There are many differences between a tummy tuck and an extended tummy tuck. First, the extended tummy tuck is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, hips, buttocks and inner thighs, while the tummy tuck only removes excess skin from the abdominal area. The extended tummy tuck also requires additional procedures to achieve a flat and toned waistline.
The extended tummy tuck procedure lasts longer than the traditional tummy tuck procedure. It typically takes at least three hours to perform an extended tummy tuck surgery, while a traditional tummy tuck surgery takes about two hours. In addition, there is a higher risk of complications during an extended tummy tuck surgery compared with a traditional one.
A tummy tuck is a type of surgery that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightens the muscles. An extended tummy tuck, on the other hand, also removes excess fat from the back.
The extended tummy tuck is more invasive and takes longer to heal than a normal tummy tuck. However, both surgeries are performed in the same way: by removing excess fat, skin, and tissue from your abdomen and tightening the muscles underneath.
Fast facts
About
- An extended tummy tuck is similar to a abdominoplasty, but the procedure also targets fat on the flanks and lower back.
- The incision wraps from the low pelvis to the lower back.
Safety
- Extended tummy tucks are generally considered safe. As with all surgeries, there are risks involved.
- Risks include swelling, fluid accumulation, reaction to anesthesia, and numbness after surgery.
Convenience
- Tummy tucks are an in-hospital procedure where patients are put under anesthesia.
- If the procedure is elective, as most are, it will not be covered by insurance.
- It’s important to find a trained, board-certified plastic surgeon whose work you trust.
Cost
- The cost for a tummy tuck varies widely based on where you live, the procedure itself, and the size of the area.
- It will usually fall between $4,000 and $18,000.
Effectiveness
- Extended tummy tucks are very effective with studies reporting that the majority of those who elect to have this procedure are satisfied by the results.
What is an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is very similar to a regular tummy tuck — sometimes called an 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. In some cases, an extended tummy tuck will also target excess skin on the lateral thigh.
The ideal candidates for an extended tummy tuck include people who have lost a lot of weight and have excess skin, and those who want to slim the appearance of their stomach and flanks.
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. The price range for a tummy tuck generally falls between $4,000 and $18,000.
In 2019, the average cost of a tummy tuck (not extended) was $6,092 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Because there is more involved in an extended tummy tuck, the cost will likely be more. 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.
In a 2012 studyTrusted Source of 25 individuals who underwent extended tummy tuck surgery, all 25 were “extremely satisfi
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.
Targeted areas for extended tummy tuck
Extended tummy tucks target the upper and lower stomach, waist, flanks, and sometimes the uppermost lateral portion of the thigh.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with all surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with extended tummy tucks. One study found that 8.5 percentTrusted Source of people who underwent tummy tuck surgery were re-administered into the hospital because of some kind of complication. These complications and side effects may include:
- numbness after surgery, which is typically temporary
- excess fluid or blood pooling in the belly
- swelling and redness
- internal organ puncture — while rare, could be caused by cannula (a tube that removes excess fluids from the body) penetrating too deeply and potentially puncturing an organ
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. Check out before and after photos below:
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Preparing for an extended tummy tuck
Before your extended tummy tuck, you’ll likely need to get a blood panel to make sure you’re in good health. You will also want to meet with your surgeon to discuss what to expect. Also, you will need to arrange a ride home.
You may also be told to:
- stop smoking
- limit alcohol
- stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) and certain herbal supplements, which could potentially worsen bleeding or prevent proper clotting
What Is The Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And An Extended 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 known as love handles, between the waist and hip. Because of the additional procedure, an extended tummy tuck is often more expensive, takes longer to complete, and may require a longer recovery time post-surgery.
How Much Is A Tummy Tuck
The cost of a tummy tuck is often a deciding factor for patients when choosing which plastic surgeon they trust to perform their tummy tuck. When searching for the best plastic surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty, it is important to note that expertise, training, skill, and ensuring the highest level of patient care, safety, cleanliness, and materials are all variables that will affect the overall cost of your tummy tuck.
