A tummy tuck can be a wonderful procedure for patients who have lost a lot of weight, or who are looking to restore their figure after pregnancy. However, if you’ve previously undergone a tummy tuck and are considering undergoing another one, it’s important to understand what you’re in for.
Secondary tummy tucks are a real thing but they’re not like regular tummy tucks. The procedure is more complicated and it’s important to find a surgeon who has experience with the procedure in order to get the best outcome. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing 5 things you need to know before getting a second tummy tuck.
- You should wait at least 12 months between procedures
It’s important to give your body time to recover from your first surgery before undergoing another one. Waiting at least 12 months will help ensure that you have enough time to heal from the first procedure before undergoing another one.
- You may need a revisional abdominoplasty
If you had liposuction as part of your first tummy tuck and now want another one, then this is where things get tricky. The reason being that your fat cells will have spread out since the first surgery which means they need to be removed
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on 2nd tummy tuck, tummy tuck risks of death. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about second tummy tuck before and after. Read on to learn more.
2nd tummy tuck
About
- An extended tummy tuck is similar to a abdominoplasty, but the procedure also targets fat on the flanks and lower back.
- The incision wraps from the low pelvis to the lower back.
Safety
- Extended tummy tucks are generally considered safe. As with all surgeries, there are risks involved.
- Risks include swelling, fluid accumulation, reaction to anesthesia, and numbness after surgery.
Convenience
- Tummy tucks are an in-hospital procedure where patients are put under anesthesia.
- If the procedure is elective, as most are, it will not be covered by insurance.
- It’s important to find a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose work you trust.
Cost
- The cost for a tummy tuck varies widely based on where you live, the procedure itself, and the size of the area.
- It will usually fall between $4,000 and $18,000.
Effectiveness
- Extended tummy tucks are very effective with studies reporting that the majority of those who elect to have this procedure are satisfied by the results.
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What is an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is very similar to a regular tummy tuck — sometimes called an abdominoplasty — but instead of just reducing excess skin and fat on the stomach, it also targets the flank area, or love handles, between the waist and hips. In some cases, an extended tummy tuck will also target excess skin on the lateral thigh.
The ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck include people who have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin, and those who want to slim the appearance of their stomach and flanks.
How much does an extended tummy tuck cost?
The cost of an extended tummy will vary depending on the surgeon, the volume of fat, and the size of the area. The price range for a tummy tuck generally falls between $4,000 and $18,000.
In 2019, the average cost of a tummy tuck (not extended) was $6,092 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Because there is more involved in an extended tummy tuck, the cost will likely be more. In addition, this cost is only for the procedure and does not take into account anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.
Because tummy tucks are usually done for aesthetic reasons only, the procedure will not be covered by insurance. In some cases, a tummy tuck may relieve back pain and incontinence. You will also likely have to take several days off from work for recovery.
How does an extended tummy tuck work?
Extended tummy tucks work by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing any muscles that have become loosened or torn. Through an incision above the pubic hairline that wraps around to the lower back, skin and fat are removed from the stomach and flank area. The skin is laid flat, and the belly button is reattached, giving the skin a smoother, flatter appearance.
In a 2012 studyTrusted Source of 25 individuals who underwent extended tummy tuck surgery, all 25 were “extremely satisfied” with the results.
Procedure for extended tummy tuck
- During an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon will typically make an incision between your hip bones, low in the pubic area. If you’re having a tummy tuck after a C-section, they may reopen the same scar.
- Any muscles that have been separated, such as from pregnancy, will be sewn together so they appear taut. Full tummy tucks can fix diastasis recti, which is a splitting of the abdominal muscles.
- The belly button will be cut away, and liposuction may be performed if there is extra fat.
- Excess skin is removed from the tummy and flank area, and the skin will be pulled taut.
- Finally, the belly button is sutured in its original place, unless you and your surgeon decide to change its shape.
Targeted areas for extended tummy tuck
Extended tummy tucks target the upper and lower stomach, waist, flanks, and sometimes the uppermost lateral portion of the thigh.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with all surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with extended tummy tucks. One study found that 8.5 percentTrusted Source of people who underwent tummy tuck surgery were re-administered into the hospital because of some kind of complication. These complications and side effects may include:
- numbness after surgery, which is typically temporary
- excess fluid or blood pooling in the belly
- swelling and redness
- internal organ puncture — while rare, could be caused by cannula (a tube that removes excess fluids from the body) penetrating too deeply and potentially puncturing an organ
What to expect after an extended tummy tuck
Your surgeon or nurse should brief you on what to expect after surgery including:
- what activities to avoid and how long
- if and when you can consume alcohol and certain medications or supplements
- how long to wear your compression garment
- how to manage your drainage tubes, if your surgeon uses them
- when to schedule a follow-up appointment
You will be able to see some results immediately, though your abdominal area will be swollen and bandaged. For the first few weeks, you will likely be advised to rest at an angle and avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy things.
Around the 2- to 3-month mark, most of the swelling will likely have gone down, though you may still see some scarring, which should lighten over time. After 6 months to a year, you will see the full results, which should be permanent unless you gain weight quickly or have a pregnancy.
Before and after pictures
It’s helpful to see photos from people who have had extended tummy tucks when deciding if the procedure is right for you. Check out before and after photos below:
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Preparing for an extended tummy tuck
Before your extended tummy tuck, you’ll likely need to get a blood panel to make sure you’re in good health. You will also want to meet with your surgeon to discuss what to expect. Also, you will need to arrange a ride home.
You may also be told to:
- stop smoking
- limit alcohol
- stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) and certain herbal supplements, which could potentially worsen bleeding or prevent proper clotting
Extended tummy tuck vs. traditional tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck are very similar procedures. The main difference is that an extended tummy tuck addresses the flanks, also known as love handles, between the waist and hip. Because of the additional procedure, an extended tummy tuck is often more expensive, takes longer to complete, and may require a longer recovery time post-surgery.
How to find a provider
An extended tummy tuck should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can use the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Find a Surgeon Tool tool to find a list of board-certified plastic surgeons near you.