Extended Tummy Tuck

Have other surgeons refused you for high BMI? If you've encountered challenges finding a surgeon willing to perform your tummy tuck, it's essential to know that there are skilled professionals who specialize in offering this service to plus sized patients whom others have often refused.

Tailored Extended Tummy Tucks At Virginia Institute For Plastic Surgery

The board-certified surgeons at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin understand the unique needs and concerns of an extended tummy tuck. They approach each case personally, ensuring honest and empathetic communication. This establishes trust and aligns your surgical goals with realistic outcomes. Safety, comfort, and achieving results that celebrate your natural contours are always at the forefront of a professional and caring treatment plan.

What Is An Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck, or high-BMI abdominoplasty, is tailored for individuals with a BMI over 30, which puts them in the overweight or obese categories. This personalized procedure aims to reshape and refine the abdominal area by:

Addressing excess skin
Tightening the underlying muscles
Contouring the waistline to create a more proportionate and balanced silhouette

The surgical approach is customized to accommodate the unique anatomical considerations of individuals with higher BMIs, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.

The VIPS Difference

While many plastic surgeons have a specific Body Mass Index (BMI) requirement of 30 or under for their patients, Dr. Burton and Dr. Reps Sundin both specialize in tummy tuck for plus sized patients with a BMI of over 30. With an in-person physical evaluation, our doctors can provide a safe and realistic treatment plan to help you achieve a tighter and firmer midsection by removing fat and excess skin from your abdomen. Treatment is not restricted by a patient's weight and height ratio but is more focused on what is safe, healthy, and realistically attainable for each individual patient.

Unlike most other plastic surgeons, Dr. Burton and Dr. Reps believe in considering the 360 view of the torso when performing an XL tummy tuck. They include liposuction of the flanks during all of their tummy tuck procedures to provide patients with a smoother, more hourglass shape.

"I really enjoy providing healthy women of different shapes and sizes the opportunity to achieve a firmer, tighter abdomen. In my over 20 years of practice, I've found that patients should not be excluded from having a tummy tuck due to an arbitrary Body Mass Index number. We take the time to gather patients' health information and make individualized, safe assessments to achieve patient goals based on each patient's unique goals, anatomy, and health history." - Dr. Burton Sundin

"Throughout my decades of helping patients achieve their goals, I've found it's important to treat the torso from all angles, not just the front when performing a tummy tuck. This is why I have been performing liposuction of the flanks for years on all of my tummy tuck patients. This helps to get the best result possible for a flat tummy and curvaceous figure, from more than just one viewpoint" - Dr. Reps Sundin

Extended Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

Benefits Of Extended Tummy Tucks

Enhanced Appearance: Removal of excess skin and tightening of the abdominal region can significantly improve the contour and shape of your body.
Improved Comfort: Reducing excess abdominal skin can alleviate discomfort caused by skin irritation or infection below skin folds.
Boosted Confidence: Many patients report increased self-esteem due to the transformative effects of tummy tuck.

Candidacy For Extended Tummy Tucks

You should be in good physical and emotional health, with medical clearance from your primary care provider
It's crucial to maintain a stable body weight before undergoing the surgery
Smoking can interfere with the healing process, so non-smokers are ideal candidates

The Procedure Explained

An XL tummy tuck is designed to reshape and contour the abdominal area. As part of your procedure at the Virginia Institute for Plastic Surgery, liposuction is integrated to enhance the results.

Your surgeon will make a horizontal incision above the pubic mound, extending from hip to hip, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat. Muscular repair is often performed to tighten the abdominal wall for a firmer midsection. Specialized techniques may be employed depending on your needs:

Standard Tummy Tuck: Best for patients with excess skin below the belly button.
Extended Tummy Tuck: Ideal for individuals needing more extensive skin removal, wrapping around the hips.
Fleur-de-Lis: Utilized for significant weight loss patients, involving a vertical incision as well.

Before the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Safety is paramount, so the operation will occur in an accredited facility with a board-certified anesthesiologist monitoring your vital signs.

Post-Surgery Care

Immediately following surgery, you will have dressings on your incisions, and you may have drainage tubes to help prevent fluid accumulation. It's essential to follow these post-surgery care guidelines:

Incision Care

Keep the incision area clean and dry, and follow your surgeon's instructions on how to care for it.

Activity

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the duration your surgeon prescribes.

Medication

Take any prescribed medications, including pain relief and antibiotics, as directed.

Compression Garment

Wear your compression garment as instructed to reduce swelling and support your abdomen.

Expected Recovery Timeline

Every individual's recovery timeline varies, but the following is a general outline you can expect after an extended tummy tuck:

First 2 Weeks: Rest is vital; only perform light activities like walking around the house. Expect some swelling and discomfort.
2-6 Weeks: Gradual return to normal daily activities, excluding rigorous exercise.
6+ Weeks: Most patients can return to all their regular activities, including exercising, as cleared by the surgeon.

Why Choose The Virginia Institute Of Plastic Surgery For Your XL Tummy Tuck?

Selecting a reputable and skilled plastic surgery center is crucial when considering an XL tummy tuck. The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, home to esteemed board-certified surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin, is a standout choice for several reasons. Our team specializes in body contouring procedures for plus-size individuals, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care tailored to their needs. Moreover, our practice features state-of-the-art facilities and utilizes advanced techniques to achieve optimal results while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

From the initial consultation to post-operative care, we’re committed to guiding patients every step of the way, fostering a positive and empowering experience. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a focus on inclusivity, the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination for those seeking an extended tummy tuck. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discuss what we can do for you.