Extended Tummy Tuck Candidates
There are so many options to consider when it comes to improving your overall body shape and contour. This becomes an especially important concern for people who have lost a massive amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise or by undergoing bariatric surgery. While the skin will stretch out to accommodate added girth, it will only shrink back so much. In order to remove that loose skin and those stretch marks, plastic surgery is necessary.
One particularly helpful surgery for these matters is the extended tummy tuck surgery. Let's take a moment right now to consider the extended tummy tuck, how this may be of benefit to you, and how it can help address your aesthetic needs.
About the Traditional Tummy Tuck
Before looking at the extended tummy tuck, it's a good idea to look at the traditional tummy tuck. Also known as the abdominoplasty, the traditional tummy tuck is a surgery that is performed in order to remove loose skin and stretch marks from the lower abdominal area. This is accomplished by making the following three incisions:
- A primary lateral incision along the lower abdomen that reaches from one hipbone to the other
- An incision around the patient's belly button
- A vertical incision that connects the previous two, forming a shape that is not unlike a ship anchor
Through these incisions, underlying structures are adjusted and the skin/body contour tightened.
What Makes an Extended Tummy Tuck Different
The extended tummy tuck is generally the same as a traditional tummy tuck, though the primary lateral incision is larger. This allows a plastic surgeon to remove more loose skin and make a great impact on the patient's overall body contour.
The Best Candidates for Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best candidates for the extended tummy tuck are people who were obese or morbidly obese and have since lost this weight to achieve a slimmer and healthier frame. These people will have major issues with loose skin to address. They should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about post-surgical scarring and the recovery process.
The Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure
The extended tummy tuck surgery will be performed under general anesthetic in order to prevent any sensations of undue pain or distress. During the surgery, the cosmetic surgeon will make the incisions noted above. The lateral incision may extend from the back of one hipbone, along that patient's hip, along the lower abdominal area, along to the opposite hip, and then to the back of the opposite hipbone. The exact incisions required will be discussed with the patient during the consultation process.
Total Body Lift Surgery Options
Since body contouring issues can be quite extensive, people who have lost a substantial amount of weight will likely require major body contouring revisions. This is where the total body lift comes into play. This involves a combination of surgeries that target the entire body, enhancing the patient's overall appearance. Each total body lift is customized to the needs of the patient so that he or she can look their absolute best.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery
For more information about tummy tuck surgery and how our team can help you achieve the very best body contour and shape through safe aesthetic treatments, be sure to contact our San Antonio cosmetic plastic surgery practice today. We all look forward to meeting you here in person and helping you make the best possible decisions about your appearance.