If the low price for a tummy tuck seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are hesitant about the low cost of a tummy tuck, you can always do more research by asking questions about the facilities, surgeon’s credentials, and expertise in performing the procedure to make sure the plastic surgeon specializes in tummy tucks and is not cutting any corners. In order to have lower tummy tuck costs, the surgeon may not use the best quality materials or may be compromising the quality of care, service, cleanliness, and safety. Although cheaper plastic surgery may seem financially appealing, plastic surgery is real surgery and you only have one body, so you do not want to bargain when it comes to your safety & appearance.
Since plastic surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery, tummy tucks are typically not covered by medical insurance. However, tummy tuck surgery involves various costs besides the actual surgical fee for the procedure, such as labs or medications, and some of these costs may be covered by insurance. Typically, the pricing for a tummy tuck and all associated fees is broken down on a formal price quote that is presented to you at the consultation, so you will know exactly what they are paying for before committing to the surgery. We will go over the general breakdown of tummy tuck costs below.
Geographical Location
The cost of a tummy tuck varies greatly depending on the surgeon’s geographical location and the demand for the procedure in that area. The national average cost for a tummy tuck, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is around $6,000. However, in cities with high demand, like Beverly Hills, the cost of a tummy tuck can range from $12,000 to $50,000.
1. Consultation Fee
The first fee you will pay along your plastic surgery journey is the consultation fee to meet with your plastic surgeon, discuss your goals, and create your surgical plan. Some plastic surgeons do not have consultation fees, but usually, when the consultation is free, you do not meet with the plastic surgeon, you will meet with a nurse or the surgeon’s patient coordinator instead. The consultation fee secures the time and date of your appointment since there are limited consultation spots, and it is typically applied towards the total cost of your abdominoplasty procedure. Every plastic surgery office is different, so it is best to call beforehand and clarify exactly who you will be meeting with at the initial consultation.
2. Abdominoplasty Surgical Fee
The surgical fee or surgeon’s fee is the cost for the surgeon to perform the plastic surgery procedure. There are various factors that can determine the price of the surgical fee such as the surgeon’s expertise, the length of the surgery, the different types of abdominoplasty, and how complex the procedure is. Also, if it is the surgeon’s specialty and how often they perform tummy tucks. The tummy tuck surgical fee is typically the main cost in the quote breakdown since it is the price of the procedure itself.
3. Operating Room and Anesthesia
Plastic surgery is typically performed at a surgery center or hospital. These facilities have fees in order to provide your surgeon with an equipped operating room and staff to perform your tummy tuck, as well as fees to pay the anesthesiologist to administer the anesthesia, and for the anesthesia medication itself. The operating room and anesthesia fees are separate facility costs and are typically charged by the hour, so if your surgery takes longer than the expected time, you will be expected to cover the overage fees. Some hospitals charge flat rates by the procedure for operating room and anesthesia costs, instead of by the hour, so it is best to check in with your plastic surgeon’s office to ask for more details about the facilities they operate at.
4. Post-Operative Surgical Garment
Another cost to keep in mind is the surgical garment you will be wearing after surgery to help facilitate your healing and enhance your results. Some patients purchase more than one garment so it’s easier to wash and dry the garment in-between wears since the post-op garments are typically worn for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, and you are only supposed to be out of your garment for about a maximum of 30 minutes. The cost of a tummy tuck surgical garment is typically anywhere from a hundred dollars to a couple of hundred dollars depending on the quality of the material and the company that your surgeon prefers for his or her post-op garments.
5. Medications
You will be prescribed a few medications for the post-operative healing stage. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of post-operative prescriptions, even for elective cosmetic surgery, but it will depend on the insurance and your policy. You can always check with your insurance company beforehand so you can calculate the anticipated costs associated with your procedure. Antibiotics are prescribed after plastic surgery procedures to prevent infection, especially if you have drains. Prescription pain medication is also typically prescribed after plastic surgery to help with any pain or discomfort, but it depends on the surgeon. Some plastic surgeons like Dr. Cat Begovic are known for their gentle technique, so Dr. Cat’s patients do not need to take prescription pain medication after tummy tuck surgery, just Tylenol to manage any discomfort.
6. Tummy Tuck Scar Care
After plastic surgery, many patients chose to undergo scar treatment in order to have the least noticeable scar. Scar treatment will vary depending on the size and pigment of the scar, but it can range from topical silicone patches and gel to scar camouflage with medical tattooing.
You can always call your insurance to determine which types of scars and treatments are covered and which will incur out-of-pocket costs.