Extended Tummy Tuck Technique
The stomach is an area of concern for many people. This area of the body is likely to hold onto pockets of excess fat and loose skin, especially in patients who have experienced fluctuations in weight as a result of significant weight loss or pregnancy. While a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can effectively tighten the abdominal muscles and skin of the upper and lower abdomen, it does not offer enough alteration for all patients. Many patients have excess fat and skin that extends beyond the abdomen, often including the sides of the waistline as well as the lower back. In these cases, plastic surgeon Ken Smart is likely to recommend to Dallas patients an extended tummy tuck. This technique allows Dr. Smart to make alterations that address the entire waistline, giving patients a more slender and shapely body contour.
Candidates
As with a traditional tummy tuck, good candidates for the extended tummy tuck technique must be in good health and free of medical conditions that may increase the risks of surgery. In addition, the best results will be achieved in those patients who are within a reasonable range of their ideal weight. While an extended tummy tuck can tone and tighten the tummy and waistline, it is not a weight loss treatment. For those who are good candidates for surgery, an extended tummy tuck can achieve the following results:
- Tighter abdominal muscles
- Removal of excess skin across the abdomen
- Tighter skin and removal of fat at the sides of the waist
- Tighter skin and removal of fat at the lower back
Procedure
An extended tummy tuck requires a single incision that stretches across the abdomen, stretching around the sides to the lower back. This incision will be made across the middle of the waistline, going around the belly button so that it can be repositioned at the end of surgery. Through this incision, Dr. Kent will pull and tighten the abdominal muscles. In most cases, Dr. Kent will perform liposuction as a part of the extended tummy tuck procedure in order to effectively remove fat deposits. Finally, Dr. Smart will remove excess skin from the abdomen, lower sides, and back. The remaining tissue will then be pulled tightly downward, the navel will be repositioned, and the surgical incision will be closed just above the bikini line. This will create a tighter, smoother, and more slender tummy and waistline.
Recovery
An extended tummy tuck does require a lengthy recovery. In order to ensure that the body heals properly, patients should allow for plenty of time to rest and recover. It is recommended that patients limit activities, including work, for a minimum of one week and up to two weeks. More strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks. Common side effects during recovery include bruising, swelling, and discomfort, all of which should subside naturally in the first few weeks of recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
An extended tummy tuck offers an extra level of enhancement to those patients who wish to reshape the entire waistline, rather than just the stomach. If you are interested in learning more about the extended tummy tuck, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ken Smart at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!