Tummy Tuck Chicago Plastic Surgeon

A flat, well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through diet and exercise. Unfortunately, that often is not enough. Many individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The usual causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, significant weight fluctuations, or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture. Once the skin is sagging, no amount of further dieting or exercise will tighten the skin since there are no muscles in the skin itself. Non-invasive treatments for skin tightening, which we offer in our skin care clinic, may give reasonable improvement in mild to moderate cases, but for signifi- cant laxity of the skin nothing beats a tummy tuck.

In general, a tummy tuck Chicago procedure removes excess fat and skin and in some cases, restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a variety of problems. This operation is customized to treat the individual patient. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower ribcage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.

Abdominal contouring can be performed at Body by Bloch using a variety of techniques. When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contour surgery may be performed using only liposuction techniques. My personal choice is laser assisted liposuction as this method gives enhanced skin tightening. When, in addition to excess fat there is loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissue and skin by excision. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated, a condition called diastasis, can also be corrected during a tummy tuck by sewing them together in the midline and re-establishing internal abdominal support.

Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combined with liposuction during a tummy tuck. There are variations to tummy tuck surgery. The technique selected is dependent on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and firmer abdomen. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment. Where correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be recommended.

A tummy tuck may be performed on an outpatient basis. In larger cases or when combined with additional procedures, an overnight stay may be advised. Initial healing will include swelling and dis- comfort at the incision site. With the use of pain pumps which infuse a local anesthetic into the operative site, discomfort is mild and most patients are pleasantly surprised how easy the procedure has become. A return to light normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.

Your new profile with a firm, flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. If you think a tummy tuck is right for you, the next step is to make an appointment for a consultation.

For additional information, visit our website at bodybybloch.com, or contact Dr. Bloch at 847-686-3183. Below is a before and after tummy tuck photo.