MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
MED0001602957. This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
An extended tummy tuck (extended abdominoplasty) is a body contouring procedure used to address excess skin and soft tissue across the abdomen and extending towards the hips and flanks (and in some cases further around the lower back). It is most commonly considered after significant weight loss or pregnancy-related changes where skin laxity is not improved through non-surgical measures. The goals are to improve contour and, in selected patients, support comfort by reducing skin fold-related issues. A consultation is required to confirm suitability and surgical planning.
Discover the highly qualified surgeons and doctors behind our trusted procedures. Browse their credentials, specialties, and treatments, then explore each procedure in detail to find the right expert for your needs.
MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip(Anat) MS (Plast) PhD (Med) FRACS (Plast)
MED0001602957
Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of breast and body, as well as skin cancer and hand surgery.
- Skin Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
- Hand Trauma & Elective Hand Surgery
- Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Breast Surgeries
- Transgender Surgery
MBBS BMedSci PGradDipAnat MPH FRACS (Plast)
MED0001666891
Dr Phaethon Karagiannis is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 14 years of medical experience, including 9 years exclusively in plastic surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He later completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney.
Dr Phaethon primarily focuses on Facial Surgeries.
FRACS (Plast), MSSc (Adel), MBBS (Adel)
MED0001673429
Dr Punj has completed two Subspecialty Fellowships after completing Plastic Surgery Training in Adelaide. Specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Rhinoplasty, Breast including Body Contouring & Reconstructive surgery.
- Facial Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Surgeries
- Body Surgery
MBBS, Master of Surgery, FRACGP
MED001789320
Dr Katelaris has extensive training and experience in same-day, local anaesthetic surgical assessment and procedures that are completed with meticulous technique. Dr Katelaris was a Urology Registrar for 3 years at teaching hospitals in Sydney, Albury and Tweed Heads.
- Skin Cancer
- Mens Health
- Urology
- Health Clinic
MD, PhD, FRACS (Vascular Surgery)
MED0001216465
Dr Hajian is a Sydney-based vascular and Endovascular surgeon. He is a member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr Hajian is an Australian trained vascular surgeon. As a specialist in vascular surgery, he provides high quality of care for patients with various acute and chronic conditions affecting the blood vessels and circulatory system.
- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Diabetic Foot Treatment
- Endovascular Surgery
An extended tummy tuck involves removal of redundant skin and soft tissue from the lower abdomen with a longer incision than a standard abdominoplasty, allowing additional contouring of the flanks. In appropriate cases, the procedure may also include repair of abdominal wall separation (diastasis recti) by tightening the underlying muscle fascia. Liposuction may be used selectively to refine contour, but it does not replace skin excision where laxity is significant. This is major surgery and requires a recovery period and acceptance of permanent scarring
Potential benefits vary depending on anatomy, skin quality and healing. They may include:
– Reduction of excess abdominal skin and improved lower abdominal contour
– Improved contour through the flanks/hips compared with a standard tummy tuck in selected patients
– Abdominal wall tightening (when diastasis repair is performed and clinically appropriate), which may improve core support for some patients
– Reduced skin-fold irritation in some cases where redundant skin contributes to chafing or hygiene difficulties
– Improved clothing fit for some individuals
– Outcomes differ between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:
– Has stable weight (often after significant weight loss) and is not using surgery as a weight-loss method
– Has excess skin that extends beyond the central abdomen to the hips/flanks
– Is medically fit for surgery and recovery
– Does not smoke/vape or can stop nicotine use for the clinically required period
– Understands the trade-offs, including longer scars, recovery time, and variable results
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate if you:
– Are in good overall health
– Have persistent excess skin and tissue through the abdomen and flanks
– Have maintained a stable weight for a period advised by your surgeon
– Have realistic expectations about scarring and recovery
– Are willing to follow pre- and post-operative instructions, including nicotine cessation if required
– Have concerns about abdominal wall laxity/diastasis that can be assessed during consultation
An extended tummy tuck may not be appropriate if you:
– Are planning pregnancy in the near future (this may affect results, particularly if muscle repair is performed)
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions that significantly increase surgical risk
– Are unable to stop nicotine use as directed (this increases complication risk)
– Have significant ongoing weight fluctuations
– Expect a scar-free or “perfect” outcome, or are seeking surgery primarily for weight loss
Technique selection depends on the distribution of excess skin, scar preference, and clinical considerations. Options may include:
– Extended Abdominoplasty Incision: A low incision across the lower abdomen that extends further toward the hips/flanks than a standard tummy tuck, designed to address lateral laxity.
– Diastasis Repair (when indicated): Tightening of the abdominal wall fascia to address separation, where appropriate.
– Adjunct Liposuction: May be used in selected areas to refine contour; not appropriate in every case.
– Vertical Component (Fleur-de-Lis): In selected patients with significant vertical laxity, an additional vertical incision may be recommended to improve tightening (with a more visible scar).
Your surgeon will explain the proposed incision pattern, expected scar location, and the trade-offs of each approach.
Anesthesia
Extended abdominoplasty is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia in an appropriate facility. Anaesthesia is administered and monitored by a qualified anaesthesia clinician.
You will receive individualised instructions. Common requirements may include:
– Medication and supplement review, including agents that can increase bleeding risk
– Nicotine cessation for the recommended period before and after surgery
– Pre-operative tests/clearances if indicated
– Planning transport, time off work, and home support
– Fasting instructions prior to anaesthesia
Return to Work: some patients with sedentary work return in around 2–3 weeks, but this varies.
Return to Exercise: light walking is often encouraged early; heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and core-focused activity are commonly restricted for around 6 weeks or longer, depending on the repair performed and healing.
Assessing longer-term outcome: swelling and tissue settling can take months; results are commonly assessed over 6–12 months, with scars continuing to mature beyond this.
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.
