TUMMY TUCK | ABDOMINOPLASTY | tummy tuck CHICAGO, IL
Tummy Tuck surgery is a life-changing procedure that will transform your figure.
"Dr. T will help and guide you in achieving the body you have envisioned for yourself."
A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure will restore the shape and flatten your abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat as a result of significant weight loss or following pregnancy. Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics specializes in Tummy Tuck surgery and are known for specialized tummy tuck techniques and incredible results.
What are the benefits of a Tummy Tuck procedure?
Tummy Tuck surgery has many aesthetic benefits.
A Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to restore and enhance the appearance of the abdomen, or “stomach” area.
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure if you have experienced pregnancy or changes in your weight that have resulted in loose skin, bulging fat, or weak muscles in the abdominal area. Although tummy tucks are considered elective cosmetic procedures, there are a lot of functional benefits as well. Some benefits include:
- Removes extra sagging skin and fat after pregnancy or weight loss.
- Repairs and strengthens loose, weakened abdominal muscles, or rectus diastasis.
- Creates a smooth, flat, and shapely stomach profile.
A tummy tuck can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or in conjunction with Liposuction or Mommy Makeover to further accentuate your figure!
As more men and women learn about the benefits of tummy tuck surgery, the procedure is becoming one of the most popular body contouring options. If you’re interested in improving your midsection, you may have questions about what a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can do for you.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, our board-certified Tummy Tuck surgeons will take the time to answer any concerns you might have so you can feel positive about moving forward with your abdominoplasty procedure. Some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions are listed below, but please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Why Choose Doctor Chicago Breast & Body
Award-Winning Top Cosmetic Surgeons. Voted "Best of Chicago" for Plastic Surgery in 2019 and 2020.
Dr. Truong holds three board certifications including the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Truong is the founder and CEO of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics and is well-respected among patients and peers and holds a long list of academic awards and professional accolades. Dr. Truong is considered one of the Top Surgeons in Illinois.
Dr. Vagotis is a leader in cosmetic procedures of the face and body, with over 33 years of experience in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. She trained under Dr. Connel is also known as “the father of the modern facelift”. Because of the training Dr. Vagotis received under Dr. Connell, she possesses special techniques and skills that set her apart from other cosmetic surgeons in the Midwest. She currently practicing between her practice location in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and 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 and completed his fellowship at the University of Texas – Health Science center at Houston. There he trained under nationally renowned aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons, gaining valuable insight and an unparalleled experience. His interest lies in body contouring procedures to help patients reach their desired body shape.
TUMMY TUCK FAQ
What is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
A tummy tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed from the upper and lower abdomen, and the underlying abdominal muscles are pulled together and tightened. Although viewed primarily as a cosmetic procedure that is performed for appearances rather than due to medical necessity, a tummy tuck can offer both physical and psychological benefits, particularly for women after pregnancy and either men or women who have lost a significant amount of weight.
Skin is designed to be elastic in order to compensate for the changes in the body that occur with growth, weight fluctuation and pregnancy. However, when those changes occur very quickly, as in the case of pregnancy or rapid weight loss, the stretched-out skin may not “snap back” to its former appearance the way it should. This can lead to a flabby appearance caused by extra skin around the tummy that remains behind even when living an active and healthy lifestyle.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Do you have loose abdominal skin?
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Do you have loose abdominal skin?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck have loose skin around their abdomen, as well as loose abdominal muscles or excess fatty deposits. Most frequently, abdominoplasty patients are women who have been pregnant, but the procedure can also benefit men or women who have lost a significant amount of weight that left them with baggy skin and an unflattering midsection.
A consultation with Dr. Truong will help you better understand the results you can expect to see from a tummy tuck and whether you might be a good candidate
Can I get rid of diastasis recti without surgery?
EMSCULPT is a non-surgical treatment abdominal option that may help improve diastasis recti without surgery. The treatment works by electromagnetically stimulating the abdominal muscles causing up to 20,000 contractions per twenty-minute session. This is far more efficient and recruits 100% of the abdominal muscle fibers which sit-ups and crunches alone can’t achieve. Clinical studies have shown improvement or reduction in abdominal muscle separation by up to 19%.
Can a tummy tuck help reduce my stomach fat?
It's not a weight-loss procedure.
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and patients should reach their goal weight prior to undergoing surgery. However, if you have subcutaneous fat around your abdomen that persists despite your best weight loss efforts, your surgeon can include liposuction in your abdominoplasty procedure to better contour and further slim your abdomen.
What is the difference between a "full tummy tuck" & "mini-tummy tuck"?
Is your loose skin above or below the belly button?
