Extended Tummy Tuck FAQs – Questions about Extended Abdominoplasty

Posted on by Dr Carmen Munteanu FRACS (Plas)

Dr Carmen answers Questions About Extended Tummy Tuck FAQs – Extended Abdominoplasty FAQs

An extended Tummy Tuck – abdominoplasty can help remove excess skin from the front and sides of your abdomen. This may have been caused by significant weight loss or post pregnancy. Dr Carmen Munteanu is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne and Body Contouring Expert.

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Tummy Tuck Surgery – Abdominoplasty

GUIDE Tummy Tuck
GUIDE Tummy Tuck

 

Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty FAQs

Do I need a full or extended abdominoplasty?

  • An abdominoplasty is ideal for you if you want to get rid of excess skin on your abdominal area and wish to achieve a flat stomach. Extended abdominoplasty extends beyond the tummy area and targets flanks, hips and lower back as well. Based on your needs, you can opt for a full or extended abdominoplasty.

How do I decide between having a standard abdominoplasty or an extended abdominoplasty?

  • If you have excess skin and fat on the front part of your belly, a standard tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is a right way to go. On the other hand, if you have excess skin/fat around your waist, abdominal area, and flanks, an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is the right option.

Does an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty lift your thighs?

  • Yes, an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty lifts up your thighs and buttocks as the incision is extended to the flanks.

Does an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty lift your pubic area?

  • An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is designed to remove excess fat and tighten skin on the abdominal area. It also improves the appearance of your pubic region. However, if your pubic is beyond minimally saggy, an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty won’t be of much help.

What is the best age for an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Generally, a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is performed on people 18 to 68 years of age (and in some cases older). It is important that the patient is in generally good health condition.

Is there an alternative to an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • If you have loads of excess skin and fat around your abdominal area, getting an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is the way to go. There are non-surgical alternatives such as radiofrequency assisted liposuction, but they won’t create as much of a dramatic impact. Such options are suitable for those who have a little bit of excess skin and fat.

What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Abdominoplasty mainly focuses on removing excess skin and fat in your upper and lower abdominal area. An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty extends to your abdomen, fat and hip area. The incisions of the extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty extend to the hip and back.

Will an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty get rid of FUPA?

Surgery for Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty FAQs

How long does extended abdominoplasty surgery last?

  • The extended abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 hours.

Will my upper thigh skin and back skin get tightened during an extended abdominoplasty?

  • Yes, your upper thigh and back skin will be tightened during the extended abdominoplasty surgery.

Will smoking cause problems with my extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery?

  • Smoking interferes with the blood flow, which can be problematic for any major surgery. Hence, it is advised to quit smoking for at least six weeks before and after the surgery.

How much skin is removed in an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • There is no limit to how much skin is removed during the surgery. It completely depends on your unique case.

When can you stop wearing a compression garment after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

What is the maximum BMI for an extended abdominoplasty?

  • Most surgeons do not perform extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty on patients who have a BMI of 40 or above.

Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Recovery FAQs

What can I expect after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • You will experience swelling and bruising for the first few months after the surgery. Some people also experience a pulling and tugging sensation in the abdominal region for months after the surgery.

What is the recovery time for someone who has had an extended abdominoplasty?

  • The length of recovery period depends on a number of factors. You can return to work between four to six weeks after the surgery. However, complete recovery usually takes eight weeks.

Will there be a lot of swelling following my surgery?

  • Swelling is common after any surgery. The amount of swelling is based on your individual immune system and healing process.

How long are you swollen after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • You will most likely experience swelling for up to three months after the surgery.

When can I bend over after abdominoplasty?

  • You should be able to bend in a matter of 7 to 14 days after the surgery.

How long is blood clot risk after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

How can I reduce the risk of blood clots following extended abdominal surgery?

  • Here are the tips that will help you minimise the risk of blood clots:
    • Do not smoke for four weeks before and after the surgery.
    • Avoid using contraceptives and hormonal pills for a few weeks before and after the surgery.
    • Go for light walks after the surgery.
    • Wear your compression garments for at least eight weeks after the surgery.
    • Use sequential compression devices with your surgeon’s approval.

