Abdominoplasty, better known as tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic surgery aimed at adding smoothness and firmness to the stomach by removing loose skin. When the abdomen gets larger — through weight gain or pregnancy — the skin expands to accommodate the belly’s new size. Unfortunately, when the abdomen shrinks to a smaller size, many people discover that their skin does not retract along with it, creating a “pooch” or “muffin top” around the belly. No amount of diet and exercise can eliminate excess skin.
As one of Chicago’s most revered plastic surgeons, Dr. Marco Ellis has helped many patients to achieve their ideal physique with abdominoplasty. He expertly removes excess skin, tightening the tummy for appealing body contours.
Good Candidates for Tummy Tuck
Good candidates for tummy tuck have loose skin around their midsection that they would like to improve and have reasonable expectations about what plastic surgery can achieve. They should be non-smokers who are in good health overall.
During a consultation, Dr. Ellis examines each patient’s candidacy. Depending on the condition of the patient’s stomach, he may recommend combining liposuction to attain optimal results. Both procedures work best on patients who are close to their goal weight.
Tummy Tuck Procedure Details
Dr. Ellis makes an incision near the bikini line where the subsequent scar can be concealed with most types of underwear. Through this incision, he excises loose skin and removes small deposits of fat. He can also repair abdominal muscles that have shifted out of place to add tone and definition to the stomach. He then sutures the remaining skin so that the stomach appears flat and smooth. If necessary, Dr. Ellis may adjust the size and positioning of the belly button so that it looks more natural on the body.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Patients should plan to rest and relax in the days following surgery. Because their mobility will be impaired, they must arrange to have someone drive them home and take care of their basic needs like cooking and cleaning for the first couple days. Most patients take 10 to 14 days off work before returning to their jobs. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks, or until Dr. Ellis gives his permission.
Some amount of pain is inevitable, but it can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Swelling and bruising should also be expected. Patients should stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods to accelerate the healing process. They should also always wear their compression garment (except when bathing) to minimize swelling and encourage better aesthetic results.
Tummy Tuck Results
Post-surgical swelling will disguise the results initially, though improvements should be noticeable after a week or two. For most patients, the full transformation is visible within a few months.
The changes achieved with tummy tuck are considered permanent because the skin and fat cells removed during the procedure cannot return. Patients who want to keep a flatter tummy for the rest of their lives are encouraged to maintain their weight. Significant weight fluctuation can cause the stomach to expand and the skin to stretch again, which can undo the surgical results.
Speak to Dr. Ellis about Abdominoplasty
Dr. Ellis’s patients adore his warmth, professionalism and expertise. If loose skin is standing in the way of attaining your ideal stomach, then tummy tuck may be the solution for you. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Ellis, please call (312) 695-6022.