Extended Tummy: Incisions and Surgical Technique
Here at NorthShore Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on helping the people of New Orleans look their very best. Sometimes this involves anti-aging procedures such as the facelift, while other times advanced body contouring is most ideal. One such body contouring procedure is the tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), an option for tightening loose skin around the stomach. We'd like to look at a variant of the tummy tuck that is ideal for patients who were previously obese or morbidly obese and have major issues with loose skin: the extended tummy tuck surgery.
About the Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is a more extensive form of a traditional tummy tuck surgery. It is a good option for people who have experienced major weight loss, such as the effects of bariatric surgery. It should be noted that there is another variation of the tummy tuck known as the mini tummy tuck, which is a less extensive version of the traditional procedure. This is all part of the custom tailoring of body contouring procedures.
How an Extended Tummy Tuck Differs from a Traditional Tummy Tuck
As you can imagine from the name, the extended tummy tuck uses larger and more extensive incisions when it comes to overall body contouring. The primary difference has to do with the length of the lateral incision through which a number of adjustments are made.
The following incisions are used during the extended tummy tuck:
- A circular incision around the belly button
- A lateral incision that spans from the back corner of the hipbone, along the sides, along the lower abdomen, and to the back corner of the opposite hipbone
- A vertical incision that links these two
The large incision allows the surgeon to remove more loose skin than a traditional tummy tuck would.
Ideal Candidates for Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best candidates for extended tummy tuck surgery are people who require major skin tightening after major weight loss has occurred. They should be in good overall health and should be able to tolerate a procedure such as the extended tummy tuck without experiencing any sort of health risk. During the consultation process, patients will receive full details on all risks and benefits that are associated with the extended tummy tuck procedure.
The Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure
During the extended tummy tuck, patients are kept under general anesthetic to avoid major discomfort and worry. The incisions noted above will be made, and through these incisions the surgeon will be able to adjust the underlying structures of the abdominal region, use liposuction to remove unwanted pockets of fat, and remove excess skin that droops, sags, or is covered in stretch marks.
Realistic Expectations About Post-Surgical Scarring
Patients need to have realistic expectations with regard to post-surgical scarring. There is a substantial scar from the extended tummy tuck procedure, though it is concealed by many undergarments and bathing suits. With time and by following all instructions for post-operative care, the scars will fade.
Schedule a Consultation at NorthShore Plastic Surgery
If you would like more information about extended tummy tuck surgery as well as other options for advanced body contouring and sculpting, be sure to contact our cosmetic skin care and plastic surgery center today. The entire team at NorthShore Plastic Surgery looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.