Is an aggressive abdominoplasty the same as an extended tummy tuck?

Question

I am aware that they are both tummy tucks lol but does the "Aggressive" indicate that it is an extended tummy tuck?

Terrence Scamp, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

These are not terms in wide usage so they are open to interpretation .What would need to be done varies with your clinical situation so without seeing you I can't really give further advice.CheersTS

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is not a universal nomenclature for the types of abdominoplasties. I would ask your surgeon to clarify what he/she means by the type you are discussing. In general, you may come across these types:Mini-Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty: this usually means addressing the excess skin below the belly button only. Various degrees of rectus plication could occur. (Standard) Abdominoplasty: this usually addresses excess skin above and below the belly button (sometimes with moving the belly button or perhaps just pulling it down); usually the rectus muscles are plicated along their lengthExtended Abdominoplasty: I use this term to describe an abdominoplasty that is extended further back than normal - usually to address the love handles or flanks. This may include extending the incision back along the flanks or maybe just some liposuction in this area.Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty: This would include a vertical extension up along the midline of the abdomen in addition to the horizontal incision along the bottom. This is usually done in massive weight loss patients; you are definitely accepting a higher profile scar for an improvement in contour. The fleur-de-lis incision is the best way to address horizontal skin laxity. Circumferential Abdominoplasty or Torsoplasty: this is essentially an abdominoplasty and an excisional buttock lift.

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi. They are not really 'surgical' terms. The classic adominoplasty is described as 'radical' in the medicare schedule to differentiate it from simple wedge excisions of abdominal aprons. Most plastic surgeons wouldnt call it radical. There are basically 3 types of TT- Mini, standard and fleur de lys which has a long vertical scar as well. This could be called extended. In addition if the scar is extended to around the back it is becoming more of a body lift. Regards

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, these terms will mean slightly different things to different surgeons so it is important to clarify exactly what the surgeon intends to do.  This includes length of the incision, area that will be treated with skin removal or muscle tightening, and any other procedures done at the same time like liposuction.

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

These are not standard terms and hence they can be interpreted as you see fit.This is what I think the terms meanExtended refers to extending the scar to get rid of most skin, hence the scar will go around the side for a little bit. ( but not completely around).Aggressive, may refer to 1. aggressive de fatting by liposuction, or 2. extension of the scar to aggressively remove all the excess skin or 3. aggressive tightening of the rectus sheath to tighten it to give you a flat abdomen or a combination of 1+2+3.Best is to ask your Plastic Surgeon

Pouria Moradi, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Thats a good question, I think both words are interchangeable.You should ask your surgeon what he/she meant.I am sure you will find that they are exactly the same.I hope this helps.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sometimes what one surgeon describes as "aggressive or extended" may not be the same as another. Generally, when I hear "extended" TT, I think about extending the horizontal incision onto the back in an effort to excise more tissue from the flanks. I'd ask your surgeon for some more clarification about the "aggressive" TT. Best wishes.

Is an aggressive abdominoplasty the same as an extended tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

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