A method of making a semiconductor device is achieved in and over a semiconductor layer. A trench is formed adjacent to a first active area. The trench is filled with insulating material. A masking feature is formed over a center portion of the trench to expose a first side of the trench between a first side of the masking feature and the first active area. A step of etching into the first side of the trench leaves a first recess in the trench. A first epitaxial region is grown in the first recess to extend the first active area to include the first recess and thereby form an extended first active region.