Tag: tummy tuck

The very idea of having a toned and taut tummy is what convinces many women in Chicago to undergo abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck. After pregnancy or significant weight loss, many patients are plagued with a loose belly pouch of sagging skin.

But, no matter the reason, tummy tuck surgery is an excellent procedure to restore a more youthful, sleeker contour to your feminine figure. But one key question may go unasked—What happens to my belly button after a tummy tuck?

Many of us only care about keeping our belly button covered when excess amounts of subcutaneous fat and sagging skin hide it. But when the belly is tighter and the abdomen is more exposed, the belly button is a significant feature to show off on the beach, by the pool, or in your favorite summer wear.

The Effects of Abdominoplasty on the Belly Button

During a tummy tuck in Orland Park, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dreyfuss makes a small incision around the navel to separate it from surrounding abdominal tissue. This allows him to pull and tighten abdominal skin more efficiently to ensure the belly is flat and taut. The belly button is then repositioned to a natural-looking spot on the abdomen.

After tummy tuck surgery, most of Dr. Dreyfuss’ patients find their belly button appearance is more natural and improved. Crafting a belly button is one of the most crucial parts of abdominoplasty. With his eye for detail, Dr. Dreyfuss will leave your belly button looking fantastic.

To see how belly buttons change after abdominoplasty, view our gallery of before and after photos for Dr. Dreyfuss’ tummy tuck results. You will notice that many of the before photos show belly buttons that are larger, covered, or even hidden by sagging skin. The after photos feature smaller, more natural-looking belly buttons that fit their new tummies perfectly.

Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

Mini Tummy Tuck

Suppose you have minimal loose skin on your stomach, or have developed a fat deposit under the belly button due to weight loss or bearing children. In that case, you may be an excellent candidate for a mini tummy tuck.

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive operation that does not reposition the belly button. Many women love the option because their stomach contours are tightened and smoother with a shorter recovery period and less scarring.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today!

If you would like more information about abdominoplasty to see if this procedure fits your aesthetic needs, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dreyfuss by calling (815)806-9400 or scheduling a consultation online.


One thing all mothers have in common is that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding change their body dramatically. For some, a healthy diet and working out regularly can help restore your pre-baby body. For others, more dramatic changes are necessary to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and excess skin. A mommy makeover combines multiple cosmetic surgeries to help a mother regain the youthful figure she once enjoyed.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Correct?

A mommy makeover can address various aesthetic concerns. Dr. Dreyfuss will discuss goals and desired results with you during a consultation. With your input in mind, he will structure a surgical plan to match your cosmetic needs and desired goals. Procedures may include:

Most women want to improve their breasts, abdomen, and buttocks. Combining cosmetic procedures can help mothers correct multiple problem areas at once. From his full suite of body contouring procedures, Dr. Dreyfuss can improve your body outline by performing two or more aesthetic surgeries at once.

Best Candidates

Optimal candidates for a mommy makeover share the following characteristics.

In Good Health

As with any operation, mommy makeover candidates should be in good overall health. The body must be capable of healing properly to successfully recover after surgery. If you have any existing conditions or medical concerns, let Dr. Dreyfuss know. From there, he can determine if a mommy makeover is right for you.

At Optimal Body Weight

The best candidates for a mommy makeover are close to their healthy weight. Being over- or under-weight may compromise the outcome if you lose or gain weight after surgery. You should be aware that a mommy makeover is not a weight-loss treatment. It’s a contouring procedure designed to remove stubborn fat pads and excess skin.

Have Time to Recover

Depending on which procedures are part of your mommy makeover, you will need time to heal. You should plan at least two weeks off from your regular schedule to rest and recover. If you include a tummy tuck with the procedure, expect a longer recovery, about a month to six weeks.

No Future Pregnancies

Before investing in enhancing your figure with a mommy makeover, you should wait until you are no longer planning to have children. Any future pregnancies can negatively impact your results.

Non-Smokers

We all know smoking can be hazardous to your health. After all, that’s why there’s a surgeon’s general warning on every pack. Smoking impedes circulation, making incisions less likely to heal and close properly. It also increases the likelihood of infection and weakens the immune system.

