Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck, often referred to as an extended abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that goes beyond what a traditional tummy tuck entails. It’s designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, flanks, and lower back.

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This procedure enhances the scope of a conventional tummy tuck by excising more excess skin and fat from the abdomen, broadening the treatment zone to achieve more extensive contouring outcomes. It targets the abdominal area and the entire waist, extending to the flanks. This additional reach is particularly beneficial for those who have love handles and fat deposits on the lower back that are more prominent when sitting down. 

Individuals who have experienced considerable weight loss or whose body shape has altered due to pregnancy or aging often opt for an extended tummy tuck. It provides a more comprehensive contouring effect, resulting in a smoother and more toned appearance across a larger portion of the torso. It can create a more harmonious, natural body profile by addressing a wider area. 

If you are ready to explore your tummy tuck options that will provide you with long-lasting results and confidence, contact Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Our board-certified surgeons, led by body contouring expert Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, have decades of combined experience and will guide you in the right direction to attain your dream body. When you book a consultation at our practice, you can expect a thorough walkthrough of what steps to take to prepare and how to best recover from your tummy tuck. We may also suggest other treatments, like liposuction, which may augment your result. To get started today visit or call one of our many plastic surgery offices throughout New York and Florida: 

For your convenience, you can also inquire about our procedures online, and a member of our staff will help you book your first consultation. 

The Main Causes of Abdominal Fat and Skin Laxity 

Abdominal fat and skin laxity are complex cosmetic and health issues that aren’t always easy to address. Some people may struggle to get a flat, toned midsection due to genetics, hormones, changes caused by pregnancy, and weight fluctuations. Many patients who have lost weight by taking weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy might seek assistance in removing excess skin post-weight loss.

Even with a proper workout and diet regime, belly fat can be stubborn. Pregnant women, especially, are prone to experiencing diastasis recti, a condition where the muscles of the abdomen separate, causing the appearance of a bulging belly. ⁽¹⁾  

Though it is usually harmless, many women with the condition can experience poor posture, lower back pain, and even urinary incontinence. In other instances, people may have an abundance of loose skin that is unable to retract against the body. Research has shown that beginning as soon as your 30s, connective fibers that keep your skin tight and youthful begin to degrade, so any fat in your midsection will protrude more easily. ⁽²⁾ 

In other cases of significant weight loss, excess skin will naturally droop downward due to the loss of strong collagen fibers and the accumulation of more elastin fibers. Luckily, extended tummy tucks are designed to address all of the above issues in one comprehensive procedure. 

Candidates for an Extended Tummy Tuck 

Ideal candidates looking to undergo an extended tummy tuck should be in good health with no chronic conditions that could inhibit the healing process. Ideally, patients should have a BMI under 30 since obesity can place them at a higher risk of experiencing complications. Weight loss medications such as Ozempic can bring down BMI and may result in a smoother process.  During your consultation, the surgeons at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology will evaluate your excess abdominal tissue when you are sitting down. If this tissue significantly overlaps your hips and extends almost to your back, then an extended tummy tuck may be the best option. Many times, those with tissue on the waist or flanks are treated with a combination of liposuction and standard tummy tuck techniques. ⁽³⁾ Our surgeons will come up with a treatment plan that is unique to your figure. 

Schedule a Consultation 

Tummy tucks, including the extended tummy tuck, are among the most common procedures at our practice. With Dr. Greenberg’s experience in performing traditional and extended tummy tucks, you will receive top-of-the-line treatment that prioritizes both your health and beauty. To schedule an appointment for an extended tummy tuck or explore other treatments- including those mentioned in our blog– be sure to contact our Plastic Surgery offices in New York and Florida at your convenience: 

Preparation Steps 

In preparation for your procedure, our surgeons will review your medications and supplements and ask that you stop taking blood thinners and other anticoagulants that can complicate your surgery. If you smoke, use e-cigarettes, or consume nicotine in any way, our plastic surgeons will ask you to stop at least a few weeks before and a few weeks after your procedure to get your circulatory system working at its very best. 

You may want to organize comfortable clothing that will be easy to take on and off during the first few days of recovery. You should speak with your surgeon about which over-the-counter medications are safe. Finally, you should make a plan for someone to escort you home after you are discharged. If our surgeons approve a general anesthetic, you should avoid eating for 12 hours before surgery to avoid any unwanted complications. 

The Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery in New York and Florida

An extended tummy tuck operation begins with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. You may have to stay one day overnight following an extended tummy tuck surgery so that our surgeons can properly monitor you. The surgery itself comprises a few simple steps:

Will I Lose Weight With an Extended Tummy Tuck? 

Tummy tucks are not meant to be weight loss procedures and they won’t improve your health in any significant way. As a body-contouring procedure, it is meant to simply sculpt a more flattering body shape. Since the removed tissue is skin and fat, it is not very dense tissue and won’t cause much weight loss. On average, patients lose about 5 to 15 pounds with a tummy tuck. Many patients find extended abdominoplasty to be useful after massive weight loss. After significant weight loss from semaglutide medications such as Ozempic, excess skin may require surgical removal with an extended tummy tuck.

What to Expect During Recovery

After an extended tummy tuck procedure, swelling and bruising around the entire midsection are common side effects. It’s important to reserve judgment on the results of your plastic surgery for at least a couple of weeks; it will take time for these effects to subside and for your body to adjust to its new curvature. Recovering from an extended tummy tuck involves several stages and precautions. 

You will be able to treat the initial discomfort with prescribed pain medications. Wearing the elastic compression garment your doctor provides will help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. 

During your recovery, monitoring for any signs of infection or complications, such as increased swelling, bruising, bleeding, or unusual pain, is essential. With every passing day, your side effects should improve, not worsen. Although your surgeon will administer antibiotics to reduce the likelihood of infection, there remains a small possibility that it could occur. It’s crucial to report any worrisome symptoms to our surgeons immediately. Consistent follow-up visits with our plastic surgeon are vital in ensuring a secure and effective recovery process.

About 2 to 3 weeks into your recovery, you will likely feel well enough to go back to work, though you should abstain from working out for at least 6 weeks- or until you get your surgeon’s approval. The full results of the surgery will become apparent as residual swelling subsides over several months, and scars will gradually fade, though they will not disappear entirely. Emotional well-being, a healthy diet, and proper hydration are essential to a successful recovery. 

Lastly, adhering to your surgeon’s long-term care instructions, including skincare and sun protection, is vital for maintaining the results of your extended tummy tuck. Remember, recovery experiences can vary, so it’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s advice every step of the way.

Cost of an Extended Tummy Tuck on Long Island 

The cost of your extended tummy tuck will depend on your anesthesia costs, scheduled appointments, prescriptions, and other related surgical fees. Your surgeon at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the costs involved at the time of your consultation, taking into consideration all of the above factors. We strive to provide cost-effective financing plans with CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, and PatientFi for all interested patients. 

To find out more about how an extended tummy tuck can serve to transform your quality of life and overall confidence, reach out to us at one of the following numbers or book your appointment today using our contact form. 

References

1. Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/#:~:text=Introduction- 
2. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/ 
3. Shestak KC. The extended abdominoplasty. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(4):705-713. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2014.07.001