Liposuction: Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the body by suctioning it from targeted areas using a tube with a cutting tip. Liposuction can be used to remove fat from the thighs, abdomen, hips, breasts, upper arms, back and neck areas. It can also be used as an alternative to gastric bypass surgery or other procedures for treating obesity.
Extended tummy tuck with liposuction: The extended tummy tuck is a combination of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction. It is performed to remove loose skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks after pregnancy, or weight loss. This procedure can reduce the waistline and give your abdomen a more toned look.
Read on to learn more on Extended Tummy Tuck With Liposuction, How much does an extended tummy tuck cost and Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
Extended Tummy Tuck With Liposuction
Have you ever put new carpet in your house only to realize that, next to the new carpet, the paint looks faded and the light fixtures appear dated?
Well, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can sometimes have the same effect – suddenly that muffin top is more obvious when your belly is nice and flat. This is a situation where liposuction can work well with your tummy tuck.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a process where the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the skin and inserts a cannula, or small tube, through the incision into underlying fat deposits. By moving the cannula up and down in the fat tissue, the surgeon is able to break up the fat, and then suction it out through the cannula.
Liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body from the thighs to underneath the chin. It may also be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck to give an improved overall appearance. A tummy tuck with liposuction can make the newly tightened stomach look more natural and proportional to the rest of the torso.
Doesn’t the Tummy Tuck Remove the Fat? Why Do I Need Liposuction, Too?
Though its primary function is to tighten the belly, some fat will likely be removed during a tummy tuck. But, if you have a full tummy tuck, in which the incision extends from hip bone to hip bone, you may still find you have fat on your sides or “flanks” and even along the lower back—those pesky muffin tops.
In some instances an extended or full tummy tuck, in which the incision extends around the sides or all the way around, may be most appropriate to deal with excess fat and loose skin in these areas.
But for many, liposuction of the flanks and lower back may provide the desired results without the more extensive surgery.
What About Liposuction On the Front of the Abdomen?
If you are concerned that a tummy tuck will tighten your abdomen but leave too much fat behind on the front (anterior) of your abdomen, your surgeon may recommend two separate procedures. He can advise you on whether liposuction alone, abdominoplasty alone, or a combination of the two will help you achieve the results you are looking for.
Be aware that liposuction in the area of the tummy tuck – the anterior of the abdomen – may need to happen in a separate procedure from the tummy tuck itself. This is called “staging” the procedure and your specific anatomy will determine whether you should have liposuction then tummy tuck, tummy tuck then liposuction, or both procedures together.
Liposuction and Tummy Tucks are Not Weight Loss Procedures
Remember that both liposuction and a tummy tuck – together or individually – are meant to “fine tune” your appearance. They aren’t weight loss procedures.
Liposuction works best on trouble spots – those fat deposits that won’t seem to budge no matter how many crunches you do. Similarly, a tummy tuck will help tighten up a loose abdomen, particularly loose skin that persists after weight loss or pregnancy.
Nature working the way she does, many people have a combination of excess fat and skin. Liposuction and tummy tuck combined can often provide the best results.
Will a Tummy Tuck Combined with Liposuction Work for You?
Dr. Slack offers a free consultation to patients in the Collin County area who would like to discuss their cosmetic surgery options. Take a look at his before and after galleries for tummy tuck and liposuction. Some women may also consider a Mommy Makeover, in which breast surgery is done at the same time as the other procedures. Once you are ready to discuss whether a tummy tuck with liposuction can help you achieve your goals, please get in touch. Dr. Slack will be pleased to chat with you.
How much does an extended tummy tuck cost
The cost of an extended tummy will vary depending on the surgeon, the volume of fat, and the size of the area. The price range for a tummy tuck generally falls between $4,000 and $18,000.
In 2019, the average cost of a tummy tuck (not extended) was $6,092 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Because there is more involved in an extended tummy tuck, the cost will likely be more. In addition, this cost is only for the procedure and does not take into account anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
Because tummy tucks are usually done for aesthetic reasons only, the procedure will not be covered by insurance. In some cases, a tummy tuck may relieve back pain and incontinence. You will also likely have to take several days off from work for recovery.
How does an extended tummy tuck work?
Extended tummy tucks work by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing any muscles that have become loosened or torn. Through an incision above the pubic hairline that wraps around to the lower back, skin and fat are removed from the stomach and flank area. The skin is laid flat, and the belly button is reattached, giving the skin a smoother, flatter appearance.
In a 2012 studyTrusted Source of 25 individuals who underwent extended tummy tuck surgery, all 25 were “extremely satisfied” with the results.
Procedure for extended tummy tuck
- During an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon will typically make an incision between your hip bones, low in the pubic area. If you’re having a tummy tuck after a C-section, they may reopen the same scar.
- Any muscles that have been separated, such as from pregnancy, will be sewn together so they appear taut. Full tummy tucks can fix diastasis recti, which is a splitting of the abdominal muscles.
- The belly button will be cut away, and liposuction may be performed if there is extra fat.
- Excess skin is removed from the tummy and flank area, and the skin will be pulled taut.
- Finally, the belly button is sutured in its original place, unless you and your surgeon decide to change its shape.
