Many patients come in asking about a “tummy tuck,” assuming it’s a single, standard procedure. The reality is that a tummy tuck—also known as an abdominoplasty—is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a customizable surgery designed to contour the abdomen based on each patient’s anatomy, goals, and history.

At SARA Surgery, we tailor every tummy tuck to achieve the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.

What Does a Tummy Tuck Actually Include?

A tummy tuck can involve several different components, depending on what your body needs. These may include:

Removal of Excess Skin (Panniculectomy)

One of the most common elements of a tummy tuck is removing excess skin—often referred to as a panniculectomy. This is the loose skin that can hang over the lower abdomen or pubic area, commonly seen after weight loss or pregnancy.

For some patients, especially after significant weight loss, this may be the primary concern.

Liposuction for Contouring

Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck to enhance the overall shape of the abdomen and waist. This can include:

• Upper abdomen
• Flanks (love handles)
• Hips and waistline

Not every patient needs extensive liposuction. Those with primarily loose skin and minimal fat may require very little, while others benefit greatly from additional contouring.

Diastasis Repair (Muscle Tightening)

A key part of many tummy tucks is repairing the abdominal muscles, known as diastasis repair. This involves tightening the rectus muscles—the “six-pack” muscles—that may have separated over time.

This separation is common in:

• Women after pregnancy
• Patients after significant weight loss

Repairing these muscles helps flatten the abdomen and restore core strength and support.

Belly Button (Umbilical) Repair

In a full tummy tuck, the belly button is typically repositioned to match the new contour of the abdomen. This often includes reshaping or reducing it to create a more natural appearance.

In a mini tummy tuck, the belly button usually stays in place, and no incision is made around it. This approach is best for patients with limited excess skin and minimal muscle separation.

Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

The difference between a full and mini tummy tuck comes down to how much correction is needed:

• Full tummy tuck: Addresses the entire abdomen, includes muscle repair, skin removal, and belly button repositioning
• Mini tummy tuck: Focuses on the lower abdomen, with less extensive correction and no change to the belly button.  It often includes liposuction contouring of the upper abdomen and flanks.

Choosing the right approach depends entirely on your anatomy and goals.

A Customized Approach at SARA Surgery

At SARA Surgery, we view a tummy tuck as a comprehensive contouring procedure, not a standard operation. Some patients need skin removal, others need muscle repair, and many benefit from a combination of techniques.

The key is creating a plan that fits your body—not forcing your body into a predefined procedure.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want a personalized, expert evaluation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sara Dickie. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed—and why—to help you achieve the best possible result.

Breast surgery trends have evolved significantly over the past decade. Today, patients are moving away from dramatic size changes and toward balanced, natural-looking results. At SARA Surgery, we see this shift every day—implant sizes are getting smaller, proportions matter more, and long-term outcomes are a key part of the decision-making process.

Smaller Implants, Smarter Planning

One of the most noticeable trends in breast augmentation is the move toward smaller implant sizes. Many patients now prioritize shape, symmetry, and how their breasts will age over time rather than maximizing volume.

Smaller implants can:

• Look more natural on a wider range of body types
• Place less strain on the skin and soft tissue
• Reduce the risk of long-term sagging
• Support more stable results as the body changes with age

Choosing an implant that complements your natural anatomy can help preserve breast support and minimize the need for future corrective surgery.

Implant Placement: Above vs. Below the Muscle

Another important part of modern breast surgery is implant placement. Both above- and below-the-muscle options have benefits, and the right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.

Above the Muscle (Subglandular)

Placing implants above the muscle may be appropriate for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.

Benefits include:

• More natural movement for some patients
• Less discomfort during early recovery
• No animation deformity with muscle contraction

This approach requires careful patient selection to ensure long-term support and optimal aesthetics.

Below the Muscle (Submuscular or Dual Plane)

Placing implants below the muscle remains a popular choice, especially for patients with less natural breast tissue.

