Repair separated muscles, remove loose skin, and restore your midsection
Medically Reviewed by Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS & Pey-Yi Kevin Lin, MD
Voted #1 Plastic Surgery Clinic in Chicago, Trusted Nationwide
Safety-First Tummy Tuck in an Accredited Surgical Center
Expert Chicago tummy tuck, Lipo 360, and mommy makeover surgeons
Natural, contoured waistline without an overdone or "pulled" look
Thousands of Satisfied Tummy Tuck Patients Before & After Photos
Transparent Pricing, Flexible Financing
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What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. This procedure is designed to improve and enhance the appearance of the stomach area, helping to create a flatter and more toned look. When performed skillfully, a tummy tuck can significantly transform a person’s figure.
While often considered a cosmetic procedure focused on appearance, a tummy tuck can provide both physical and emotional benefits. It is especially helpful for women after pregnancy and for men or women who have experienced significant weight loss, offering a boost in confidence and improved body contour.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
- Improves Appearance: Removes extra sagging skin and fat after pregnancy or major weight loss.
- Improves Posture & Risk of Injury: Repairs and strengthens loose, weakened abdominal muscles, or rectus diastasis. A tummy tuck can help to strengthen the abdominal muscles, reducing the risk of injury.
- Improves Self Confidence: You'll be proud of your smoother, flatter and toned abdomen.
How do I know if I need a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you've noticed changes in your midsection after pregnancy or weight gain or weight loss that just don't respond to diet and exercise.
- Loose or hanging skin on the lower abdomen
- A stubborn belly "pooch" or bulging fat
- Weak or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Skin laxity
In many cases, your surgeon may also recommend adding liposuction to your tummy tuck to smooth out the waist and flanks and improve your overall contour.
A tummy tuck can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or combined with additional procedures to further enhance your overall figure including:
Which Tummy Tuck is Right for you?
Before you choose a tummy tuck, it helps to understand which option fits your body and goals. Different techniques remove and tighten skin in different ways, and some are better for women after pregnancy, major weight loss, or with a higher BMI. Use this tummy tuck comparison chart to see how each type at Chicago Breast and Body differs in who it’s for, the scars, and the kind of result you can expect.
| TUMMY TUCK COMPARISON CHART | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUMMY TUCK TYPE | WHO IT'S FOR | MAIN GOAL | LIPO & CONTOURING | SCAR LOCATION | BEST IF YOU WANT |
| Full Tummy Tuck | Patients with loose skin above and below the belly button and stretched muscles after pregnancy or weight changes | Flatten the abdomen, remove extra skin, and tighten core muscles | Often includes focused lipo to the waist and upper abdomen for better shape | Low hip-to-hip incision placed in the bikini line plus a small scar around the belly button | A flatter, tighter front abdomen with muscle repair in one surgery |
| Tummy Tuck with Liposuction (Lipoabdominoplasty) | Patients with loose abdominal skin and stubborn fat all the way around the midsection | Tighten the stomach and cinch the waist for 360-degree contouring | Includes Lipo 360 to abdomen, flanks, and back for a snatched waist at Chicago Breast and Body | Low hip-to-hip scar like a full tummy tuck, sometimes slightly longer, plus belly button scar | A flat tummy and more hourglass waist in a single procedure |
| Mini-Tummy Tuck | Patients close to their goal weight with a small “pooch” or loose skin only below the belly button | Smooth and tighten the lower belly without a full tummy tuck | May include limited lipo to the lower abdomen or flanks for extra refinement | Shorter bikini-line scar below the belly button, no scar around the belly button | A subtle, more toned lower stomach when the upper abdomen already looks good |
| High BMI or Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck | Patients with significant weight loss or higher BMI who have a lot of extra skin in the front and sides | Remove a large “apron” of skin and improve contour vertically and horizontally | Often combined with lipo for shaping, adjusted to keep surgery as safe as possible | Low hip-to-hip scar plus a vertical scar up the middle of the abdomen | Maximum skin removal and better definition, even if it means more visible scars |
| Reverse Tummy Tuck | Patients with loose or sagging skin mainly in the upper abdomen, often after breast surgery or weight loss | Tighten and lift the upper abdominal skin | Can be paired with lipo to the upper abdomen and bra-line for smoother contour | Scars hidden in the breast folds and may extend slightly toward the sides | A tighter upper stomach when the lower belly already looks flat enough |
Full Tummy Tuck
The most common type of tummy tuck is a full, traditional abdominoplasty. For most patients seeking abdominal contouring, a full tummy tuck provides the best results. This procedure removes excess skin and loose tissue, tightens the abdominal muscles to flatten and tone the stomach, and reshapes the belly button, giving it a smaller, more vertical appearance. Overall, it enhances the contour and profile of the entire abdomen, creating a smoother and more balanced look.
