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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
Do I need Extended Abdominoplasty or Traditional Abdominoplasty?
An extended abdominoplasty is very similar to a traditional abdominoplasty. The main difference is that a regular abdominoplasty will not address the fat and skin excess on the hips, whereas an extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty will.
However, unlike a standard tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, an extended abdominoplasty:
- Involves an extended incision to allow more tissue to be removed from the sides
- Removes more skin and fat compared to a regular abdominoplasty
- Addresses the hips and flanks not just the tummy
Candidates for An Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?
An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty procedure can be a good option for people who have lost a massive amount of weight but are left with excess skin on the tummy and flanks.
This comprehensive procedure is possible for patients who:
- Are in good health and emotional condition
- Don’t smoke
- Are close to their ideal weight
Why Patients Might Consider Extended Abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty may be performed for a number of different reasons and all patients will have different motives. Some include:
- Extensive removal of tissue around the abdomen and hips
- Tightening of the abdominal muscles
- Correction of diastasis recti
You may be eligible for a Medicare Item Number – 30175 or 30177 (See Below)
Risks and Complications
Just like any other surgical procedure, the extended abdominoplasty is associated with potential risks and complications. During your postoperative recovery from an extensive abdominoplasty, you can expect the following side effects:
- Pain after your abdominoplasty is usually at its peak during the first week following your surgery. Then, it will gradually subside over the following 2 weeks. Pain after the surgery usually can be well managed with over-the-counter pain killers
- Swelling is common after any abdominoplasty. Most of the swelling usually subsides within 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. After that, some residual swelling could take a few more months to resolve
- Bruises on your stomach or hips will look purple during the first week after your abdominoplasty. Over the next 2 weeks, the intensity of the bruising should decrease and their colour will likely fade into yellow and then completely disappear.
Just like a traditional abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty is associated with potential complications including:
- Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin): accumulated fluid in the belly after an abdominoplasty can be avoided using drain tubes
- Hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
- Skin numbness: after your abdominoplasty, you might experience some numbness or loss of sensation in your skin, especially near the incision site. However, this usually lasts only a few weeks
- Infection: redness and swelling around your incisions accompanied by chills or fever could indicate a post-surgical infection. Make sure you inform Dr Hunt of any postoperative infection signs you might be experiencing
- Skin necrosis
