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Tummy Tuck - Chicago
Why Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
A flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, a healthy diet and regular abdominal workouts can sometimes do little to eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. A protruding abdomen can be the result of excess fat, weak abdominal muscles and pregnancy. For those who have experienced a massive weight loss, their only alternative to droopy, overhanging skin is surgery.
A "Tummy Tuck", or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to flatten a protruding abdomen by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall and removing excess fatty tissue and skin. The Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute has a team of world renowned surgeons with extensive experience in the tummy tuck procedure, which can benefit men and women who are bothered by a jutting abdomen.
Patients who have stabilized in their weight loss programs or who feel they are at their ideal weights are the best candidates for a tummy tuck. The surgery is particularly helpful for women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved by a tummy tuck procedure.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during tummy tuck surgery can separate again during pregnancy. |
How is Tummy Tuck surgery performed?
There are three basic techniques used to flatten a loose, sagging abdomen. The best technique for your tummy tuck procedure will depend largely on your goals and your specific problem. Liposuction and Body Contouring alone can produce a thin abdominal wall for some. However, if your laxity and excess skin is below your navel, a Mini-Tummy Tuck may be right for you. For those with severe laxity of their abdominal muscle or excessive skin, a Full Tummy Tuck may be their only solution.
Complete tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial tummy tuck surgery may take an hour or two. Most commonly, the surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With a partial tummy tuck surgery, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.
Next, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, and the proper dressings will be applied.
At the Liposuction & Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Chicago, a tummy tuck is usually performed on an out-patient basis under general anesthesia with the patient asleep, or with spinal anesthesia. |
See the results in our before and after photos....
What to expect after Tummy Tuck surgery
For the first few days after your tummy tuck procedure, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
After your tummy tuck, it may take you weeks to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck procedure will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
A tummy tuck, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. |
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