Many of us strive for a flat, well-toned abdomen through exercise and weight control. Many of us, however, struggle to achieve our goals. Changes after pregnancy, previous surgery of the abdomen, and significant weight loss can make it very difficult for individuals to obtain the flat, toned stomach they’re working towards. In these cases, a tummy tuck can be a great option.
Keep reading to learn more about the excellent results that can be achieved through a tummy tuck at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. Afterward, schedule your initial, no-pressure consultation with one of our specialists.
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular surgical procedure that is used to smooth and reshape the midsection. Each procedure is customized to the patient and may address problems such as overly-stretched skin, stretch marks, and muscle laxity. This procedure can help you achieve a slimmer, smoother, and tighter abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery can provide you with many positive outcomes including increased confidence, an achieved ideal body image, and freedom to wear more revealing clothing and swimwear.
An Abdominoplasty can be an excellent procedure for men and women who have loose skin and tissue around their midsection. Good candidates for a tummy tuck are in good health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations of the capabilities and limitations of the abdominoplasty procedure. The happiest patients are those who know what to expect from their tummy tuck, have a good body image, and are committed to healthy eating and exercise habits. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss the specifics of the procedure and do our best to answer any questions you have.
The full tummy tuck at Northwestern removes excess skin and may also reposition the belly button. We also use techniques to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat. On the other hand, a liposuction procedure is simply used to remove excess fat. No further shaping or toning is performed.
A mini tummy tuck is a great option for anyone who does not need a full abdominoplasty. A more conservative abdominoplasty procedure, the mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the belly button and down to the lower abdomen. This technique does not reposition the belly button.
A reverse abdominoplasty, also known as a reverse tummy tuck, is a procedure that can be done in-office to address excess skin in the upper abdomen. It’s different from a traditional abdominoplasty, which addresses skin, muscles, and fatty tissue in the lower abdomen. The incisions in a reverse tummy tuck are made below the breasts along the breast fold, making the scars easy to hide and hardly noticeable.
An abdominoplasty can be performed using a variety of techniques. Excess fat is removed by liposuction, loose and sagging skin is excised, and weakened or separated muscles are repaired. Depending on your needs, some or all of these techniques can be utilized in the same procedure. The incision pattern your doctor uses will vary slightly depending on your anatomy and your goals for the procedure. Most commonly, your surgeon will create a horizontal incision at the level of the pubic hairline, extending towards each hip. A second incision near the navel may be necessary for skin removal. The more excess skin that needs to be removed, the longer this incision will be.
A tummy tuck can be an excellent option for anyone who has struggled for years to get rid of excess skin in the abdominal area. While a tummy tuck is certainly a big investment, it’s one that will greatly benefit your physical appearance and self-confidence. At Northwestern, we strive to make this procedure within reach for all of our patients, which is why we accept a wide range of payment options and offer accredited medical financing options. Because our tummy tucks are a customizable procedure, your total cost will greatly depend on the technique and style of abdominoplasty you choose. We encourage you to ask about pricing during your consultation appointment.
In most cases, we use general anesthesia during our tummy tuck procedures. Once you are asleep, the surgery itself will take between 2-4 hours. You should plan on having someone drive you home after the procedure and staying with you for the first few nights. A flatter, firmer abdomen will be apparent immediately after surgery, but final results may be obscured by swelling initially. Within a few months, you can expect swelling to subside, and you can begin enjoying your new slimmer profile.
You should expect to take a few days off work after your surgery to rest and recover. After about a week or two, you should be able to return to your normal activities. We often recommend wearing a support garment for a few weeks after surgery to provide gentle support and minimize swelling and fluid retention.
If you’re interested in learning more about the tummy tuck procedure, trust the experts at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. We have the best tummy tuck doctors in Chicago, IL. All of our doctors are board-certified plastic surgeons and are highly experienced in cosmetic body procedures. Call us at (312) 266-6240 to schedule your initial, no-pressure consultation or reach out to us on our website.
Because a tummy tuck is an invasive procedure, it will usually leave a scar. However, the scar is typically positioned just above the pubic bone and can be conveniently hidden beneath pants, underwear, and swimsuits. The scar will also fade with time.
Most tummy tuck results last for many years. Some events, such as weight fluctuation, aging, and pregnancy can affect the appearance of your stomach. For the best results, we usually only recommend tummy tucks to patients who are able to maintain a stable weight and don’t plan to have any more children.
Dr. Schierle and his team were outstanding! From the initial consultation to the final outcome, it was an extremely patient-centric and quality experience. Dr. S listened to and actioned my input and he was very sensitive to my needs. The recovery and results have been amazing. I have already recommended Dr. S and the practice in general to my friends and family. I am 1000% delighted. Thanks to the whole team and especially to Dr. S.”
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