With nearly 100,000 procedures performed in 2020, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular and transformative cosmetic surgical procedures available to men and women.
And when you look at the benefits that a tummy tuck offers men and women (fat reduction in the midsection, tight abdominal muscles, and the removal of sagging belly skin), there’s no wonder why so many people undergo this procedure.
However, tummy tuck surgery only addresses issues (excess fat and sagging skin) in the abdominal area.
In truth, a traditional tummy tuck is not the best option for men and women who suffer from extensive fat and sagging skin in the midsection and fat and skin laxity in the flanks and lower back.
Whether you struggle with issues in these areas from extensive weight loss (either through natural diet and exercise or through bariatric surgery) or you simply have excess fat and skin you want to remove, then an extended tummy tuck may be the right surgical option for you!
What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and an Extended Tummy Tuck?
As the names suggest, both of these procedures are tummy tucks, which means that they employ similar techniques to correct excess fat, loose muscles, and sagging skin; however, an extended tummy tuck, also known as a circumferential body lift, is a more extensive procedure than traditional tummy tuck surgery.
Traditional Tummy Tuck
With a traditional tummy tuck, your surgeon will make an incision just above your pubic area.
Then, your surgeon will tighten underlying muscles with internal sutures.
Excess skin will be surgically removed, and the remaining skin will be tightened to give you a more trimmed and defined abdominal appearance.
Most tummy tuck procedures take about two and a half hours to complete.
Extended Tummy Tuck
With an extended tummy tuck, a tummy tuck incision is used; however, the incision will extend beyond the hips and onto the lower back.
Then, your surgeon will use liposuction to remove subcutaneous fat from your belly, lower back, and flanks.
Underlying muscles will be tightened with internal sutures, and your surgeon will remove excess skin in the abdomen, lower back, and flanks.
The remaining skin will be pulled tight and the incisions closed to give you a more sculpted aesthetic throughout your entire midsection.
Additionally, the belly button will be repositioned to give you a more natural appearance.
An extended tummy tuck generally takes three hours or longer to complete, depending on the extent of correction needed.
How Can I Get the Most Out of My Extended Tummy Tuck?
While extended tummy tuck surgery can be performed on its own to give you the sculpted and rejuvenated appearance you desire for your body, many patients choose to combine their extended tummy tuck with other surgical procedures.
By combining procedures, you can achieve a more complete transformation as well as minimize overall cost and recovery time, since you are having and recovering from the procedures at the same time.
Some of the most common procedures that patients choose to combine with their extended tummy tuck include:
Regardless of whether you choose to have your extended tummy tuck as a standalone procedure or combined with other surgical treatments, you can trust Dr. Troy J. Andreasen and his knowledgeable and skilled staff to give you the results you desire.
Not only will you be able to look fantastic, but you can feel confident and comfortable at the same time!
Interested in Learning More?
If you would like to know more about extended tummy tuck surgery or any of the other procedures we offer, then contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today!
3 Minute Read:
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures available. In fact, numerous celebrities have had tummy tucks. However, there is often a misconception that tummy tuck surgery and liposuction (which often accompanies a tummy tuck) offer easy options for patients to shed pounds quickly.
The truth is that neither tummy tuck surgery nor liposuction are weight loss procedures. Instead, they are procedures that help trim and tone the aesthetic of your body.
During the pandemic, many people gained weight, especially around their midsections. One of the most frustrating things with this weight is that it is often made up of stubborn subcutaneous fat, and that type of fat doesn’t always respond to diet and exercise.
Ultimately, this means the fat hanging around your waist can only be removed by plastic surgery. But, if plastic surgery isn’t a weight loss procedure, why is it the only way to remove this type of fat?!
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that contours the midsection by addressing muscle laxity and sagging skin around the waistline. These techniques, plus additional liposuction, remove stubborn fat deposits in and around the abdomen for a slimmer and more contoured appearance.
The thing to remember is that the amount of fat removed does not always affect a patient’s weight. So, yes, with a tummy tuck, the fat will be eliminated, and you will look healthier and more defined, but it won’t necessarily drop many pounds from the scale.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
You will be given general anesthesia before the procedure to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
Your surgeon will then make the incision. The size and location of the incision are dependent on the type of tummy tuck you are having.
For a standard tummy tuck, the incision will run along the lower pubic area, stretching from hip to hip, and another incision will be made around the belly button.
For a mini tummy tuck, a much smaller incision is made in the bikini line, and there is no additional incision around the navel.
And for an extended tummy tuck, the incision is longer than a standard tummy tuck, extending around the hips.
