The tummy is an area that can cause many people to feel self-conscious. Sometimes after having children or experiencing major weight loss, the stomach area can be left with stretch marks, loose skin, and an uneven contour. If you have had children and you are ready to restore your figure, or you have concerns about loose skin in your abdominal area after losing weight, you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. This is one of the surgical procedures that we offer at Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Burr Ridge, IL.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a surgery that helps to restore muscles in the abdominal wall, remove excess or loose skin, flatten the stomach, and create a better contour in the abdominal area. This is typically an outpatient procedure, and we perform it at our surgery center near Burr Ridge, IL.
Who Should Receive Abdominoplasty Surgery?
An abdominoplasty is a procedure that is indicated for patients who have weak abdominals, extra skin, and sometimes excess fat. Patients who are unhappy with these aspects of their abdominal area may benefit from the procedure. This surgery can help to correct ab separation that has occurred due to pregnancy or weight loss, and can even help to strengthen the pelvic floor. This surgery is best for patients who have healthy expectations and who are in overall good health.
What Are the Different Types of Abdominoplasty Surgery?
Depending on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed and the location and severity of the patient’s concerns, we may recommend one of two types of abdominoplasty surgery:
Full Abdominoplasty
During a full abdominoplasty surgery, the entirety of the abdominal wall is addressed and corrected. An incision is made from hip to hip as well as around the belly button. Next, the abdominal wall is tightened and repositioned using sutures.
To address skin laxity and excess skin, the skin on the abdominals is pulled down like a curtain and a new hole is made for the belly button. Then, the excess skin is removed and the incision is closed. This type of surgery can often help to remove stretch marks that are present on the skin that is removed which can leave you with smoother textured skin.
Mini Abdominoplasty
During a mini abdominoplasty, only the area below the navel is addressed. This type of surgery is more suitable for patients who don’t have as much skin laxity or who have loose skin and bulging only in the lower part of their abdomen. During this type of surgery, a smaller incision is typically used and an incision is not made around the belly button.
What Can You Expect From Your Tummy Tuck?
At our practice, you are more than just another patient to us. During our consultations, we will always take the time that we need with you to address your concerns, answer your questions, and establish whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. When you come to our practice, you will always feel valued and we will never rush you out the door.
During your surgery, you may be under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on the procedure that is being performed. A typical procedure may take two hours or more.
When the surgery is completed, you may have a drain to help drain any built-up fluids. We will also have you wear a compression garment for a month or more to help keep swelling down and to aid with healing. Many patients can return to work after two or three weeks, but it’s important to let your body rest and to follow the instructions of your surgeon to make sure you don’t return to normal activities too soon.
What Results Can You Expect?
Because no two bodies are the same, your results may look different from the tummy tuck before and after pictures that you see on the internet. However, at your consultation, we can let you know what you can expect from your abdominoplasty surgery based on your body shape and the type of surgery that we will be performing.
You should be able to see a difference in your abdominal area right away, but you will have to wait for the swelling to go down to see the full results of your surgery. We usually check back in after one year as this is typically the time by which all swelling has gone down and the area is fully healed.
Combining Your Abdominoplasty With Other Procedures
At our practice, it is common for us to combine tummy tuck surgery with other procedures in a service called a mommy makeover. This procedure can be beneficial for women who have had children and want to restore multiple areas of their body to their prepartum shape.
Mommy makeovers often include a tummy tuck along with breast augmentation or reduction, breast lift, and liposuction. If you have multiple concerns that you want to address, you can schedule a consultation with us to discuss your options.
Call Your Surgeon for Tummy Tuck Consultations
The decision to have a tummy tuck procedure can be a big one to make. But you never have to make this decision on your own. At Burt & Will Plastic Surgery, we are here to support you before, during, and after your surgery. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen or you have weak abdominal muscles, we would love to have a consultation with you to discuss all of your options. Contact us today by calling our number or filling out an online form to find out more about our tummy tucks in Burr Ridge, IL.