Lipoabdominoplasty
Lipoabdominoplasty is a specialized procedure that combines a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction to achieve comprehensive body contouring. This advanced technique removes excess skin, tightens weakened abdominal muscles, and eliminates stubborn fat deposits, particularly around the abdomen, waist, and flanks. By addressing both skin laxity and fat accumulation, lipoabdominoplasty provides a smoother, firmer abdominal profile and enhances overall body shape. It is an ideal option for individuals seeking to restore their contours after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits in one procedure.
Mini-Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck, but the main difference is the amount of skin and fat that is removed. During a mini tummy tuck, your Chicago Breast & Body surgeon will make a small incision along the bikini line, ensuring it is easily concealed. The procedure focuses on tightening loose abdominal muscles, removing excess fat, and eliminating extra skin to create a flatter, smoother abdominal appearance. This approach is ideal for individuals with minor abdominal concerns who want to improve their midsection with less extensive surgery.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
- Time off Work: 10-14 days
- Surgery: 2-4 hours
- Mobility: next day
- Shower: after 1st post-op
- Breast Massage: begin after 1st post-op
- Exercise & Gym: 6-8 weeks
- Garment: wear for 6-8 weeks or as directed
- Full Recovery: 6-12 months
*Please note this is just a general guide. Times may vary from patient to patient. Please talk to your surgeon or patient care team if you have any questions during your recovery.
Tummy Tuck Week by Week Timeline
- 1 week – You will be instructed to rest at home and care for your drains. You will not be completely bed-ridden, but you will be moving slow and may need extra help at home.
- 2 weeks – Your drains will be out, and you should be able to walk, perform daily functions, drive, and most patients are able to return to work given your job is not physical. You may still have some discomfort, but most patients are no longer taking pain medication.
- 4-6 weeks – You should be able to resume most activities including light to moderate exercise.
- 3 months – You should be back to essentially full activity and your scars should be mostly healed and feeling mostly normal. You may still have tightness and your scar may still be red or purple.
- 6 months – Your scar should be starting to fade, your sensation should be almost normal again, and the skin and tissues are soft and natural-feeling.
- 1 year – You should feel completely normal and your scar should be fading and will continue to fade over time.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Gallery
Tummy Tuck Patient Results
Seeing is believing and our before & after gallery is second to none, with thousands of surgeries, and zero serious complications, it’s no wonder our Chicago Breast & Body surgeons are among the best tummy tuck surgeons in Chicago and the country.
How much does Tummy Tuck surgery cost?
The average cost of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Chicago, Illinois, performed by an experienced surgeon, typically ranges between $10,995 and $17,995+ or more. The exact pricing depends on several factors, including the complexity of your specific case, your surgeon’s expertise, the anesthesia provider, and the facility where the surgery is performed.
While cost is an important consideration, it should not be the only factor in your decision. It is crucial to choose a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in performing abdominoplasty to ensure your safety and achieve the best possible results.
To make your tummy tuck more affordable, we offer several financing options. You can apply from the comfort of your home or speak with your patient coordinator to explore the options available to you.
For more information or to check if any specials are currently available, feel free to call our office at 312-846-1529 or visit our specials page. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way!
Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics is Chicago’s leading destination for cosmetic surgery of the body, breast, and face. Our award-winning team of board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeons is trusted by thousands for their advanced training, surgical precision, and natural-looking results. With a reputation built on excellence, safety, and patient satisfaction, we’re here to help you look and feel your absolute best.
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Truong was Voted One of "America’s Top Surgeons" in the Field of Cosmetic Surgery by Consumer’s Research Council of America and Chicago's Top 10 Plastic Surgeon's. Dr. Truong is the founder and CEO of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics.
Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago who emphasizes tailored care and treatment to each individual patient. Dr. Lin is skilled in both Plastic and Reconstructive surgery trained under nationally renowned aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons, gaining valuable insight and an unparalleled experience with stunning results. Dr. Lin's specialty lies primarily in Breast and Body Contouring.
Dr. John D. Rachel, a distinguished figure in the realm of facial plastic surgery, holds four board certifications: Facial Plastic Surgery, and by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery). Dr. Rachel is known for his facial rejuvenation results and specializes in Rhinoplasty, Face Lift and Blepharoplasty procedures. He is also esteemed as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
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