Loose abdominal skin can remain after pregnancy or weight changes, even when your weight is stable and exercise is part of your routine. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and reshapes the abdomen. It may also include repair of separation in the abdominal wall.
At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, Dr. Sara R. Dickie plans tummy tuck surgery around your anatomy, health, and goals. Your consultation is a chance to discuss the changes you want, compare options, and understand the recovery involved.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Address?
A tummy tuck may be considered for hanging or loose abdominal skin, folds below the belly button, or changes in abdominal contour after pregnancy or weight loss. The plan can address skin, selected areas of fat, and the abdominal wall when appropriate.
It is not a weight-loss procedure. Stretch marks are only removed when they are within the skin being excised; marks elsewhere remain. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ tummy tuck overview explains these limitations.
Your Tummy Tuck Options
Full and Mini Tummy Tucks
A full tummy tuck addresses more extensive skin excess across the abdomen and commonly involves an incision around the belly button as the surrounding skin is repositioned. A mini tummy tuck focuses on a more limited area below the belly button. The appropriate approach depends on where the loose skin is and how much correction is needed.
Abdominal Wall Repair
If you have diastasis recti, or separation of the rectus abdominal muscles, your plan may include tightening the supporting connective tissue. Not every tummy tuck needs this repair. Dr. Dickie will explain whether it is relevant to your anatomy and how it affects activity restrictions during recovery.
Liposuction and Lower Abdominal Proportions
Liposuction can be used alongside skin removal to contour selected areas of fat. It does not replace skin removal when the skin cannot adapt sufficiently to a smaller contour. Healthy tissue is preserved to support a smooth contour.
The position of the mons pubis—the soft mound over the pubic bone—is also part of evaluating the lower abdomen. If it has descended or developed excess skin, discuss whether a lift should be included. This is individualized and is not automatically part of every tummy tuck.
Read more about what a tummy tuck can include and why the details differ between patients.
Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Right for You?
Candidacy depends on your health, skin and tissue changes, expectations, and ability to manage recovery. Being at a stable weight and avoiding smoking are important considerations. Future pregnancy or substantial weight changes may affect the result, so bring those plans into the conversation. See ASPS guidance on tummy tuck candidacy.
During your consultation, Dr. Dickie reviews your medical history, medications, previous operations, and nicotine use, then examines the areas you would like to address. You can ask about alternatives, incision placement, anesthesia, and whether combining procedures is appropriate for your health and circumstances.
Learn about Dr. Sara Dickie and her approach to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Recovery and Planning for Help at Home
Plan for time away from work and assistance with lifting, childcare, and household tasks. The amount of support you need depends on the extent of surgery and your usual responsibilities.
Your postoperative instructions will cover incision care, support garments, any drains, follow-up visits, and a gradual return to activity. Gentle walking may be encouraged early, while strenuous exercise and lifting require clearance. An abdominal wall repair can change your restrictions. Recovery varies, so your instructions should guide you rather than another patient’s timeline. The ASPS recovery guide offers questions to discuss with your surgeon.
Scars, Risks, and Expectations
A tummy tuck leaves a lower abdominal scar, and a full procedure usually also leaves a scar around the belly button. Scar length and position depend on the skin being removed and the surgical approach. Scars change as they mature but are permanent.
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, fluid collections, changes in sensation, wound-healing problems, blood clots, and anesthesia-related risks. Contour irregularities or additional surgery are also possible. Dr. Dickie will discuss your individual risks and the limitations of treatment. Results cannot be guaranteed. Review ASPS information on tummy tuck risks.
Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Can I combine a tummy tuck with breast surgery?
Some patients consider abdominal and breast procedures as part of a mommy makeover. Whether to combine or stage surgery depends on your health, the procedures involved, and recovery needs. Explore our body contouring overview for related options.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost depends on the operation being planned, including whether abdominal wall repair, liposuction, or other procedures are involved. Ask for an individualized estimate and clarification of what it includes.
Will I need the same procedure as someone with a similar concern?
Not necessarily. Similar-looking concerns can involve different combinations of skin, fat, and abdominal wall changes. An examination helps determine which approach fits you.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Morton Grove
Tell us what you would like to change and what matters most to you. Contact SARA Surgery to schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Dickie and discuss a plan for your anatomy, health, and recovery.
