Feeling comfortable in your own body and wearing whatever you choose can be difficult when you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen. This area can be difficult to tone even with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Also, childbirth, weight loss, and the natural process of aging can lead to loose skin that no amount of exercise can address. We offer tummy tuck surgery to help with these common concerns. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins, offer state-of-the-art techniques to slim, flatten, and tone the abdomen with beautiful results.
- What Is a Tummy Tuck?
- Tummy Tuck Candidates
- Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Tummy Tuck Vs. Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Tummy Tuck Scars
- Tummy Tuck Results
- Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Tummy Tuck Safety
- Tummy Tuck Cost
- Tummy Tuck Insurance Coverage
- Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck
- More Information About Tummy Tuck
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat, and repair separated muscles to flatten the abdomen. Abdominoplasty is considered to be one of the most effective form-enhancing surgeries. Major weight changes and pregnancies can leave unwanted skin and fat in the abdominal region. Individuals with stretched or separated abdominal muscles can also have the appearance of poor muscle tone in this area. Tummy tuck surgery can help remove stubborn fat and skin that are resistant to diet and exercise, as well as get rid of stretch marks for a smoother and more toned abdomen.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Our doctors will thoroughly review an individual’s health history and perform an examination to determine if they are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Important factors including skin tone, existing scars, potential hernias, fatty tissue, and muscle abnormalities will be taken into consideration during the evaluation. Preoperative photos will also be taken during your visit to help our doctors with surgical treatment planning. During your consultation, you will get the chance to discuss your aesthetic desires, and our doctors will go over the available options and techniques that can deliver optimal results.
What Should I Expect During the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
During your consultation, our doctors will review with you the various options available for abdominal rejuvenation. In general, more extensive abdominal wall laxity, particularly in the upper abdomen, requires a full abdominoplasty. This traditional procedure usually requires an incision around the belly button and another incision across the lower abdomen, often extending hip to hip. To blend the contours, liposuction is usually recommended to the waist and abdomen during this surgery. After excess soft tissue is removed, the muscles are tightened or repaired, and the skin is re-draped and closed in a skillful manner.
“A Mini Tummy Tuck Improves the Lower Belly with Less Extensive Surgery”
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
For patients with less laxity that is confined to the lower abdomen, a limited abdominoplasty, also called a mini tummy tuck, can often meet their goals with a shorter incision. This technique targets only the tissues below the belly button and often still requires liposuction, but avoids a scar around the navel. Recovery from a limited abdominoplasty is usually easier because less muscle repair is involved.
Tummy Tuck Vs. Liposuction: Which Is Right for Me?
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction, while often combined, are designed essentially to achieve different goals. Some patients may benefit from having tummy tuck surgery alone, some may benefit from liposuction alone, and others will benefit from a combination of the two techniques. If your primary concern is excess fatty tissue and you have good skin tone, liposuction may be sufficient to provide an excellent outcome. If you have any skin laxity, however, liposuction will not improve this issue and a tummy tuck may be the preferred choice. We will discuss all of your options during your initial consultation, and ultimately you will make the final decision about your care.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but strenuous activity is limited for at least several weeks. Patients may drive and return to work once they discontinue narcotic pain medicine.
What Will My Tummy Tuck Scars Look Like?
We seek to place the incision as low on the hips as possible to provide an appealing and inconspicuous outcome. The incision for a traditional abdominoplasty will run from hip to hip along the bikini line and should be hidden, once healed, when wearing clothes or swimwear. In a mini abdominoplasty the incision is typically shorter. We will demonstrate during your consultation approximately where and how long your incision will be based on your needs and goals. Most people heal very well and the scar fades in color and should become quite smooth with time. Although never completely invisible, many individuals are so happy with their results they don’t mind the mostly hidden mark.
How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
Results are designed to last for many years as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained. Weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and/or sagging skin due to the natural aging process can potentially affect results; however, you may undergo revision tummy tuck surgery to restore your initial outcome. To prolong results, it is most effective to maintain a healthy diet and fitness regimen.
