Houston, TX
Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on May 22nd, 2025
Many people struggle with loose skin and stubborn fat around their abdomen, especially after weight loss or pregnancy. While regular tummy tucks in Houston, Texas can help, sometimes the extra skin extends to the sides and lower back. An extended tummy tuck removes more skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, and sides, helping patients get a smoother, more toned look.
This surgical procedure goes beyond the standard tummy tuck to address larger problem areas that just won’t go away with diet and exercise alone. By tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess tissue, it offers a solution for people who feel self-conscious about sagging skin and want a real change. They can expect a flatter stomach and improved body contour that can boost their confidence.
An extended tummy tuck is a type of body contouring surgery for people with extra skin and fat that won’t go away with diet or exercise. It is often chosen by those who have lost a large amount of weight or had bariatric surgery and need more help than a basic tummy tuck can provide.
An extended tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes loose skin and extra fat from the abdomen and the sides, or flanks. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, the incision wraps around the hips, allowing the surgeon to target larger problem areas.
This surgery also tightens weak abdominal muscles, which is common after major or significant weight loss. For those who had bariatric surgery or have stretch marks and sagging skin on their lower belly and flanks, it can be a good solution.
Patients may need drains for a short time after surgery to control fluid buildup. This procedure leads to a flatter, tighter stomach and smaller waistline. Recovery is longer than with less extensive tummy tuck surgeries.
For individuals who have experienced massive weight loss or struggled with fat and excess skin around the midsection, an extended tummy tuck in Houston, TX, can deliver powerful, lasting results. This procedure goes far beyond traditional tummy tuck options, addressing excess sagging skin, loose abdominal muscles, and separated abdominal muscles to help patients achieve a smoother contour and a more flat tummy.
By tightening the underlying abdominal muscles and sculpting the waist from hip bone to pubic hairline, the extended abdominoplasty supports dramatic tummy tuck results and helps reinforce the underlying muscle structure.
People with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), especially over 30, may also benefit if they have extra skin but are in good general health. Smokers, untreated medical conditions, or those who plan future pregnancies may not be good candidates.
A doctor will check overall health, skin elasticity, and goals to decide if extended tummy tuck is the right choice. Patients should have a stable weight for best, lasting results. Realistic expectations and following pre- and post-surgery instructions are important for safety and satisfaction.
An extended tummy tuck is more than a cosmetic procedure. It can help with issues such as loose or sagging skin, stubborn fat deposits, and weakened abdominal muscles that are often hard to fix with diet and exercise alone.
People who have lost a lot of weight often find themselves with stretched or excess skin around their abdomen and hips. This skin may not shrink back, even with a healthy lifestyle. Extended tummy tucks target this loose skin by removing it and tightening the area.
This procedure is especially helpful for those who had weight loss surgery or lost weight through diet and exercise. The removal of loose abdominal skin often improves comfort, makes choosing clothes easier, and supports better body confidence.
The surgery covers a wider area than a standard tummy tuck, helping patients who deal with skin laxity not only on their abdomen but also the sides of their waist. People can feel more comfortable and less self-conscious about how their skin looks after significant weight loss.
For many, areas of sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits do not respond to regular exercise or a healthy diet. Extended tummy tucks can target loose, hanging skin as well as extra fat, especially on the lower abdomen and flanks.
This procedure can remove sagging skin that causes rashes or irritation. It also trims away persistent fat pads, helping clothes fit better and improving daily comfort.
The benefits are not only cosmetic. By reducing sagging skin and fat, the procedure can also improve hygiene and reduce chafing in skin folds. Many patients notice smoother contours and a firmer profile thanks to the removal of excess fat and skin.
Pregnancy, aging, or major weight changes can stretch and weaken the abdominal muscles. Sometimes these muscles separate, which is known as diastasis recti. An extended tummy tuck addresses these issues by tightening and repairing the muscles during surgery.
The muscle repair can help flatten the abdomen and provide more core support. This often relieves mild back pain and makes some types of physical activity easier.
Improvement in muscle tone can create a stronger base for the abdomen, leading to better posture and greater body confidence. By helping the muscles work together again, people feel stronger and more secure in their bodies.
An extended tummy tuck addresses extra skin and fat not just from the front of the abdomen, but also from the flanks and sometimes the lower back. This surgery improves the shape of the whole midsection, tightens loose muscles, and may use liposuction for better body sculpting.
A board-certified plastic surgeon performs the extended tummy tuck in a surgical center or hospital. The patient is usually given general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
The surgeon starts by making a long, curved incision that runs across the lower abdomen and extends toward the hips. Sometimes, a second incision is made around the belly button to help remove even more loose skin.
Next, the surgeon lifts the skin and fat away from the abdominal wall. The underlying muscles are tightened and stitched if needed. In many cases, drains are placed to remove excess fluid. The skin is pulled down, extra tissue is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.
