Extended tummy tuck in Atlanta Georgia is also known as body lift or extended abdominoplasty. Extended tummy tuck is circumferential tummy tuck for the removal of excess skin and fat in the waist area, hips and lower back. In Atlanta, our extended tummy tuck is designed to remove even more excess skin and fat than standard tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. It is designed for people who have lost large amount of weight by diet and exercise or after weight loss surgery such as Gastric Bypass or Lap-Band® type procedure.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
Good candidates have reached a stable weight Patients whose weight has been stabilized in their weight loss program or who feel they are at their ideal weight are the best candidates for extended tummy tuck or body lift in Atlanta
Healthy adults who have excess skin and fat on their abdomens, waist, hips, and lower back
Do not smoke (or plan to quit)
Do not have medical conditions that prohibit safe surgery and normal wound healing.
Have realistic expectation of their outcome
To determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Okoro will review your health history and perform an examination during your confidential consultation.
Many patients combine their extended tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction.
ABOUT EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK – SURGERY
Extended tummy tuck surgery takes several hours. Dr. Okoro performs this procedure in the hospital under general anesthesia to ensure your safety and comfort.
The incision for an extended tummy tuck runs along the lower abdomen just above the pubis, extending around to the back depending on the amount of skin to be resected. Excess skin is removed, and loose muscles are tightened. Dr. Okoro almost always will combine tummy tuck with liposuction to help sculpt the body. The incision are then closed with stitches that will dissolve. Your incision are also sealed with skin adhesives such as Dermabond®, a topical skin adhesive which improves skin closure. The sterile skin adhesive is applied to the incision at the end of surgery and as it dries it forms a strong and flexible bond that immediately seals your incision from the outside world. Dermabond® allows patients to have a closed incision without the use of external stitches, often times, improving patient comfort and cosmetic results.
HOW ABOUT PAIN
In addition to pain medications, Dr. Okoro uses the most advance technology to help control your pain after surgery. Most of our patients are placed on On-Q Pain Buster® pump. ON-Q Painbuster automatically and continuously delivering a local anesthetic, to relieve post-op pain.
HOW ABOUT RECOVERY
Extended tummy tuck is a more involved procedure than traditional tummy tuck. Some patients choose to stay in the hospital for one night after an extended tummy tuck. Most patients need to be off from work for about 2-3 weeks. As most major surgery, a full recovery may take about six weeks at home. The swelling and bruising associated with extended tummy tuck surgery usually fade within six to eight weeks, leaving the abdomen, waistline, and hips much slimmer and trimmer.
WHERE IS SURGERY PERFORMED
Dr. Okoro is currently on staff at Northside Hospital Atlanta, WellStar Kennestone Hospital, WellStar Cobb Hospital, and WellStar Windy Hill Hospital. Extended tummy tuck should be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Dr. Okoro performs surgery in the hospital to ensure your safety. He usually performs tummy tuck surgery as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. We usually recommend disposable pain pump catheters during recovery to ease pain.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost of extended tummy tuck varies based on the extent of your surgery and the cost of any additional surgery. To make surgery affordable for you, we offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask. You will receive a full no obligation estimate of your surgery after your consultation.
The cost may include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Medication and lab test
- Post-surgery garments
Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic extended tummy tuck surgery, related complications, or another surgery to revise the appearance of your body. However, most insurance will cover panniculectomy surgery due to medical condition. Panniculectomy and tummy tuck surgery are different types of surgery. Please review your health insurance policy.
YOUR SATISFACTION INVOLVES MORE THAN A FEE
When choosing a plastic surgeon for extended tummy tuck, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Dr Okoro takes his time to understand your goals and desire for the best long term outcome. Your safety and satisfaction are very important to him.
All data and information provided within this website and related blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Treatment information and medical recommendations must be made on a case-by-case basis; it is recommended that you seek personalized care from a board certified medical doctor for any medical questions or health issues you may have. Some photos in this website feature models for illustrative purposes. Photos of actual patients can be found in the before and after photo gallery.
