Enhance Your Silhouette With a Tummy Tuck
Best Tummy Tuck in Chicago & Oak Brook
The midsection can be the most aggravating part of your body. Seemingly resistant to all forms of diet and exercise, but critical to making you feel whole and healthy. What if there was a way for you to slim up your figure? A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat while usually repairing the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, firmer stomach. If you long for the waistline of your youth, a tummy tuck may be right for you.
At The Geldner Center in Chicago and Oak Brook, we specialize in creating transformative, natural-looking results that help people feel empowered and beautiful.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while often tightening the underlying muscles. It is usually performed with liposuction of the abdomen and back. This results in a smoother, firmer midsection and a more defined waistline. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have developed loose or sagging skin due to factors such as significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. By addressing weakened abdominal muscles and excess tissue, a tummy tuck can help restore a toned, contoured appearance that may not be achievable through diet and exercise alone.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck offers both aesthetic and functional improvements, helping patients achieve a smoother, more contoured abdomen with long-term benefits.
- Flatter, Firmer Abdomen – Removes excess skin and fat for a tighter, more toned look.
- Tightened Abdominal Muscles – Strengthens the core, improving posture and reducing lower back strain.
- Reduction of Stretch Marks – Particularly those located in the lower abdomen, as excess skin is removed.
- Enhanced Body Contours – Creates a more sculpted, proportionate silhouette.
- Long-Lasting Results – When maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, results can be permanent.
A tummy tuck can be a transformative procedure, restoring confidence and improving both appearance and comfort.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
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 your 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. We 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.
Tummy Tuck Results In Chicago and Oak Brook
Dr. Geldner is one of the best plastic surgeons in Chicago and the suburbs. He 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.
Determining Goals for Your Tummy Tuck
When a person opts for a tummy tuck, the first step is to determine the underlying issue. This could involve abdominal wall weakness, excess superficial fat, or loose skin. If the abdominal wall is loose, we address it by tightening the muscles through a process called plication. This reshapes the body wall and resolves the central weakness known as diastasis. Fat deposits are best managed with liposuction, and ideally, this is conducted simultaneously. Liposuction reduces the thickness of the soft tissue layer, enhancing the overall body contour. Typically, abdominal liposuction should also include the flanks and back to achieve holistic abdominal rejuvenation. Skin removal is tailored to the areas and extent needed, ensuring the resulting scar is positioned as low as possible and extended outward discreetly to be easily concealed by clothing.
The navel, or belly button, usually remains attached in its natural location on the abdominal wall, when there is minimal skin removal or a naturally high-set navel. But there are situations where it is repositioned or adjusted along with the surrounding skin. Other procedural details also come into play, such as the use of drains, pain pumps, and the method of skin closure. These decisions are carefully made based on the patient’s desired outcomes and unique anatomy.
Combining a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction for Enhanced Results
For patients looking to achieve a more sculpted and defined midsection, combining a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with liposuction can provide optimal body contouring results. While a tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles, liposuction effectively removes additional stubborn fat deposits, enhancing the overall outcome.
Why Combine Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck?
- More Comprehensive Contouring – Liposuction targets localized fat in areas like the flanks, waist, and upper abdomen, refining the entire torso for a smoother, more natural shape.
- Better Definition – A tummy tuck alone tightens skin and muscles, but liposuction removes excess fat, allowing for a more sculpted and toned appearance.
- Balanced Proportions – Liposuction ensures that the waistline blends seamlessly with the newly tightened abdomen, preventing a boxy or unnatural look.
- Minimizes the Need for Future Procedures – By addressing skin, muscle laxity, and fat all at once, you reduce the likelihood of needing additional surgeries in the future.
During your consultation at The Geldner Center, Dr. Peter Geldner will evaluate your anatomy, skin elasticity, and goals to determine if combining a tummy tuck with liposuction is the best approach for your body contouring goals.
How Should I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?
Proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth procedure and an optimal recovery. During your initial consultation, Dr. Peter Geldner will provide personalized pre-operative instructions based on your health and aesthetic goals.
Pre-Operative Preparation
- Medical Evaluation – Dr. Geldner will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine if you’re a good candidate. You may need lab tests or clearance from your primary care physician.
- Medication & Lifestyle Adjustments – You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, and quit smoking, as it can impair healing. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can also improve recovery.
- Arrange for Help – Plan to have someone assist you after surgery, especially for daily activities and childcare, if necessary.
- Prepare Your Home – Set up a comfortable recovery space with essentials like pillows, prescribed medications, and easily accessible necessities to avoid unnecessary strain.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience. The surgery typically follows these steps:
During the Procedure
- Anesthesia – You will be placed under general anesthesia.
