Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck, also known as a "body lift," is an expanded complete abdominoplasty where the surgeon removes excess skin from the patient's sides and improves muscle elasticity at the love handles and hip regions. The body lift targets the significant amount of excess fat and skin in the flank, upper hip and lower back regions. It tightens the remaining skin and tissue, resulting in a toned body. The procedure can include lifting skin on the lateral thighs and can extend around the back to lift the buttocks. Extended tummy tuck is an extensive surgery that usually requires a one- to three-night stay in the hospital followed by a recovery time of about six weeks at home.


An initial incision is made that spans the abdomen and extends to the back of the patient's hips. A second, vertical incision is made from the sternum to the pubis, exposing the abdominal muscles and creating an anchor scar.	Skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the incision to the upper rib cage. The umbilicus is separated from the navel skin. The skin flap is lifted, exposing the abdominal muscles.	With the skin flap lifted, the surgeon removes excess fat and sometimes perform liposuction. The abdominal muscles are pulled tightly together and sutured in place, forming a stronger abdominal wall and a thinner waistline.	Excess skin is pulled down and removed, including the former navel opening. A new navel is formed and attached to the umbilicus. The incisions are sutured or closed with steri-strips.

Who is the Ideal Extended Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Extended tummy tuck is normally intended for obese or formerly obese patients who have large amounts of excess fat and overhanging skin that extend to the back. Extended tummy tuck is useful for patients who have experienced considerable weight loss, such as from bariatric surgery. These patients need help restoring tone to the abdominal, hip, flank and back muscles and are bothered by abundant amounts of excess skin.

The extended tummy tuck is an elective procedure. Any patient who considers an elective surgery should be in good overall health. Patients in poor health might have compromised outcomes and are at higher risk for complications. Schedule a consultation with one of our tummy tuck surgeons to determine if you are a good candidate.

How is the Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

In an extended tummy tuck, the initial incision spans the entire width of the abdomen and extends to the back of the patient's hips. The surgeon places a second, vertical incision from the sternum to the pubis, exposing the abdominal muscles and creating an anchor-shaped scar.

The skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the incision to the upper rib cage. With the skin flap lifted, the surgeon removes excess fat and sometimes performs liposuction. The abdominal muscles are pulled tightly together and sutured in place, forming a stronger abdominal wall and a thinner waistline. Excess skin is pulled down and removed, including the former navel opening. A new navel is formed and attached to the umbilicus. The incisions are sutured or closed with steri-strips.

Average Extended Tummy Tuck Fees

Extended tummy tuck fees include surgeon and facility fees, lab work, anesthesiology, and postsurgical prescriptions and supplies. The average cost of an extended tummy tuck is $8,000 to $12,000. Fees vary based on what part of the country you live in, your surgeon's experience, the facility type, the complexity of the procedure, the length of the hospital stay and other factors.