What Is Around-the-World Tummy Tuck Surgery?

An around-the-world tummy tuck, or extended abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shapes and tightens the midsection, hips and lower back. People who opt for an around-the-world tummy tuck usually do so to remove excess skin and fat that have developed due to pregnancy or dramatic weight loss.

Candidates

• As this is a major surgery, candidates for an around-the-world tummy tuck should be in generally good health and have exhausted all other methods of toning the body, such as diet and exercise. You should be at or close to a weight that you consider to be ideal without plans to lose additional weight or plans to become pregnant.

Procedure

• An around-the-world tummy tuck takes from three to five hours. Your surgeon will make a low incision around your entire midsection and cut away excess skin and fat from your abdomen, flanks, and lower back. He will also tighten your abdominal muscles and contour your body as needed using liposuction.

Benefits

• In addition to flattening the tummy, an around-the-world tummy tuck removes love handles and lifts the thighs and buttocks. If the skin that is removed contains stretch marks, it will remove those as well. Most people who undergo an around-the-world tummy tuck will go down at least two clothing sizes.

Cost

• The cost of an extended abdominoplasty varies based on the patient and the surgeon, but it will typically cost more than a traditional tummy tuck. An around-the-world tummy tuck can cost up to $10,000.

Risks and side effects

• An around-the-world tummy tuck can produce extensive scarring, although these scars will fade over time and your surgeon will place them where they will be least visible. Pain, swelling and soreness are common and can last for weeks or months after surgery. Serious risks include blood clots and infection.