How tight should a compression garment be after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • The compression garment helps to re-drape the tissue after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty. The compression garments need to be snug but not tight to the point that they cause discomfort.

Can I lay on my side after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • No, you should sleep on your back after the surgery.

Can you climb stairs after extended tummy tuck surgery/ abdominoplasty?

  • Avoid climbing stairs for at least a week after the surgery. After that, you can resume light activities. However, do not do anything that hurts.

How long after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty can I wear jeans?

  • You can wear jeans six weeks after the surgery.

How long does it take for the lymphatic system to heal after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • It takes about two to three months for the lymphatic system to heal after the surgery.
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Longer Term Effects of Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

Will my extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty scar be noticeable?

  • Yes, your extended tummy tuck surgery/ abdominoplasty scar will be noticeable after the surgery. However, with proper care and time, the scars will fade away. You can discuss your scar removal treatment options with your surgeon.

Do you eat less after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Yes, it is fairly common for people to have a small appetite for three to six months after the surgery.

Can your stomach get big after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Yes. If you gain weight, your stomach can become bigger even after an extended tummy tuck surgery/ abdominoplasty.

Will an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty change my posture?

  • Yes, after a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, you might enjoy an improved posture due to the tightened muscles.

Can you get an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty twice?

  • It is possible to get a second extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty procedure, provided that there is some excess skin left.

Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Funding FAQs

Will Medicare pay for an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

Does my private health insurance help cover an extended abdominoplasty?

  • Your insurance might cover an extended abdominoplasty surgery if it is deemed as a medical necessity, you have a medicare item number and the right amount of cover.

How much is an extended abdominoplasty?

  • On average, the cost of an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty can vary from $8,000 to $15,000.

Extended Abdominoplasty Concerns FAQs

How painful is an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. After the surgery, you will experience some pain and discomfort during the recovery phase, which can be countered through pain killers that will be prescribed by your surgeon.

What percentage of tummy tucks/ abdominoplasties have complications?

  • Major complications occur in about 4 per cent of patients getting an abdominoplasty surgery. It is important to choose the right surgeon and follow all the pre and post-treatment care instructions religiously.

Which is more dangerous, lipo or extended abdominoplasty?

  • Liposuction is a low-risk procedure, while an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is a major surgery that comes with a certain degree of risks and possible complications.

What are the cons of an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Following are some of the cons of an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty:
    • Scarring from the surgery
    • Pregnancy can alter the results of the surgery
    • Improper care can lead to infections
    • Blood clotting is always a risk with any surgery

Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty General Questions FAQs 

Is an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty safe?

  • The procedure is considered safe and efficient.

Does the fat come back after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is a procedure designed to remove excess hanging skin, not fat. Hence, fat can come back if you gain weight.

Can you still have a baby after getting an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Yes, you can.

What happens if you gain weight after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Well, you will gain weight in your abdominal area as well. An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty does not guarantee a flat stomach for life.

What causes necrosis after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Necrosis is mainly caused due to flap ischemia.

How to prevent seroma after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Your surgeon will use drainage tubes. It is done to prevent seroma. This prevents any fluid build-up, which leads to a seroma.

How to reduce scar tissue after an extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty?

  • Follow all the post-care instructions religiously.
  • Avoid using any products or clothing that can lead to irritation.
  • Wear sunscreen and prevent direct sun exposure.
  • Do not skip on topical treatments recommended by your surgeon.
  • Keep your skin moisturised at all times.

Further Reading about Abdominoplasty with Dr Carmen

Dr Carmen Munteanu – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

She is one of Melbourne’s most experienced and sought-after female Plastic Surgeons who offers aesthetic breast surgery and body contouring. That includes Breast Reduction, Breast Lift, Breast Implant Surgery and Body Surgery.

With over 25 years of surgical experience in Plastic Surgery, Dr Carmen firmly believes that a good surgeon is first a good doctor. She will always take into consideration all the health aspects and personal circumstances of each patient.

A dedicated Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr Carmen is renowned for providing exceptional care, support and helping achieve realistic goals for her patients.

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– Dr Carmen Munteanu

M.D. FRACS(Plas) Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon

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