Extended Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Sydney NSW
Extended abdominoplasty surgery can remove excess skin on the abdomen and flanks
Just like a regular abdominoplasty, an extended abdominoplasty can retighten, reshape, and strengthen the abdomen.
But it does something more. An extended abdominoplasty can also address your hips and flanks and remove excess skin on your sides.
People who lose a considerable amount of weight or go through multiple pregnancies often have stretched stomach skin as well as excess unwanted fat and loose skin around the waist (known as love handles). An extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty can remove the excess tissue in these areas and tighten the abdominal muscles.
Dr Jeremy Hunt offers patients in Sydney a wide range of tummy tuck/abdominoplasty options.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
What Is An Extended Abdominoplasty?
An extended tummy tuck, also known as extended abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic plastic surgery done to reshape and recontour the entire stomach in addition to the flank area between your waist and hip. It’s one of the more extensive types of abdominoplasty surgeries.
An extended abdominoplasty targets excess skin and fat folds and weak abdominal muscles. Dr Hunt regularly performs complex abdominoplasty procedures such as belt lipectomy, extended abdominoplasty or fleur de lis abdominoplasty (FDL).
Do I need Extended Abdominoplasty or Traditional Abdominoplasty?
An extended abdominoplasty is very similar to a traditional abdominoplasty. The main difference is that a regular abdominoplasty will not address the fat and skin excess on the hips, whereas an extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty will.
However, unlike a standard tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, an extended abdominoplasty:
- Involves an extended incision to allow more tissue to be removed from the sides
- Removes more skin and fat compared to a regular abdominoplasty
- Addresses the hips and flanks not just the tummy
Candidates for An Extended Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?
An extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty procedure can be a good option for people who have lost a massive amount of weight but are left with excess skin on the tummy and flanks.
This comprehensive procedure is possible for patients who:
- Are in good health and emotional condition
- Don’t smoke
- Are close to their ideal weight
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Why Patients Might Consider Extended Abdominoplasty
Extended abdominoplasty may be performed for a number of different reasons and all patients will have different motives. Some include:
- Extensive removal of tissue around the abdomen and hips
- Tightening of the abdominal muscles
- Correction of diastasis recti
You may be eligible for a Medicare Item Number – 30175 or 30177 (See Below)
How Is Extended Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Performed?
An extended abdominoplasty surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia (GA) the purpose of which is to prevent pain during your surgery. During the procedure:
- Dr Hunt will make a horizontal incision along your bikini line. This extended incision allows him to remove tissue from the abdominal area and flanks
- After this, Dr Hunt will detach the skin and fat from the abdominal muscles
- The right and left abdominal muscles are brought together and sutured
- Once the muscles are strengthened, the skin is redrapped on the abdominal contour and the excess is eliminated
- Another incision is used to reposition the belly button
- The incisions are sutured and bandages are applied
After your surgery, the wounds will be covered with wound dressing and you will be transferred to the recovery room.
Recovery after Extended Abdominoplasty
Each patient experiences a different recovery after their abdominoplasty depending on the age, weight, overall health, and the amount of tissue removed. Nevertheless, during your recovery from an extended abdominoplasty, you can expect the following:
- You might be asked to stay for a night or two at the hospital for observation after an extended abdominoplasty surgery
- You will have drains in the tummy area for a day or two, to help remove any fluid
- You will need to wear compression garments for 2 to 6 weeks to minimise swelling
- You can usually return to your normal activities, like working and driving, within 2 weeks following your abdominoplasty
- You can usually go back to exercising, including heavy lifting, about 6 to 8 weeks after your procedure
- You will need to attend follow-up consultations with Dr Hunt
Risks and Complications
Just like any other surgical procedure, the extended abdominoplasty is associated with potential risks and complications. During your postoperative recovery from an extensive abdominoplasty, you can expect the following side effects:
- Pain after your abdominoplasty is usually at its peak during the first week following your surgery. Then, it will gradually subside over the following 2 weeks. Pain after the surgery usually can be well managed with over-the-counter pain killers
- Swelling is common after any abdominoplasty. Most of the swelling usually subsides within 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. After that, some residual swelling could take a few more months to resolve
- Bruises on your stomach or hips will look purple during the first week after your abdominoplasty. Over the next 2 weeks, the intensity of the bruising should decrease and their colour will likely fade into yellow and then completely disappear.
Just like a traditional abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty is associated with potential complications including:
- Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin): accumulated fluid in the belly after an abdominoplasty can be avoided using drain tubes
- Hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
- Skin numbness: after your abdominoplasty, you might experience some numbness or loss of sensation in your skin, especially near the incision site. However, this usually lasts only a few weeks
- Infection: redness and swelling around your incisions accompanied by chills or fever could indicate a post-surgical infection. Make sure you inform Dr Hunt of any postoperative infection signs you might be experiencing
- Skin necrosis
Patient Results
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Download Dr Hunt's Guide
Abdominoplasty Guide
The abdominoplasty guide has been created by Dr Hunt and his team as a useful tool to help you plan and consider this procedure.
Throughout the guide, we will discuss the ins and outs of different types of surgery what makes a suitable candidate, pre-surgery planning answers to the most frequently asked questions received from patients.