Benefits include:

• Smoother implant edges and contours
• Lower risk of visible rippling
• Additional soft tissue coverage for a more natural look

This technique can also provide added support over time, helping implants maintain position as the body ages.

Long-Term Thinking Matters

Modern breast surgery isn’t just about how results look in the first year—it’s about how they will look five, ten, or twenty years down the line. Implant size, placement, and tissue quality all influence how breasts age.

At SARA Surgery, every breast procedure begins with a detailed consultation focused on anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Sometimes that means recommending a smaller implant, a lift, or even an alternative approach to achieve the most durable result.

A Thoughtful, Personalized Approach at SARA Surgery

Trends may change, but good surgical judgment does not. Our goal is to help patients achieve results that feel authentic, age gracefully, and align with their body—not chase a look that may not stand the test of time.

If you’re considering breast surgery and want expert guidance rooted in experience and long-term thinking, schedule a consultation with SARA Surgery. Together, we’ll create a plan that prioritizes balance, longevity, and confidence.

When people think about body contouring, they often focus on the abdomen or thighs—but the back and lower torso are just as important for achieving balanced, natural results. After significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, excess skin and stubborn rolls can develop along the back, waistline, and buttocks. At SARA Surgery, we offer advanced surgical solutions designed to smooth, tighten, and restore contour in these often-overlooked areas.

Why the Back Changes

The back is particularly prone to skin laxity after weight loss or hormonal changes. Even with diet and exercise, loose skin and rolls along the bra line or lower back cannot be corrected non-surgically. While liposuction can reduce fat, it does not remove excess skin—making surgical intervention the most effective option when laxity is present.

Back Lift Surgery

A back lift is designed to remove excess skin and rolls from the upper or mid-back, often targeting the area around the bra line. This procedure creates a smoother contour that fits better in clothing and swimwear.

Incisions are typically placed within the bra line, allowing scars to be easily concealed. Liposuction is often used in combination to enhance contour before skin is removed.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Lower Body Lift)

For patients with significant skin laxity around the entire midsection, a circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a lower body lift, may be recommended. This powerful procedure addresses:

• The abdomen
• Love handles and flanks
• Lower back skin and rolls
• Buttock laxity

By removing excess skin all the way around the torso, this procedure restores definition to the waist and improves the overall silhouette. Scars are typically placed below the belt line to remain discreet.

Buttock Lift and Buttock Augmentation

Weight loss and aging can also cause the buttocks to appear flat or sagging. A buttock lift removes excess skin and elevates the tissue to restore shape and position.

For patients seeking more volume, buttock augmentation—often using fat transfer—can be combined with contouring procedures. Liposuction is used to harvest fat from areas such as the abdomen or back, which is then strategically placed to enhance projection and shape.

Scars and Surgical Planning

At SARA Surgery, careful planning is a priority. Incisions are thoughtfully placed in areas such as the bra line or below the waistband to help conceal scars. Advanced closure techniques and scar management protocols are used to support optimal healing and long-term results.

How SARA Surgery Can Help

Back and lower body contouring procedures are highly individualized. Dr. Sara Dickie takes a comprehensive approach—evaluating skin quality, fat distribution, and overall body balance—to determine the right combination of procedures for each patient.

If excess back skin, rolls, or lower body laxity are preventing you from feeling confident in your body, a consultation at SARA Surgery can help clarify your options. With expert surgical techniques and personalized care, we help patients achieve smoother contours and lasting confidence from every angle.

Plastic surgery is a journey, and sometimes that journey includes a course correction. At SARA Surgery, we frequently meet patients who have already had surgery and are seeking clarity—whether they’re not fully satisfied with their results, want reassurance that healing is progressing normally, or need honest feedback about what is realistically achievable with a revision.

Revision surgery is not a failure. In many cases, it’s a thoughtful, strategic step toward achieving the best possible outcome.

Why Patients Seek Revision Surgery

There are many reasons someone may consider a revision, including:

• Concerns about scarring or wound healing
• Contour irregularities or asymmetry
• Changes that didn’t fully meet expectations
• Breast Implant-related issues or discomfort

Often, patients simply want an expert opinion to understand whether what they’re seeing is part of the normal healing process—or something that truly needs intervention.