Can I Get Pregnant After a Tummy Tuck?
We typically recommend that women finish building their families before having a tummy tuck, but this is not because the procedure in any way affects your fertility. Abdominoplasty is often performed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy shape, and getting pregnant and having children after the operation could lead to development of the same issues the patient sought to treat with a tummy tuck. If these concerns are bothersome, another procedure may be able to help you once again restore your figure; however, it is more cost-effective to finish having all the children you desire before considering tummy tuck surgery.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Safe?
Surgical procedures will always come with certain risks and side effects. If you are considering abdominoplasty, enlisting a board-certified plastic surgeon is often the best way to ensure your safety during treatment. Our doctors will discuss with you the pros and cons of tummy tuck surgery, including all possible risks. Potential complications include seroma, bleeding, poor wound healing, scarring, numbness, swelling, and/or pain. Patient safety is our top priority and our doctors will not recommend abdominoplasty unless it is the best option for you.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The price of tummy tuck surgery in 2020 was, on average, $6,154*. However, this number does not necessarily represent the full cost of treatment. In addition to the surgeon’s fee, you will be responsible for the costs of anesthesia and the use of the facility where the procedure is performed. To help you become well-informed before making a decision, we will go over the full anticipated price of your treatment plan. Our team will also answer your questions and address any concerns. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your selection. Furthermore, we accept a wide range of payments as well, and work with reputable lenders who offer medical financing for individuals interested in that course of action. We will be happy to go over the details with you during your initial consultation.
*According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery, are not usually covered by medical insurance. Patients may be eligible for coverage if they are experiencing functional issues due to excess tissue or fat in the abdominal region. In these cases, patients will need pre-authorization from a medical professional before treatment. We can provide individuals interested in abdominoplasty with a cost estimate at their consultation and more information regarding the pre-authorization process.
Is a Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Possible?
Many advances in non-surgical technologies have provided minimally invasive solutions to some popular cosmetic treatments; however, there is currently no non-surgical option that can achieve the same effects and benefits as tummy tuck surgery. This procedure trims away excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and reduces excess fat in one operation. Mild tightening and toning of the skin may be possible with certain treatments, but no method can address diastasis recti (separation of the left and right abdominal muscles) without surgery. If you have questions about whether a non-surgical treatment can achieve your goals, we can advise you about your options and which approach can provide the optimal outcome for you.
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After For more information about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation at our Chicago plastic surgery practice, please contact us via email or call (312) 361-8108 today.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Swelling Last After a Tummy Tuck?
As a normal side effect of abdominoplasty, swelling can generally be expected to fade after a few weeks (provided you follow instructions for aftercare). Certain healthy habits, such as staying hydrated and limiting sodium in your diet, can help mitigate excessive swelling. In addition, wearing post-operative compression garments can help facilitate the healing process and control swelling.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Contrary to popular belief, abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure; rather, the goal of a tummy tuck is to sculpt and contour the abdomen by removing excess skin and repairing stretched abdominal muscles. In fact, the ideal candidate should be at a relatively healthy weight in order to safely undergo surgery and achieve optimal results.
Moreover, abdominoplasty can be a wonderful post weight loss surgery option for those who have recently lost a significant amount of weight and are interested in removing excess skin and tissue.
Will I Need to Wear Compression Garments After My Tummy Tuck?
We instruct most abdominoplasty patients to wear a compression garment, especially if liposuction was performed, for approximately four to six weeks following surgery. The precise amount of time will depend on the extent of treatment and specifics of your procedure.
Can a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of C-Section Scars?
In many cases, your surgeon can tailor your tummy tuck to remove, or significantly reduce, the appearance of c-section scarring. Because c-section incisions are traditionally placed below the bikini line, a mini abdominoplasty can be especially effective for this purpose. During your consultation, we encourage you to communicate your desire to remove c-section scars, as our surgeons always strive to prioritize your unique cosmetic goals.
For more information about tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation at our Chicago plastic surgery practice, please contact us via email or call (312) 361-8108 today.