If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or have given birth and now suffer from extra skin, separated muscles and fat pockets, you may be a candidate for Dr Beldholm’s extended VASER lipo-abdominoplasty. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure can also prove effective for those who live with that undesirable “muffin top.” It goes a step further than the standard abdominoplasty by also contouring the hips, flanks and thighs. A full tummy tuck focuses largely on contouring a patient’s central abdominal region only.
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Who is it for?
Patients who suffer from extra, loose skin that extends from the stomach to the flanks accompanied by muscle looseness in the abdominal region are good candidates for an extended VASER lipo-abdominoplasty. The procedure is ideal for both post pregnancy and post weight loss patients. Because it is a major operation, it is recommended that patients be at a steady, healthy weight and are in good physical and mental health.
Dr Beldholm refers to this operation as the extended Lipo-abdominoplasty. The main difference between the extended and the full Lipo-abdominoplasty, is the extent of the lower abdominal skin resection, extending around the hips. This is an extended VASER liposuction tummy tuck that Involves repositioning the navel, tightening the rectus abdominis muscles, extensive VASER liposuction of the tummy and sides, and tightening and removing excess skin. The incision extends around the sides of the abdomen. The recovery is similar to the standard Lipo-abdominoplasty.
How is it different?
An extended tummy tuck expands the treatment area to include more of the torso by targeting the sides and back of the body, along with the stomach and waist. This modern procedure is not a classic abdominoplasty with some added liposuction. The extended lipo-abdominoplasty uses a VASER liposuction to dissect the tissues. The VASER is a high frequency probe that melts the fat. The melted fat is then suctioned up. This creates less trauma to the tissues and creates a better result with less pain and discomfort.
How is it done?
During the operation, Dr Beldholm first performs a full Lipo-abdominoplasty on the patient and dresses the wound. Next, an incision is made that generally extends beyond the hip bones to include some of the lower love handle area. A large amount of abdominal and flank skin is then removed and abdominal are muscles tightened through a scar that runs along the lower flanks, abdomen and pubic area. The scar is strategically placed in areas along the body so that it can be hidden in clothes. VASER liposuction is also used to contour the abdominal and hip area.
What is the recovery?
Similar to the full VASER lipo-abdominoplasty, this procedure is also normally performed as an overnight stay operation, expect to stay 2 to 5 days in the hospital. There are usually no drains. You will be able to have a shower in the morning and walk around. At 10 days, you will be able to stand up straight and perform most common duties around the house. If you have a desk-type job then you will be able to return to work at approximately 2 weeks after the surgery. Expect to wait approximately 6 to 8 weeks before returning to full exercise.