What Is An Extended Tummy Tuck?

If you have recently lost a lot of weight, you may be experiencing significant excess skin. While happy with your weight loss, excess skin can cause embarrassment, an awkward appearance like the "muffin top," or even, in some cases, cause physical limitations. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi offers his Newport Beach, CA and surrounding area patients the opportunity to improve their overall look by addressing excess skin.

What is an extended tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is similar to a standard tummy tuck; however, where a standard tummy tuck addresses about 90% of the abdomen, it does not address excess skin at the hips. This is where an extended tummy tuck becomes helpful.

The procedure is performed in the same way as a standard tummy tuck; however, you will receive a reshaping of the hips, flanks, and thighs, as well as liposuction of the thighs if necessary, giving you a well-rounded transformation of the whole midsection.

Do I need an extended tummy tuck?

Men and women in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas, may benefit from an extended tummy tuck if you:

• Have loose or wrinkly skin or extra fat in the stomach area
• Have lost weight and want to get rid of excess skin for a toned look
• Are not satisfied with the appearance of your midsection even after diet and exercise
• Want to tone your midsection after childbirth

Tummy tucks can be folded into other treatments, like a mommy makeover, if you’d like to address multiple areas of your body. If your stomach has good skin tightness and you’re not satisfied with your midsection, liposuction may be better for you.

What should I expect after an extended tummy tuck?

Your tummy tuck may take anywhere between 1 – 5 hours, depending on your level of need. After you’re released to go home, you can expect about eight weeks of recovery. It’s likely you’ll need help the first few days following your surgery, especially if you have young children. You’ll likely feel some tightness around your stomach and may only be able to hunch over rather than stand fully extended for a week or two — no worries, though, as this is perfectly normal! You might struggle with standing, lifting objects, and movement in general, but this will begin to subside. After about 1 – 2 weeks, you should be able to get back to some of your normal activities like driving, and more as time goes on.

Age, postoperative care, and your general health can all impact your expected recovery. Dr. Hakimi will go over these expectations and how best to care for yourself before you are released home, and he is only a phone call away should you have any questions or concerns while recovering.

Get a tight and toned tummy

If you’ve lost weight and have excess skin around your midsection, can’t seem to get rid of your love handles, or are sick of having a muffin top after diet and exercise, an extended tummy tuck may be just what you need. This fat removal surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi can help you address areas of your midsection you’re unhappy with to create a look that you’re pleased with and proud of. Contact Dr. Michael Hakimi in Newport Beach, CA today to schedule a consultation.