If you smoke, quit. If you can’t quit for good, stop smoking for at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.

Are You Ready to Learn More?

If you are considering a mommy makeover to resolve body issues resulting from pregnancy, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dreyfuss is here to discuss the procedure with you. To start the process, contact us online or set up a virtual consultation.

Liposuction and abdominoplasty are two of the most popular cosmetic improvements performed in the United States. And in many cases, they are done at the same time. In fact, combining the two procedures is becoming more common. Here’s why:

Recovery is Shorter

If you were to have the two surgeries at separate times, you would spend more time under anesthesia, more time in the surgery room, and more time at home healing. When you combine the two enhancements, it stands to reason your recovery time will be less as you heal from both surgeries concurrently. 

Most of us have busy schedules and don’t have the time to take off for extended downtimes. This is why it makes sense to combine liposuction and a tummy tuck, so you have more time to get on with your life.

Results are Enhanced

Sagging, loose skin is an unwanted consequence of pregnancy or weight loss. While decreasing stubborn fat through liposuction will help reduce body bulges, it does not address excess skin. On the other hand, a tummy tuck is an optimal cosmetic surgery to support the abdominal wall and remove excess skin.

Hidden Health Benefits

With excess skin and fat often comes poor posture. The advantages of a combined tummy tuck and liposuction procedure may help you enjoy the added benefit of standing straighter and more erect. Without excess fat and skin in the abdominal area, some of our patients report better posture as a result. 

When patients feel more comfortable putting on their workout gear, they are prone to wear it more and go to the gym. This benefit is not just psychological but physical as well. When carrying around excess fat and skin, exercise becomes more uncomfortable, restricting movement. When people feel comfortable in their bodies, they become more active.

Other Procedures to Consider

Of course, liposuction and a tummy tuck are not the only operations patients can do simultaneously. A mommy makeover, breast surgery, thigh lift, or Brazilian butt lift are also procedures that can be blended for the same reasons. It all depends on what you feel comfortable with and the corrections you want to entertain.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

If you are considering combining body sculpting procedures, you will want to choose your surgeon well. One who has ample training and experience in performing the operations you need.  To begin your search, you will need to start with board-certified surgeons. They are held to the highest medical standards. 

Dr. David Dreyfuss has over 20 years of experience helping his patients in the greater Chicago area look fantastic with safe and effective treatments. If you would like to learn more about the cosmetic treatments he offers, surgical or non-surgical, please contact his office today.  

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dreyfuss today

If you are working hard to maintain your youthful figure, you may find that one of the most challenging areas of the body is the abdomen. As men and women age, bodies change and many people experience weight gain and a weakening of their abdominal walls. For women, the most obvious cause of abdominal change is having babies; for men, it’s a reduction in testosterone. Whatever the reason, a taut and toned tummy is tougher to maintain the older you get. Here are the top five reasons a tummy tuck might be right for you!

Why Choose a Tummy Tuck?

The primary goal of a tummy tuck for our patients in Chicago is to get a flatter and more toned abdomen. Although liposuction can reduce the fat cells that often reside in this area, it cannot reinforce the muscles or eliminate excess skin. Once the skin of the stomach stretches to the point of no return, there are several reasons that it may be time to consider a tummy tuck. They are:

1. Remove Excess Skin

After weight fluctuations or pregnancy, the elasticity of the skin is challenged by a reduction of collagen or elastin in the dermal structure. Even if you’ve had weight loss through diet and exercise, these changes cannot get rid of extra, stretched skin. Excessive skin that droops from the abdomen is a major concern for many of our patients. They complain that not only does it appear unattractive, but it often makes many of their clothing options uncomfortable. 

A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and recontour the middle, revealing a beautifully smooth silhouette and giving you back your sleek midsection.

2. Reinforce Abdominal Wall

When weight fluctuations or pregnancy stretch the abdominal muscles, these can result in permanent damage to the abdominal wall. Unfortunately, this problem will not reverse itself, even with muscle-building exercises. Tummy tuck surgery will pull the muscles together and reinforce the abdominal wall with sturdy sutures. This process will cause the underlying tissues to return to their youthful contour and restore the strength of your core.