Extended Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Cost Sydney – How much does an extended abdominoplasty cost Australia NSW? Prices & Fees
The cost of an Extended Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty surgery in Sydney, Australia, varies for each patient depending different factors. Your surgery total cost will include surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee and hospital fees, among others.
In some cases, some of the costs associated with an extended abdominoplasty are covered by Medicare & your health insurance (Item Number 30177 or 30175). The best way to determine your extended abdominoplasty cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr Hunt.
You can also learn more about possible Medicare coverage, abdominoplasty Payment Plan, or the costs for extended abdominoplasty surgery on our Surgical Costs page.
Take the next step today
With over 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon, Dr Jeremy Hunt aims to provide patient-tailored procedure outcomes using different surgical techniques.
Dr Hunt prides himself on the level of care and attention he offers and that begins from the day of first consultation.
At your patient consultation, Dr Hunt will perform a comprehensive assessment, review your medical history, discuss any concerns & risks and provide you with an accurate cost for your extended abdominoplasty procedure as part of the informed consent process. You will also see Before and After Images of past patients.
Join the thousands of past patients today by booking a consultation with Dr Hunt.
Next Step – Fill in the Enquiry form or call Dr Hunt’s Team on 1300 157 200.
Next Steps
Always Do Your Research
- Browse our FAQs page
Book Your First Consultation
- Your Surgeon Consultation Fee is $400
- You will need a Referral from your GP
- Phone the team or email to Book your consultation
Prepare for your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information.
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided.
- Dress in simple clothes as you may need to undress.
- Bring your GP Referral and your test results.
Extended Abdominoplasty FAQs - Your Questions Answered
How long will I be out of work after an extended abdominoplasty?
This will depend on how much physical effort is involved in the work you do. If you have an office or desk job, you’ll probably be able to get back into work a couple of weeks following your abdominoplasty. If you have a more physically demanding job, you may need 6 to 8 weeks to be able to resume work after your surgery.
How should I sleep after an extensive abdominoplasty?
The best sleeping position after any abdominoplasty surgery is on your back with a pillow under your upper body and your knees bent.
How long does it take for a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty scar to flatten and mature?
The scar from your tummy tuck/abdominoplasty surgery will gradually heal over the months after your surgery. It can take between 6 months to a year before the scar matures. Scar Minimisation treatments can also help.
How much weight do you lose with an extended tummy tuck/abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss surgery. It can help you attain your desired definition of your abdominal area. Nonetheless, the excess skin and fat removed during an extended abdominoplasty can weight between 2 to 5 kg.
What are the potential risks and complications of the extended abdominoplasty?
Just like any other surgical procedure, the extended tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is associated with potential risks and complications. During your postoperative recovery from an extensive abdominoplasty, you can expect the following side effects:
- Pain after your tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty is usually at its peak during the first week following your surgery. Then, it will gradually subside over the following 2 weeks after your tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty surgery. Pain after the surgery usually can be well managed with over-the-counter pain killers
- Swelling at the level of the tummy is common after any abdominoplasty. Most of the swelling usually subsides within 4 to 6 weeks after your tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty. After that, some residual tummy swelling could take a few more months to resolve
- Bruises on your stomach or hips will look purple during the first week after your abdominoplasty. Over the next 2 weeks, the intensity of the bruising will decrease and their colour will fade into yellow and then completely disappear.
Just like a traditional tummy tuck, extended abdominoplasty is associated with potential complications including:
- Seroma (fluid build-up under the skin): accumulated fluid in the belly after a tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty can be avoided using drain tubes
- Hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
- Skin numbness: after your tummy tuck/ abdominoplasty, you might experience some numbness or loss of sensation in your skin, especially near the incision site. However, this usually lasts only a few weeks
- Infection: redness and swelling around your incisions accompanied by chills or fever could indicate a post-surgical infection. Make sure you inform Dr Hunt of any postoperative infection signs you might be experiencing
- Skin necrosis:
Can Extended Abdominoplasty Be Combined With Other Procedures?
An extended abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction. Breast augmentation mammoplasty, breast reduction mammoplasty, or breast lift mastopexy surgery can also be combined with an extended abdominoplasty as a part of a post pregnancy surgery.
What other procedures are there for Body Contouring?
- Post Pregnancy Surgery
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty by Dr Maryam
- Fluer de lis Abdominoplasty
- Upper Body Surgery
- Lower Body Surgery
- Upper Arm Brachioplasty
- Thigh Lipectomy
Further reading and medical resources
- Large extended abdominoplasty—dispelling the myths of prohibitively high BMI’s: a case report – PMC
- Extended abdominoplasty: applications and a new classification system for abdominoplasty
- Minimising complications in abdominoplasty: An approach based on the root cause analysis and focused preventive steps – PMC
- Abdominoplasty – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
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PLASTIC SURGEON SYDNEY
About Dr Jeremy Hunt
Dr Hunt has worked with thousands of patients across his 20-year career. This is reflected in his role as Spokesperson for the ASPS – Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr Hunt is also a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Dr Hunt has a strong interest in helping his patients achieve their desired results by employing the most appropriate practices for each individual patient.
