Extended Abdominoplasty in Charlotte, NC

Name: Extended Abdominoplasty
Brand: Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Rating: 4.8 (458 reviews)

An extended abdominoplasty removes excess skin and tightens the abdomen, hips, and flanks. This comprehensive procedure restores balance, improves comfort, and creates smoother contours for patients seeking results beyond those of a traditional tummy tuck.

woman's body leaning back slightly in black underwear set

Extended Abdominoplasty Expertise at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, patients benefit from the expertise of two board-certified surgeons and an experienced care team. Dr. Kara Criswell and Dr. Bryan Criswell provide compassionate, detail-oriented treatment supported by long-tenured RN injectors and estheticians. This advanced abdominoplasty is often chosen by patients who have lost significant weight, experienced changes from pregnancy, or developed skin laxity across the midsection. The procedure extends beyond the abdomen to reshape the flanks and hips for balanced results.

What Is an Extended Abdominoplasty?

An extended abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that goes beyond a standard tummy tuck by targeting excess skin and fat around the abdomen, hips, and lower back. It reshapes the waistline and restores smoother body proportions. It is designed to address:

Skin laxity across the abdomen and flanks
Fat deposits on the waist and lower back
Muscle separation after pregnancy or weight changes
Discomfort from skin folds and tissue
Proportion imbalances around the midsection

Why Patients Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa

Patients choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for extended abdominoplasty because of their emphasis on safety, artistry, and individualized care. Dr. Kara Criswell, Chair of Plastics for Novant Health, brings a unique perspective as one of Charlotte’s few female plastic surgeons. Dr. Bryan Criswell adds over 20 years of surgical experience.

Their collaborative approach delivers natural outcomes, and their accredited private surgical center ensures safety throughout the process.

A skilled team of RN injectors and estheticians extends the practice’s care with non-surgical treatments, supporting long-term maintenance and patient confidence.

Both Dr. Kara and Dr. Bryan Criswell are second to none! This applies to their caring bedside manner as much as their surgical expertise. Many physicians who have seen Dr. Kara’s work on me ask who did it, as the outcome is exquisite. I wish I had done this sooner.

C.C.

Advantages of an Extended Abdominoplasty

This procedure provides improvements that extend beyond a flatter stomach, offering comprehensive reshaping that addresses both functional and cosmetic concerns.

Patients often describe renewed comfort and confidence in daily life after healing. Benefits include:

Firmer, flatter abdominal contour
Removal of excess skin on the hips and flanks
Improved waistline definition and body proportion
Better fit and comfort in clothing
Long-lasting results with stable weight

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Who is a Candidate for This Procedure?

The best candidates are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and struggle with excess skin or fat around the abdomen and flanks. Nonsmokers or those willing to stop smoking before surgery are ideal for safe recovery.

During a consultation, the Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa team evaluates health history, lifestyle, and goals to determine whether an extended abdominoplasty is the right choice. This ensures personalized care and realistic expectations for outcomes.

woman in jeans and a sports bra with her finger in the belt loop

What to Expect on Surgery Day

Consultations provide a clear roadmap for surgery, ensuring every step aligns with the patient’s goals. The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia with techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy. The general steps include:

Administration of anesthesia for comfort
A horizontal incision along the lower abdomen extending toward the flanks
Removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, and waistline
Tightening of abdominal muscles for strength and contour
Careful incision closure to minimize scarring visibility

Healing and Long-Term Outcomes

Recovery after extended abdominoplasty typically requires two weeks away from work, with strenuous activity avoided for four to six weeks. Compression garments help reduce swelling and support the healing process during this time. Final results emerge as swelling subsides, with smoother contours and improved waistline balance visible after several months. With stable weight, results are long-lasting and help patients feel more confident in their appearance.

Types of Extended Abdominoplasty

Full Extended Tummy Tuck: Corrects abdominal, hip, and flank laxity extensively.
Mini-Extended Abdominoplasty: Uses shorter incisions for patients with moderate excess skin.
Combination with Liposuction: Adds targeted fat removal for enhanced contour.

Related Procedures to Consider

Circumferential Body Lift: Comprehensive reshaping of abdomen, back, and buttocks.
Fleur-de-Lis: Addresses both vertical and horizontal abdominal laxity.
Arm Lift: Removes sagging skin from the upper arms.
Thigh Lift: Reshapes the upper legs for proportion and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions Extended Abdominoplasty

How long does extended abdominoplasty surgery take?

Most surgeries last three to five hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether combined procedures are performed.

Are drains required after surgery?

Yes, drains are often placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup and promote proper healing during the early recovery period.

How visible are the scars?

Scars extend along the lower abdomen and hips, but are placed discreetly and fade over time. Most patients find the benefits outweigh the presence of scarring.

Can pregnancy affect results?

Yes. Future pregnancies can stretch skin and muscles again. It is best to undergo this procedure after childbearing is complete for lasting results.

Will I lose weight from this surgery?

No. Extended abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure but removes excess skin and reshapes the body for improved contour and proportion.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re ready to address abdominal and flank laxity with long-lasting results, contact Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa today. Schedule a private consultation to learn how extended abdominoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.