The Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery Technique
Patients in Manhattan can count on Dr. Oren Z. Lerman to assist them with their body contouring and sculpting needs. He routinely achieves excellent results with tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which helps people achieve trim and toned frames. When more substantial body sculpting is required, a great option to consider is an extended tummy tuck, which we'd like to consider in more detail right now.
About Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
The extended tummy tuck is a surgery that is performed in order to address major issues with loose abdominal skin following major weight loss. By making incisions along the lower abdominal area, a plastic surgeon is able to remove excess fat and tissue, pulling the remaining abdominal skin tighter and improving overall body contour in the process.
How Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery Differs from Traditional Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck and the extended tummy tuck are similar, but their primary difference is the extent of the incisions that are made. A more extensive incision is required in order to achieve optimal body contouring and sculpting when a person has experienced may weight loss. The reason for this is that the skin is stretched out much farther and will only shrink back so far around a slimmer frame.
Patients can also expect a longer recovery time from extended tummy tuck surgery when compared to traditional tummy tuck surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best candidates for extended tummy tuck surgery are people who have lost a substantial amount of weight as a result of exercise and dietary changes or as a result of a bariatric surgery procedure. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from any kinds of health conditions that would make the surgical procedure a risk to general health and wellness.
Since there will be extensive incisions made during the procedure, it's important that patients have realistic expectations about post-surgical recovery and scarring.
The Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure
Extended tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthetic in order to prevent undue discomfort and anxiety for patients.
Three incisions are made during a tummy tuck procedure, forming a shape similar to a ship anchor:
- A lateral incision starting from the back of the hipbone along the side and the lower abdominal area to the back of the opposite hipbone
- A circular incision around the belly button
- A vertical incision along the lower abdominal region that connects the previous two incisions
Through these incisions, excess skin and fat can be removed, loose skin excised, and the remaining abdominal skin stretched for a tighter and better-contoured frame.
What to Expect as You Heal from Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
Patients will experience some amount of discomfort as they heal after surgery. It will take a few weeks before they are able to return to normal activities, such as work, exercise, heavy lifting, and so on. Patients are encouraged to walk when they are able in order to ensure good circulation as they heal, preventing blood clots.
While scarring is a given following any surgery, patients should rest assured that scars fade with time and that the scars from surgery are well concealed by many bathing suits and undergarments.
Find Out More About Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you would like to learn more about extended tummy tuck surgery and how it can help you look trimmer and slimmer, be sure to contact our cosmetic skin care and plastic surgery center today. Dr. Oren Z. Lerman and his entire team look forward to your visit and helping you achieve excellent results and a better contoured frame.
