An extended tummy tuck — also called an extended abdominoplasty — is quite similar to a standard tummy tuck, but it covers a more extensive area of the body.
Standard Tummy Tucks vs. Extended & Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tucks
Depending on the needs of the patient, an extended, fleur-de-lis tummy tuck may be indicated. These require a midline, vertical incision that starts from the main horizontal incision and can run as high up as the bottom of the breast bone. Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasties are most common after a patient has lost an exceptional amount of weight, often resulting from weight loss surgery.
All abdominoplasties, regardless of type, tighten the abdominal muscles by bringing them back together at the midline (in the center).
What’s the difference between an extended tummy tuck and circumferential abdominoplasty?
When is an extended tummy tuck necessary?
In order to get the best results with patients who have more extensive excess skin around their waists, including “love handles” in the flank area composed primarily of skin and not fat, an extended abdominoplasty can often offer the best results. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Kimberly Singh and Dr. Nour Abboushi, will consult with you about your options, and let you know if this procedure is the best choice for your body contouring goals.
Does an extended abdominoplasty include liposuction or fat removal?
How much weight can be lost with an extended tummy tuck?
What are the weight and health qualifications for an extended abdominoplasty?
Qualifications for an extended tummy tuck include:
- Excellent physical health
- Being a non-smoker
- The ability to maintain a stable body weight
- A full understanding of the surgical procedure and recovery
- Not being pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Can plus-sized or high-BMI patients quality for an extended abdominoplasty?
What is the recovery like for an extended tummy tuck?
Extended abdominoplasties are performed under general anesthesia, in one of our Atlanta-area partner hospitals. Our doctors never perform surgery in their clinic for both the health and safety of our patients, and to ensure the best possible surgical care before, during and after the procedure.
The length of the surgery is approximately 4 hours, after which time you will spend several more hours in recovery before being discharged that evening.
- Driving yourself home is not an option; you must have another adult available to pick you up and drive you home post-surgery.
- Dr. Singh and Dr. Abboushi do not perform drain-free tummy tucks. You will have two surgical drains placed during surgery, and you must maintain and care for them as directed. Drains usually remain in place for about three weeks.
- After surgery is complete, our doctors will dress you in a compression garment that must be worn 24/7, usually for one month, to help control swelling and maximize your surgical results.
- You will not be able to stand completely upright for 10-14 days. This is normal, we promise!
- You will need to sleep in a semi-reclined position until you are able to safely and comfortably lie flat.
- Our staff will call in any medications needed to your pharmacy at least 3 days prior to your extended tummy tuck — be sure to pick them up early so you have them ready and are able to minimize any discomfort from the start.
Recovery times vary, but, in general, we recommend that most patients plan to take at least two weeks off after an extended abdominoplasty. Final results are usually visible after approximately 6 months, but it is not unusual for it to take up to 18 for all swelling to recede and scars to flatten and lighten.