Extended Tummy Tuck in Tucson, AZ

At our practice in Tucson, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro performs extended tummy tucks for individuals seeking more complete reshaping of the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. With board certification and extensive experience in advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro helps patients restore their youthful appearance. Whether due to massive weight loss, past pregnancies, or aging, many patients find this procedure effective for addressing skin laxity and abdominal wall concerns that go beyond the reach of a standard tummy tuck. The extended tummy tuck is a carefully planned procedure tailored to each individual’s anatomy and goals.

What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is a body contouring surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and flanks. It targets a larger area than a traditional tummy tuck, addressing loose tissue that often extends around the sides of the body. This procedure is commonly chosen by individuals who have experienced massive weight loss and are left with significant skin laxity. It involves a longer incision to achieve more comprehensive contouring of the midsection. On average, an extended tummy tuck takes about three to five hours to complete.

Preparation for Plastic Surgery

Preparation for an extended tummy tuck begins with a thorough surgical consultation to assess the patient’s medical history, current health status, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Sanchez-Navarro may request lab tests or medical clearance to ensure the patient is fit for anesthesia and surgery.

Patients are typically advised to stop smoking and avoid certain medications or supplements that can increase bleeding risk. Arrangements for post-operative care, transportation, and time off work are also important components of preparation. Maintaining a stable weight and following all preoperative instructions helps support a safe and effective procedure.

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Extended Tummy Tuck: A Step-by-Step Overview

General Anesthesia

The extended tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. The operation takes place in an accredited surgical facility, where safety and quality standards are strictly maintained. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers and monitors the anesthesia, ensuring the patient’s well-being at every stage of the procedure. This type of anesthesia induces a controlled state of unconsciousness, allowing Dr. Sanchez-Navarro to operate without causing distress or discomfort.

Horizontal Incision

The procedure involves creating a horizontal incision that typically extends from one hip to the other, just above the pubic area. This incision provides access to the underlying tissues, allowing Dr. Sanchez-Navarro to address excess skin and fat across a wider area than a standard tummy tuck. The incision extends to the flanks (love handles) to achieve maximum reshaping.

Abdominal Muscle Tightening

Once the skin is lifted, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro evaluates the underlying abdominal wall. If there are separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), they are sutured back together to restore a firmer and flatter abdominal contour. This step reinforces the core and helps support long-term results.

Tissue Removal and Repositioning

After removing excess skin and fat, the remaining tissue is carefully redraped to create a smoother, more contoured midsection. Liposuction may be used to enhance shaping, particularly around the flanks and waistline. Dr. Sanchez-Navarro ensures that the repositioned tissues align naturally with the body’s silhouette.

Belly Button Repositioning

Due to the extent of tissue removal, the belly button is typically repositioned during the procedure. A new opening is created in the abdominal skin, and the belly button is brought through and sutured into place. This step preserves the natural appearance of the abdomen while accommodating the new contours.

Final Steps

In the final stage of the procedure, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. Surgical drains may be temporarily placed to prevent fluid accumulation beneath the skin. A compression garment is typically applied to help reduce swelling and support the newly contoured abdominal area. Once all necessary steps are completed, the patient is moved to a recovery area for close monitoring as the effects of anesthesia wear off.

Recovery After Extended Tummy Tuck

First 24 Hours

Following the extended tummy tuck, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area before being discharged the same day, as this is an outpatient procedure. Discomfort, tightness, and fatigue are common during this initial period. Prescription pain medication and early mobility are encouraged to reduce the risk of complications and support circulation. Dressings and surgical drains may be in place to help minimize swelling and fluid buildup.

Week 1

During the first week of tummy tuck recovery, most patients experience bruising, swelling, and limited mobility. A compression garment is worn continuously to support the tissues and assist with an effective healing process. Careful drain management and adherence to post-operative instructions are essential to avoid infection and promote recovery. Light walking is encouraged, but all strenuous activity should be avoided.

Weeks 2–3

By the second and third weeks, pain typically decreases, and energy levels begin to improve. Swelling continues to subside gradually, and most patients can return to non-strenuous work. The compression garment remains a critical part of recovery during this period. Attention to nutrition and hydration helps the body repair the remaining skin and tissues more efficiently.

