TUMMY TUCK
Abdominoplasty turns a round, unattractive, protruding abdomen into a flat, sculpted one, hence improving the frontal and profile appearance. It also minimizes the bulging waistline and reduces tummy circumference.
Tummy Tuck in Chicago: Abdominoplasty
Also known as Abdominoplasty, Lipo-abdominoplasty, Mini-Tummy tuck, Vaser Lipo-abdominoplasty, Vaser-assisted High lateral tension abdominoplasty.
In the video above Dr. Algird Mameniskis, M.D. and Dr. Roman Voytsekhovskiy, M.D., both cosmetic surgeons in Chicago, discuss the tummy tuck procedure and how the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, has evolved over the last few years. The video also features a patient testimonial and some tummy tuck before and after photos. Patients can schedule consultations in any of our four Chicagoland offices in Gold Coast Chicago, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook and Naperville.
What Exactly Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a single, safe surgical procedure that rejuvenates the appearance of abdomen and waist.
- Surgical removal of excess, hanging and draping abdominal skin
- Surgical removal of excess bulging fat by both liposuction and direct excision.
- Surgical tightening of weak abdominal wall muscles to correct forward protrusion of both the upper and lower abdomen.
What is it for?
Abdominoplasty turns a round, unattractive, protruding abdomen into a flat, sculpted one, hence improving the frontal and profile appearance. It also minimizes the bulging waistline and reduces tummy circumference.
Who can benefit?
- Women who developed an unsightly abdominal bulge and loose skin after pregnancy.
- Those who have lost moderate or large amounts of weight.
- Those who desire a tighter skin and flatter appearance of their abdomen.
- Those with diastasis of abdominal wall muscle.
“The doctors and the staff at the Liposuction and the cosmetic surgery Institute were very caring, understanding and professional from the minute I walked through the door. They carefully guided me every step of my journey, and I could not be happier with my results! Dr. Tcheupdjian and his consultant Lilian answered all my questions and even gave me their personal mobile telephone numbers, in case I needed to reach them during evening hours or weekends. I am very grateful to all the staff for the care and results I received. Thank you.”
HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?
Results are long lasting, usually more than ten years, as long as patients maintain their weight, and follow proper nutritional and exercise protocols.
WHAT MAKES FOR THE PERFECT TUMMY TUCK?
-Contoured tight waist.
-A gentle vertical valley in the midline of the upper abdomen, leading from the navel upwards to the lower sternum.
-Precise liposculpture to outline and enhance the natural silhouette of the tummy.
-A smooth transition from the lower abdomen to the pubic region.
-A vertical belly button orientation.
-Low incision, hiding below bikini line.
-Proper repair of abdominal wall diastasis, when needed.
-Meticulous attention to closure of incision to enhance rapid healing and result in the least noticeable scar.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS LIPOSUCTION PERFORMED DURING TUMMY TUCK?
Yes, while not every surgeon who performs tummy tucks combines it with liposuction, the doctors at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute who perform Chicago tummy tuck procedures are firm believers that in order to achieve the ultimate outcome, one must utilize liposuction during the abdominoplasty procedure. It enhances the contouring of the abdominal wall resulting in a softer, yet better defined tummy. Vaser assisted liposuction further accentuates the gentle natural curves of the ideal abdomen.
WHAT IS ABDOMINAL WALL MUSCLE DIASTASIS?
It is a condition usually resulting from a single or multiple pregnancies, when the two parts of the abdominal wall muscle become separated down the midline, resulting in a bulge.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ABDOMINAL WALL DIASTASIS?
One simple way is to lay flat on the floor then raise your head and body a few degrees (do an abdominal crunch). If you notice a bulge above the navel in the midline of your abdomen, then most likely your midline upper abdominal muscles and tendons are weak or separated, and you have abdominal wall diastasis.
HOW LIKELY AM I TO HAVE ABDOMINAL WALL DIASTASIS?
It is almost impossible to put an accurate number on rates of occurrence of this condition, but if you have experienced even a single pregnancy or significant weight gain, you almost certainly have some degree of abdominal wall diastasis.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
At the Liposuction & Cosmetic Surgery Institute of Chicago Tummy tucks typically takes 2-3 hours.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS REQUIRED?
Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, but regional block anesthesia with twilight sedation with Lidocaine may work in smaller cases.
WHAT DISQUALIFIES SOMEONE FROM HAVING TUMMY TUCK IN CHICAGO?
Those who are not fit to undergo anesthesia, smokers, and women who plan to become pregnant in the future.