After the incision is made, your surgeon will tighten the skin and underlying muscles. For a standard or extended tummy tuck, liposuction removes stubborn fat. The belly button will also be repositioned with a standard or extended tummy tuck. Lastly, the incisions will be closed, and you’ll be on the road to recovery.
Are There Any Procedures That Eliminate Fat and Let Me Lose Weight?
While many cosmetic procedures eliminate fat from the body, it is important to understand that this removed fat will not factor significantly into your total weight.
These are body sculpting procedures. Their results will be much more visible to the naked eye than they will be to the scale.
What Should I Do?
The best way to ensure that your tummy tuck surgery gives you the results you want is to be close to your ideal weight before your procedure. This means sticking to a diet and exercise routine that works for you.
While you may only lose a few pounds from the removal of the fat, the look and feel of your midsection will be improved dramatically. Maintaining that healthy lifestyle after your procedure will ensure long-lasting results that you will be proud of for years to come.
Interested in Learning More?
If you want to know more about our tummy tuck surgery, contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today!
Do you feel hesitant to wear a bikini due to excess fat around the lower belly?
Maybe you struggle with excess skin or a stubborn stomach pooch that does not respond to exercise and diet attempts. Well, a tummy tuck may be the right procedure to help you get your ideal beach body with long-lasting results.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Procedure Work?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, improves the body contour by removing excess skin or fatty deposits and tightening the weakened abdominal muscles to achieve a toned and flat belly.
This transformative procedure typically involves a combination of techniques, including skin excision, fat removal, and muscle tightening.
It is ideal for patients who seek to address:
Loose skin from recent weight loss or pregnancy
Stubborn abdominal fat
Diastasis recti/ abdominal muscle separation
Wrinkled skin on the stomach
Tummy stretch marks
Muffin top
If you have gone through a significant life change like pregnancy or significant weight loss and feel uneasy about your abdominal appearance, this procedure is for you.
Your plastic surgeon will assess your individual needs during your tummy tuck consultation and recommend a tummy tuck option that best addresses your specific concerns. Patients with smaller amounts of excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity in the lower abdomen can benefit from a mini tummy tuck, allowing smaller incisions and faster recovery.
A standard tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck is recommended for those with larger amounts of skin and muscle separation. While these options involve longer incisions around the lower abdominal area, these scars can still be concealed beneath most bathing suits or swimsuits.
An additional procedure like liposuction is often used to eliminate excess fat to help contour the abdominal area even further for a slimmer, smoother final result.
Enjoy Sleeker, Smoother Contours
The best part of undergoing this procedure is the renewed confidence you enjoy when you finally feel ready to strut off that new tummy at the beach. For those wondering how soon they can show their beautiful results, the recovery timeline will vary depending on the technique used. Most patients, however, take around six weeks to a few months to fully recover.
Dr. Andreasen takes great care to place the incisions where they can be concealed beneath your bikini bottoms, so you do not have to worry about visible scarring.
Curious About Your Tummy Tuck Results?
Are you thinking about a tummy tuck but are unsure about the results you can expect? Look at our collection of happy tummy tuck patients.
For the most aesthetically pleasing results that address your individual concerns, you must work with a qualified and knowledgeable plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring techniques. Dr. Troy Andreasen will thoroughly examine your areas of concern, discuss your procedures’ goals, and determine the tummy tuck technique that is right for you. Call us today at 909-291-4900 or fill our online form to schedule your consultation.
Woman considering her options for a tummy tuck.
3 Minute Read:
Tummy tuck surgery is an increasingly popular procedure pursued by patients who have difficulty melting away excess fat around the lower belly after weight loss or childbirth. Genetics, pregnancy, and major weight fluctuations can also cause skin sagging around the abdomen that cannot be tightened using diet or exercise.
Do I Have Multiple Tummy Tuck Options?
Different tummy tuck options cater to the varying needs of patients. While there are many variations of the tummy tuck, every tummy tuck will flatten the midsection by removing skin and fat.
With so many tummy tuck techniques to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.
Do You Have a Small Lower Belly Pooch?
With a mini tummy tuck, women and men with a little extra fullness in the abdomen can realize smooth and flat abdominal contours.
This method is best for patients who would like to treat muscle laxity but do not have significant excess skin. This less-invasive, smaller-incision tummy tuck is great for correcting the appearance of a “pooch.”
Are You Looking for Improvement After Having Children?
A traditional tummy tuck is usually recommended for women with a moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the abdomen. This excess may develop after childbirth or weight loss, but is limited to the upper and lower abdomen.
