What is the Difference Between a Belt Lipectomy and an Extended Tummy Tuck?

Question

I am interested in the benefits of a lower body lift that circles the body and includes the outer and medial thighs and buttocks areas but am a bit confused by the terminology. Thanks in advance!

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

In reality, the differtence between the two is how far you carry the surgery around the trunk. A regular abdominoplasty usually stops at each patients hip bones or there abouts. An extended abdominoplasty carries out the incision further to get more tisse around the hips. A belt lipectomy implies that you are going all the way around the torso to effect not only the abdomen, but the hips/lateral thighs, buttocks, and back. I hope this helps.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A consultation would help determine which of the following procedures is the right one for you:1) 
 Traditional tummy tuck:  Reduces a great amount of skin laxity, 
tightens the abdominal wall muscles and keeps the incision hidden in the
 underwear line.2)  An extended tummy tuck:  Same as a tummy tuck, but helps to reduce more skin laxity around the flanks.3) 
 A corset tummy tuck:  Adds a vertical scar and breast fold scar, but 
reduces a significant amount of vertical skin laxity in addition to the 
horizontal skin laxity and creates the most hour-glass type figure.  
Downside is more visible scar4)  A belt lipectomy helps lift the outer thighs and buttock in addition to the benefits of an extended tummy tuck.Options
 3 and 4 usually have a significant amount of skin laxity that is being 
addressed.  I would recommend visiting with a board certified plastic 
surgeon who can spend time with you to explain the different options in 
more detail.

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

A belt Lipectomy also known as circular tummy tuck is a procedure mostly ment for massive weight loss surgery patients; an insicion is made all around your torso, being able to remove excess skin from the abdomen sides and back and at the same time lifting the buttocks and in a certain degree the tighs as well.

	An extended Tummy Tuck or Semi Circular Tummy Tuck is performed to remove excess skin not only from the abdomen but also from the sides or flanks.

	I hope this answers your question.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your successful weight loss.  The tummy tuck procedure addresses the anterior abdominal wall whereas the lower body lift addresses the torso circumferentially.   In other words, the lower body lift (AKA belt lipectomy) will address the lateral thighs, back and buttocks areas (to some degree).
 Which operation you should undergo will depend on your areas of concern (goals) best communicated directly with your plastic surgeon in front of a full-length mirror and with the help of goal photographs.
 Best wishes.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

There are two different operations. The "Belt" is a circumferential excision (totally around the lower abdomen) while the "extended" is an additional incision past the hips as Dr. Aldea has eluded to. The best ti to see a boarded plastic surgeon in your area.

	From MIAMI DR. B

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

The usual standard Tummy Tuck incision is dictated the the degrees of excess skin but usually spans from one hip to another. An EXTENDED Tummy Tuck is any extension laterally past the hips. On the other hand a belt lipectomy is = a tummy tuck + bilateral lateral thigh lifts + buttock lift - in other words, a circumferential operation and scar which removes all skin excess.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

There is no exact terminology for many procedures and one surgeon's version may vary from another's but a belt lipectomy implies an incision all the way around you and an extended tummy tuck focuses on the front of you, not the back. Check with each doctor to be sure you are getting what you want.

What is the Difference Between a Belt Lipectomy and an Extended Tummy Tuck?

Answers (7)

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