Extended Tummy Tuck: Procedure, Pictures, Cost, And More

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What to Know About an Extended Tummy Tuck

Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D. — Written by Grace Gallagher — Updated on September 4, 2025

Vs. traditional tummy tuck
Cost
How it works
Procedure
Risks and side effects
What to expect
Pictures
Preparation

An extended tummy tuck is very similar to a regular tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), but instead of just reducing excess skin and fat on the stomach, it also targets the flank area, or “love handles”, between the waist and hips. It can also target excess skin on the outer thigh.

An extended tummy tuck procedure is done in the hospital or a surgery center under anesthesia.

Extended tummy tucks target the upper and lower stomach, waist, flanks, and sometimes the uppermost lateral portion of the thigh.

Extended tummy tuck vs. traditional tummy tuck

An extended tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck are very similar procedures. The main difference is that an extended tummy tuck addresses the flanks, also commonly known as “love handles”, between the waist and hip.

An extended tummy tuck is generally for people who have lost a lot of weight and have a lot of excess skin.

Because of the additional procedure, an extended tummy tuck is often more expensive, is a longer procedure, and may have a longer recovery time.

How much does an extended tummy tuck cost?

The cost of an extended tummy will vary depending on the surgeon, the volume of fat, and the size of the area to treat. The price range for a tummy tuck generally falls between $4,000 and $18,000.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a tummy tuck (not extended) in 2019 was $8,174. Because an extended tummy tuck involves more than a traditional tummy tuck, the cost will likely be higher. In addition, this cost is only for the procedure and does not take into account anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses.

Because tummy tucks are usually done for aesthetic reasons only, the procedure will not be covered by insurance.

In some cases, a tummy tuck may relieve back pain and incontinence. You will also likely have to take several days off from work for recovery.

How does an extended tummy tuck work?

Extended tummy tucks work by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and repairing any muscles that have become loosened or torn.

Through an incision above the pubic hairline that wraps around to the lower back, skin and fat are removed from the stomach and flank area.

The skin is laid flat, and the belly button is reattached, giving the skin a smoother, flatter appearance.

What’s the procedure for extended tummy tuck

During an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon will typically make an incision between your hip bones, low in the pubic area. If you’re having a tummy tuck after a C-section, they may reopen the same scar.
Any muscles that have been separated, such as from pregnancy, will be sewn together so they appear taut. Full tummy tucks can fix diastasis recti, which is a splitting of the abdominal muscles.
The belly button will be cut away, and liposuction may be performed if there is extra fat.
Excess skin is removed from the tummy and flank area, and the skin will be pulled taut.
Finally, the belly button is sutured in its original place, unless you and your surgeon decide to change its shape.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Extended tummy tucks are generally considered safe. However, as with all surgeries, there are risks involved.

Complications can include:

numbness after surgery, which is typically temporary
reaction to anesthesia
excess fluid accumulation or blood pooling in the belly
swelling and redness
internal organ puncture — while rare, could be caused by a cannula (a tube that removes excess fluids from the body) penetrating too deeply and potentially puncturing an organ

When choosing who performs your surgery, make sure you confirm they are a board certified plastic surgeon.

»FIND CARE:Find a cosmetic surgeon in your area today.

What to expect after an extended tummy tuck

Your surgeon or nurse should brief you on what to expect after surgery, including:

what activities to avoid and how long
if and when you can consume alcohol and certain medications or supplements
how long to wear your compression garment
how to manage your drainage tubes, if your surgeon uses them
when to schedule a follow-up appointment

You will be able to see some results immediately, though your abdominal area will be swollen and bandaged. For the first few weeks, you will likely be advised to rest at an angle and avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy things.

Around the 2- to 3-month mark, most of the swelling will likely have gone down, though you may still see some scarring, which should lighten over time. After 6 months to a year, you will see the full results, which should be permanent unless you gain weight quickly or have a pregnancy.

Before and after pictures

It’s helpful to see photos from people who have had extended tummy tucks when deciding if the procedure is right for you.

Here are some before and after photos:

Preparing for an extended tummy tuck

Before your extended tummy tuck, you’ll likely need to get blood tests to check your health. You will also want to meet with your surgeon to discuss what to expect. Also, you will need to arrange a ride home, as it won’t be safe for you to travel by yourself.

You may also be recommended to:

stop smoking
limit alcohol
avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) and certain herbal supplements, which could potentially worsen bleeding or prevent proper clotting

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Regan J, et al. (2023). Abdominoplasty.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
Salemy S. (2019). What you need to know about your tummy tuck recovery.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery
Smaili T. (2016). Different tummy tuck techniques.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/different-tummy-tuck-techniques
Tummy tuck. (n.d.).https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/cost
Tummy tuck guide. (n.d.).https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/tummy-tuck-guide/

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Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D. — Written by Grace Gallagher — Updated on September 4, 2025

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