The traditional technique uses one incision that runs along the lower pubic area and another incision around the navel. This method is useful for treating weak or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and misshapen or mispositioned navels.
Did You Lose Some Weight?
An extended tummy tuck is best suited for people who have moderate to significant skin folds around the abdomen and hips after weight loss or multiple pregnancies. This technique is beneficial for weight-loss patients who would like to highlight their new contours.
For an extended tummy tuck, a longer incision is made along the lower abdominal area that travels around the hips.
Have You Lost a Massive Amount of Weight?
The circumferential body lift is the most comprehensive form of the tummy tuck. Using this method, excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen, hips, and lower back, creating 360-degree enhancement of the midsection.
This method is reserved for patients who require significant correction. A circumferential body lift can help to correct diastasis recti and remove significantly hanging skin after weight loss, such as that experienced after gastric bypass surgery.
How Will I Know Which Tummy Tuck Is Best for Me?
The appropriate tummy tuck option will depend on your goals, prior health conditions, and level of correction needed. Since your body type plays a role in how your fat is distributed, this will also help determine the correct techniques and how your contours can be enhanced.
If you are still wondering which tummy tuck method would work best for you, schedule a consultation with your surgeon to learn more about your options.
Your consultation is the ideal time to share your desires and concerns. Your surgeon can use this information to determine whether you are the right candidate for a tummy tuck and advise you on which tummy tuck technique will help you best achieve your goals.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery and would like to learn more about which option may be best for you, please contact Dr. Andreasen by calling 909-291-4900 or by filling out our online contact form to set up a consultation.
Many people who desire a flatter and shapelier figure find themselves struggling with excess fat in various areas of their body.
Stubborn fatty tissue can seem impossible to get rid of, especially after spending countless hours at the gym.
Some people can “slim down” through diet and exercise, but others find it difficult to remove fat in those troublesome areas throughout their bodies.
Fortunately, there are surgical procedures that can address these concerns. Liposuction gets rid of these fatty deposits to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Severe Cases of Excess Skin and Fat
In severe cases of excess skin and fat, it is common for patients to combine multiple procedures in one sitting to extend their results.
One of the most popular combinations is liposuction and a tummy tuck.
Here is a video of Dr. Andreasen performing a liposuction/tummy tuck combination procedure to help give you an idea of how impactful this surgery can be:
To see the complete video of this procedure and many more, visit Dr. Andreasen’s Instagram page. For more information about tummy tuck procedures, click here.
What Does Liposuction Do?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that effectively removes fat deposits in multiple areas of the body.
This procedure uses a special device known as a cannula, a thin tube that is inserted into the area you wish to treat. The cannula suctions away the fat cells, reshaping your body to create slim, sexy, and toned contours.
What Are the Advantages of Liposuction?
Flexible Fat Removal
Some areas of the body are much easier to trim down than others. Even after cutting back on sugary, fatty snacks and going to the gym every week, there are still areas of fat that linger.
Liposuction can eliminate fat for good in the following areas:
Arms
Back
Buttocks
Thighs
Hips
A Slimmer Tummy
A woman considers liposuction treatment to rid herself of stubborn pockets of fat throughout her body.
One of the most common areas that many patients wish to treat is their abdomen. For patients with good skin elasticity, liposuction alone can remove those stubborn bulges to provide them with a flat and lean stomach they have always desired.
More Clothing Options
Many patients striving to achieve a fit appearance often hide behind loose-fitting clothes to cover their bodies.
Removing just a few inches of targeted fat in the right areas via liposuction can help you look and feel comfortable even when you are wearing tight clothing.
How Can We Help You?
To learn more about liposuction and its price or to determine if you are an ideal candidate, please call our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation with us online today!
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction provide great results for men and women who need help getting rid of those last few pounds that diet and exercise can’t touch. While many patients look into plastic surgery to help them meet their physical and aesthetic goals, knowing which type of procedure will best suit your needs can play a significant role in your final results. To determine whether you need tummy tuck surgery or liposuction, we have provided some information below to help you choose the procedure that will give you the body contours you desire.
Ideal Candidates
When deciding to undergo any body contouring procedure, one should do so for themselves and not because they wish to please other people. Both tummy tuck surgery and liposuction require patients to be in good physical health and at a stable weight before their surgery. It is also best that you refrain from smoking for at least two weeks before and after your procedure.
Patients considering tummy tuck surgery typically struggle with excess fat, loose skin, and weak abdominal muscles that have developed as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, and aging. Liposuction candidates have good skin elasticity and wish to rid themselves of stubborn fat deposits in various regions of the body that have also developed from pregnancy or weight loss. While tummy tuck surgery and liposuction address specific regions, they both can provide you with:
Long-lasting results
Slimmer body contours
An attractive and balanced figure
Increased self-esteem
What’s the Difference?
