For patients in South Africa

Extended Tummy Tuck in Turkey from South Africa: when loose skin reaches the hips

An extended tummy tuck is a standard tummy tuck with a longer incision. It is meant for loose skin that does not stop at the front of the abdomen but carries on round to the flanks and hips, often after major weight loss. This page explains the trade-off and how to plan it from South Africa; for tummy tucks in general, start with our tummy tuck guide for South African patients.

How it differs from a standard tummy tuck

• Area treated: the lower abdomen and the sides, towards the love handles
• Muscles: the abdominal muscles are tightened, as in a standard tummy tuck
• Scar: longer, extending beyond the hipbones
• Recovery: initial recovery of around two to three weeks, a little more involved than a standard tummy tuck

The gain is a better waistline and smoother flanks and lower back than a standard tummy tuck can give. If your loose skin is limited to the front of the lower abdomen, a standard tummy tuck is usually more appropriate. If it runs right round the waist, ask about a 360 tummy tuck; if the upper abdomen is loose as well, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck. The technique is described on the extended tummy tuck treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with loose skin on both the lower abdomen and the flanks
• People left with loose skin after major weight loss
• People who accept a scar that extends towards the sides
• People at a stable weight close to their target, in good health, and non-smokers or able to stop

If you are also thinking about breast surgery after pregnancy, see the mummy makeover guide. Other options are listed in our body contouring guide for South African patients.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Where you stay: usually one or two nights in hospital, then recovery at Mandarin Grove near İzmir, where drains, if used, come out in the first week
• Fitness to fly: most patients are cleared after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides, and may ask you to stay longer before a ten-hour flight; book a return ticket you can change
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa

Abdominal surgery followed by a long-haul flight raises the risk of blood clots (DVT). The surgeon tells you when it is safe to fly and which precautions to take, in general your compression garment, walking regularly and drinking water. Tell us early about any history of clots.

Recovery and follow-up at home

Because the incision is longer, expect the first days to be a little harder than after a standard tummy tuck, and accept help with luggage on the way home. Initial recovery takes around two to three weeks. Heavy lifting and core exercise wait until the surgeon clears you, and the abdomen keeps settling over three to six months while the scars fade. Ask the team for your operation notes and give them to your GP.

The same team follows up by photograph, message and video call. Under our treatment guarantee, medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are treated in İzmir at no charge for the treatment; flights and accommodation remain your own cost. See also our clinic facts and complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not recommend a longer scar than you need, we will not confirm a plan before a board-certified surgeon has reviewed your photographs, and we will not operate if your BMI or health makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to add more procedures than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an extended and a standard tummy tuck?

An extended tummy tuck uses a longer incision that runs towards the love handles, so the surgeon can also remove loose skin from the flanks and shape the waist. A standard tummy tuck treats the lower abdomen from hip to hip.

How long is the extended tummy tuck scar?

It extends beyond the hipbones towards the sides of the body. The exact length depends on how far the loose skin reaches.

Is recovery longer than after a standard tummy tuck?

Recovery is slightly more involved, but initial recovery for both is around two to three weeks.

How long after an extended tummy tuck can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, keep your return date flexible.

Will my medical aid cover an extended tummy tuck abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask both specifically.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.