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What is an Extended Tummy Tuck?
While significant weight loss can result in improved health, self-confidence, and a wider choice of clothing, it may also bring with it unwanted changes to the body, such as excess lax skin and stubborn localized fat deposits. An extended tummy tuck, also called a body lift, is a body contouring procedure to reshape the lower body for a smoother, more sculpted body contour. Focusing on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, patients who receive this treatment can enjoy an improvement in both physical comfort and confidence.
The Defyne Approach
At Defyne, we highlight personalized, curated care. This means that our surgeons take the time to create individual treatment plans instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Using only proven, advanced surgical methods and technology, we aim to provide you with the natural-looking results you desire.
What To Expect
To begin your journey toward a slimmer lower body, a consultation is needed. During this appointment, you will discuss your unique aesthetic goals with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our clinical team will also ask you questions regarding your medical history to determine your candidacy.
If an extended tummy tuck is deemed the appropriate procedure for you, you may be asked to stop or adjust certain medications and stop smoking. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to best prepare for your procedure.
The extended tummy tuck or body lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients will be asleep during their surgery. The exact incision pattern used during the procedure may vary depending on the amount of skin laxity and the patient’s ultimate goals. However, a circumferential incision is typically created around the body to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissues. Liposuction may also be used to eliminate excess fat and sculpt the lower body to make it a slimmer, more proportionate figure.
Following an extended tummy tuck, patients will be asked to wear a special compression garment to minimize swelling and support their new body contours. Our surgeons highly recommend gentle movement, such as walking, as soon as possible to ensure proper blood flow after surgery. While soreness and swelling are to be expected, discomfort can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Drains may also be placed, which are removed after 1-2 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for the first few weeks or until the surgeon gives them the green light.
What To Expect
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Prepare
To begin your journey toward a slimmer lower body, a consultation is needed. During this appointment, you will discuss your unique aesthetic goals with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our clinical team will also ask you questions regarding your medical history to determine your candidacy.
If an extended tummy tuck is deemed the appropriate procedure for you, you may be asked to stop or adjust certain medications and stop smoking. Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on how to best prepare for your procedure.
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During Your Procedure
The extended tummy tuck or body lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients will be asleep during their surgery. The exact incision pattern used during the procedure may vary depending on the amount of skin laxity and the patient’s ultimate goals. However, a circumferential incision is typically created around the body to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissues. Liposuction may also be used to eliminate excess fat and sculpt the lower body to make it a slimmer, more proportionate figure.
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Downtime & Recovery
Following an extended tummy tuck, patients will be asked to wear a special compression garment to minimize swelling and support their new body contours. Our surgeons highly recommend gentle movement, such as walking, as soon as possible to ensure proper blood flow after surgery. While soreness and swelling are to be expected, discomfort can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Drains may also be placed, which are removed after 1-2 weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for the first few weeks or until the surgeon gives them the green light.
Are You a Good Fit?
Extended Tummy Tuck Candidates
An extended tummy tuck aims to reshape the lower body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, after significant weight loss due to lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery. Ideal candidates will be in good physical and emotional health, be bothered by a considerable amount of lax skin, and be committed to leading a healthy lifestyle following their procedure to attain results. It is important that patients be at a stable weight for at least six months before their procedure and understand that a body lift is not a weight loss solution but rather a body contouring treatment. The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
What Our Patients Say
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a body lift and a mommy makeover?
A body lift is a body contouring procedure that focuses on eliminating excess skin and fat from the lower body following significant weight loss. A mommy makeover involves a combination of body procedures to help mothers restore their pre-baby figures following childbirth. If you are interested in learning which of these procedures is right for you and your individual goals, please contact Defyne today.
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What is the ideal time for a body lift?
Our surgeons recommend that you have a body lift when you have reached a weight loss plateau. This procedure may not be ideal for women who are planning to carry future pregnancies. If you are planning to add or lose weight in the future, keep in mind that this can have a negative impact on the outcome of your body lift.
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Will I have scarring?
Just like with any other surgical procedure, scarring is inevitable after a body lift or any form of body contouring surgery. However, our surgeons keep scars minimal and make sure they are hidden in areas where they will be covered by clothing if possible.
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Are there alternatives to a body lift?
We understand that not all patients are suited for a comprehensive body contouring procedure. Some patients have only a single problem area that remains with excess skin after significant weight loss. Where this is the case, your surgeon will perform the most beneficial procedure in order to achieve the desired outcome.
Contact Us
Request a Consultation
If you are ready to take the first step toward defining your destiny and achieving your best look yet? At Defyne, our board-certified plastic surgeons are skilled in performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures, achieving individualized, natural-looking results. Contact Defyne in Scottsdale, AZ, today to schedule your consultation appointment.