Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck, also known as the body lift, is an expanded complete tummy tuck where the tummy tuck surgeon also removes excess skin from the patient's sides and improves muscle elasticity at the love handles and hip region. Extended tummy tuck allows for the removal of the skin and tightens the remaining skin and tissue, resulting in a toned body.
The extended tummy tuck procedure is the combination of a tummy tuck with removal of the skin around the entire waistline, and can include the lifting of the skin on the lateral thighs. Extended tummy tuck can even be used to lift the buttocks if it is continued around the back. Extended tummy tuck is an extensive surgery that usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
| 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. |
In order to leave a nice contour, the incision and scar extends beyond the hip area towards the patient's back. The muscles are tightened, and a new navel is created. Liposuction is sometimes performed at the same time to create a better looking contour for the patient. The extended tummy tuck procedure targets the significant amount of excess fat and skin in the flank, upper hip, and lower back regions.
Who is The Ideal Extended Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Extended tummy tuck is normally intended for obese or formerly obese patients that have a large amount of excess fat and overhanging skin that extends to the back. Extended tummy tuck is useful for patients who have experienced considerable weight loss, such as from bariatric surgery or surgery on the stomach or intestines that resulted in massive weight loss.
The extended tummy tuck is for patients whose abdomens are improved by tummy tuck surgery, but their flank and back areas still hold folds of extra skin and fat. These patients need help restoring tone to the abdominal, hip, flank, and back muscles and are also bothered by abundant amounts of excess skin.
The extended tummy tuck surgery 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 length of the abdomen and extends to the back of the patient's hips. The surgeon then places a second, vertical incision from the sternum to the pubis, exposing the abdominal muscles and creating an anchor scar. During the procedure, the surgeon tightens the exposed muscles and creates a new navel to match the patient's new body shape.
The tummy tuck surgeon might also use liposuction during an extended tummy tuck procedure to achieve the ideal body contour. After excess skin has been trimmed from the abdomen, hips, flanks, and back, the incision is closed with sutures or steri-strips.
Because extended tummy tuck is a more involved procedure than other tummy tuck surgeries, it usually takes several hours, a hospital stay of one to three days, and a longer recovery time of about six weeks.
Average Extended Tummy Tuck Costs
Extended tummy tuck costs include surgeon and facility fees, lab work, and postsurgical prescription costs. The average cost of an extended tummy tuck is $8,000 – $12,000. Fees vary based on geographic location, experience level of the tummy tuck surgeon, facility type, difficulty of the surgery, the length of the hospital stay and other factors.
Financing or payment plans may be available. Ask your tummy tuck doctor if he or she offers payment options.
Find Out More About Tummy Tuck Surgery
For more information on tummy tuck surgery, see the tummy tuck menu items to the left. To find a tummy tuck doctor near you, use our tummy tuck surgeon locator