Top-Rated Tummy Tuck Surgeons in Chicago

To prepare for your tummy tuck procedure you should always follow your doctor’s pre-and post surgical instructions including:

• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
• You should be free of any illnesses or infections
• Do not smoke, use nicotine or other drugs for several weeks prior to your surgery and several weeks after for best chance of proper healing.
• Avoid certain medications such as aspirin, over-the-counter pain killers that can cause excess bleeding.
• Stop taking certain supplements and vitamins unless approved by your surgeon.
• Make sure you have someone to take you home and care for you during your recovery period

Your surgeon’s priority is your SAFETY and giving you the results you desire, so it is very important to follow your doctor’s orders. If you have any questions about how to prepare for surgery don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon!

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and patients should reach their goal weight prior to undergoing surgery. However, if you have subcutaneous fat around your abdomen that persists despite your best weight loss efforts, your surgeon can include liposuction in your abdominoplasty procedure to better contour and further slim your abdomen.

A tummy tuck is a highly personalized procedure, and the duration of your surgery depends on the specific approach your Chicago Breast and Body surgeon tailors to your needs. For patients requiring minimal correction, the procedure may take less than an hour. However, for those with more extensive needs, surgery can last 4 hours or longer. The best way to understand the expected length of your abdominoplasty is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin. During your visit, they will evaluate your unique situation and provide a personalized recommendation to ensure the best possible outcome.

All tummy tuck surgeries are done most safely under general anesthesia. This is because the procedure involves removal of extra skin, tightening of abdominal muscles, and reconstruction of the umbilicus. Tummy Tucks can take 2-3 hours to perform and patients are kept most comfortable under general anesthesia. In most cases however, Tummy Tucks are outpatient procedures and patients can go home the same day as their surgery in order to recover at home.

You should take at least 1 week off from work, ideally 10-14 days to rest and recover. You may be provided with a compression garment to wear, which can help speed up the tummy tuck recovery process by promoting blood flow and reducing swelling.

While everyone’s recovery experience is different and your recovery will vary depending on the type of abdominoplasty you get, you can expect to feel some soreness around the site of your incision accompanied by some degree of discomfort in the abdominal area.

You may download our complete tummy tuck post-operative instructions.

You can read more tips on how to prepare for your Tummy Tuck recovery.

You will most likely need drains following your tummy tuck. Drains are temporary tubes that are placed during surgery to help drain excess fluid which can build up under the stretched skin. In most cases, the drains can be removed easily in the office after 5-7 days. You will be instructed on how to care for your drains including how to clean them and empty them.

The results of your abdominoplasty will be noticeable immediately after your surgery and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising gradually subside. While much of the post-operative swelling typically decreases within the first few weeks, it’s important to note that your final results may take up to 6 months to fully appear as your body heals and adjusts.

Like all surgeries, an abdominoplasty will leave a permanent scar, but it should fade over time. Our experienced tummy tuck surgeons at Chicago Breast and Body will carefully place the scar low on your abdomen, below your bikini line, so it remains hidden even when wearing a swimsuit. To help reduce the appearance of the scar, your surgeon may recommend using scar cream or other scar treatments as part of your recovery plan.

The average cost of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Chicago, Illinois, performed by an experienced surgeon, typically ranges between $10,000 and $15,000 or more. The exact pricing depends on several factors, including the complexity of your specific case, your surgeon’s expertise, the anesthesia provider, and the facility where the surgery is performed.

Yes. Chicago Breast & Body offers financing through CareCredit, Cherry and Alphaeon for qualified applicants, so you can pay over time. Your consultation gives you one quote to plan around. See our financing options.