At The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, tummy tuck is a highly sought out procedure. A tummy tuck is the common term given to abdominoplasty, a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The goal of a tummy tuck is a smoother, flatter, well-defined abdomen and, in some cases, to restore weakened muscles in the abdomen.
Aging, genetics, prior surgeries, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations can all affect the elasticity of the skin and deposits of fat in the abdomen; a tummy tuck can help to correct problematic areas and give you a more youthful, toned appearance.
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss but rather a supplement to proper diet and exercise. When these activities are not giving you the results you’ve been hoping for, abdominoplasty can help to remove stubborn fat and give you improved contours.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
If you are bothered by excess skin in the abdomen, or if regular exercise has failed to eliminate stubborn fat deposits in the belly area, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck. To be considered for this procedure, you should be physically healthy, a non-smoker, and not have any medical conditions that may affect the healing process.
If you are a woman considering a tummy tuck, you should be advised that future pregnancies can affect the results of the procedure and may require future corrective surgery. Patients of either gender should also reach their target weight before undergoing a tummy tuck, as major fluctuations in weight can have a negative impact on the results.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
If you believe that a tummy tuck is the right course of treatment for you, schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic surgery of the body.
During your consultation, you and your plastic surgeon will review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Be prepared to discuss any previous surgeries you have undergone, any preexisting medical conditions you may have, and any known allergies.
Your plastic surgeon will perform an evaluation and suggest treatment options that are right for you and your body type. They will discuss all aspects of the procedure with you, including recovery, potential risks, and cost, and will answer any questions you may have.
HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK PERFORMED?
On the day of surgery, a general anesthetic will be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Liposuction is usually performed before the incisions are made to remove excess fat. The length and orientation of the incision will be based on the degree of complexity; the incision is usually made at the lower aspect of the abdomen, just above the pubic hairline.
Next, the abdominal skin is lifted. Excess fat is removed, and any weakened or separated muscles in the abdomen can be repaired. The underlying tissue is reshaped if necessary. Then the abdominal skin is contoured to the new shape of the abdomen and any excess skin is removed.
Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures. A drain may need to be placed to remove excess fluid.
RECOVERY AFTER A TUMMY TUCK
Bruising and swelling in the abdomen are normal after a tummy tuck. Though results will be visible immediately following the procedure, the full results will be apparent once swelling and bruising have completely subsided, which may take six to eight weeks after the procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication and specific instructions to care for the surgical site. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to mitigate any potential risks associated with a tummy tuck.
You should avoid any strenuous physical activity until your plastic surgeon clears you to return to your normal level of activity.
POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A TUMMY TUCK
Though complications from a tummy tuck are infrequent, there are potential risks with any surgical procedure. The risks generally associated with a tummy tuck include:
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Scarring
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Asymmetry
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago takes every possible measure to mitigate potential complications by using the safest and most innovative techniques available. You can further reduce risk by carefully following all instructions from your plastic surgeon.
HOW MUCH DOES A CHICAGO TUMMY TUCK COST?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost for a tummy tuck in the United States is approximately $5,800. However, this figure may fluctuate based on your location, the surgeon performing the procedure, and the extent of your aesthetic goals.
Be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon about all associated costs during your consultation. Most health insurance providers will not cover the cost of a tummy tuck.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Dr. Patel is considered by his patients a Top Tummy Tuck Surgeon in Chicago. If you believe you may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck, or if you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
We will review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, and we will be happy to discuss any and all aspects of the process with you. All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
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Midterm follow-up on this lovely #rhinoplasty patient who wanted nasal surgery to improve her nasal breathing but also to improve the aesthetics of the nose. Fixing the crooked nose is a challenge in rhinoplasty and on the bird’s eye view, you can visualize improvement in the dorsal aesthetic lines. Dorsal aesthetic lines are two curvilinear light reflex lines that travel from the inner eyebrow to the tip of the nose on frontal view. On profile view you can see a nice profile with the dorsal hump removed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #hybridrhinoplasty #septoplasty #crookednose #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Honored to lead the Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons (MAPS) as president for 2021-2022 with this group of esteemed colleagues on the board with me. MAPS is a plastic surgery society that was founded in 1961 to foster the development of plastic surgery in the Midwest region and involves plastic surgeons and plastic surgery programs from the states of Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. We are currently planning our annual meeting which will take place in Chicago on May 20-21st. The meeting will have renowned plastic surgeons from all over the United States to share ideas and to advance our specialty forward.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #MAPS #cosmeticsurgery #craniofacialsurgery #microsurgery #aestheticsurgery #handsurgery #pediatricsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery #burnsurgeryspecialist
Happy for this mother of 2 who wanted to improve the contour and aesthetics of her abdomen and waist with an #abdominoplasty or #tummy tuck. After children, women can experience rectus diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles as the uterus expands. During a tummy tuck, plastic surgeons will address this separation by stitching the muscles back together. In the post-operative photos you can visualize the muscles re-positioned more centrally. Additionally, we will perform liposuction, remove excess abdominal skin and re-set the belly button. Posted with permission.
