Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty can create a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the abdomen. Dr. Lee has developed different techniques that complement different shapes and individualize the results for each patient to create the best outcome which differs for thin, small hip figures, to full pear shaped figures or apple shaped figures.

After individualizing the surgical technique, Dr. Lee focuses on keeping the incision low and hidden as well as providing specialized pain control which can be discussed at the consultation.

Being on staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Dr. Lee can also coordinate the repair of hernias at the same time, tubal ligations, hysterectomies, bladder surgeries and has performed many of these combined surgeries with many of the surgeons at Northwestern.

Abdominoplasty can create a major change to the contour of the abdomen. It can remove loose skin, stretch marks, and excess fat on the lower abdomen. Rectus diastasis is the separation of the rectus muscles that can occur with weight changes or pregnancy. An abdominoplasty will tighten these muscles to help create a flatter abdomen.

Men and women who have had major weight loss and have loose skin and fat hanging off the abdomen are generally good candidates. Women who have had children and have loose skin, stretch marks, or rectus diastasis are also good candidates.

The best candidates for this surgery have realistic expectations for their results. To develop realistic expectations, it is important to look over the Tummy Tuck before and after photos in our gallery.

Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from underneath the skin. It is best used when the skin is not loose and there are noticeable “bumps” of fat in the upper abdomen, lower abdomen or flanks (love handles). Because it does not remove skin, it does not address or improve the abdomen when the skin is loose or stretch marks are present. It does not improve the separation of the rectus muscles. When these other conditions are present, an Abdominoplasty will deliver a better result.

The operation takes 1 ½ to 2 hours under general anesthesia or sedation. It is an outpatient procedure. Most people take pain medications for 3-10 days after surgery. Dr. Lee encourages patients to move around the night of the surgery but most people take 4-7 days to feel more comfortable to get around. Drains or small plastic tubes are placed at the time of surgery and are usually removed within one week.

Because the skin and muscles are tightened, there is no strenuous activity for three weeks after surgery. Heavy lifting and stomach exercises are discouraged until six weeks after surgery. Most patients feel comfortable driving one week after surgery.

The risks of Abdominoplasty include risks of infection, bleeding, scarring, decreased sensation of the skin, and fluid collection underneath the skin (seroma). Risks of the surgery are generally low and are usually treated on an outpatient basis.

The decreased sensation to the skin occurs in the area above the pubic hair and below the belly button and last usually several months. The seroma or fluid collection can occur but is usually treated in the office. Drains are placed at the time of surgery to decrease the risk of fluid collection. Infections can occur but are not common and most often are treated with oral antibiotics.

A Mini Abdominoplasty is a short incision that is placed at the top of the pubic hair area to remove a small amount of excess skin and tighten the lower rectus muscles. The procedure is best for those women who have had children and have a small amount of excess skin on the lower abdomen only and a very small amount of rectus diastasis.

The typical Abdominoplasty scar runs at the level of the pubic hair and runs from hip to hip. The longer the scar is, the more skin and fat can be removed and the tighter the result. In those individuals with minimal excess skin or fat, the incision can be shorter.

There is a wide variety of scarring related to the incision. Some individuals have almost an invisible scar while others may have some redness or darkness to their scar for several months. Some people have some widening of the scar in the center of the incision.

Many people ask if they can have Abdominoplasty with Breast Augmentation or Liposuction. Multiple procedures can be performed at the same time but this is decided on an individual basis. It is based on the overall medical health of the patient as well as the amount of time and complexity of the surgeries.

Many factors impact the price of Abdominoplasty surgery. The cost of a Tummy Tuck depends on the techniques utilized, the anesthesia employed, the amount of tissue removed, and the overall length of the procedure.