While both procedures can help patients improve their overall figure by removing unwanted fat and excess skin, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction differ in technique.
Liposuction
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. Patients can choose between traditional liposuction or ultrasound or laser-assisted liposuction to eliminate unwanted fat. During your procedure, a small incision is made in the treatment area and a thin tube (cannula) is inserted under the skin. Excess fat is then gently suctioned out as the cannula is moved in a slow back and forth motion. Liposuction can be used in the following areas:
Abdomen
Arms
Back
Buttocks
Chest
Hips
Neck
Thighs
Tummy Tuck
May patients who have lost a significant amount of weight develop skin laxity that liposuction alone cannot treat. Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with your liposuction procedure to address not only loose skin and excess fat, but also repair weak and separated abdominal muscles.
During your procedure, you will have the option of undergoing a mini, standard, or extended tummy tuck depending on your needs. An incision will be made near the pubic area and excess skin and fat will be removed. The underlying abdominal muscles are also repaired during this process. The remaining skin is then pulled down, and the incision is closed using surgical sutures.
To schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
Recovery Time and Proper Healing
Once you have undergone your liposuction or tummy tuck procedure, it is crucial that you follow all post-operative instructions from your surgeon. Depending on how much excess skin or fat was removed during your surgery, it could take a few weeks for your body to fully recover.
Your Recovery Guide
Protecting Your Incisions
During your recovery, you will be asked to care for your incisions by wearing a compression garment to help minimize swelling. Make sure you avoid getting your wounds wet since they will need time to heal correctly. Once you have been cleared to shower, use a soft rag and warm water to gently clean around the treated area when washing up. If drainage tubes have been applied, it is important to empty any excess fluid or blood.
Sticking to a Healthy Diet
Following your liposuction or tummy tuck surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising that should resolve after a few days. It is important that you avoid any strenuous activities that can put stress on your body for approximately six weeks. However, you are encouraged to take light walks around the house so blood clots do not develop and the blood can circulate through your body. You will be able to return to work between one and two weeks after your surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon.
Maintaining Your Results
Once your body has fully recovered after a few months, you will begin to see immediate results. Unfortunately, it can be just as easy to regain stubborn fat or excess skin if you are not careful. Eating a balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins while also sticking to an exercise routine can help you maintain a slim figure.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery or liposuction, please call our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today!
3 Minute Read: With nearly 100,000 procedures performed in 2020, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular and transformative cosmetic surgical procedures available to men and women. And when you look at the benefits that a tummy tuck offers men and women (fat reduction in the midsection, tight abdominal muscles, and the […]
3 Minute Read: Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures available. In fact, numerous celebrities have had tummy tucks. However, there is often a misconception that tummy tuck surgery and liposuction (which often accompanies a tummy tuck) offer easy options for patients to shed pounds quickly. The truth is […]
3 Minute Read: Do you feel hesitant to wear a bikini due to excess fat around the lower belly? Maybe you struggle with excess skin or a stubborn stomach pooch that does not respond to exercise and diet attempts. Well, a tummy tuck may be the right procedure to help you get your ideal beach […]
3 Minute Read: Tummy tuck surgery is an increasingly popular procedure pursued by patients who have difficulty melting away excess fat around the lower belly after weight loss or childbirth. Genetics, pregnancy, and major weight fluctuations can also cause skin sagging around the abdomen that cannot be tightened using diet or exercise. Do I Have […]
Many people who desire a flatter and shapelier figure find themselves struggling with excess fat in various areas of their body. Stubborn fatty tissue can seem impossible to get rid of, especially after spending countless hours at the gym. Some people can “slim down” through diet and exercise, but others find it difficult to remove […]
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction provide great results for men and women who need help getting rid of those last few pounds that diet and exercise can’t touch. While many patients look into plastic surgery to help them meet their physical and aesthetic goals, knowing which type of procedure will best suit your needs can […]
“Thank you so much for all your help in making this very important decision. Your staff was very welcoming and so sweet. Your honesty is very refreshing and I look forward to soon scheduling my surgery!”
"I have had a few people tell me to check out other doctors with cheaper costs but am not interested at all. I am very insecure when it comes to certain parts of my body and i felt very comfortable and sure that I wanted you to do this surgery."
"I had gone too 2 diffrent locations , this place made me automatically made my mind up I had two recommendations from this place and I love the work they did on them , staff is very nice as well as the surgeon I love this place very pleased with my procedure."