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Asian upper blepharoplasty or “double eyelid surgery” is a variation of an upper eyelid lift or upper blepharoplasty procedure where the upper eyelid crease is raised and more defined. Additionally, the epicanthal fold or skin that covers the inner corner of the eye can be removed depending on the patient’s goals. The goal of this surgery is not to necessarily create an occidental appearing eye but to maintain the patient’s features and create the appearance that the eye is larger and more refreshed. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #asianblepharoplasty #doubleeyelidsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
It’s amazing how a small surgery can have a large impact on a person’s facial proportions. This patient underwent a #genioplasty or chin augmentation and #neckliposuction to improve the aesthetics and balance of the lower 1/3 of the face. In the post-operative photos, the patient’s face appears less round, more angular, and the lower 1/3 more proportional with the middle and upper 1/3 of the face. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #genioplasty #chinaugmentation #neckliposuction #craniofacialsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Six month follow-up on a natural #otoplasty procedure or #earpinning procedure. Plastic surgeons board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have pioneered the techniques used today for ear pinning surgery. The surgery entails improving the definition of the ears and setting the ears closer to the scalp. The patient reports feeling more confident in the size, shape, and symmetry of his ears in social and work settings. Posted with permission.
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6 month follow up on a #malerhinoplasty patient who wanted his dorsal hump removed, the nose straighter, and the tip less bulbous. The patient underwent a #primaryrhinoplasty where the dorsal hump was removed, the entire nose was straightened, and the tip refined. Pay close attention to the tip of the nose, in male rhinoplasty we try to avoid over rotating the nose or making the tip “upturned”. This maneuver feminizes the nose. Posted with permission.
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This patient is 3 months from a breast augmentation with gel implants. The patient’s goals were to go from an A cup to a D cup but to still look natural. In the post-operative photos you can see that the patient has improved volume, more projection, and a natural result that fits her frame. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #breastaugmentation #gelimplants #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look and feel more rested and youthful. The patient underwent a lower facelift and neck lift to improve the aesthetics of the lower 1/3 of the face and neck. In the post-operative photos you can see improvement in the jowls, the contour of the jawline, and the neck. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #facelift #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Just a little hi def liposuction and abdominal etching before sweater weather.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #liposuction #liposculpture #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this patient who wanted to look less tired, more youthful, and natural. The patient underwent an upper and lower #blepharoplasty or #eyelid lift. In the post-operative photos, you can see improvement in the “bags” under the eyes, the deep crease between the eyelids and cheek, and loose skin. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgeon #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #blepharoplasty #eyelidlift #botox #fillers #fattransfer #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Proud of our research team for getting 4 abstracts accepted for podium presentations at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 90th annual meeting. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is one of the oldest and largest plastic surgery societies in the US and internationally. The membership requirements are strict, requiring each member to have completed a plastic surgery residency or fellowship and be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #ASPS #craniofacialsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #PSTM21 #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Challenging #rhinoplasty in a thick-skinned patient with a lot of things to address. The patient wanted a reduction in the dorsal hump, a straighter nose, and a smaller nose over all. The patient underwent a dorsal hump reduction, the nose was medialized, and the tip de-projected or pulled closer to the face and refined. Still her nose that fits her ethnicity but more balanced and refined. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #rhinoplasty #nosejob #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This mother of 2 wanted a #mommymakeover to get her pre-baby body back plus more. The patient underwent a #BBL and breast augmentation. In the post-operative photos you can see the snatched waist, the abdominal etching, and improved contour of the hips and buttock. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #BBL #breastaugmentation #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Happy for this mother of 3 who wanted improvement in the size, shape, and symmetry of her breasts. The patient underwent a breast augmentation with 400 cc gel implants. In the post-operative photos you can see restoration of volume and improved shape and symmetry. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #breastaugmentation #breastimplants #gummybear #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Neck liposuction or neck lift? This patient underwent neck liposuction and liposculpture of the jawline. In the correct patient, less invasive procedures can be very effective in achieving great results. Happy for this patient and his new look. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #neckliposuction #necklift #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
My fellow Chicago Booth alumni will appreciate this post. It was a great night for the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons where we had Professor Jean-Pierre Dube speak about “The Chicago Booth Approach to Pricing”. Dr. Dube is the James M. Kilts Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and he is the director of the Kilts Center for Marketing. Dr. Dube discussed strategies on how to use marketing models and analytics to price medical services and medical products.
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I don’t usually post rhinoplasty results this early but she was looking so good so early that I had to share. This patient with thick skin is 6 weeks out from a primary ethnic rhinoplasty but already showing a positive impact from the surgery despite the long road to recovery. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #rhinoplasty #nosejob #ethnicrhinoplasty #cosmeticsurgery #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
Not getting the gym gains you want? Your plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help. This patient underwent hi-def liposculpting and abdominal etching to improve the contour and aesthetics of his abdomen and waist. Posted with permission.
#plasticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #cosmeticsurgery #maleplasticsurgery #liposuction #hidefliposuction #liposculpture #abdominaletching #chicago #chicagoplasticsurgery
This is a great case to highlight the importance of evaluating the chin with the nose in all rhinoplasty cases. Look at the video and focus on the nose, watch it a second time and focus on the chin, and then watch it a third time and focus on the nose and chin or the whole face. For the rhinoplasty, most of the work was focused on the nasal tip. For the chin, a reduction genioplasty was performed to narrow, lower, and set the chin back. Posted with permission.
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