Extended tummy tuck vs regular tummy tuck? What’s the difference?

Question

Hi I went to a plastic surgeon to get a quote on a tummy tuck and she said I could go with a regular tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck if I choose regular my sides could be good with exercise my only concern is if I go with a regular tummy tuck (to avoid longer scar) will the exercise fix my love handles? And will I have extra skin hanging ?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures it looks like you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction of your sides and back for a nice contour, always see a board certified PS.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello julus2008, 
  I appreciate your questions! Based on your pictures, you seem to be a good candidate for High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty (Extended Tummy Tuck). This procedure includes a tummy tuck in the front of the abdomen and transfers the lift over the hip to the side of the thigh to improve contour in this area, suspending and improving the hip and thigh. You can simulate the effect by grabbing the skin on the sides of your waist and pulling up as if you’re putting on a pair of pants. I also recommend getting VASER Liposuction on the flanks to eliminate excess fat while tightening your skin, in one single procedure. VASER Liposuction is clinically proven to cause 53% more skin retraction relative to standard liposuction methods. Set up an in-person consultation with your plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for Extended Tummy Tuck and VASER Liposuction and discuss your specific needs and cosmetic goals. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This could be either an extended tummy tuck or a regular tummy tuck.   This can be done
through a low incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

I would recommend the extended incision and possibly some liposuction to get the best result.  The little extra length on the scar is well worth the improvement that you get in contour.  Many modern board certified plastic surgeons will work to place the incision low on your abdomen so that it is hidden in the underwear line and it will fade dramatically over several years.  I would not want to risk getting the best result to have a shorter scar.  Best of luck on your Journey.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

Twenty years ago no one differentiated between tummy tuck and extended tummy tuck.  Basically, the longer the incision the more skin you can excise.  No patient has the same length incision, the operation should be tailored to the patient.  That was the long answer, short answer, you look like you need a longer incision.  Good luck, Jane

Robert Heck, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photos it looks like you're getting good advice. The extended incision will allow your surgeon to address the tissue and skin that extends to the sides which it appears like you need. If you're already having surgery I would highly recommend having the extended incision to address the love handle area or in the least liposuction to those areas to give you a beautiful outcome. Best of luck.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Hi Julus,After reviewing your photographs, I would recommend you pursue the option of extended abdominoplasty. While your surgeon is correct that you could choose a standard abdominoplasty and achieve a flatter abdomen, you would have the issue of the hip and flank area looking odd because your abdomen is so flat and those areas are not. I would personally recommend you go with the extended abdominoplasty along with flank and thigh liposuction. If you are concerned with the scarring, choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with. The scarring can be kept to a minimum along the area where your underwear usually cover when you choose the right surgeon and meticulously follow care instructions. Hope this helps. Best Regards, Dr. Lane Smith Las Vegas / Henderson Nevada

Kenton Schoonover, MD · Answer

I would recommend an incision that extends to the end of your skin fold when sitting down.  I also feel that it would be best to also do some liposuction of your love handles at the same time.  I think you can have an incredible improvement of your abdominal contour!  I don't think that it would be a good idea to try to shorten the scar any more than that.  The little bit of additional scar length will be well worth it.  Make sure that you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon to help you make the best plan for you.

Charles T. Slack, MD · Answer

One thing that I think is helpful to look at when trying to decide between a standared tummy tuck or an extended is look at how much skin folding ther is laterally when you are sitting down. If this folding goes around almost to your back then and it bothers you I would lean towards an extended abdominoplasty. Your love handle (flank) fullness could be improved with weightloss or liposuction. I would clarify wiht your surgeon if he or she was planning on liposuctioning this area as part of your abdominoplasty. This is not usually included with either type of abdominoplasty. The exteded abdominoplasty just take out additional lax/excess skin. I hope this was helpful.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

In your question, you mention the desire to correct your love handles. Based on your photos,  you have significant excess skin that extends out laterally to the hips and flanks. Even though there is no back photo included, I would guess you have circumferential  excess skin and tissue. I would guess you have had some significant weight loss. A standard abdominoplasty will not address this excess skin laterally, nor will diet and exercise alone address this excess skin. I would recommend an extended abdominoplasty.   The only thing worse than a incision that is too long is an excision that is too short. Make sure your PS has experience in post weight loss patients and ask to see photos of patients like you.

Extended tummy tuck vs regular tummy tuck? What’s the difference?

Answers (13)

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