Loose skin can still fold over your waistband or gather around your hips after your weight has stabilized. When these folds extend along the sides of the abdomen, treating only the front may leave part of the concern unaddressed.
At Jonathan Heistein, M.D., Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, an extended tummy tuck in Fort Worth and Southlake, TX, may be appropriate when skin removal needs to reach the flanks and upper hips. Dr. Heistein evaluates the extent of the loose skin to recommend an approach that fits your anatomy.
An extended tummy tuck, also called extended abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and continues treatment around the sides of the waist toward the upper hips. The incision sits low on the abdomen and extends beyond the hip bones.
The procedure can also include tightening the tissue covering the abdominal muscles when weakness or separation is present. After removing excess skin, the surgeon draws the remaining skin downward and usually creates a new opening for the belly button. The amount of skin to be removed determines the incision’s length.
An extended approach allows abdominal and side-waist concerns to be addressed together. For patients with substantial loose skin in these areas, potential benefits include:
The results depend on the patient’s body shape, skin condition, and surgical plan. Tummy tuck before-and-after photos show examples of abdominal contour changes, although the gallery includes different surgical approaches and individual results vary.
A standard full tummy tuck may be sufficient when loose skin is concentrated at the front of the abdomen. It addresses the areas above and below the belly button, with an incision that typically runs between the hips.
An extended procedure reaches farther around the waist. This additional skin removal may be useful when folds continue over the hips and would remain after a standard operation. Both approaches can include abdominal muscle repair when appropriate.
The additional correction comes with a longer scar and a larger area to heal. The amount of weight lost does not determine which procedure is needed. Dr. Heistein considers where the skin hangs and how much can be removed before recommending either approach.
Men and women with loose skin across the abdomen and flanks may be candidates for extended abdominoplasty. This pattern often develops after significant weight loss, but it can also follow pregnancy or other changes that stretch the skin.
This procedure may be appropriate for patients who:
Patients planning another pregnancy may be advised to wait because pregnancy can stretch the treated area again. An examination helps distinguish loose skin from excess fat and determine whether an extended procedure is appropriate.
Dr. Jonathan Heistein is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has practiced in Fort Worth and Southlake since 2002. He completed a combined general and plastic surgery residency at The Ohio State University. His clinical experience includes abdominal surgery and body contouring after significant weight loss.
Choosing an extended procedure requires looking beyond the front of the abdomen. Dr. Heistein considers the distribution of loose skin, existing scars, abdominal wall laxity, and the patient’s health when discussing surgical options. He explains whether correction should remain focused on the abdomen and hips or whether concerns farther around the body require a different approach.
Consultations are one-on-one, with time to discuss the proposed incision and recovery needs. Patients receive clear guidance without pressure to choose a particular operation.
Call 817-820-0000 or contact Dr. Heistein’s office to arrange an extended tummy tuck consultation in Fort Worth or Southlake, TX. Review the proposed incision, discuss the changes surgery can make, and get answers about planning recovery around work and other responsibilities.