Targeted areas for extended tummy tuck
Extended tummy tucks target the upper and lower stomach, waist, flanks, and sometimes the uppermost lateral portion of the thigh.
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Are there any risks or side effects?
As with all surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with extended tummy tucks. One study found that 8.5 percentTrusted Source of people who underwent tummy tuck surgery were re-administered into the hospital because of some kind of complication. These complications and side effects may include:
- numbness after surgery, which is typically temporary
- excess fluid or blood pooling in the belly
- swelling and redness
- internal organ puncture — while rare, could be caused by cannula (a tube that removes excess fluids from the body) penetrating too deeply and potentially puncturing an organ
What to expect after an extended tummy tuck
Your surgeon or nurse should brief you on what to expect after surgery including:
- what activities to avoid and how long
- if and when you can consume alcohol and certain medications or supplements
- how long to wear your compression garment
- how to manage your drainage tubes, if your surgeon uses them
- when to schedule a follow-up appointment
You will be able to see some results immediately, though your abdominal area will be swollen and bandaged. For the first few weeks, you will likely be advised to rest at an angle and avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy things.
Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
When deciding whether to have a tummy tuck, it is important to consider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of the scar.
There are many reasons a person may choose to have a tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty. Those who may consider having a tummy tuck include:
- women who have loose skin or abdominal sagging after pregnancy
- people who have excess skin after weight loss
- individuals with a protruding abdomen despite losing weight
Regardless of the reason, a person needs to follow all postsurgical instructions to avoid infection or other complications.
In this article, we provide tips for recovery from a tummy tuck. We also examine how long recovery takes and what to expect following a tummy tuck procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Typically, a person can expect to feel themselves again around 8 weeks after surgery.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure for most individuals, meaning they can go home the same day.
Recovery time from a tummy tuck procedure will vary, depending on factors such as:
- the type of tummy tuck
- the age of the recipient
- postsurgical care
- general health of the person
People should discuss their recovery timeline with their surgeon who can give an estimate that they will base on the individual’s situation.
Stages of recovery
A person should discuss recovery time before the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a person should ask their surgeon:
- how to bathe after the procedure
- when to remove their bandages
- when to return to normal activities
- when to return for follow-up care
- what drugs they must take after the procedure
Asking these questions can help a person prepare and take the right steps for the smoothest recovery possible.
Recovery timeline
Immediately following the procedure, a person can expect to go to a recovery room. A healthcare professional will monitor them and check the incision.
During recovery in the hospital, they will receive instructions on:
- recovery time
- how to care for the incision
- when to expect to resume normal activity
When a person is free to leave the hospital, they will need someone there to take them home. Doctors do not recommend they drive themselves home after surgery.
There may be drainage tubes that need emptying, and the individual will have to record the amount of fluid draining from their wound each day.
At home, a person should make sure they have someone to help them for the first few days, as their mobility will be limited. They may experience tightness around their tummy and only be able to walk hunched over for a week or two.
Initially, they can expect the incision to feel sore. They will likely need to lie in bed at an angle and may also have trouble with:
- standing
- lifting objects
- general movement
Many people take up to a month off work, particularly if their occupation is physically demanding.
After a tummy tuck, an individual may need help caring for young children for several weeks to months. They should also avoid exercise for the first several weeks until a doctor gives them the all-clear.
However, a person can typically return to activities, such as driving, within 1 to 2 weeks and gradually do more everyday tasks as time passes.
Finally, a tummy tuck scar will likely feel sore or tight for several weeks to months following surgery. The visibility of the scar will slowly fade.
Factors affecting recovery time
Recovery time after a tummy tuck can vary. Some common factors that impact this include:
- type of tummy tuck
- age
- postsurgery care
- general health
The types of tummy tuck include:
- Mini tummy tuck. This procedure has the shortest recovery time and minimal scarring.
- Classic or full tummy tuck. The scar will stretch from hip to hip, and recovery will take longer, but a person should be able to hide the scar under their bathing suit.
- Extended tummy tuck. This tummy tuck creates the largest scar. The scar may be visible under bathing suits and takes the longest time to heal.
It can be helpful to take steps to avoid constipation after surgery, as some pain medications can slow down the bowels. Straining to have a bowel movement will cause discomfort.
Tips for recovery
During recovery from a tummy tuck, people need plenty of rest and must follow all of their doctor’s recovery instructions.
They will need to carry out daily maintenance of their incision and drainage tubes. Typically, daily maintenance includes:
- keeping the incision site clean and dry
- changing the bandage daily
- taking any prescribed antibiotics
- applying topical creams at the incision site
A person will likely have a supportive wrap, binder, or compression garment for their abdomen to prevent swelling and reduce discomfort.
Following a tummy tuck, they should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 3 months. Tobacco and alcohol can negatively affect healing.
Also, they should:
- avoid lifting heavy objects, including small children
- temporarily stop exercising until told otherwise
- take time off from physically demanding work
Side effects of surgery
After surgery, a person may have limited mobility and experience some pain. Typically, the surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication.
The incision will also typically feel tight, causing a pulling sensation on standing or moving.
Finally, a person will find they can no longer do some of their normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, they can return to activities slowly as they start to recover.