Most extended tummy tucks in Chicago end up in the five-figure range, and your exact cost depends on how far the lift needs to go (front only vs wraparound), whether you need muscle repair, and whether liposuction is added for smoother contour. National estimates often cite $9,600 to $24,000 and at Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics our tummy tuck pricing starts at $10,995 to $19,995 and up, with extended cases often landing toward the upper end based on complexity.
National pricing estimates often list $9,600-$24,000 with an average around $12,500, but this does not include other fees such as anesthesia, operating room/facility costs, or other related expenses. In Chicago, a standard tummy tuck commonly lands in a higher range than the national surgeon fee number because total pricing includes more than the surgeon’s time. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic abdominoplasty, but a medically necessary panniculectomy may be considered if you have documented rashes, infections, or functional problems.
What is an extended tummy tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is the “wraparound” version of a full tummy tuck. It’s designed for people who have loose skin and stubborn fullness not only in the front of the belly, but also through the flanks and sometimes toward the lower back. This is especially common after major weight loss (including GLP-1 weight loss) or multiple pregnancies. You did the hard part. Surgery is about removing what your body cannot tighten on its own.
Extended vs standard vs mini tummy tuck: how they’re different
Mini tummy tuck
- A mini-tummy tuck is best for lower-belly looseness below the belly button
- Often a fit if your main concern is a small “pooch” or mild skin laxity in the lower abdomen
Standard tummy tuck
- Targets the front of the abdomen (upper and lower belly)
- Often includes muscle tightening (diastasis repair) when needed
- Can be paired with liposuction for better waist blending (often called lipoabdominoplasty), especially if you have fullness through the flanks but don’t need a true wraparound incision
Extended tummy tuck
- Targets the abdomen plus the flanks (love handles), and can extend toward the lower back depending on your anatomy
- Longer incision may be necessary because the contouring area is larger
- Usually a longer recovery than a standard tummy tuck because more tissue is addressed
During your consult, the best approach is usually determined by where your skin actually pulls from when you stand and twist. People often think they need liposuction when the real issue is skin laxity that needs surgical removal for a smoother waistline.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a strong candidate for an extended tummy tuck if:
- You have excess skin that extends from the abdomen into the flanks (and possibly toward the back)
- Post-bariatric or post-major weight loss skin
- Multiple pregnancies or twins/triplets with laxity that “wraps” around
- A waistline that still feels heavy or loose despite diet and exercise
- Your weight is stable and you are done with major planned weight changes
- You are in good overall health
How much does an extended tummy tuck cost in Chicago?
National estimates vs real-life pricing
One commonly cited national estimate puts extended tummy tuck pricing around $9,600–$24,000 (average $12,500).
ASPS lists an average surgeon’s fee for tummy tuck around $8,174, and that does not include anesthesia, operating room/facility costs, or other related expenses.
What drives your tummy tuck cost up or down?
- How far the incision needs to extend (front abdomen vs into the flanks/back)
- Amount of skin removal and tissue repositioning needed
- Muscle repair (diastasis repair changes time and complexity)
- Whether liposuction is added to blend the waist and flanks
- Anesthesia and facility fee
- Your medical history and required pre-op clearance
Depending on the surgical plan and complexity, with extended cases often landing higher because they involve a larger contouring area. Our pricing page explains that standard pricing includes common baseline items like the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, your first compression garment, and follow-ups for up to a year, while anesthesia is typically billed separately.
Will insurance cover an extended tummy tuck?
Usually, no. Most insurers do not cover cosmetic abdominoplasty.
However, some patients may qualify for insurance consideration of a panniculectomy if there is a medical need (for example, recurrent rashes, infections, ulcers, or functional limitations) and you have strong documentation.
If you think this might apply to you, start documenting now:
- Photos of rashes/skin breakdown
- Clinic notes and prescriptions
- Dates and frequency of symptoms
- Any impact on daily activities
How to choose the right surgeon for an extended tummy tuck
Look for:
- Surgical training and board certifications
- A safety-first facility and transparent policies
- Reviews
- Lots of tummy tuck before-and-after examples that match your body type and goals
- Overall fit for you, undergoing any surgery is a big commitment and you should trust and like your surgeon!
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.
He also serves as the fellowship director and founder of an AACS-certified cosmetic surgery fellowship program, training other surgeons. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His training includes a general surgery residency (University of Illinois Chicago Metropolitan Group Hospitals) and a plastic and reconstructive fellowship (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston), and he holds hospital privileges locally.