3. Fat Bulge

When excess fat pads remain after weight-loss or pregnancy and refuse to leave despite your best efforts, a tummy tuck can help. Dr. Dreyfuss often employs liposuction with a tummy tuck to eliminate unwanted fat cells and return the tummy to a sprightly form.  Once the cells are gone, they will not return, so you can say goodbye to your problem spots.

4. Stretch Marks and Scarring

Because the tummy tuck removes excess skin, often stretch marks will be eliminated. If a woman has had a C-Section and significant scarring in the lower abdomen, these may also be significantly reduced.

5. Hernia Repair

A common consequence of weight fluctuation, particularly with men, is a hernia. In some cases, while performing a tummy tuck, Dr. Dreyfuss can repair a hernia as part of the surgery and create changes to the abdominal wall that will prevent the future formation of hernias. If you have a hernia or have had them in the past, you can discuss this during your consultation to ensure the most comprehensive approach in the surgical plan.

Learn More

If you struggle with the contour of your tummy and want to rejuvenate your figure, but need help, Dr. Dreyfuss can explain your options and create a customized surgical plan for you. He will explain the procedure in his stress-free clinic on Orland Park. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Call us at 815-806-9400 or Contact Us Today!

There are few procedures which improve body contours like a tummy tuck. Eliminating excess skin and fat and reinforcing the abdominal wall will pay huge dividends not only in addressing cosmetic concerns but also increases confidence and self-esteem. Because the operation involves wide-ranging correction to the abdomen, it requires extensive recovery to ensure a successful outcome. Sleeping is an integral part of the body’s medicinal course toward healing and should be taken seriously after tummy tuck surgery. 

One of the challenges for patients is to find a comfortable sleep position after surgery and to prepare your home to make you as comfortable as possible. Because surgeons often combine liposuction with a tummy tuck, it makes sleeping comfortably all the more difficult.  Here are some helpful hints to make sure you get the rest and sleep you need during tummy tuck recovery. 

Get Ahead of the Pain After Surgery

When you wake from a tummy tuck, you may experience some discomfort, especially after your anesthetic wears off. If this happens, you should ask for something in the recovery room to relieve the pain. When you get home, start taking your prescribed pain meds immediately as directed to get ahead of the pain. Next, take as directed for the next few days until you feel confident you can manage without the pills. This medication will help you sleep as well, so if your struggling to sleep at night, they can be used as a sleep aid for the first week or two. 

After one week of taking your medication, you should look to wean yourself off. The healing process will advance quickly with the need for pain medication decreasing daily. 

View Our Gallery

Don’t Sleep Lying Flat

Extending your body straight from head to toe may put pressure on your incisions and hamper their healing. It’s best to find a comfortable position that relieves this pressure and allows those sutures to stay in place without any pulling or stretching. Although sleeping on your side may be acceptable, many may find themselves tossing and turning, which can cause wounds to be pulled or open. Because you can’t sleep on your tummy, we recommend finding the most comfortable position on your back. 

Recliners offer the optimal position to ensure there is little to no pressure on your wounds. The head is slightly lifted with the knees up and the buttocks down. This position is ideal for healing but may not be the best for many to fall asleep. To prepare for your surgery, you may want to start sleeping in this position before your tummy tuck to get used to sleeping soundly like this before your recovery. 

If you don’t own a recliner, you can create the same scenario with incline or horseshoe pillows designed to elevate certain parts of your body. Many patients feel a large, body-sized horseshoe pillow will give them the position they need in their bed. Using a large pillow under the knees will give you the best position in your lower extremities as well.  

Prepare Your Home 

It’s essential to have everything you need within reach when you get home after surgery. Water, snacks, reading material, digital devices, and remote controls should be within arms reach in a spot where you can get comfortable. This convenience will help you fall asleep throughout the day while you recover at home. 

