Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a powerful body-contouring procedure designed for people who have loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or excess fullness not only in the stomach but also around the flanks and the outer waistline. While traditional tummy tucks focus on reshaping the front of the abdomen, extended tummy tucks address a wider area—creating smoother, more balanced contours.
For individuals who have lost significant weight, experienced changes after pregnancy, or simply have laxity that extends beyond the midsection, this approach can offer transformative, long-lasting results. And because the procedure covers more territory, it also requires greater surgical precision, careful planning, and detail-oriented execution. Patients often achieve the most natural and durable outcomes when working with a plastic surgeon who takes a slow, meticulous, and artistic approach to reshaping the abdomen and waistline.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how extended tummy tucks work, what they cost, what recovery feels like, and how to prepare.
An extended tummy tuck is a specialized version of abdominoplasty designed to treat not only the upper and lower abdomen but also the sides of the waist (the “flanks” or “love handle” areas). In some cases, it can also address excess skin that extends onto the upper lateral thigh.
The technique involves a longer incision than a standard tummy tuck—one that curves around the hips and may extend slightly toward the lower back. This allows the surgeon to remove extra skin and fat from a much broader area.
People often choose an extended tummy tuck if:
Because the procedure addresses the entire front and sides of the torso, the improvement can be dramatic—giving the waistline a smoother, more defined shape.
And because extended tummy tucks require greater planning, anatomical understanding, and technical finesse, choosing a surgeon known for being slow, careful, and aesthetically focused becomes especially important.
Both extended and traditional tummy tucks share foundational goals: flatten the abdomen, tighten loose muscles, and remove excess skin. But an extended tummy tuck takes this a step further.
Surgical area covered
Traditional: Treats the front of the abdomen
Extended: Treats abdomen, flanks, waistline, and sometimes upper outer thigh
Incision length
Traditional: Typically hip bone to hip bone
Extended: Curves around the hips and wraps further to address side tissue
Treatment goals
Traditional: For moderate skin laxity and muscle separation
Extended: For extensive laxity, significant weight loss, or wider areas of concern
Recovery time
Because extended tummy tucks involve more reshaping, recovery can take a bit longer—but the payoff tends to be a more sculpted, smooth, and proportionate result.
Who benefits most
Extended tummy tucks are particularly beneficial for patients who notice that their excess skin folds or fullness continues past the front of the abdomen. After major weight changes, this is extremely common.
Costs vary by surgeon and region, but extended tummy tucks generally range between $4,000 and $18,000 or more in the United States.
A few factors influence pricing:
Surgeon expertise: Board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in abdominal contouring—and especially those known for slow, careful, high-precision work—tend to charge more. Their approach reduces complications and improves long-term outcomes.
Extent of the surgery: Because extended tummy tucks cover a larger area, they naturally require more operating time.
Anesthesia and surgical facility fees: These vary depending on where the procedure is performed (hospital vs. outpatient center).
Complexity: Muscle repair, prior surgeries, C-section scars, hernias, or significant skin laxity can add time and complexity.
Insurance: Insurance rarely covers tummy tucks, including extended versions, because they are considered cosmetic. Some exceptions exist if there are medical symptoms like rashes or back pain, but these approvals are uncommon.
Time off work: Most people need two to three weeks off depending on the physical demands of their job.
Understanding these cost factors can help you plan realistically and avoid surprises.
An extended tummy tuck isn’t simply “more skin removal.” It’s a carefully orchestrated reshaping of the torso.
Here’s what happens during the procedure:
Muscle repair: If the abdominal muscles have separated—often due to pregnancy, weight gain, or aging—your surgeon will sew them back together. This is called repairing diastasis recti. It flattens the abdominal wall and supports better posture and core strength.
Removal of excess skin + fat: A long, curved incision above the pubic area allows the surgeon to lift the skin and fat layer upward. Excess tissue is then trimmed away, including any skin that wraps around the flanks.
Belly button repositioning: For full or extended tummy tucks, the belly button is preserved and moved to a natural location on the newly tightened skin.
Optional liposuction: Many surgeons incorporate liposuction to refine the waist, enhance the hip contour, or shape the upper abdomen for a more sculpted look.
Tissue redraping and closure: After tightening muscles and removing extra skin, the remaining skin is gently stretched downward and sutured. Surgeons known for meticulous, artistic techniques often use many layers of hidden sutures to enhance durability, healing, and scar quality.
Surgical precision matters: With extended tummy tucks, contouring must remain symmetrical around the body. Surgeons skilled in slow, detailed work—and who routinely reposition patients during surgery to check results—tend to create smoother transitions and more natural body lines.
While each surgeon has their own surgical style, here’s what typically happens on the day of surgery.
Pre-Operative Markings: Precise markings help map out where excess skin will be removed and where the new waist contours will be shaped. Surgeons with an artistic background often spend extra time planning symmetry and visual flow.
