An extended tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and flanks, often following significant weight loss or pregnancy, where excess skin extends beyond the central abdomen.
Where appropriate, it can also repair and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles, enhancing both core strength and overall abdominal contour.
Why This Procedure Matters
An extended tummy tuck is typically considered when excess skin extends beyond the central abdomen and cannot be effectively addressed with less extensive procedures. This is most commonly seen in the following scenarios:
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
Following significant weight loss, often from bariatric surgery, patients are left with a lot of loose skin that a standard tummy tuck is unable to address.
An extended tummy tuck removes this excess skin and can repair weakened abdominal muscles caused by significant weight changes. This helps to restore abdominal contour where excess skin extends into the flanks and waistline.
Restoring the Abdomen After Pregnancy
Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal wall and lead to muscle separation (diastasis recti), alongside skin laxity. In cases where both skin and underlying muscle structure are affected, an extended tummy tuck can address these changes through both skin removal and abdominal wall repair.
Addressing Excess Skin Across the Abdomen and Flanks
Unlike a standard abdominoplasty, which focuses on the front of the abdomen, an extended tummy tuck addresses excess skin that extends into the flanks and waistline, allowing for more comprehensive contouring across the midsection.
The decision to perform an extended tummy tuck is based on how far skin laxity extends beyond the abdomen, as well as the condition of the underlying tissues, and is determined during consultation.
How the Procedure Works
What Happens During Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended tummy tuck involves a low, horizontal incision along the bikini line that extends past the hips to address the lower flanks. As with a standard tummy tuck, a second incision is made around the navel to allow for repositioning.
This approach enables tightening of the skin across the abdomen and into the lower back, while also allowing the surgeon to repair and reinforce the abdominal muscles where necessary.
It is typically used when excess skin extends beyond the central abdomen into the flanks, requiring a wider excision than a standard tummy tuck.
Anaesthesia and Surgical Duration
An extended tummy tuck is typically performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.
Techniques Used in Extended Tummy Tuck Surgery
An extended tummy tuck can involve tightening of the abdominal wall through muscle repair (diastasis recti correction), alongside careful removal of excess skin and repositioning of tissues to restore contour across the abdomen and flanks.
Operating Environment and Hospital Stay
An extended tummy tuck may be a day case or overnight procedure, depending on the complexity of the surgery. All of the surgical facilities we operate in are CQC-registered and meet strict clinical and safety standards.
Is This Right for You?
Suitability is confirmed during consultation, where your surgeon will assess skin quality, tissue distribution, and overall health.
Who This Procedure Is For
You may be a suitable candidate for an extended tummy tuck if you:
- Have completed your family, as future pregnancy can affect surgical outcomes
- Are in good overall health and can maintain a stable weight (ideally with a BMI under 30)
- Have loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles following weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing
Who It May Not Be Right For
This procedure may not be suitable if you:
- Plan to have more children
- Are unable to maintain a stable weight after surgery
- Are unable to stop smoking before surgery to prevent complications
Extended Tummy Tuck vs Standard Tummy Tuck
Whereas a standard tummy tuck primarily treats excess skin at the front of the abdomen, an extended tummy tuck addresses skin laxity that extends into the flanks and sides of the waist. The choice between these approaches depends on how far the excess skin extends, which is assessed during consultation.
When a Standard Abdominoplasty May Be Suitable
A standard abdominoplasty may be best for patients who have excess skin in the abdomen.
When an Extended Tummy Tuck Is Recommended
An extended tummy tuck is typically recommended for patients with excess skin that extends beyond the abdomen into the flanks, requiring a wider excision and more comprehensive contouring.
Because an extended tummy tuck involves a longer incision, it allows for more comprehensive contouring, but also results in a more extensive scar, which is discussed in detail during consultation.
Our APEX Recovery System for Faster Healing
Every procedure our surgeons perform comes with Creo Clinicโs APEX Recovery System โ a unique recovery protocol built and refined on years of specialised expertise.
