Las Vegas, Nevada
Introduction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
An extended tummy tuck, also called an extended abdominoplasty, is a procedure that provides more comprehensive body-contouring results than a standard tummy tuck. Just like a traditional abdominoplasty, it involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the midsection, but the cosmetic improvements extend to the flanks and lower back. With this technique, surgeons can remove more tissue to restore a slimmer waist, creating an aesthetic outcome that appears more natural-looking and matches the newly formed contours of the abdomen. The extended tummy tuck is an excellent option for patients who are bothered by the appearance of their love handles and pockets of fat in the lower back area.
If you want to fully rejuvenate your body and confidence, book your consultation at Las Vegas Body Sculpting in Las Vegas. Our practice offers premium-quality care under the experienced care of Dr. Mustafa Ahmed. As a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ahmed strives to implement the latest techniques, promoting the highest-quality results while keeping safety practices in mind. He prides himself on taking the time necessary to get to know every patient’s needs and forming customized treatment plans that are unique to every body type.
To get started today, call (702) 899-8100 or request your meeting with Dr. Ahmed through our contact form, and we can help find a time and date that aligns with your schedule.
Abdominal fat can be attributed to many lifestyle and health factors that are not always straightforward to address. Many individuals struggle to attain the ideal flat and toned midsection that is so highly sought-after. Even after following a proper diet and exercise routine, many struggle to trim down this part of the body. In particular, women who have experienced pregnancy may have a stubborn belly bulge due to diastasis recti, a condition characterized by separated abdominal muscles. (1)
Skin laxity is another issue that develops when the underlying fat tissue atrophies and the skin is unable to retract tightly. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy changes, and weight fluctuations from weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic can also contribute to the presence of unwanted lax skin.
Age is one of the most significant factors in skin quality; individuals may notice a change in their skin’s appearance as soon as their 30s when the connective fibers of the skin’s dermis begin to degrade. As a result, the skin loses its natural elasticity and youthful tightness, making laxity more likely to develop. In addition, these changes can allow the midsection’s underlying fat to protrude more easily. (2)
During significant weight loss, the skin can lose more of its rigid collagen fibers while accumulating more elastin fibers, leading to overly stretchy skin.
Regardless of your cosmetic concerns, an extended tummy tuck can properly address them by removing fat and tightening skin and muscles.
All tummy tucks can aesthetically restore more flattering, athletic contours for the midsection, but an extended tummy tuck has unique advantages. This is what you can expect from Dr. Ahmed’s advanced extended abdominoplasty methods:
Ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck are in good overall health, with no serious underlying conditions that could interfere with recovery. Dr. Ahmed will ensure that individuals with health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure have their condition well under control before surgery. The best tummy tuck patients have a BMI under 30 since they are more equipped to handle the surgery and will reap higher-quality results post-procedure.
To determine whether you qualify for the extended tummy tuck, Dr. Ahmed will evaluate your abdominal tissues while you are sitting. If he finds that this tissue significantly sags over the hips, he will recommend this approach. If this does not occur, he may recommend a full tummy tuck or even a mini tummy tuck, depending on your body shape and needs.
During your consultation, Dr. Ahmed will listen intently to your goals and create a welcoming and professional environment where you can feel free to voice your concerns. He will closely evaluate your body’s tissues around the midsection, determining which surgical method is most effective to help you achieve your vision. He may overview your medical history and your current medications to determine your health status. He will allow you to ask as many questions as you would like, ensuring that you thoroughly understand what the extended tummy tuck entails. Aside from the procedure, Dr. Ahmed will also review what you need to know to prepare well and what you can expect from recovery.
If this innovative approach to the tummy tuck appeals to you, schedule a meeting to speak with Dr. Ahmed to learn more. Call his Las Vegas office at (702) 899-8100 or inquire online, and we will assist you in scheduling your appointment.
Dr. Ahmed will review your medications and supplements and require that you stop taking anticoagulant medications and other substances that could interfere with the procedure. If you are a regular smoker or consume nicotine products, he will ask you to stop temporarily for at least a few weeks. Nicotine and the related substances in cigarettes and e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and slow down the healing process.