Although you should walk gingerly at least once a day after surgery, you should make sure you have a comfortable resting area where you can sleep undisturbed. 

Learn More

If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery and its recovery, contact us today and schedule a consultation. 

Call us at 815-806-9400 or Contact Us Today!

It’s spring and the warmer months are quickly approaching. This time of year, social events and special occasions come in full swing. Class reunions, weddings, and graduations all include photos and visiting with friends and family you haven’t seen for some time.

When planning for these occasions, you want to prepare by looking your best. Unfortunately, when weight fluctuation or pregnancy has left your mid-section soft and sagging, and excess skin has made your favorite outfits impossible to wear comfortably, these events become more of a burden than a celebration.

But that doesn’t have to be the reality. Aesthetic medicine can help firm your tummy and present you with the attractive, shapely contour you want to show off.

Abdominoplasty to the Rescue

A tummy tuck will give you that slender, taut abdomen you so richly deserve. Let’s face it, diet and exercise have been part of your routine for years, only to leave you wanting for more contour and less flab. The stubborn fat pads and excess skin are not only unsightly to your eyes; they make you uncomfortable in anything you wear outside of your sweatpants or Pajamas.

So, prepare to look your best with a tight tummy suited for your favorite outfit when planning for that special event and beyond.

Vacation Planning

Although reunions and weddings come around on occasion, many families plan summer vacations every year. Too often, these plans are influenced by what you feel comfortable wearing. You avoid beaches or cruises because wearing a swimsuit is too embarrassing. Instead, you drag the family to some destination that fits better with clothes chosen to hide your figure.

A tummy tuck can prepare your body for swimsuits which flatter and turn heads. You will be amazed at what this can do for your psyche and self-esteem. Your confidence will soar as will the enjoyment of the entire family when cruising along the ocean, or body surfing on the shore.

What’s the Process?

Planning to include a tummy tuck in special event preparations? Start by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Here in Chicago, many physicians perform the procedure, but few are as qualified as board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Dreyfuss.

At your consultation, Dr. Dreyfuss will review your medical history and ask questions on why you want the procedure. If you both agree the surgery is right for you, he develops a surgical plan with you present. At the consultation, you will receive specific instructions to prepare you for the upcoming surgery.

On the day of surgery, you should bring a friend or family member to help you home and take care of you for a couple of days. Your recovery will last for a few to several weeks, depending on how well your body tends to heal.  You will be sidelined from your daily routine for about two weeks, gradually returning to normal activities as you recover.

After six to eight weeks, you should realize your results. Although swelling may take longer to subside completely, you should see a marked improvement in your abdominal contour, with a smoother skin presence as well.

During the Procedure

The procedure includes making an incision on the abdomen across the pubic area. Then Dr. Dreyfuss removes stubborn fat pads and excess skin and reinforces underlying muscle tissue with sutures. Liposuction is also sometimes performed to reduce fullness of the upper abdomen and excess fat on the sides, resulting in a more sculpted look. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures to help keep any scarring to fine lines which eventually fade.

You will find yourself in a recovery room when you wake. Here, we monitor and evaluate your progress. Then, your friend or family member can take you home.

Recovery

Considering the recovery period is essential in timing your tummy tuck to be ready for any event or occasion where you need to look your best. Although healing varies from patient to patient, a good benchmark for tummy tuck recovery is six to eight weeks.

So, if you are looking to utilize this amazing body contouring procedure to look your best for an upcoming event or vacation, plan wisely by giving yourself at least two months after surgery.

Results

After your surgery, you will enjoy the results your exercise routine and strict diet did not produce. Your tummy will be tight and firm, much like when you were young. You should be able to wear clothes which cling to your body without embarrassment and wear a wider selection of swimsuits and summer attire.

To learn more about timing your tummy tuck procedure, call Dr. Dreyfuss at 815-806-9400 or schedule a consultation today.

 

Spring is upon us, and the weather is about to turn. That’s right, grass will turn green and flowers will bloom. For many, this is a great time of year. A time to discard the coats and winter boots and shop for that summer wardrobe.