WHAT MEDICATIONS SHOULD I STOP TAKING BEFORE UNDERGOING THE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?
Certain medications that may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, such as Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Aleve), blood thinners, such as Coumadin and Plavix, Vitamin E, supplements that contain high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids, and certain herbal supplements must be stopped at least 10 days prior to any surgical procedure.
WHERE ARE THE INCISIONS PLACED?
We attempt to place the incisions as low as possible at the junction of pubic and lower abdominal skin to make sure the most inconspicuous location of the scar, easily concealable by underwear.
HOW LONG DO RESULTS FROM THE TUMMY TUCK LAST?
Results are long lasting, usually more than ten years, as long as patients maintain their weight, and follow proper nutritional and exercise protocols.
WILL MY ABDOMEN STRETCH MARKS IMPROVE WITH SURGERY?
Yes and no. The stretch marks on the skin that’s being removed will, of course, disappear, but stretch marks will remain on the portion of skin that is not removed. To put in another way, the stretch marks below are usually gone, but not those above the navel.
WILL THE FAT EVER COME BACK?
Once fat cells are removed by liposuction or direct excision, they are gone forever. However, the fat cells that remain behind may enlarge if you do not follow proper nutrition and gain weight after surgery.
CAN I GET PREGNANT AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck does not affect a woman’s future fertility, however, one must realize that getting pregnant after having a tummy tuck will result in stretching of abdominal skin and muscle, almost certainly requiring secondary revision of the original surgery.
SHOULD I LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE OR AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
If you are overweight, you should try to get as close to your ideal weight as you can prior to undergoing a tummy tuck. Weight fluctuation after a tummy tuck may result in loss of the contour and taught look that your surgeon so carefully created during the procedure. If you are at or close to your ideal weight, you may undergo a tummy tuck in Chicago as soon as you desire.
WHAT IS THE DOWNTIME AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
Typical amount of downtime after having a tummy tuck in Chicago is 5-10 days, with most patients returning to work within 11 days.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A SPECIAL GARMENT AFTER TUMMY TUCK SURGERY?
Yes, patients wear a special compression garment after their procedure for a minimum of 2 weeks.
WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?
About a week after your tummy tuck the drains are removed, and you may be allowed to walk around, but it will be 6-8 weeks before you can resume full exercise.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TUMMY TUCK?
Temporary bruising, swelling and mild to moderate discomfort most common, but always self-limiting. Temporary loss of sensation in the operated area resolves within a few months after surgery.
WHAT IS A MINI TUMMY TUCK?
Mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes a smaller portion of skin than a full tummy tuck. It results in a shorter scar, with similar location to that of the regular tummy tuck. Mini tummy tuck does not address the skin above the belly button, the shape of the belly button itself, or the abdominal wall diastasis. Not everyone is a candidate for the mini tummy tuck. Your experienced Chicago tummy tuck physician from the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute will let you know during your visit if a mini tummy tuck is an option for you.
HOW MUCH DOES A CHICAGO TUMMY TUCK COST?
Surgical fees depend on the extent of your particular procedure, but a typical abdominoplasty cost ranges from $2500 to $4000, not including OR and anesthesia fees.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation at one of our four Chicagoland locations in Chicago Gold Coast, Arlington Heights, Oak Brook or Naperville today online by going to LIPODOC.COM, or by calling 847-259-1000.
Our experienced team of surgeons and staff are here to meet all of your cosmetic needs!
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IN THE WEEKS AND DAYS LEADING UP TO MY SURGERY?
Stop smoking completely one month before surgery.
No nicotine products, such as gums or pills are allowed.
Stop all blood thinners, coumadin, heparin, aspirin, herbal supplements, Omega 3, fish oils, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, and all anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before your surgery. Drinking alcohol and smoking may contribute to bleeding and delayed wound healing. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, they must be under proper medication control for at least a month prior to surgery.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER MY SURGERY?
Rest and avoid exertion for the first week. Sleep in a recliner, or with some pillows propped up under your back for at least a week after your surgery. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drinking alcohol or smoking not allowed for two weeks after surgery. Avoid touching your incision, and keep your hands clean at all times. Wear protective clothing when outside to avoid contaminating any part of your body.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER MY SURGERY?
Rest and avoid exertion for the first week. Sleep in a recliner, or with some pillows propped up under your back for at least a week after your surgery. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drinking alcohol or smoking not allowed for two weeks after surgery. Avoid touching your incision, and keep your hands clean at all times. Wear protective clothing when outside to avoid contaminating any part of your body.