Does the extended tummy tuck (flanks and lower back) and chest lift produce as much tightness as a conventional tummy tuck?

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding the tightness and discomfort you are experiencing after your tummy tuck procedure with liposuction.

It's not uncommon for patients to experience a certain degree of tightness and numbness after this type of procedure, and this can persist for several months or even up to a year or more. However, in some cases, patients may continue to experience these sensations even beyond the typical healing period.

While it is difficult to determine the exact cause of your discomfort without an in-person evaluation, it's possible that you may be experiencing some residual swelling or inflammation that is contributing to the tightness you are feeling. In some cases, additional liposuction or revision surgery may be necessary to address these concerns.

I would highly recommend that you schedule a follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action. Your surgeon may also recommend additional treatments or therapies to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall results.

Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best of luck in your continued recovery and healing process.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

With a tummy tuck, skin is being removed and the muscle is being tightened with plication sutures. With other excess skin removal surgeries (flanks, chest, lower back/lower body lift), the superficial fascia is often sutured to take tension off the skin but not muscle tightening like during an abdominoplasty.