Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery can help you get rid of persistent fat deposits on your stomach and lower abdomen. If fat deposits remain even after diet and exercise, the surgery can remove the fat, tighten abdominal muscles and skin, and give you the slim waistline you want. Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck from our Chicago, IL plastic surgeon is also useful if you have lost a large amount of weight and are troubled by loose folds of leftover skin.
There are two main types of tummy tuck surgery:
Abdominoplasty results in a flatter stomach and a slimmer waistline. With proper diet and exercise, these results can be permanent!
A tummy tuck is one of the most dramatic and satisfying plastic surgery procedures. Patients are always pleased with their flatter stomach and smaller waistline. However, the one aspect of tummy tuck surgery that patients do not like is the need for post-operative wound drainage.
In the past, tummy-tuck surgery always required the use of drains after surgery. Staying in place for up to two weeks after the procedure, they were necessary to remove fluids. Some patients experienced soreness where the drains exited.
To eliminate patients’ discomfort, Dr. Irvin Wiesman has adopted an innovation that makes the use of drains unnecessary in many abdominal contouring procedures. He uses special sutures and a technique known as 'quilting' or partially closing the space where fluids accumulate. With little space for fluids to accumulate, the need for drains after surgery is eliminated. Dr. Irvin Wiesman is one of the few plastic surgeons utilizing this innovative technique. During your consultation with Dr. Wiesman, he will discuss this new technique with you to determine if it is right for your surgical procedure.
The recovery time for a tummy tuck varies from person to person. Generally, you can expect to take around 2 weeks off work to heal. During this period, you should avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting. Most people are able to resume light activities after the first week. Full recovery, including the dissipation of swelling and the return to normal physical activities, typically takes about 6 – 8 weeks. Your scars should continue to fade for a year or longer.
It is important to follow our team’s post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of complications during your recovery period.
Generally speaking, a good candidate for a tummy tuck:
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Wiesman will let you know whether a tummy tuck is suitable for your unique situation.
The cost of a tummy tuck can vary widely based on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the practice, and whether you undergo a partial or full tummy tuck. Our team can share an estimate with you before you commit to anything. We can also talk to you about your payment options, including financing.
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck comes with a low degree of risk. A small percentage of patients experience infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. There is also a risk of scarring, although Dr. Wiesman makes incisions in areas that can be easily concealed. Some patients may experience numbness or changes in skin sensation, which can be temporary or permanent. Our team does everything in our power to keep potential risks to a bare minimum.
While it is technically possible to undergo a tummy tuck before having children, it is generally recommended to wait until you have completed your family. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing the results of the surgery. If you plan to have children in the future, you should discuss this with our team during your consultation. Dr. Wiesman can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and goals.