Anesthesia: Extended tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia.
Incision Creation: A horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen, extending around the hips. If any prior C-section scar exists, surgeons often incorporate it to minimize new scarring.
Muscle Tightening: Separated abdominal muscles are sutured back together, restoring firmness.
Skin & Fat Removal: Loose tissue is lifted, trimmed, and redraped across the newly tightened foundation.
Belly Button Reconstruction: The navel stays attached internally but is brought out through a new opening so its position remains natural.
Closing the Incisions: Surgeons known for fine-detail work often use multiple internal layers of stitching for long-term support and better scar quality. Surgical glue, tape, or dressings are added.
Time in Surgery: Extended tummy tucks usually take 3–5 hours, but careful surgeons who prioritize perfection sometimes take longer to ensure every detail is correct.
Extended tummy tucks are very safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, but all surgeries carry risks.
In the early stages of healing, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, redness, and a tight or pulling sensation across the abdomen. Some patients also notice temporary numbness in the treated areas as the nerves recover.
While complications are rare, they can include fluid buildup (seroma), bleeding or blood collection (hematoma), infection, delayed wound healing, or fat necrosis. Some individuals may also develop thicker or raised scars, and—as with any surgery—there is a small risk of an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Internal organ puncture is rare but theoretically possible during aggressive liposuction. This is one of many reasons to choose a surgeon with extensive experience and careful technique.
Always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring. Look for someone known for meticulous technique, careful dissection, and slow, detailed work. These surgeons often deliver safer procedures and better final results.
Recovery varies by individual, but here is a general timeline:
During the first few days, most patients experience tightness, soreness, and swelling across the abdomen and flanks. Surgeons often place small drainage tubes to prevent fluid buildup, and it’s normal to walk slightly bent forward to avoid tension on the incision. Pain medications help keep discomfort under control as the initial healing begins.
Swelling tends to peak during this stage, and gentle walking is encouraged to support circulation. Heavy lifting and strenuous movements should still be avoided. A compression garment is typically worn around the clock to minimize swelling and guide the new contours. Many people feel able to return to light, desk-based work around 10 to 14 days after surgery.
As healing progresses, the incisions strengthen, swelling steadily decreases, and mobility improves. Most patients notice that everyday activities feel easier during this period. With clearance from their surgeon, some may begin light exercise or stretching, though high-intensity activity should still be postponed.
By this point, much of the swelling has subsided, and the abdominal and waist contours become more defined. Scars start to soften and gradually fade, while the overall shape looks smoother and more natural. Many patients feel significantly more comfortable and confident in their results.
Final results typically settle in during this timeframe. The abdomen appears flatter and firmer, the waistline more sculpted, and the scars continue to mature and lighten. As long as weight remains stable, the improvements achieved with an extended tummy tuck are long-lasting.
Extended tummy tucks typically produce:
Results are considered long-lasting as long as lifestyle, weight, and muscle strength remain stable.
Before-and-after photos can help set realistic expectations and provide clarity about how different body types respond.
Preparation is key to a smooth procedure and optimal results.
Your surgeon may request basic tests such as blood work, an ECG, and a review of your current medications or supplements. Some patients may also need general medical clearance to ensure they’re healthy enough for surgery.
You’ll likely be asked to stop smoking for several weeks before surgery, limit alcohol, and stay hydrated. Maintaining a stable weight and keeping a light, regular exercise routine—if approved—can help support better healing.
Certain medications and supplements must be paused before surgery. These often include blood thinners, aspirin, herbal supplements like ginkgo or garlic, and some anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding risk.
Before surgery, set up a comfortable resting area at home and prepare simple meals for your first few days. It’s helpful to have extra pillows for elevated sleeping and to arrange for someone to assist you during the early recovery period.
During your consultation, consider asking about how often your surgeon performs extended tummy tucks, whether they use drains, their approach to incision placement, how they shape the belly button, and what they do to support good scar healing.
Choosing a surgeon who prioritizes thoughtful planning and careful technique can greatly enhance your overall outcome.
An extended tummy tuck is one of the most transformative body procedures, and it demands a surgeon who understands both anatomy and aesthetics.
Extended tummy tucks require not only technical skill but also patience, vision, and dedication to precision—qualities that define elite surgeons who consistently deliver exceptional results.
Most patients describe it as tightness or soreness, especially in the first week, but medication helps manage discomfort.
Scars typically sit low enough to be hidden by underwear or swimwear. With meticulous closure techniques, they fade significantly over time.
Yes. Repairing diastasis recti is a core part of the procedure.
Often, but not always. Many surgeons use liposuction strategically during extended tummy tucks to refine contours.
Results last many years when weight remains stable and no major pregnancies occur afterward.
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