About the Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
When a person loses a lot of weight, their body goes through some noticeable changes. They may notice drooping skin and sagging skin, for instance, or there may be issues with overall body shape and contour. While the skin does shrink back around a slimmer frame, it only shrinks back so much. The fact of the matter is this: the only way to remove this loose skin and the stretch marks is to undergo plastic surgery.
Right now, our team would like to note a particularly helpful body sculpting surgery for people who have lost a lot of weight: the extended tummy tuck.
About Traditional Tummy Tuck Surgery
To understand the extended tummy tuck, it's important to consider the traditional tummy tuck first. Also known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is performed in order to remove loose skin and stretch marks from the lower abdominal area. To do this, three incisions are made:
- A lateral incision that spans along the lower abdomen from hipbone to hipbone
- A circular incision around the belly button
- A vertical incision that connects the previous two, creating a shape not unlike a ship anchor
Through these incisions, underlying structures are carefully adjusted and excess skin and tissue is removed.
How the Extended Tummy Tuck Differs from Traditional Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is very similar to the traditional tummy tuck, though the lateral incision is much longer. In extreme cases, the lateral incision spans from the back of one hipbone, along the patient's side, around to the lower abdomen, along the opposite side, and ending at the back of the opposite hipbone.
Ideal Candidates for Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best candidates for the extended tummy tuck are people who have lost a lot of weight whether by natural means or through bariatric surgery. These patients should be in otherwise good health and not suffer from any health conditions that would make a surgery such as the tummy tuck a health risk. Since the incisions are relatively extensive, it's important that patients have realistic expectations about the healing process as well as scarring and the results of the surgery down the road.
The Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure
The extended tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthetic so that patients do not experience pain or major discomfort. The incisions are made as described above. Liposuction is also used to remove any excess fat and help with fine contouring of the abdominal area. Detailed instructions will be provided for post-operative care during the consultation process.
Total Body Lift Surgery for Major Weight Loss
During the consultation process, it's not uncommon for surgeons to also look into other body sculpting surgeries. Major weight loss can also affect the skin laxity of the chest, the neckline, the upper arms, and the lower extremities. A total body lift can be performed if needed, which will help improve overall body contour of the patient as required.
Learn More About Body Contouring Surgery Options
For more information about the extended tummy tuck and your many other options for advanced body sculpting and contouring, be sure to contact our plastic surgery centre serving Ottawa today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals on the process.