How Long Should You Wait Before a Revision?

Timing is one of the most important factors in revision surgery, and it depends entirely on the issue at hand.

Scarring: When Time Is Your Best Ally

Scars evolve slowly. Redness, firmness, and texture changes are normal in the early months after surgery. In many cases, time combined with proper scar care—including silicone therapy, massage, and sun protection—leads to significant improvement. Acting too early can actually make scars worse. Patience and good scar management are often the best first steps.

Contour Concerns: When Surgery May Be Needed

If contour irregularities persist beyond the early healing phase, revision may be appropriate. As a general guideline, if it has been more than three months and the shape or contour is not improving—or is clearly not aligning with goals—additional surgery may be necessary. That said, swelling can mask final results, so expert evaluation is critical.

Implants: An Art and a Science

Implant revision is particularly complex. Implant settling, capsule formation, swelling, and tissue adaptation all occur on different timelines. Deciding when to re-operate requires careful assessment and experience. In some cases, time will significantly improve the outcome. In others, waiting too long may make correction more difficult. This is where a skilled examiner makes all the difference.

Do Adjunct Treatments Help?

Not every concern requires surgery. Depending on the situation, adjunct treatments such as laser therapy, steroid injections, massage, targeted exercises, or non-surgical contouring may improve results or delay the need for revision. Knowing what will help—and what won’t—requires expertise and honest guidance.

SARA’s Approach to Revision Surgery

At SARA Surgery, our goal is not to rush you back into surgery, but to help you understand:

• What the core issue truly is
• Whether time is likely to improve or worsen the concern
• What options exist now versus later
• What expectations are realistic and achievable

We know it can be emotionally and physically challenging to consider another procedure. Our role is to guide you thoughtfully, compassionately, and safely—so that if revision surgery is necessary, it’s done at the right time and for the right reasons.

When in Doubt, Get an Expert Opinion

If something doesn’t feel right after surgery, or if you’re unsure whether revision is needed, the best next step is a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. At SARA Surgery, we’re here to help you determine the smartest path forward—whether that means waiting, treating conservatively, or planning a revision to achieve the result you deserve.

Lower eyelid surgery, or lower blepharoplasty, is a highly effective cosmetic procedure designed to address under-eye puffiness and skin laxity. It’s one of the most requested procedures for those seeking a more youthful, rested appearance—especially after weight loss, aging, or chronic fatigue leads to visible under-eye bags.

What Does Lower Eyelid Surgery Treat?

The procedure is ideal for treating:

• Under-eye bags or bulging fat pads
• Loose or sagging skin beneath the eyes
• Shadowing or hollowness around the tear trough

However, it’s important to note that while lower blepharoplasty tightens skin and removes excess fat, it does not eliminate fine lines or wrinkles. That’s where combination treatments come in.

Incision Options: Inside vs. Outside

Lower eyelid surgery can be performed in two ways:

• Transconjunctival (Inside/Scarless Approach): This technique involves making the incision inside the eyelid. It is ideal for patients with puffiness but good skin tone, as it removes or repositions fat without any visible scar.
• Subciliary (Outside Approach): This method places the incision just below the lash line, allowing access to both fat and skin. It’s best for patients who need both fat removal and skin tightening.

During your consultation at SARA Surgery, we’ll evaluate your skin tone, fat volume, and goals to recommend the best approach.

What About Wrinkles?

While lower eyelid surgery improves contour and tightness, it won’t erase all wrinkles or fine lines. That’s why many patients at SARA opt for combination treatments, including:

• Laser resurfacing to improve skin texture
• Dermal fillers or fat grafting to soften hollowing or shadows
• Medical-grade eye creams for hydration and skin repair

These adjuncts can help optimize your results and maintain a more youthful appearance long-term.