- Incision Placement – A horizontal incision is made between the pubic hairline and navel. The length and shape vary depending on the amount of excess skin being removed.
- Muscle Repair & Skin Removal – The abdominal muscles are often tightened, and loose skin is removed. In some cases, a second navel incision may be required.
- Incision Closure – The incisions are sutured or sealed with adhesives. Drainage tubes may be placed temporarily to prevent fluid buildup.
Post-Operative Care
- Recovery Room Monitoring – After surgery, you will be closely monitored in the recovery room. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected but can be managed with prescribed medication.
- Follow-Up Appointments – Regular check-ups are essential to track your healing progress, remove drainage tubes, and ensure proper incision care.
- Healing & Results – Following Dr. Geldner’s post-op instructions will enhance your recovery and lead to a flatter, firmer abdomen that improves your overall body contour.
By following these pre- and post-operative guidelines, you can prepare yourself for optimal results and a smooth recovery from your tummy tuck.
“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
Tummy Tuck Recovery and Risks
Recovery is typically assessed in weeks. Most individuals can resume normal activities within two weeks. Light exercises are generally permitted after three to four weeks, while regular exercise can be resumed by six weeks. However, all activities should be guided by your body’s tolerance—if it causes pain, it’s best to avoid it. Potential risks exist, and each patient’s possible complications must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Advances in technology and techniques have introduced more advanced methods for abdominoplasty, such as 4D abdominoplasty, which simultaneously sculpts the abdomen during the procedure.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 170,110 abdominoplasties were performed in 2023. This significant procedure fulfills the needs of many patients. Its possibilities are only limited by the creativity of the surgeon. With Dr. Geldner’s exemplary expertise, over 25 years of experience, and a dedicated, compassionate team, we consistently surpass the expectations of our Chicago and Oak Brook plastic surgery patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and liposuction are both body contouring procedures, but they serve different purposes. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, making it ideal for patients with loose or sagging skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Liposuction, on the other hand, strictly removes fat deposits and does not address muscle separation or excess skin. Many patients opt to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction for enhanced contouring and a more defined waistline.
Yes, tummy tucks come in different forms to address varying levels of skin laxity and muscle separation:
- Full Tummy Tuck – The most common option, this procedure removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. It involves an incision from hip to hip and typically includes repositioning the belly button for a natural look.
- Mini Tummy Tuck – A less invasive option, the mini tummy tuck only targets the lower abdomen, making it ideal for patients with mild skin laxity below the belly button. Some muscle tightening may be performed, requiring a smaller incision and resulting in a shorter recovery time.
During your consultation, Dr. Peter Geldner will help determine which type of tummy tuck is best for your body and goals.
For the best and longest-lasting results, it’s recommended that you be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Typically, patients should:
- Be within 10-15 pounds of their goal weight
- Have a stable weight for at least 6 months
- Focus on weight loss through diet and exercise before surgery, as a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure
Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can impact your results, so it’s best to reach a manageable, sustainable weight before undergoing the procedure.
While it is technically safe to have children after a tummy tuck, pregnancy can reverse the results by stretching the skin and muscles again. If you plan on having more children in the near future, it’s best to wait until your family is complete before undergoing abdominoplasty. However, if you do become pregnant after a tummy tuck, revision surgery may be an option to restore your results.
A tummy tuck provides long-lasting, often permanent results, as long as you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. The key factors that influence how long your results last include:
- Stable weight – Avoid significant weight gain or loss after surgery
- Healthy diet & regular exercise – Maintain a balanced diet and active lifestyle
- Future pregnancies – Pregnancy can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again
- Proper post-surgical care – Following Dr. Geldner’s aftercare instructions helps optimize long-term results
With proper care, patients can enjoy a flatter, firmer abdomen for many years.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Chicago varies depending on factors like the surgeon’s expertise, facility fees, anesthesia, and whether liposuction is included. On average, a tummy tuck costs between $10,000 and $15,000, but exact pricing is determined during a consultation. While insurance does not cover tummy tucks, many patients take advantage of financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and panniculectomy both remove excess abdominal skin, but they serve different purposes:
- Tummy Tuck – Focuses on removing excess skin and fat, tightening abdominal muscles, and creating a more sculpted waistline. It is an elective cosmetic procedure.
- Panniculectomy – Strictly removes hanging skin (pannus) from the lower abdomen, often performed after massive weight loss for medical reasons, such as preventing rashes and infections. It does not tighten muscles or contour the waist.
In some cases, a panniculectomy may be covered by insurance, while a tummy tuck is considered cosmetic. Dr. Geldner can help determine which procedure is right for your needs.