This three-stage system combines pre-surgical optimisation, advanced anaesthetic techniques, and a post-operative strategy designed to eliminate the need for strong pain management.
These treatments are thoughtfully integrated into every step of your plan, ensuring your recovery is supported, refined, and medically guided. We donโt make any compromises when it comes to care โฆ and you shouldnโt either.
What to Expect: Before, During & After
Before Surgery
In the lead up to surgery, you will need to take several steps to prepare your body and home for recovery:
- Stop Smoking – Stop nicotine consumption (including vaping, patches, etc) four weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
- Maintain a stable weight, typically with a BMI under 30, to help reduce the risk of complications.ย
- Alcohol – Reduce your alcohol consumption prior to your surgery, as this can delay your healing.
- Prepare your home – Ensure you have support in place at home for responsibilities such as looking after children and pets.
Day of Surgery
You will be provided with an arrival time at the hospital a few days before surgery. An extended tummy tuck is typically performed under general anaesthetic, and usually takes 3 – 4 hours to perform.
Initial Recovery
You can expect swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness across the abdomen and flanks in the early stages of recovery. You will be provided with a compression garment to help manage swelling and support healing, which is typically worn for several weeks.
Most patients are able to return to light daily activity within 1 – 2 weeks, although movement may feel restricted initially. More strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks, with a gradual return to normal activity as advised by your surgeon.
Final Results Timeline
You may notice an initial change in abdominal contour following surgery, as excess skin is removed. However, swelling and tightness in the early stages can affect how the area looks and feels.
Final results become clearer as swelling gradually settles, which can take several months, with continued refinement over time.
Risks, Limitations & Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, an extended tummy tuck carries potential risks and limitations. These can include asymmetry, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid collection (seroma), and variations in scarring.
Healing outcomes and scar appearance vary between individuals and depend on factors such as skin quality, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care. These risks are discussed in detail during consultation so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
Costs & Financing Options
The price of an extended tummy tuck in London starts from ยฃ14,900 at CREO Clinic.
The final cost depends on the extent of skin removal, whether muscle repair is required, and whether additional procedures such as liposuction are performed.
Whatโs Included in Your Surgical Fee
As part of your quoted price, you can expect:
- Unlimited consultations before surgery
- Your surgeonโs and nursing teamโs fees
- Anaesthetic and operating costs
- Use of CQC-registered surgical facilities
- Compression garments and post-operative consumables
- Access to our APEX Recovery System, including structured aftercare and, where appropriate, treatments such as lymphatic drainage and scar management
Financing Options
Finance options are available through Chrysalis Finance, including interest-free plans for up to 12 months, as well as longer-term payment options.
Why Choose CREO Clinic
Specialist Surgeons by Anatomical Discipline
We work exclusively with surgeons who specialise in their chosen field. Our senior body contouring surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, focuses solely on procedures from the neck down and has extensive experience in performing tummy tuck procedures.
With his expertise as one of the major thought leaders in body contouring in the UK, you can feel confident that you are in skilled hands and supported in achieving excellent results.
Consultation-Led Surgical Planning
At CREO, every treatment plan is developed following a detailed consultation with your surgeon, ensuring recommendations are based on your anatomy, goals, and overall health.
You will have access to ongoing consultations before surgery, ensuring you feel informed and confident at every stage of your decision-making process.
Integrated Post-Operative Care
After surgery, we provide all-inclusive aftercare to help you feel comfortable and heal more quickly. We offer post-surgical lymphatic drainage massages, scar management treatments, and a wide range of consumables to support your recovery and ensure your comfort throughout.
FAQs: Extended Tummy Tuck
What is the difference between an extended tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck?
A regular tummy tuck uses an incision along the bikini line and around the navel to remove excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen.ย
Both procedures, however, can include repair of the abdominal muscles where necessary.
Who is a suitable candidate for extended abdominoplasty?
How long does recovery take after an extended tummy tuck?
However, you will need to wait 12 weeks to be fully recovered, at which point you can resume strenuous activities.