Trust Your Eyes to SARA Surgery

Your eyes are one of your most defining features—so choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. At SARA Surgery, we specialize in personalized lower eyelid rejuvenation plans, whether you’re concerned with fat pads, skin laxity, or fine lines. We offer the latest techniques and technologies to help you look refreshed without changing who you are.

Schedule your consultation today and let us help you reveal a brighter, more rested look.

At SARA Surgery, many patients ask if it’s possible to combine procedures to save time and recovery. The answer is often yes—but it depends on the surgeries involved, your health, and your recovery goals. Combining procedures can enhance results and streamline recovery, but it requires careful planning with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Popular Surgery Combinations

Some procedures naturally complement each other because they target related areas:

• Eyes and Face/Neck Lift – Combining eyelid surgery with a face or neck lift can create a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
• Eyelids and Facial Fat Grafting – Restores youthful volume while tightening and brightening the eyes.
• Breast and Arm Lift – After major weight loss, pairing a breast lift with an arm lift balances results.
• Tummy Tuck and Liposuction – A popular combination for abdominal contouring. Learn more about tummy tucks and liposuction.
• Breast Lift and Tummy Tuck – The traditional mommy makeover, restoring pre-pregnancy shape and confidence.
• Breast Reduction and Liposuction – Often combined to treat large breasts and excess fat around the armpits or abdomen.

When Combining Surgeries Isn’t the Best Choice

Not every combination is advisable. Your surgeon may recommend staging procedures if:

• The combined surgery time would be too long
• Recovery would be too difficult if multiple areas are healing at once
• Your overall health requires shorter, safer procedures

For full body contouring, it’s often safer to stage surgeries. Recovery requires the use of your arms, legs, or core, and combining too much at once can make healing more difficult.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

Every patient’s body, lifestyle, and goals are unique. A consultation at SARA Surgery allows Dr. Sara Dickie to design a plan that balances safety, recovery, and results. In some cases, combining procedures is the most efficient path. In others, staging them ensures a smoother recovery and more refined results.

Explore Options at SARA Surgery

Curious about what combinations may be right for you? Browse our services for body contouring, breast surgery, or facial procedures. You can also check out our latest blogs for patient education and updates.

Schedule a consultation at our Morton Grove office to learn whether combining procedures—or staging them—is the right path for your transformation.

One of the most common questions we hear at SARA Surgery is: “Do I need breast implants, a breast lift, or both?” The answer depends on a few key factors—including your body’s unique changes after pregnancy, weight loss, or GLP-1 medications—and what kind of results you’re hoping to achieve.

Post-Pregnancy Changes and Breast Shape

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter breast tissue, often leaving behind loose skin, deflated volume, or sagging. Many women notice their breasts don’t “bounce back” after their childbearing years, leading to a loss of upper fullness or changes in shape.

A breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended when your primary concern is sagging or drooping. This procedure reshapes and repositions the breast and nipple to a more youthful location. However, if you’ve also lost volume, you may benefit from adding implants to restore fullness and roundness to the upper pole of the breast.

GLP-1 Medications and Volume Loss

With the rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, many patients are achieving amazing results—but some are also left with excess skin and volume loss, particularly around the breasts.

In these cases, a lift can correct sagging, while implants can help restore the fullness that’s been lost. Depending on the severity of the tissue changes, Dr. Sara Dickie may recommend one or both procedures to help you achieve a natural, proportionate outcome.

Which One Is Right for You?

At SARA Surgery, we tailor every procedure to your specific body and goals. Some signs you may need a lift include:

• Your nipples point downward or sit below the breast fold
• You experience significant sagging after weight loss or pregnancy
• You’re happy with the amount of breast tissue but want a more lifted appearance

On the other hand, implants alone may be ideal if:

• You’ve lost volume but still have good skin elasticity
• Your breasts haven’t sagged significantly
• You simply want more size and fullness, especially in the upper breast

Sometimes, the best solution is a combination of both—a lift to reposition the tissue and an implant to enhance the shape.

