If you find that a full tummy tuck just doesn't quite reach all of your "trouble spots", you may want to consider the idea of an extended tummy tuck. This procedure is a great option for those who have loose or hanging skin on the abdomen but also extends into the flanks.
What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that tackles excess skin around the abdomen and lateral flanks of the patient. In an extended tummy tuck, the incision is longer than a full tummy tuck, giving Dr. Repta access to thoroughly address excessive skin on the sides. In order to prevent the appearance of lateral "dog ears" and still accomplish the same result of a full or circumferential procedure, the incision for an extended abdominoplasty reaches as far on each side of the abdomen/hip as possible, limited only by the presence of the operating room bed. Therefore, an extended tummy tuck is identical to a full tummy tuck, with a longer incision. Instead of hip to hip, an extended tummy tuck incision runs from one side of the bed to the other. Despite this, the incision is still placed as low as possible, allowing it to be easily hidden by undergarments or bikini bottoms.