Weeks 4–6

At this stage, many daily activities can be resumed, although heavy lifting and core exercises are still restricted to protect the abdominal wall. Tummy tuck scars may start to fade, but they can remain red or firm for several more weeks. Continued use of the compression garment may be recommended to help refine the final contours. Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor progress and remove any remaining sutures if needed.

Long-Term Recovery

Full results from the extended tummy tuck become more visible after several months, once residual swelling resolves. Maintaining a stable weight through consistent diet and exercise is crucial to preserving the desired outcome. Any significant weight changes can alter results or cause the skin and abdominal wall to stretch again. Over time, tummy tuck scars typically flatten and lighten in color, although individual healing varies.

Candidates for Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery

Extended tummy tuck surgery is often considered when the abdominal area has undergone major changes that cannot be addressed through non-surgical methods. Individuals seeking this procedure typically share certain physical traits or life experiences that contribute to severe skin laxity and contour irregularities. Ideal candidates generally fall into one or more of the following groups:

Individuals after significant weight loss
Those with severe skin laxity around the lower abdomen and flanks
People with stubborn fat deposits unresponsive to diet and exercise
Patients who have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months
Non-smokers in good overall healths
Individuals with separated abdominal muscles
Those with realistic expectations about the results and recovery process

Interested in Extended Tummy Tuck

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Benefits of Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck offers a surgical approach to address changes in the midsection that often result from weight fluctuations, aging, or past pregnancies. It is designed to improve both form and structure, targeting a broader area than traditional techniques. The benefits typically include:

Flatter abdomen
Removal of sagging skin
Improved waistline definition
Smoother, natural contours

Restores muscle tone
Enhanced fit of clothing
Longer-lasting results

Cost of Extended Tummy Tuck in Tucson, AZ

The cost of an extended tummy tuck in Tucson ranges from approximately $8,000 to $20,000. This variation depends on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and any additional procedures such as liposuction. Since it is an elective cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans do not cover the expenses. For a more accurate estimate, it’s advisable to consult with Dr. Sanchez-Navarro.

What Makes Our Body Contouring Procedures Different From Others?

Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro, approaches extended tummy tuck procedures with the precision of a surgeon trained across multiple specialties, bringing a deep understanding of anatomy. His expertise enables him to tailor tummy tuck options for each patient, including those who have undergone previous surgeries or complex body changes. Dr. Sanchez-Navarro creates results that harmonize the abdomen with the rest of the body. His meticulous eye for detail and commitment to natural, sophisticated outcomes reflect a mastery that goes beyond standard approaches. This blend of comprehensive training and artistic vision shapes every procedure under his care.

FAQs

Why do many patients prefer an extended tummy tuck to a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck?

Patients who have experienced major weight loss often choose an extended tummy tuck because it addresses a larger area of abdominal skin, including the flanks and lower back. Unlike a mini tummy tuck, which targets only the lower abdomen, or a full tummy tuck, which is more limited in scope, the extended version removes extensive excess tissue and recontours the torso more comprehensively.

Can I include an extended tummy tuck in my mommy makeover surgery?

Yes, an extended tummy tuck can be included in a mommy makeover for women seeking to restore their pre-baby body. This approach is especially helpful for removing unwanted skin that may not respond to diet or exercise alone after pregnancy.

How to maintain my new abdominal contour in the long term?

Maintaining tummy tuck results over time requires a consistent commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding significant weight gain is crucial, as fluctuations can lead to the recurrence of unwanted fat and alter the contours achieved through surgery.

Can I undergo an extended tummy tuck without muscle repair?

Yes, the tummy tuck procedure can be performed without the need to tighten abdominal muscles if there is no separation present. However, when the underlying muscles are weakened or stretched, repairing them can help create a flatter stomach and a more defined waistline.

Why is a mini tummy tuck more convenient than a full tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck?

The mini approach uses a smaller incision and focuses only on the lower abdomen, making it less invasive than a full or extended version. It is ideal for individuals who do not require extensive muscle tightening or the removal of a large amount of surplus skin following major weight loss. As a result, recovery time is typically shorter and downtime is reduced.

Can I add complementary procedures to my extended tummy tuck?

Complementary procedures can enhance the outcome of an extended tummy tuck by addressing loose skin, removing excess fat, and reducing stretch marks in surrounding areas. Treatments such as liposuction, RF skin tightening, or other contouring techniques may be used to achieve a more balanced, toned abdomen and refine the overall abdominal region.