Do I need an extended tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

Wondering if i need an extended TT because I dont habe concerns on my lower back or sides, just the front of my hips and abdomen. Is that still extended?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

An extended tummy tuck as you state usually goes very far around the hips.

I agree that you should not need one. A standard tummy tuck, the scar should be mainly lower belly. Perhaps slight toward the hip bone but not around the waist.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If your excess skin and laxity are mainly in the front of the abdomen and extend toward the front of the hips, you may still benefit from an extended tummy tuck. A standard full tummy tuck may be enough if the laxity is limited to the central abdomen. The best choice depends on the amount and distribution of your skin laxity, so an in-person examination is needed to determine whether the standard or extended approach would give you the best result.

Michael D. Baratta, MD · Answer

Hello,
To decide weather an extended tummy tuck is an option depends on the amount of excess skin and skin laxity versus and how far around your torso it goes. The more excess and laxity there is at the sides and towards the back may make you a good candidate for either an extended abdominoplasty or potentially a circumferential abdominoplasty. Having pictures of the back as well and even better, performing an in-person physical exam would allow for the proper answer to this question. From the photo you posted you do appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck but the final decision on what type would be better made after a true consultation.
Thank you,
Michael Baratta, MD

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

An extended tummy tuck is required when there is excess skin laterally. It is hard to assess from this photograph. However, you do appear to have a narrow chest and wide hips. This makes it more likely that you will not need an extended tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Thank for your question, Yes, if your procedure needs to address skin laxity on the front and sides of your hips, it will likely require an extended tummy tuck.
An extended tummy tuck does not mean the incision goes across your lower back. That misconception often causes patients to confuse an extended tummy tuck with a 360 circumferential body lift, for more details contact us 829-745-2440.
Dr. Luis Mejia
Let's make it better

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

it will depend on your surgeon and their definition of an extended tummy tuck.  I define them as follows:  1.  mini:  incision inside the hip bones. 2.  Standard:  incision from hip bone to hip bone. 3.  Extended:  incision extends well beyond the hip bones onto the flanks. 4.  circumferential:  incision extends around the trunk.  In your case you look more like a standard case.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

An extended tummy tuck usually means the incision continues farther around the hips than a standard tummy tuck. It is used when there is loose skin not only in the front abdomen, but also toward the flanks, front of the hips, or sides.
If your concern is mainly the abdomen and the front of the hips, you may still need more than a short standard tummy tuck incision, but not necessarily a full extended incision around the back. The incision length should match where the loose skin ends.
A standard tummy tuck can improve the front abdomen, remove lower abdominal loose skin, tighten the abdominal wall if needed, and reshape the belly button. If there is extra skin that pulls around the hip area, extending the scar slightly can prevent bunching or dog-ears at the ends.
The best choice depends on the pinch test while standing and bending, not just the photo. Your surgeon should show you where the incision would likely end and whether the side/front hip laxity can be treated with a standard or mildly extended tummy tuck.
My advice would be to focus less on the label “extended” and more on the planned scar length and skin removal pattern. If the loose skin reaches the front hips, a somewhat extended tummy tuck may give a smoother result, even if you do not need correction of the lower back.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. It does not appear that you have redundant skin extending out laterally on your abdomen, which would necessitate an extended tummy tuck. A standard tummy tuck would achieve smoothing and flattening of your tummy and thinning of your waist should be able to be accomplished with liposuction. Your plastic surgeon will demonstrate this and explain your best option at the time of your consultation. Best wishes.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

In your case, your would probably benefit from an extended tummy tuck given the amount of overall skin that you have.  This would simply require extending the incision a little more posteriorly to accomodate.

I personally would recommend the TrueTuck Tummy Tuck procedure for you for the following benefits:
-Drainless tummy tuck
-More of a corseted/snatched appearance to your torso
-Lifting of the mons area
-More effective 3-dimensional shaping using two forms of liposuction and Renuvion Skin Tightening

I hope that helps and wish you the very best in your surgical journey!

Kelly Schultz, MD · Answer

Whether you would benefit most from a standard or extended tummy tuck really depends on your anatomy and your aesthetic goals. An in-person examination is important to determine exactly where you have skin laxity and how far it extends around your abdomen.
A standard tummy tuck primarily addresses excess skin and laxity of the anterior (front) abdomen. An extended tummy tuck carries the skin removal and incision farther around the sides of the body and can be especially helpful when there is significant laxity involving the lateral (side) abdomen or flanks.
If you don't have concerns about loose skin along your sides or back and your laxity is primarily limited to the front of your abdomen and hips, you may be a great candidate for a standard tummy tuck rather than an extended one.
A consultation with a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon will allow them to examine your skin laxity and recommend the incision length that will best accomplish your goals. Best of luck with your consultation and surgery!

Do I need an extended tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (17)

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