A Full Tummy Tuck is a complete reconstruction of the abdominal area which includes full removal of the loose skin and fat from the belly button down, a full repair of loose muscles or rectus diastasis if needed, and a reconstruction of umbilicus or belly button.
A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of a Full Tummy Tuck. Candidates for a mini-tummy tuck usually:
- Do not require as much skin removed
- The belly button is not detached or reconstructed
- Do not need abdominal muscle repair
If your skin laxity is primarily focused in the lower abdomen, below the belly button, and any abdominal separation is minimal, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, which uses a less aggressive approach to address only the lower abdomen.
On the other hand, if you have skin laxity throughout your upper and lower abdomen or more pronounced abdominal separation, a full tummy tuck might be the best option for you.
How do I prepare for Tummy Tuck surgery?
Follow your surgeon's orders
To prepare for your tummy tuck procedure you should always follow your doctor’s pre-and post surgical instructions including:
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
- You should be free of any illnesses or infections
- Do not smoke, use nicotine or other drugs for several weeks prior to your surgery and several weeks after for best chance of proper healing.
- Avoid certain medications such as aspirin, over-the-counter pain killers that can cause excess bleeding.
- Stop taking certain supplements and vitamins unless approved by your surgeon.
- Make sure you have someone to take you home and care for you during your recovery period
Your surgeon’s priority is your SAFETY and giving you the results you desire, so it is very important to follow your doctor’s orders. If you have any questions about how to prepare for surgery don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon!
How long does the surgery take?
Less than 1 hour and up to 4 hours
Because a tummy tuck is such a personalized procedure, the exact duration of your surgery depends on the approach that Dr. Truong uses for you. In some patients whose needs are minimal, a tummy tuck can take less than an hour. For others, the procedure can last 4 hours or more. The best way to gain a better understanding of how long your particular abdominoplasty will last is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Truong so that he can assess your needs.
What type of anesthesia is required for a tummy tuck procedure?
Most Tummy Tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Abdominoplasty surgeries are done most safely under general anesthesia. This is because the procedure involves removal of extra skin, tightening of abdominal muscles, and reconstruction of the umbilicus. Tummy Tucks can take 2-3 hours to perform and patients are kept most comfortable under general anesthesia. In most cases however, Tummy Tucks are outpatient procedures and patients can go home the same day as their surgery in order to recover at home.
Will I need drains after a tummy tuck?
Yes.
You will most likely need drains following your tummy tuck. Drains are temporary tubes that are placed during surgery to help drain excess fluid which can build up under the stretched skin. In most cases, the drains can be removed easily in the office after 5-7 days. You will be instructed on how to care for your drains including how to clean them and empty them.
How long does it take to recover?
The average downtime for a Tummy Tuck is 10-14 days.
While everyone’s recovery experience is different and your recovery will vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty you get, you can expect to feel some soreness around the site of your incision accompanied by some degree of discomfort in the abdominal area.
You should take time away from work and other responsibilities to rest for at least 1 to 2 weeks. You may be provided with a compression garment to wear, which can help speed up the tummy tuck recovery process by promoting blood flow and reducing swelling.
- Day 1-3 – 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.
- 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 the next few years.
You may download our complete tummy tuck post-operative instructions.
You can read more tips on how to prepare for your Tummy Tuck recovery.
Will a tummy tuck leave bad scars?
As with all surgeries, the scarring from an abdominoplasty is permanent but the scar should fade over time. An experienced tummy tuck surgeon will take special care to place the scar below your bikini line, meaning your scar shouldn’t be visible even if you’re only wearing a bathing suit. Scar cream or scar treatment may be recommended to help reduce the appearance of your scar.
How long will I have to wait before seeing my final results?
Immediate results! Full results after 6 months...
Your abdominoplasty results will be noticeable immediately after your surgery and continue to improve once the swelling and bruising subsides. While post-operative swelling should decrease significantly over the first several weeks, your final results may not be apparent for up to 6 months after surgery.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Chicago?
The average cost for a Tummy Tuck procedure in Chicago is between $9,995 – $11,995 or more. The Tummy Tuck pricing is considered a reconstructive surgery and will vary based on your specific case, your surgeon’s experience, who administers your anesthesia, and where you get the surgery.
Our pricing is comparable to other surgeons of similar experience in the Chicago area. While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Just because a doctor offers this procedure does not mean he is qualified or board-certified in performing abdominoplasty surgery.
We offer several financing options such as CareCredit and Alphaeon. You may apply at home or talk to your coordinator about options available to you.
For general price ranges on many of our procedures see.
You can call our office 312-846-1529 or check out our specials page to see if one is going on now.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Gallery
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 Top Tummy Tuck surgeons in Chicago.
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