There are colorful dresses to buy with light fabric to show off that shapely figure. Well – that’s if the figure is shapely to show off. And then you probably need another bathing suit or two, maybe that bikini you’ve wanted to buy. But if the body is not ready, you might want to hold off on that too. Or – you can schedule a consultation at Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery to get your core tight before summer.

Don’t Wait

Spring is here, so don’t wait much longer if you want to achieve a tighter tummy by summer. Make the call today and get the process started. The first step is a consultation. This visit is where you and Dr. Dreyfuss get to know one another, and you can learn more about the procedure.

It also gives him a chance to understand your medical situation and the reasons you want the procedure. With this information, he can move forward with a surgical plan.

What a Tummy Tuck Does

Abdominoplasty is an aesthetic procedure that contours the abdominal area. There are two popular versions, a mini-tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck. The full tummy tuck is more invasive and requires a longer recovery. Here, Dr. Dreyfuss creates an incision across the pubic area from hip bone to hip bone.

With these incisions, he can remove unwanted fat pads and any excess skin that sags. He also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles with sutures resulting in a tight and firm tummy. Recovery can be up to four weeks when incisions heal and swelling subsides.

For patients who require less work, but need to remove excess skin below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be suitable. This technique is less invasive than the full abdominoplasty and requires less recovery time. The mini-tummy tuck will remove excess skin and stretch marks, so you can feel confident in the more revealing summer apparel. And for an ideally sculpted waistline, both full abdominoplasty and a mini tummy tuck can also be performed with liposuction to reduce excess fat on the upper abdomen and the sides.

Tummy Tuck Results

Many Chicagoans have had weight fluctuations or pregnancies which have changed their body contour. This damage is especially true around the tummy. Loose skin and stretched muscle do not add up to the most attractive mid-section, and diet and exercise can only do so much.

That’s where Dr. Dreyfuss and his team can help you achieve the body contour you want for this summer. Your figure will improve with a tighter midsection by eliminating stubborn fat and sagging skin. You will also enjoy a smooth skin presence, with underlying tissue tight and less skin stretched across a smaller tummy.

Your clothes will fit better and you might drop an inch or two. But you shouldn’t think of a tummy tuck as a weight loss treatment – It is a body contouring surgery designed to help finish the job diet and exercise couldn’t finish.

Getting Started

The first step in your journey to a taut and firm tummy is giving us a call to schedule a tummy tuck consultation. It’s that easy. Then you will meet with board-certified Dr. Dreyfuss to get all the information you need to determine if a tummy tuck is for you.

He will perform a physical exam and tell you what he thinks will be the best course to follow. If you decide to move forward, we will schedule a surgery date and you will receive pre-operation instructions.

Enjoying Your Results

Before you know it, you’ll be wearing jeans that accentuate your new form, and blouses that show you off without embarrassment. You will have a new-found confidence and self-esteem, and it will show in the way you carry yourself. Simply put, you’ll feel better about how you look, and it will show.

For more information about how you can contour your core and enjoy a tighter tummy this summer, call Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery at 815-806-9400 or schedule a consultation today.

 

 

 

Aesthetic medicine has seen an increase in different procedures performed at the same time.  While the practice of performing multiple treatments at once is not new, advanced technology allows the plastic surgeon to combine surgeries with greater ease and efficiency.

While there are many variations of combined cosmetic surgeries, the most popular body contouring procedure combination is abdominoplasty with liposuction. This combination is effective in addressing excess skin and stretched underlying tissue in the abdominal area, as well as stubborn fat in other body parts. A tummy tuck and liposuction are often done concurrently to increase the aesthetic benefits.

Although both procedures are designed to improve body contouring, each surgery addresses a different consequence of weight fluctuation or past pregnancies. Where liposuction can remove subcutaneous fat in various parts of the body; a tummy tuck will resolve loose skin and muscle in the abdominal area.

Here are the top reasons to combine liposuction and abdominoplasty to maximize your body contouring benefits:

Enhance Your Shape

Although abdominoplasty is effective in addressing muscle and skin issues in the abdominal area, it is not designed to resolve stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure which eliminates unwanted fat and pesky bulges which don’t respond to diet and exercise. Some of the common target areas are the neck, cheeks, chin, upper arms, knees, thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen.

