Extended Tummy Tuck in Charlotte, NC

At his Charlotte practice, Dr. Pratt can help patients improve the appearance of their midsections. In cases where patients are struggling with loose and sagging skin (due to factors such as pregnancy, excess weight loss, or genetics), an extended tummy tuck can be of help.

Extended Tummy Tuck Overview

What Is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

Various life events, like pregnancy and significant weight changes, can weaken the abdominal muscles, making it hard to restore the area with diet and exercise alone. This is especially frustrating for new mothers trying to regain their pre-pregnancy shape. A high-BMI abdominoplasty is designed for patients with a BMI over 30, addressing issues like abdominal contour, sagging skin, and weakened muscles. The procedure focuses on improving the waistline, removing stubborn fat, and tightening muscles for a more balanced figure. Dr. Pratt uses his experience and artistic approach to create results that enhance your body’s natural curves.

Extended Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

What Is the Difference Between an Extended Tummy Tuck and a Standard Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck is the most involved form of an abdominoplasty procedure. It is designed to remove loose skin and excess fat from the areas of the stomach and flanks. The procedure involves making a horizontal incision across the lower portion of the abdomen and around the hips. In many cases, a vertical incision is needed as well. Being a more extensive procedure, extended tummy tucks usually require a longer recovery period than a standard tummy tuck.

Extended tummy tuck procedures are a great option for patients seeking to correct a larger portion of their stomach and lower back. However, patients should be aware that extended tummy tuck procedures typically come with more scars, as more incisions are made.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Extended tummy tuck procedures are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to address the individual needs of the patient. As with any cosmetic procedure, patients should only seek out this treatment to achieve their own desired image, not the one prescribed to them by others.

Some criteria that can determine candidacy for an extended tummy tuck procedure include:

Being in good physical and mental health
Being able to maintain a healthy weight
Having realistic expectations for the outcome of the treatment
Being a nonsmoker
Feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of the midsection
Being free of any serious medical conditions that could lead to complications during the procedure or recovery process

What are the Benefits of an Extended Tummy Tuck?

The benefits of an extended tummy tuck include:

Gives the body better contours
Addresses and removes loose, excess skin from pregnancy or weight loss
Addresses issues related to a “distended” stomach, which can develop following childbirth
Addresses weak, separated muscles in the midsection
Gives patients a smoother, firmer abdomen
Reduces the bulge from C-section scars

The Health Benefits of an Extended Tummy Tuck

While extended tummy tuck procedures can improve the aesthetics of the abdomen, they can also provide many health benefits. Some of these benefits include:

Addresses urinary incontinence
Reduces back pain
Reduces the incidence of hernias
Addresses bloating
Gives patients improved posture
Improves the efficacy of workouts

Hear From Our Patients

Julie's Testimonial after Massive Weight Loss

Patient Testimonial - Massive Weight Loss Surgery

Schedule A Consultation

Preparing for the Surgery

In most cases, patients will be required to go through the following steps prior to the procedure:

Undergo a complete lab test and evaluation under the care of a licensed physician
Stop the use of any medications that could cause side effects during the procedure
Begin taking certain medications prior to the procedure that will aid the treatment
Quit smoking (if applicable)
Refrain from taking any medications that can increase bleeding, including aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements

Details of the Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure

Tummy tuck procedures are carried out with the patient under general anesthesia and typically take anywhere from one to five hours to carry out. Unlike a standard tummy tuck procedure, which involves an incision along the bikini line that extends from one hip to the other, extended tummy tuck procedures involve incisions that extend from the hips all the way around to the back. This enables the procedure to target the waistline in addition to the midsection.

During the procedure, the epidermis (upper layer of skin) is detached from the dermis (lower layers of skin), the abdominal tissue is sutured, and excess skin is removed from the area. If the area is in need of muscle repair, Dr. Pratt will restore the muscles to their natural position.

The procedure is an effective means of addressing a stomach bulge while slimming down the waist. Dr. Pratt will then employ liposuction during the procedure to further contour the waistline and love handles. Dr. Pratt will go over these details of the procedure with patients during the private consultation.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

During the private consultation, patients will get an idea of what the recovery process is like. They will also receive additional instructions upon being discharged.

Initial Weeks (one to two): Focus on rest, managing discomfort, and light movement, such as walking around the house to encourage circulation.
Weeks Three to Six: Gradual reintroduction to regular activities, but avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
Week Six and Beyond: Once Dr. Pratt gives the go-ahead, most patients can fully return to daily routines, including exercise.

Why Choose Dr. Pratt for Your Extended Tummy Tuck in Charlotte, NC?

Dr. Pratt’s approach to plastic surgery in Charlotte, NC, can be best summed up with two words: precision and care. Dr. Pratt establishes connections with his patients early on, listening to all of their concerns to make sure that their desired outcome is achieved.

Dr. Pratt is always forthright and transparent with patients about their options and what will help them attain the best results. He listens to all of their concerns prior to the procedure and delivers remarkable results with his incredible attention to detail. These attributes have garnered him widespread recognition as a standout cosmetic specialist and human being.

Reach out to our office today to learn more about our extended tummy tuck procedure.