Tummy Tuck Information

Though diet and exercise can go a long way toward achieving a toned abdomen, excess skin, lax abdominal muscles and stubborn fat deposits can persist and limit the results of your hard work. Factors such as pregnancy, genetics or extreme weight loss often result in loose skin and lax stomach muscles that leave a saggy abdominal look despite your best efforts. To address these issues and create a more toned look, many men and women seek an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck). Itasca plastic surgeon Dr. Ashpole, specializes in excess skin removal surgery to tighten lax abdominal muscles, creating a trim, sleek profile. Are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover? In some cases, a tummy tuck can be combined with Liposuction, breast augmentation and/or a breast lift for a more complete rejuvenation. Though a tummy tuck can help create a trimmer look, it should not be seen as a weight loss method. The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are healthy men and women with a stable weight who wish to address loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat they cannot eliminate with traditional diet or exercise. This procedure is also great for mothers with abdominal muscles that have been stretched out during pregnancy. A tummy tuck is best performed on women planning no future pregnancies since pregnancy can decrease the longevity of the results. During the tummy tuck, Itasca plastic surgeon Dr. Ashpole will typically make an incision from hip bone to hip bone (concealed within the bikini line) and around the belly button. He will then remove the excess skin and fat to diminish the appearance of loose skin, bulges or pouches in the upper and lower abdominal area. The abdominal muscles will also be tightened to shrink the waist line and create a more lean and sculpted look. Finally, the remaining skin will be sutured into place and a new belly button will be created. In some instances where only lower abdominal issues exist, a limited version of this technique, called a “mini-tuck”, can offer the desired results. Through careful consultation, Dr. Ashpole will discuss which technique will best suit your needs. While recovery time varies among individuals, most patients can return to work within 2 weeks following the procedure. Patients will still be asked to refrain from heavy lifting (including the lifting of small children) or exercise until cleared by Dr. Ashpole. As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck has benefits as well as risks which should be carefully considered during the decision making process. For those considering a tummy tuck, Chicagoland area plastic surgeon Dr. Ashpole will discuss the benefits, as well as issues such as scarring, downtime and recovery with potential patients during consultation. To schedule a free consultation for a tummy tuck, patients should call 847.884.8346 or fill out our online inquiry form. We are serving Itasca, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Mt Prospect, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Elgin, Barrington, Palatine, Wheaton, Highland Park, and surrounding areas.