JW MEDISPA
ONLINE STORE		 312-642-0400
845 North Michigan Ave, Chicago
1811 St Johns Ave, Highland Park


Procedures > Body Contouring Procedures > Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened or separated muscles. A tummy tuck will give you an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. Whether you are a good candidate for a "mini" tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck will depend on the amount of extra skin that needs to be addressed.

Many times patients opt to combine an abdominoplasty with a breast lift, breast augmentation, or liposuction. The combination of these procedures is commonly known as a "Mommy Make-Over" and is used to get a maximal result with a combined recovery time.

What can a tummy tuck treat?

Tummy tuck can address such issues as:

  • Fat deposits on thighs, abdomen, buttocks, flanks, hips, upper arms, and chin that are unresponsive to overall weight loss
  • A "six pack" that is missing its contour due to extra skin or a localized fat deposit.
  • Dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about specific problem areas on your body

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

A tummy tuck highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. A tummy tuck may be a good option for you if:

  • You are at or near your ideal weight
  • You have good skin elasticity and muscle tone
  • You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
  • You are physically healthy
  • You do not smoke

What happens during liposuction?
  • Step 1 - Anesthesia

    Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, and your anesthesiologist, will recommend the best choice for you.

  • Step 2 - The Incision

    An incision is made along the bikini-line, often from hip to hip, to minimize any visible scarring.

  • Step 3 - Release navel and Tighten Muscle Wall

    The navel is separated from the surrounding tissue so that it can be returned to the proper position at the end of the surgey. The underlying muscle wall will be tightened by drawing the muscles closer together and stitching them into their new position.

  • Step 4 - Redrape and Remove Extra Skin

    The skin on your stomach will be stretched downward to create a slim, flat profile. Extra tissue will be removed and the skin redraped. A hole for the navel will be created and then the navel will be stitched into place. Temporary tummy tuck drains may be inserted to allow excess fluid to drain.

  • Step 5 - See the Results

    The results of a tummy tuck will be apparent immediately as you will notice a slimmer profile. Final results can be seen once the initial post-operative swelling subsides.

    What should I expect during the recovery period?

    Tummy tuck patients generally take a week to recover at first and are generally back to their "normal self" in a few weeks.

    You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago cosmetic surgeon.

    What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?

    All plastic surgery carries risks along with the many rewards as no surgery is risk free. Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, your Chicago plastic surgeon, will explain the risks in your consultation so you can make an informed decision based on your unique situation.