In the days leading up to your procedure, you should organize comfortable, loose clothing to wear. You should consult Dr. Ahmed on which over-the-counter medications are safe to take during your recovery so that you can stock up beforehand. Finally, making a plan for someone to pick you up is important since you will most likely be able to return home the same day. In the 12 hours before your scheduled surgery, you should refrain from eating to prevent any complications associated with anesthesia.
For an extended tummy tuck, Dr. Ahmed will either administer local anesthesia with sedation or his anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may have to stay overnight for monitoring. The required procedure steps are similar to a full tummy tuck:
After anesthesia, Dr. Ahmed will make one horizontal incision just above the pubic area, extending it to just under the flanks and ending it at the lower back. He will then make another tiny incision closely surrounding your navel to reposition it later in the procedure.
He will use the main incision to remove subcutaneous fat within the abdomen, flanks, and lower back, sculpting a symmetrical, lean waist.
He will apply permanent, biocompatible sutures to the abdominal muscles, correcting their separation.
After all contouring is complete, he will tighten the skin to a more taut positioning, removing the unflattering excess. He will ensure that the navel relocates to a natural position.
After suturing the incisions, he will place surgical drains to allow fluid buildup to exit the midsection and relieve swelling. These drains will remain in place for just a few days before Dr. Ahmed removes them.
Dr. Ahmed performs extended tummy tucks for patients who could benefit from more significant changes to the flanks and lower back, so it is not suitable for everyone. He may recommend a traditional tummy tuck- utilizing a shorter incision technique- alongside fat removal with liposuction.
For liposuction, Dr. Ahmed will inject a solution called tumescent fluid to prepare the subcutaneous tissue before removing the targeted fat deposits with a suction instrument called a cannula. He will enhance the liposuction portion of the procedure by applying a VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) device to break down fat deposits precisely with ultrasound before removal.
With VASER Hi-Def Liposuction for the abdomen, Dr. Ahmed can strategically leave behind thin layers of fat to highlight abdominal muscular definition, a process called abdominal etching. (3)
Dr. Ahmed may recommend 360-degree liposuction to contour the same angles as an extended tummy tuck without incorporating skin removal techniques. VASER liposuction is a more advanced version of traditional liposuction, granting patients a speedier recovery and less bruising post-procedure. (4) The procedure does not require sutures Since liposuction incisions are very small.
The cost of your extended tummy tuck procedure will depend on the techniques, anesthesia, postoperative medications, surgical fees, follow-up appointments, and mother factors. Dr. Ahmed will discuss these cost factors with you during your consultation and discuss available financing options.
To take the first step today, contact his Las Vegas location by calling (702) 899-8100 or inquiring through our contact form. We will help you schedule your appointment and answer any questions you may have about Las Vegas Body Sculpting or the other procedures detailed in our blog. No matter your cosmetic needs, we will help you find a long-lasting body sculpting solution that will make you more confident than ever.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, MD, FACS, FAACS, is a triple board-certified physician and a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, specializing in tummy tucks. With a strong passion for aesthetic care, he is proud to help patients in Southern Nevada achieve their body contouring goals at Las Vegas Body Sculpting and Aesthetic. Dr. Ahmed understands the importance of choosing the right surgeon for such a transformative procedure, as tummy tucks require skill and precision. His extensive training ensures you get the best possible results while prioritizing your safety and well-being.
After earning his medical degree from Ohio State University College of Medicine, Dr. Ahmed honed his expertise through internal medicine and general surgery residencies. His triple board certification in internal medicine, surgery, and surgical critical care contributes to his high level of skill and makes him one of the most trusted tummy tuck surgeons in Las Vegas.
Dr. Ahmed takes the time to listen to your unique goals and creates a personalized treatment plan to achieve the tummy tuck results you desire. Your satisfaction and safety are always his top priority.
Introduction
I had my breast aug done by Dr. Ahmed and I am beyond happy with my experience. Dr. Ahmed’s whole team have been nothing short of amazing! This was my first surgery and I was very nervous but Pam and Brittany really took good care of me.