By combining these two procedures, you can achieve a comprehensive outcome that neither procedure can accomplish alone.

Correcting Multiple Problem Areas

A tummy tuck can provide a more toned, firmer abdomen by removing loose skin and tightening the underlying abdominal muscle. However, by adding liposuction to abdominoplasty, you can sculpt other areas consistent with your goals like the hips, thighs or buttock.

More Cost-Effective

Although cost should never be the most determinate issue when choosing plastic surgery, combining these two body contouring procedures is more cost-effective than having each done separately as a standalone procedure. You may ask – Why?

The reason is the consolidation of the associated surgical fees and the anesthesia into one procedure makes the overall cost more attractive. However, this choice should be discussed with your plastic surgeon to ensure combining these surgeries is the safest and best plan for your desired outcome.

Less Recovery Time

When you combine these two procedures, you not only resolve two issues with one surgical plan, you also minimize the recovery. Although tummy tuck does have an extensive recovery compared to most plastic surgeries, adding liposuction does not increase the time or discomfort severely.

In fact, the recovery time of a liposuction and tummy tuck combination is very similar to a standalone tummy tuck surgery. Also, to have the procedures done separately, you will need to wait at least six months between procedures to ensure proper healing.

Summary

Both liposuction and abdominoplasty address different aesthetic concerns but can provide a harmonious outcome. Combining both procedures can offer superior body shaping and decrease the risk of complications as well.

Whether choosing liposuction or abdominoplasty, you’ll find that both procedures address separate concerns, yet deliver comprehensive results. Recent studies indicate a combination brings out the best in each one for a superior body contouring outcome with less risk.

Next Step

The most important step when moving forward with any body contouring or plastic surgery procedure is to choose your surgeon wisely. Make sure they are well qualified with their experience and credentials. Board-certification ensures the plastic surgeon is highly skilled and current on the most advanced techniques and technologies.

A consultation will make your relationship with the plastic surgeon more personal. Make sure you are well researched on the procedures and go to the meeting with questions and concerns written down. Ask to see visible results, like before and after images, to get a good idea of the outcome you can expect.

Why Dr. Dreyfuss?

Dr. Dreyfuss is a board-certified Plastic surgeon by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Illinois Plastic Surgery Society.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Medical School of Emory University in Atlanta and completed his Surgery Fellowship at the University of Chicago Hospitals.

He has thousands of satisfied plastic surgery patients in the Chicago area.

To take the next step, call Dr. Dreyfuss at 815-806-9400 or schedule a consultation today.

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, diet and exercise don’t always allow us to reach our desired goal weight. More times than not, stubborn pockets of fat emerge on our bodies, and refuse to go away – no matter how hard we may fight. Luckily, we have tools readily available to help us with this fact: specifically, cosmetic surgery.

While cosmetic surgery is resourceful, it is important to note that any type of weight loss surgery should not be pursued in place of diet and exercise. Specifically, both mini and full tummy tucks should be considered in addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

However, if you do decide on weight loss surgery, which route is best for you and your needs: a mini or full tummy tuck?

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of abdominoplasty, or a full tummy tuck. This procedure is known to use a shorter incision, generally at or above the pubic region. Also known as a “modified tummy tuck,” a mini tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes the lower, excess abdominal skin.

Following the mini tummy tuck procedure, patients will have a scar noticeably present. Though the scar can be covered up with clothes, it’s important to understand that this mark will not be hidden in the folds of the skin. The scar will most likely be a few inches long, similar to a C-section scar. With proper healing, the scar may fade over time, but will not completely vanish. This procedure does not require the repositioning of the belly button.

This option is less intricate than a full tummy tuck, meaning the time needed to recover is less, too. However, this is still considered to be a major surgery, and should be treated as such. You will need to take proper precautions post-surgery, and avoid any strenuous activity, such as exercise or heavy lifting.

An ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is an individual, male or female, who has localized excess skin or fat – generally between the belly button and pubic bone. Again, these patients are, for the most part, in good health, but are having trouble getting rid of pesky pockets of fat, despite diet and regular exercise.

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, successfully removes excess fat and skin, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Unfortunately, with age, the abdomen can become loose or saggy. Other factors that may cause this include:

  • Genes
  • Pregnancy
  • Fluctuations in Weights

During a full tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The overall shape and length of the incision is generally determined by the amount of excess skin that is to be removed. In some cases, a second incision around the belly button is needed to remove excess skin found in the upper abdomen. Then, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down, the excess skin is trimmed, and the skin that remains is sutured together. Finally, a new opening for the belly button is created and sutured into position.

After the procedure, both dressings and bandagers will be applied to your incisions, and you will also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression garment to help with swelling. In order to drain excess blood and other fluids, thin tubes will temporarily be placed under the skin.

To recover timely and properly, it’s imperative to listen to your doctor’s instructions. For example, you will learn how to care for the surgical site and drains, which medications to take for pain and discomfort, and how to avoid potential infections. These orders are necessary to follow. If you have questions or concerns, or are unclear about what to do, don’t hesitate to talk to your surgeon.

Just like with a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck will leave you with a scar. Again, while the scar may fade or become less prominent over time, the scar will always exist.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck

Now that you understand a little bit about each type of tummy tuck, you’re most likely wondering which option is best for you and your needs, right? To answer these questions, you must decide what your ultimate goal is post-surgery.

Particularly, a mini tummy tuck does not remove as much skin as a full tummy tuck, and does not have as much impact on stretch marks. Further, the mini tummy tuck, while less expensive, only tightens below the belly button; the full tummy tuck tightens above and below, but requires the replacement of your belly button.

Still unsure? Take a look at your body, its size and shape. What do you see? What do you want to see post-surgery? Remember, you can also meet with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, and which would be most accommodating for your body and your goals.

To learn more, schedule a consultation today at Dreyfuss Plastic Surgery by calling 815-806-9400.

 

If you’ve been considering having a tummy tuck, then you probably already know that this procedure produces incredible aesthetic results. You know that it can tighten loose skin, smooth out stretch marks, and remove unsightly subcutaneous abdominal fat… But did you know that these are far from being the only benefits of having a tummy tuck? This surgery can help you lounge poolside with confidence for many summers to come thanks to the various long-term advantages it confers:

  1. Having a tummy tuck makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.

Research published in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery revealed that people who had a tummy tuck following bariatric weight loss surgery were much more likely to maintain a healthy weight than patients who had no cosmetic procedures performed. Additionally, even if these patients did gain weight, it tended to be at a much slower rate: About 1 pound per year rather than the 4 pounds per year typical of those who opted not to have a tummy tuck. The takeaway message here appears to be that people who obtain a flat, taught tummy following significant weight loss are more motivated to maintain a healthy weight (and keep that awesome bod!) than people who struggle with aesthetic issues like loose skin and stretch marks.

  1. You’ll pose better post-surgery.

Tummy tucks do more than just make you look great—they also improve your posture. People who leave loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles “as is” often develop a condition called lordosis, AKA “sway back.” Having a tummy tuck prevents this embarrassing (and often painful) condition because it strengthens and tightens the abdominal muscles.

  1. You’ll be able to exercise more easily after having a tummy tuck.

Maintaining the perfect beach body takes work; if you want to stretch out confidently on the sand or by the pool, you’ll need to do some cardio at least a few days per week. Fortunately, your tummy tuck will make it a lot easier to exercise by tightening your abdominal muscles so you can engage in intense workouts more comfortably.

Naturally, as you can tell from the above points, having a tummy tuck does more than just change your look—it can change your life. Patients who go through with tummy tuck surgery not only feel better about themselves, they also enjoy the many health benefits that come with maintaining a healthy weight and exercising frequently. Clearly, this is one cosmetic procedure that can legitimately be called an investment in your future! Call Dr. Dreyfuss for a tummy tuck consultation today.