Extended Tummy Tuck

About Tummy Tuck Surgery

For many people, genetics, weight gain and pregnancy cause the muscles and skin in the abdomen area to permanently stretch out. For these people, no amount of exercise or diet will help the muscle and skin retract to a more flat and contoured appearance. A tummy tuck, also known abdominoplsty, is a Vancouver cosmetic surgery procedure to correct the appearance of excess skin and fat near the abdominal area.

The Extended Tummy Tuck Technique

Extended Tummy Tuck, also known as body lift, is an extensive surgery that requires an overnight stay in the hospital. It differs from a Complete Tummy Tuck as it is more extensive, and appropriate for patients who have excess skin and fat on the abdominal area, and also large amount of excess fat and overhanging skin that extends to the back. Dr. Watts removes excess skin from the patient’s abdomen, sides and improves muscle elasticity at the flanks and hip region. The extended tummy tuck procedure can be viewed as a combination of a tummy tuck with removal of the skin around the entire waistline, and can include lifting of the skin on the lateral thighs.

There are different techniques for abdominoplasty, each of them indicated for a specific abdominal shape. Each technique is associated with its own unique set of benefits and risks. Dr. Watts will recommend the best approach for you, and carefully review the risks and benefits of each.

Find Out More:

• Mini Tummy Tuck
• Complete Tummy Tuck
• Extended Tummy Tuck

Visit this website’s knowledge base to find our more about important body changes over time and how cosmetic surgery can help.

Complete Tummy Tuck Incisions

Dr. Watts makes an initial incision that spans the entire length of the abdomen and around to the back of the hips. She then places a second incision that runs vertically from the sternum to the pubis. In a final stage of the surgery once extra skin and fat have been removed, she tightens the abdominal muscles and creates a new navel to match the patient’s new body shape.

Benefits of An Extended Tummy Tuck

Extended Tummy tuck surgery is a major surgical procedure with the most lengthy of all the tummy tuck procedures. However the benefits often outweigh the costs. You can expect a more smooth and contoured abdominal appearance, slimmer flanks and back, and often times a more refined waistline.

How the Procedure Is Performed

The extended tummy tuck procedure is the combination of a tummy tuck with removal of the skin around the entire waistline, and can include the lifting of the skin on the lateral thighs. Extended tummy tuck can even be used to lift the buttocks if it is continued around the back. Extended tummy tuck is an extensive surgery that usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

The mini tummy tuck surgery takes 3 to 5 hours and requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Are You a Good Candidate

Extended tummy tuck is normally intended for obese or formerly obese patients that have a large amount of excess fat and overhanging skin that extends to the back. Extended tummy tuck is useful for patients who have experienced considerable weight loss, such as from bariatric surgery or surgery on the stomach or intestines that resulted in massive weight loss.

The extended tummy tuck is for patients whose abdomens are improved by tummy tuck surgery, but their flank and back areas still hold folds of extra skin and fat. These patients need help restoring tone to the abdominal, hip, flank, and back muscles and are also bothered by abundant amounts of excess skin.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for tummy tuck if:

• Abdominal muscles that have been weakened and separated
• Excess or sagging abdominal skin
• Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
• An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body

General Health

You may be a candidate for tummy tuck surgery if you are in general, in good health:

• You are close to your ideal body weight
• You have been at a stable weight for six months or more
• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks
• You are not pregnant of breastfeeding

Recovery

Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and requires significant recovery time. Following surgery, drainage tubes are inserted to allow excess fluid to be removed. These drains can stay in for up to two weeks and required some care from home. Dr. Watts will instruct you to wear compression garment which should be work at all times for the first hour weeks following surgery except while bathing.

The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people take three weeks off work

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume light normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, one week after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects (more than five pounds) for four weeks after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, three to four weeks after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, four to six weeks after surgery

Bikini Ready

• All evidence of bruising and swelling should be resolved 8 weeks of surgery

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Watts will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of tummy tuck surgery, while not expected, include:

• General anesthesia (blood clots)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring – belly button, hip to hip (panty line)
• Asymmetry
• Pain
• Seroma – pockets of tissue fluid in the abdomen or chest wall
• Further surgery – revision of dog ears
• Delayed healing
• Abdominal numbness for 6 months

Combination Body Shaping Procedures

Vancouver tummy tuck surgery is often combined with liposuction or breast implants. This combination is particularly popular with mothers who are frustrated by the body changes that occurred as a result of pregnancy. Find out more about common combinations of procedures for the post pregnancy mother.

Alternative Tummy Procedures

Sometimes patients are better candidates for abdominal liposuction alone. During your surgical consultation, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts will assess your physical features, consider your objectives, and recommend which  surgery is best for you.

What Cosmetic Abdominal Surgery Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Watts can provide the specific information required to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.