Extended Tummy Tuck?
After your Extended Tummy Tuck surgery is complete, your incisions will be bandaged and dressed. You will also be given a compression garment to help reduce swelling around your torso. It is crucial to follow all post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon to ensure the best possible recovery and results.
“An Extended Tummy Tuck patient can expect to see a significant reduction in the amount of excess skin and tissue along the lower abdomen and waistline,” says Dr. Philbin. The body’s contours will be more balanced, and it will be easier to find clothing that fits well and is flattering. While scars from an Extended Tummy Tuck are permanent, they significantly fade with time, especially after the first year. There are several treatment options available at our medical spa, Skin Artisans, that can also help improve the appearance of Tummy Tuck scarring. I have yet to meet a patient who hasn’t felt the scars were well worth their results and renewed self-confidence!”
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of loose, sagging skin in your abdominal area? Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss Tummy Tuck surgery with Dr. Michael Philbin or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery by calling (612) 688-3177, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE!
