Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Chicago

Tummy Tuck FAQ:

What will my scars look like?

Some scarring is inevitable after surgery with even the best tummy tuck surgeon Chicago has to offer. However, most scars become lighter and flatter over time, and all of your incisions will be carefully placed to ensure an optimal outcome.

Can I still get pregnant after undergoing a tummy tuck?

While it is advised that you delay tummy tuck surgery until after you are done having children, surprises can happen, or people change their minds and want another child. If you do get pregnant after your tummy tuck, it should not cause you any problem carrying your baby to term – but the growing baby could once again stretch skin, muscle, and tissue, which is why we advise waiting until your childbearing days are over to undergo a tummy tuck. If a pregnancy occurs, affecting your abdomen, a surgery can be performed, although many patients may not require revision surgery.

How long will recovery take?

After surgery, it is normal to have some soreness, swelling, and bruising, as well as some changes in sensation, all of which are temporary. Most tummy tuck patients will be able to return to work within one to two weeks following the surgery, if the work duties do not include any vigorous physical activity. If your procedure included tightening the muscles in the lower abdomen, you will need to walk in a slightly bent position for about two weeks to avoid putting stress on the incision.

You will need to wait in the range of four to six weeks to return to strenuous activities such as an exercise program, although you should take gentle walks starting the day following surgery to aid circulation and speed healing. The soreness will continue for several weeks but is easily managed with prescription pain medication in the early stages, followed by over-the-counter pain medication.

What should I expect during the procedure?

A tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. You will be under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure, which requires about one to two hours to complete. While you are unconscious from the anesthesia, our plastic surgeon will make a small incision at the bikini line. Once the incision is made, excess fat will be removed, and loosened or separated muscles tightened, and excess skin removed (often the location of most of stretch marks). When necessary, some excess fat may be removed with liposuction during the procedure.

How long will the results of an abdominoplasty last?

As long as you maintain a healthy weight and live a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, your results will last for years. If you gain a significant quantity of weight or become pregnant, the results will be affected, as the skin, muscles, and tissues will once again stretch. Essentially, this change is for a lifetime if you take care of yourself and avoid gaining weight.