The midsection is a difficult place to tighten and tone, even with the most stringent diet and exercise. Fortunately, the abdominoplasty (or “tummy tuck”) procedure is designed to target the abdomen and sculpt a sleek and slim silhouette. If you are bothered by a protruding tummy or saggy skin around your stomach, consider a tummy tuck in Chicago.
In Rosemont, IL, Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute elevates cosmetic transformations through tummy tuck surgery. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Kapadia and Dr. Szczerba, we specialize in tailoring tummy tucks to fit your unique body and aesthetic goals. Dr. Szczerba and Dr. Kapadia work closely with patients to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. They take their time to develop a treatment plan so that the patient feels comfortable with surgery, recovery, the cost, risks, and benefits.
What Are Tummy Tucks?
Tummy tuck surgery is a transformative cosmetic procedure to reshape and firm the abdominal area. This surgery addresses issues that diet and exercise alone might not resolve, such as excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, often resulting from significant weight loss or pregnancy. At its core, a tummy tuck involves the removal of extra skin and fat from the abdomen and the tightening of abdominal muscles, leading to a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery
Improved Abdominal Contour
The primary benefit of a tummy tuck is the improved contour and appearance of the abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin and fat, resulting in a flatter, more toned stomach.
Reduction of Stretch Marks
Tummy tuck surgery can also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, particularly those located below the navel. This is because the procedure often involves removing a portion of the stretched skin, eliminating some stretch marks.
Tightened Abdominal Muscles
For many, the procedure can tighten muscles in the abdomen that have become lax over time due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This tightening can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing abdominal profile and improved muscle tone.
Improved Posture
By tightening weak abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can help in improving posture. Stronger abdominal muscles support the spine better, alleviating certain back pain associated with poor posture.
Long-Lasting Results
When accompanied by a healthy lifestyle, the results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting. Patients who maintain a stable weight and exercise regularly can enjoy the surgery’s benefits for many years.
Correction of Ventral Hernia
Sometimes, a tummy tuck can correct a ventral hernia by addressing weakened abdominal muscles and reducing pressure on the abdominal wall. This dual benefit can lead to both cosmetic improvement and reduced risk of hernia recurrence.
Tummy Tuck Before and After
What to Anticipate for a Tummy Tuck
Surgery Candidates
A tummy tuck is a great option for individuals with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that protrudes or sags. An ideal Chicago tummy tuck candidate is a person in good health and at a stable weight. Tummy tuck patients should not smoke or plan to become pregnant in the near future. In fact, it is a good idea to wait until you are done having children to have a tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck patients should keep in mind that this procedure is not a weight loss surgery. It will not eliminate significant excess weight or substitute a healthy lifestyle. Instead, a tummy tuck will tighten and tone those body areas that diet and exercise cannot target. This is why many people choose to have a tummy tuck after they have lost a significant amount of weight through non-surgical or surgical means.
The Procedure
Before the procedure, anesthesia will be administered by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. Then, a horizontal incision will be made above the pubic line. The length of the incision depends on the particular treatment plan and the amount of correction needed. For example, if only a small amount of fat and skin needs to be removed, the incision will remain short; if a more extensive amount of fat and skin needs to be removed, then the incision could extend around the circumference of the abdomen.
Through the incision, the plastic surgeon will tighten the abdominal musculature and eliminate excess fat and skin. The surgeon may remove skin that has excessive stretch marks, and reposition the belly button. Liposuction may be employed to eliminate the excess fat if necessary. The incision will be closed, and the area will be bandaged.
Recovery
Immediately after surgery, most of our abdominoplasty patients notice swelling and bruising around the waist; this tends to disappear within several weeks. Minor residual swelling might remain for a couple of months. Incisions will be pink or red and will fade over time as well. It is important that tummy tuck patients get as much rest as possible after surgery. Stretching, straining, and lifting should be avoided until the doctor advises it is safe to do so. Light exercise is encouraged after surgery, but high-impact exercise is not recommended for at least several weeks after the procedure.
Benefits and Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck can transform a protruding belly into a sleek, slim midsection. The procedure removes excess skin and fat along with stretch marks on the lower abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery also tightens abdominal muscles that have separated. There are some surgical risks, including excessive bleeding, infection, complications from the anesthesia, and the development of fluid accumulation under the skin. These risks (and how to minimize them) will be discussed with Dr. Szczerba during the initial consultation.
Full vs. Mini Abdominoplasty
The distinction between full and mini-abdominoplasty is how the belly button is treated. Removing only the lower abdominal skin is a mini-abdominoplasty. This is a good option if only the lower abdomen has loose skin. If the upper abdomen is loose too, then you should consider a full abdominoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Tummy Tuck?
Recovering from a tummy tuck is gradual, and the duration varies from person to person. Most patients can resume normal activities within two to four weeks post-surgery, but it’s crucial to avoid strenuous activities during this initial recovery phase. The full recovery, where the final results become evident, can take several months, allowing the body ample time to heal and adapt to its new contours.
Will There Be Visible Scars After a Tummy Tuck?
Regarding scarring, a tummy tuck does leave a scar, but surgeons typically position it low on the abdomen, making it easy to conceal under underwear or swimwear. As time passes, the visibility of the scar often diminishes, becoming less noticeable and more integrated with the body’s natural lines.
Can a Tummy Tuck Help With Weight Loss?
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss surgery. Rather, its primary purpose is to reshape and firm the abdominal area by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure is best suited for those already at or near their ideal body weight but looking to address issues like loose skin or a protruding belly.
Is the Result of a Tummy Tuck Permanent?
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, particularly for individuals who maintain a consistent weight and adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Keeping a stable weight is key to preserving the surgery’s results, as significant weight gain or loss can alter the outcomes. Additionally, future pregnancies can also impact the lasting effects of the procedure, so this should be considered when planning for a tummy tuck.
Are There Differences Between Female and Male Abdominoplasty?
Unlike women, men usually do not need an abdominal wall tightening, and there are other technical differences between male and female body contouring. The scars are placed in slightly different areas because of the underlying anatomy. Additionally, the approach to fat removal and skin elasticity varies due to gender-specific body composition and skin characteristics, ensuring that the procedure is tailored to suit the unique requirements of each individual.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Tummy tucks are frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a more comprehensive body transformation. Common combinations include pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction for enhanced fat reduction or with procedures like breast augmentation to create a more balanced overall body appearance. This approach allows for addressing multiple areas of concern in one surgical session, often leading to more pronounced and satisfying results.
Transform Your Abdomen With a Tummy Tuck in Rosemont, IL
At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Rosemont, IL, we offer the tummy tuck procedure to those looking to remove excess skin and fat from their abdominal area. This surgical procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, involves making incisions to remove excess skin and fat before tightening the abdominal muscles and re-draping the remaining skin for a smoother and flatter appearance. Contact us online or give us a call at (847) 853-9900 to schedule a consultation today.
