Extended Tummy Tuck Candidates

Following rapid weight loss, childbirth, or aging, the skin on the abdomen can become stretched, loose, and wrinkled. A tummy tuck can produce a more toned and flat appearance. For patients who also have excess skin on their hips and the side of the abdomen, an extended tummy tuck may be an ideal surgical option.

Dr. Steven Wiener, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers this customizable cosmetic treatment for patients in Scottsdale, AZ. He combines expertise, compassion, and excellence to provide patients with the best care and treatment they deserve. Read on to learn about the ideal extended tummy tuck candidate.

Traditional vs. Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck can address the same issues as a standard tummy tuck by removing excess fat and skin, and surgically tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients undergo this cosmetic treatment to gain a slimmer and more athletic-looking midsection.

An extended tummy tuck offers additional benefits. During your surgical procedure in Scottsdale, Dr. Wiener will make the same type of incision used for a standard tummy tuck, but the incision will extend laterally toward the hips and lower back. This allows Dr. Wiener to reach additional areas that may need skin removal. Liposuction can be combined with these surgical techniques to remove excess fat and deliver more dramatic cosmetic results.

Are You a Candidate?

During your cosmetic consultation at Dr. Wiener’s plastic surgery center, your personal goals will be attentively listened to, and your body features will be evaluated.

Excess Skin

Good candidates for an extended tummy tuck have excess skin in the abdominal area and hips.

Good General Health

Candidates for any form of plastic surgery should be in good overall health and free of conditions or medications that could complicate surgery and recovery.

Realistic Expectations

Candidates should have a good understanding of the risks involved with surgery and realistic potential outcomes.

Alternative Options

Excess skin on the upper thighs, hips, and lower back can make patients self-conscious about their appearance. These patients may be interested in the lower body lift procedure. Dr. Wiener will let you know if you are a better candidate for a lower body lift.

Quick Facts about Extended Tummy Tuck

Surgical Time

An extended tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck in terms of operation time and recovery. Depending on several factors, your surgical procedure may last three to five hours.

Overnight Hospital Stay

The procedure usually requires one overnight stay for observation, although some patients may undergo the surgery as an outpatient procedure.

Recovery

Side effects may include swelling, tenderness, bruising, and discomfort. Patients should plan to rest one to two weeks while their body heals. Light exercise should only be undertaken with Dr. Wiener’s approval. You will be given detailed recovery guidelines that should be followed closely.

Schedule Your Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck can address a wide range of cosmetic issues that affect the abdomen and hips. Dr. Wiener is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in private practice in Arizona since 1998. To schedule your extended tummy tuck consultation, please contact our office online or call (480) 596-6886.