Tummy Tuck
ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)
What makes a loose abdomen? Usually four things conspire to give us bad abdominal contour. Too much intra-abdominal fat makes the abdomen round. No amount of surgery can make a round and filled abdomen flat and attractive. Weight reduction, by whatever means is the only reasonable way to reduce intra-abdominal fat. The second problem is abdominal wall looseness. Pregnancy is the main source of widened abdominal muscles. The body wall relaxes to accommodate a pregnancy. It usually retracts to a pre-pregnancy anatomy, but not always. Repeated pregnancy will often stretch the tissue even more. Even though many women get their shapes back following pregnancy, the inability to restore abdominal curves is often due to a stretched body wall that didn’t retract. The third issue is fat between the muscle and the skin. This layer of insulation can hide curves and look bad. The fourth factor is skin. Most skin will snap back after stress is removed, however, after pregnancy, weight reduction or as a product of aging, hanging skin can be a problem.
Tummy Tuck Results
In Chicago and Oak Brook
Dr. Geldner is one of the best plastic surgeons in Chicago and has performed tens of thousands of plastic surgery procedures, including tummy tucks. Take a look at the results for yourself in our Before and After Gallery. You can even use our MyFavorites tool to create a collection of the results you’d like to achieve and the cases you wish to discuss during your consultation.
This 31 year old woman came to me wanting to correct the physical changes which occured from pregnancy and childbirth. We performed a breast...
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This 47 year old woman wanted to tighten her abdomen. We performed Vaser liposuction of her abdomen and flanks, and a simultaneous full...
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This 35 year old presented with diet resistant fat following several pregnancies. She underwent abdominoplasty, Vaser liposuction of the...
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This 40 year old wanted to improve the appearance of her abdomen. We elected to perform Vaser liposuction of her abdomen and sides with a...
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This 30 year old woman had children and ecperienced loss of tissue volume. She wanted to have a breast augemntation at the same time as an...
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This 38 year old woman wnted to restore her body after childbirth. We performed an abdominoplasty as well as a breast aogmentation with a periareolar...
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This woman was displeased by the appearance of her abdomen and flanks. She underwent Vaser liposuction of her abdomen and flanks with full...
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This 41 year old wanted to improve the look of her abdomen. She first wanted abdominoplasty but then wanted further improvement. She had...
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21 year old following massive weight loss with Lap-Band® TM. She wanted to tighten up the lose skin and we performed abdominoplasty to...
View MoreWhen someone wants a tummy tuck, we begin by asking, “What’s the problem?” It can be any combination of abdominal wall weakness, superficial fat deposition and loose skin. If the abdominal wall is loose, we tighten it by bringing the abdominal muscles together (plication). This recontours the body wall and eliminates the central weakness called the diastases. Fatty deposits are best corrected with liposuction, and ideally, at the same time. This thins the soft tissue blanket and allows our body contouring to show through. In most cases, the abdominal liposuction should be performed with liposuction of the flanks and back. This allows a complete abdominal rehabilitation to take place. The skin is removed where and when it’s needed. The best results put the scar as low as possible and extend the scar outward in a line that can be best hidden by clothing.
The navel (belly button) is usually left attached as it normally sits on the abdominal wall, but in some cases, it’s floated or brought down with surrounding skin. This is best performed when there is a high navel or when little skin is removed. The details of the procedure are many. Does one use drains? Does one use pain pumps? How do you close the skin? All of these details matter and depend on the patient’s goals and anatomy.
Recovery is measured in weeks. Normal activities are usually easy by two weeks. Light exercise can begin at three to four weeks. Normal exercises begin at six weeks. However, all activities have to be measured against your body tolerance. If it hurts, don’t do it. Risks exist and each patient’s potential complications have to be discussed on an individual basis.
Recent advances in technology and technique have allowed more aggressive approaches to the abdominoplasty patient such as 4D abdominoplasty that sculpts the abdomen at the same time as the abdominoplasty.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that 106,000 abdominoplasties were performed in 2012. This is an important operation that serves the need for many women. The potential of this surgery is limited only by the imagination of the surgeon. With Dr. Geldner’s superior skill, 25 years of experience, and his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our Chicago plastic surgery patients’ expectations.
A Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles. This results in a smoother, firmer abdomen and a more defined waistline. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have loose or sagging skin due to factors such as significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Good candidates for a Tummy Tuck are those who:
- Have Excess Skin or Fat in the Abdomen: This can be due to weight fluctuations, multiple pregnancies, or natural aging.
- Are in Good Overall Health: Candidates should be free from serious medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks.
- Are at a Stable Weight: It’s important to be at or near your ideal weight before the procedure, as significant weight changes afterward can affect the results.
- Do Not Smoke: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Have Realistic Expectations: Understanding the potential outcomes and limitations of the procedure is crucial for satisfaction with the results.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will assess your medical history, physical condition, and aesthetic goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a Tummy Tuck. They will explain the procedure in detail, discuss the expected outcomes, and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the recovery process and potential risks.
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck involves several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal recovery. During your initial consultation, Dr. Geldner will provide detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to your specific needs and health status.
Pre-Operative Preparation:
- Medical Evaluation: Dr. Geldner will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. You may need to undergo lab tests or medical clearance from your primary care physician.
- Medication and Lifestyle Adjustments: You may be advised to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to quit smoking, as smoking can impair healing. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine is also beneficial.
- Arrange for Help: Plan to have someone assist you during the initial recovery period. This includes help with daily activities, especially if you have young children.
- Prepare Your Home: Set up a comfortable recovery area with essentials such as pillows, medications, and easy-to-reach necessities.
During the Procedure:
- Anesthesia: A Tummy Tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
- Incision: Dr. Geldner will make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel. The shape and length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin.
- Muscle Repair and Skin Removal: The underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened, and excess skin is removed. In some cases, a second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesives, or clips. Drainage tubes may be placed temporarily to remove excess fluid.
Post-Operative Care:
- Recovery Room: After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored. You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
- Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your healing process and remove any drainage tubes. Dr. Geldner will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage any potential side effects.
By carefully following Dr. Geldner’s pre- and post-operative instructions, you can ensure a successful Tummy Tuck procedure and a smoother recovery. The results will be a flatter, firmer abdomen that enhances your body contour and boosts your confidence.
Reviews
“I have been visiting The Geldner Center for almost five years now and I have never left disappointed. I have had two surgeries with Dr. Geldner.
He really listened to me and my concerns, and overall helped me reach my goals.”
~ Patient Review
Learn More About
Tummy Tucks
Watch a presentation that explains the procedure, preparation and recovery details.