The extended tummy tuck uses a longer incision than a standard tummy tuck. This allows surgeons to remove more skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, and even part of the lower back. The main goal is to create a smoother contour from the front to the sides.
The incision placement is made low on the abdomen, usually hidden under underwear or swimsuit lines. This makes any scars less noticeable over time. Some patients also need a belly button incision, which is reshaped for a more natural look.
Detailed planning helps make sure the results look balanced. By extending the incision past the hips, the doctor can address areas that a traditional tummy tuck plastic surgery may miss.
Many plastic surgeons combine liposuction with an extended tummy tuck for better results. Liposuction helps remove stubborn fat deposits that cannot be fixed by surgery alone, especially from the flanks or lower back.
First, the surgeon uses a thin tube to suction out extra fat in the targeted areas. Then, the skin is tightened as part of the tummy tuck. Combining these two steps creates a more toned look across the whole midsection.
This approach is popular because it gives a smoother shape and helps patients see a greater difference after surgery. The choice to add liposuction depends on each person’s goals and how much fat needs to be removed. Liposuction as part of an extended tummy tuck is more common now for more complete body sculpting.
Diastasis recti is a condition where the stomach muscles have stretched apart, often after pregnancy or major weight changes. An extended tummy tuck can fix this problem as part of the surgery.
The surgeon gently pulls the separated muscles back to the center using strong stitches. This not only flattens the stomach but also helps improve posture and core strength. Repairing diastasis recti makes the midsection firmer and can help support the back.
A stronger midsection is important for both looks and daily activities. Patients who have their muscles repaired often notice they have less bulging and feel more stable. Fixing the muscle gap is a key part of many extended tummy tuck surgeries, giving results that go beyond just removing skin and fat.
Successful results after an extended tummy tuck depend on what happens following surgery. Attention to everyday habits makes it easier to reduce stubborn belly flab and support long-lasting fat reduction.
Eating a balanced diet is the first step to keeping your surgical results. People should focus on meals with lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Foods high in sugar and saturated fats can lead to new fat deposits, making it harder to keep a flat stomach.
Doctors often recommend breaking meals into smaller portions throughout the day. Drinking water and staying well-hydrated helps skin stay supple. Nutrient-rich foods also support muscle tone and keep skin elastic, which helps maintain the smooth look from surgery.
Regular physical activity is very important for maintaining the effects of an extended tummy tuck procedure. Cardio exercises like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming help burn calories and prevent unwanted fat from coming back. Strength training builds muscle, which supports a toned appearance.
Most doctors recommend starting with light activities once healing allows. Over time, people can add abdominal exercises targeting core muscles. Exercise not only helps with post-tummy tuck abs, but it also increases energy and supports a healthy lifestyle. Setting workout goals or joining fitness classes can boost motivation.
Significant weight changes may cause new fat to form in the abdomen or other areas. To protect results, it is important to avoid dramatic weight gain or loss after the surgery. Monitoring weight on a regular basis can help people catch changes early.
Healthy habits such as saying no to crash diets, planning meals, and making time for daily movement stop fat from building up again. Carefully following recovery advice lowers the risk of undoing the benefits of the extended tummy tuck.
A standard tummy tuck focuses on removing extra skin and tightening muscles in the middle and lower belly. An extended tummy tuck goes further than a mini tummy tuck and also removes skin and fat from the sides and sometimes the lower back. This makes it a better choice for people with significant skin laxity around the whole waistline.
Most people can return to light activities or work in about two to four weeks after surgery, by following specific instructions from their surgeons, like wearing a compression garment. Full recovery and final results may take up to three months. Healing time can be longer compared to a standard tummy tuck due to the larger area treated.
The cost of tummy tuck can vary and depends on the surgeon’s experience, where the surgery takes place, and the amount of skin and tissue removed. Other costs can include anesthesia, follow-up care, and facility fees. The average cost is higher than a standard tummy tuck because the procedure is more complex.
Performed as an outpatient procedure at an accredited ambulatory surgery center, this surgery is often recommended for patients dealing with excess abdominal skin or excess fat. During the initial consultation, a qualified Houston plastic surgeon evaluates your needs and explains the best surgical path forward. Whether combined with breast procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift, or as part of a mommy makeover, it offers one of the most comprehensive plastic surgery procedures available in Houston TX.
While tummy tuck cost may vary depending on complexity and any other surgical procedures, the long-term benefits, both aesthetic and functional, often make it worthwhile. With proper care during the healing process and smart lifestyle choices to avoid weight fluctuations or premature strenuous exercise, patients can maintain their results for years. If you’re ready to remove excess fat and redefine your waistline with advanced techniques, consult with experienced Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Sukkar to explore if this transformative procedure is right for you.
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Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Credit: LiudmilaChernetska / 123RF.com (Licensed). Photo Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.
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