What You Should Know Before Scheduling A Tummy Tuck Consultation

Factors such as multiple pregnancies, substantial weight gain or loss, genetics, and inherited traits can contribute to loose sagging skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks in the abdominal region. Whether you are dieting and exercising, these conditions can persist, making the body seem disproportionate with the belly. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can restore the look of a firmer, tighter abdomen. In this post, we will talk about the procedure itself, who is a good fit, tummy tuck recovery time, and more information you can use if you are researching the procedure for yourself.

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure where we remove excess fat and sagging skin from the belly area. Tummy tucks also include tightening the muscles inside the abdomen. A “mini tummy tuck” involves removing excess skin and fat from below the navel, which is described in THIS POST. All tummy tuck procedures can be performed alone or with the addition of liposuction to further improve the contours of your body.

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

You should be generally healthy if seeking a tummy tuck. You should be fit and not planning to get pregnant in the future, since it could re-stretch the muscles that were tightened.

If you cannot undergo anesthesia, you may not be a good fit. A tummy tuck is done under local anesthesia with sedation where the abdominal area is numbed. You will feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. In other cases, you can be put fully to sleep with general anesthesia. This choice is made depending on the patient, extent of tissue removal, and whether liposuction is also being performed.

How is a tummy tuck done?

An incision is made above the pubic area in a place that can be covered by a swimsuit or undergarments. It’s important to realize that you will have a scar.

A second incision is then made around the belly button to separate from the surrounding tissue. The skin and fat layers above the abdominal wall are lifted upward to expose the abdominal muscles. The muscles are sutured, bringing them tighter together, creating the flatter look of the abdominals and a slimmer waist.

Once muscles are tightened, the layer of skin and fat is stretched back over the abdominal wall. A new hole will be created for your belly button. Any excess skin and fat below the original incision will then be removed.

Incisions are sutured and bandages will be applied.

Tummy tuck recovery

In order to reduce the amount of swelling and make the area feel more comfortable after surgery, a compression garment is worn. Drainage tubes that have been inserted will be removed about a week after the surgery – sometimes two weeks.

As with any major surgery, pain, bruising, and swelling are common and will stop after several weeks. Your scar will fade and become less apparent over time. You should still diet and exercise to continue enjoying a firmer, flatter abdomen.

We hope you have found this information helpful! Please contact or call us today for tummy tucks in Chicago by world-renowned surgeons at Chicago Cosmetic Institute today.