YOUR TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE IN HOFFMAN ESTATES, OAK BROOK, BARRINGTON, & CHICAGO



A tummy tuck is performed by making an incision, usually within or just above the pubic area. The length of this incision depends on the amount of skin that is to be removed. The incision site is where the surgeon will remove the fat. If the procedure is to tighten the muscles, the surgeon will bring the muscles of the abdominal wall together with sutures. In regards to stretch marks, if it’s the lower skin that contains the stretch marks it will be removed as well. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t expect a dramatic change in the appearance of stretch marks.

TUMMY TUCK RISKS

As with all surgeries, there are risks involved. However, complications during or following a tummy tuck procedure are rare. Possible risks include:

Infection



Reaction to anesthesia



Scarring



To further prevent these complications, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for before, during, and after the procedure.

TUMMY TUCK PRE-OPERATION

If you are a smoker, your surgeon will strongly urge you to quit well before your surgery as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Also, medications that can increase the risk of bleeding should be stopped. As this surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, it’s important to arrange for transportation.

TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE DAY-OF

Your tummy tuck procedure will be performed at an outpatient surgical site. You will be given general anesthesia for this procedure so you will be asleep. You will be hooked up to machines that will monitor your vitals during and after the procedure to ensure your safety.

Once your surgery is complete, you will be placed in a recovery area for a few hours where you will be monitored closely. Drain tubes will be placed within the abdominal tissues in order to avoid fluid accumulation. Gauze will be applied to the surgical site area.

RECOVERY FROM A TUMMY TUCK

Recovery from a tummy tuck procedure varies from person to person.

Following your tummy tuck procedure, you’ll be encouraged to get up from bed and take short walks; this is done to promote blood circulation. You’ll be advised to avoid bending, straining, and lifting for the first several days following your procedure as doing those things can cause increased swelling and even bleeding. While recovering, you will need to sleep on your back with a pillow placed beneath your knees. Within the first week after surgery, your drains will be removed and your gauze will be changed. It’s important to avoid abdominal binders after your tummy tuck because this can hinder your healing. Your stitches will be removed about two weeks following the procedure. Some swelling is expected and while bruising is uncommon, it also can occur. Any swelling or bruising should subside within several weeks. However, it may be months before the swelling is completely gone and you’re able to see the full results of your tummy tuck. It is also normal for your abdomen to feel numb at first. As far as your incisions are concerned, they may be red or pink, and may even look worse, before they begin to fade.

You should be able to return to non-strenuous work within 1 to 3 weeks following your surgery. Normal daily activities and light exercise can usually be resumed within 3 weeks. Sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of 2 weeks after your tummy tuck.

Remember, it’s perfectly normal to experience some discomfort following this surgery.

Dr. Dhaval Patel is an accomplished Double Board Certified Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, who is skillful enough to restore your youthfulness which has been lost with the effects of aging & gravity. He is the man behind the famous Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery.





Available at numerous places like Orland Park, Oak Brook, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Streamwood, West Chicago, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Elgin, Mchenry, Dundee, Fox Lake, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, Rockford, Naperville, Auroroa, Crystal Lake, Joliet, Rosemont, Des Plaines, Wheaton, Addison, Hindsdale, Cicero, Geneva, Batavia, Mokena, Tinley Park, Downers Grove, Loves Park, Belvedere, Dekalb, Sycamore and In Indiana: Hammond, Merrilville, Munster.





FREE CONSULTATION FOR TUMMY TUCKS IN BARRINGTON, HOFFMAN ESTATES, & OAK BROOK WITH PLASTIC SURGEON DR. PATEL