Schedule a Personalized Consultation

Every woman’s body tells a different story. Whether you’re navigating the physical changes of motherhood, weight loss, or simply looking to restore confidence in your appearance, SARA Surgery offers expert guidance and board-certified care.

Dr. Sara Dickie will evaluate your anatomy, listen to your concerns, and help you decide which approach—breast implants, breast lift, or both—will give you the most natural and satisfying results.

Book your consultation today and let’s take the next step toward feeling your best.

At SARA Surgery, we are proud to offer our patients the latest advancements in breast implant technology—including the innovative and highly trusted Motiva breast implants. These next-generation implants are designed to deliver a natural look and feel, while incorporating advanced safety features and customization options that make them one of the most patient-friendly choices available today.

What Makes Motiva Implants Different?

Unlike traditional implants, Motiva breast implants are engineered with breakthrough materials and features that prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and long-term safety. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or reconstruction, these implants offer several key benefits:

• Natural Look and Feel: Motiva Ergonomix implants adapt to body movements, creating a natural teardrop shape when standing and a rounder shape when lying down—just like real breast tissue.
• SmoothSilk™ Surface: This ultra-soft, biocompatible surface reduces friction and is designed to minimize the risk of capsular contracture and inflammation.
• ProgressiveGel™ Options: Available in Ultima or Plus, this advanced gel offers a soft yet stable structure that maintains fullness and shape while moving naturally with the body.

Built for Safety, Backed by Science

Safety is at the core of every Motiva implant. These implants include the TrueMonobloc™ structure for increased shell integrity and BluSeal® technology, which ensures every implant passes stringent quality control. Additionally, Motiva implants are made to reduce complications such as rupture, inflammation, or scar tissue formation—providing greater peace of mind for our patients.

Customizable to Your Aesthetic Goals

With a wide range of shapes, sizes, and projections, Motiva implants offer a truly customized approach to breast augmentation. Whether you’re seeking subtle enhancement or a fuller, more contoured result, Dr. Sara Dickie will work with you to choose the perfect implant for your goals and body type.

Smaller Incisions, Smaller Scars

Thanks to their design and flexibility, Motiva implants can often be placed through smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue disruption and smaller, more discreet scars—a priority for many of our patients seeking both aesthetic and surgical excellence.

Two Distinct Options for Beautiful Results

• Motiva Round: Ideal for patients who want more volume and upper pole fullness with a round, youthful look.
• Motiva Ergonomix: Designed to replicate the behavior of natural breast tissue—shaping with gravity and motion for a soft, authentic appearance.

Is Motiva Right for You?

If you’re looking for an implant that offers a natural look, soft feel, and enhanced safety profile, Motiva may be the ideal option. At SARA Surgery, we’ll walk you through all available choices and help you decide what’s best for your body, goals, and lifestyle.

Schedule Your Consultation

Interested in learning more about Motiva breast implants? Book a consultation with Dr. Sara Dickie today at SARA Surgery in Morton Grove. With board certification, years of experience, and a dedication to patient-centered care, Dr. Dickie is here to help you feel confident and informed about your next steps.

When it comes to reshaping the thighs for a more sculpted, youthful contour, non-surgical treatments often fall short. While some devices can temporarily tighten the skin or reduce small pockets of fat, they rarely address both effectively, and results are often subtle. For patients looking for significant, long-lasting improvement—especially following weight loss or aging—surgical thigh contouring is the gold standard.

Why Non-Surgical Modalities May Not Be Enough

Many patients first explore non-invasive options hoping to avoid downtime or incisions. However, most devices only treat the skin or fat—not both—and often require multiple sessions with modest, if any, visible changes. For individuals with loose, crepey skin, stubborn inner thigh fat, or noticeable asymmetry, this approach can lead to frustration.

Surgical Thigh Contouring: Liposuction + Thigh Lift

At SARA Surgery, we specialize in comprehensive thigh contouring that combines two powerful tools:

• Liposuction: Ideal for removing localized fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction slims the thighs and helps enhance their natural shape. It can be used on the inner or outer thighs depending on the patient’s needs.
• Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): This procedure is essential when loose, sagging skin is present—common after weight loss or with age. A thigh lift tightens the area by removing excess skin and re-draping it for smoother, more defined contours.

