If you find that a full tummy tuck just doesn't quite reach all of your "trouble spots", you may want to consider the idea of an extended tummy tuck. This procedure is a great option for those who have loose or hanging skin on the abdomen but also extending into the flanks. There is no point in having a smaller incision if the final outcome is not as appealing as it can be. This is why an extended tummy tuck is the best option for many people with a lot of loose skin, and with Dr. Repta's superb guidance, the two of you can decide whether or not an extended tummy tuck is right for you.
What is an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that tackles excess skin around the abdomen and lateral flanks of the patient. In an extended tummy tuck, the incision is longer than a full tummy tuck, giving Dr. Repta access to thoroughly address excessive skin on the sides. In order to prevent the appearance of lateral "dog ears" and still accomplish the same result of a full or circumferential procedure, the incision for an extended abdominoplasty reaches as far on each side of the abdomen/hip as possible, limited only by the presence of the operating room bed. Therefore, an extended tummy tuck is identical to a full tummy tuck, with a longer incision. Instead of hip to hip, an extended tummy tuck incision runs from one side of the bed to the other. Despite this, the incision is still placed as low as possible, allowing it to be easily hidden by undergarments or bikini bottoms.
The extended tummy tuck was designed to help patients who have more loose skin than a full tummy tuck patient but not enough to undergo a circumferential tummy tuck also known as a lower body lift. As with any cosmetic surgery that requires the removal of excess skin, the incision length is best determined by what will achieve the best contour. If the incision is thin and placed where it can be well hidden, the length of the incision is usually not of great concern for most patients.
As Scottsdale abdominoplasty surgeon Dr. Repta says, "Always choose the incision length that will give you the best result." A slightly longer scar is a much-preferred alternative to loose skin left over, which is inevitable if your surgeon tries to get away with a shorter incision. If this occurs, revision surgery will result in a longer scar anyway - all the more reason to ensure your tummy tuck surgeon is careful in choosing the correct incision the first time around.
Is an extended tummy tuck right for me?
The extended tummy tuck procedure is best suited for those who wish to improve the appearance of their abdmomen and waist and have more loose skin than a full tummy tuck. Specifically, an extended tummy tuck candidate tends to have an excessive amount of skin in the abdomen as well as the flanks, more than that of a full tummy tuck candidate and less than that of a lower body lift patient. This skin can sometimes weigh several pounds and be quite bothersome after the goal of losing so much weight has been accomplished. Candidates for an extended tummy tuck may experience one or more of the following issues:
- Excess skin around the abdomen and waist
- Skin excess in the lower abdomen that extends to the sides
- Abdominal skin that hangs down and folds over itself
- A stretched abdominal muscle layer, causing a bulging appearance of the abdomen
- Stretch marks on and around the abdomen and flanks
- A loose and sagging pubic area
Consultation in Scottsdale
If you are considering an extended tummy tuck, your next step is a private consultation with Dr. Repta. During this time, Dr. Repta will carefully listen to your goals for improvement of the loose skin of the abdomen and waist and make sure he understands your exact desires. He will then evaluate the unique characteristics of your abdomen and waist to be able to provide the best options to meet your tummy tuck goals.
During the consultation, Dr. Repta educates you every step of the way. He makes you an intimate part of the process, and the two of you work as a team to determine the best course of treatment. With Dr. Repta, plastic surgery is a collaborative effort, and he will not move forward with surgery until the two of you are on the same page in terms of goals and the procedure to accomplish those goals. This quality, along with his skilled hand and expansive level of knowledge, makes Dr. Repta one of the best plastic surgeons in Scottsdale for the extended abdominoplasty procedure.
Extended abdominoplasty recovery
The extended tummy tuck procedure has a similar recovery to a full tummy tuck. All of the aspects of the full tummy tuck such as muscle tightening, liposuction, and skin tightening are the same with the only difference being the length of the incision and often the amount of liposuction performed. During your recovery period, you will be expected to follow several extended tummy tuck recovery guidelines. These guidelines not only ensure the highest level of comfort, they also help give you the best aesthetic outcome. More information can be found in the Anesthesia, Risks & Recovery section. You can also visit Dr. Repta's top ten tummy tuck recovery tips.
Extended Tummy Tuck Aftercare
The extended tummy tuck procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery with patients going home shortly after the procedure. However, depending on several factors-such as the complexity of the procedure, the availability of a caregiver at home or your personal preference-some patients decide to take advantage of a nearby aftercare facility. This helps ensure your personal attention and needs are looked after by Dr. Repta and his highly trained staff. As one of the best Scottsdale tummy tuck surgeons, Dr. Repta is available to help you achieve the result that you are looking for and get you back to your everyday life with your new, toned abdomen and waist.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to know more about your Scottsdale abdominoplasty options, request a consultation online. Or if you prefer, you are welcome to call the office at 855-377-3782 and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.
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