When used together, liposuction and thigh lifts offer the most effective results, addressing both the fat and the redundant skin for a truly transformative outcome.

Addressing Cellulite with Aveli

As an adjunct to surgical contouring, we may recommend cellulite subcision using Aveli. Aveli is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that targets the structural bands under the skin that cause cellulite dimpling. When combined with surgical reshaping, Aveli enhances the overall skin surface appearance, helping patients feel confident from every angle.

Is Surgical Thigh Contouring Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have excess skin on the inner or outer thighs
• Struggle with persistent thigh fat even after weight loss
• Desire more dramatic, longer-lasting results than non-surgical methods provide
• Are at a stable weight and in good health

At SARA Surgery, we believe in creating customized treatment plans based on your body, goals, and lifestyle. Every patient deserves to feel confident in their skin, and with board-certified expertise and surgical artistry, we’re here to help you achieve that.

Book a Consultation

If you’re ready to learn more about how surgical thigh contouring can help you feel more confident and comfortable, contact SARA Surgery to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll develop a plan that fits your vision for your ideal body.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide, and for good reason—it can beautifully enhance body proportions, restore volume, and boost confidence. But like all surgeries, it’s not without potential complications. One of the more common issues patients may face is capsular contracture.

At SARA Surgery, we’re here to guide patients through both their enhancement and healing journeys, including correcting complications like capsular contracture with safe, expert care.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

After a breast implant is placed, your body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue—called a capsule—around it. This is a normal healing response. However, in some cases, this capsule can become excessively thick or tight, causing the implant to feel firm, appear distorted, or even cause discomfort. This is known as capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture is typically graded using the Baker Classification System:

• Grade I: Breast is soft and natural in appearance
• Grade II: Breast is slightly firm but looks normal
• Grade III: Breast is firm and begins to appear distorted
• Grade IV: Breast is hard, painful, and visibly misshapen

What Causes It?

The exact cause of capsular contracture isn’t always clear, but contributing factors may include:

• Bacterial contamination around the implant
• Hematoma or seroma (fluid buildup)
• Smoking, which can affect healing
• Subglandular implant placement (above the muscle)
• A patient’s individual healing response

How Can It Be Fixed?

Fortunately, capsular contracture can be corrected. At SARA Surgery, we offer a range of options tailored to your unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and medical needs:

• Implant Removal with Lift: Sometimes the best course of action is to remove the implants entirely—especially if you’re no longer interested in having implants—and perform a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time. This approach removes the tight capsule and reshapes the natural breast tissue to restore a more youthful contour.

• Implant Exchange: If you’d like to keep your augmented look but want relief from the contracture, an implant exchange may be right for you. This involves removing the scar tissue, replacing the implant (often switching the type, size, or placement), and recreating a healthier environment for long-term results.

• Total or Partial Capsulectomy: In more severe cases, we perform a capsulectomy, where the thickened capsule is removed either partially or entirely, depending on its severity. This can be done during either implant removal or exchange.

Think You Might Have Capsular Contracture? Let’s Talk.

At SARA Surgery, we don’t just perform procedures—we provide compassionate, individualized care. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sara Dickie, our team brings a combination of advanced surgical expertise, aesthetic precision, and thoughtful patient support.

We understand how frustrating and even painful capsular contracture can be. That’s why we focus on natural-looking outcomes, safe surgical techniques, and long-term satisfaction—whether you’re seeking revision, replacement, or a new direction altogether.

If you’re feeling hardness, discomfort, or noticing a change in the look of your implants, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with SARA Surgery in Morton Grove. We’ll perform a thorough evaluation and walk you through your options to get you back to feeling confident and comfortable in your body again.

Your body deserves expertise. Your results deserve honesty. Your care deserves SARA.