Call 708 424 3999

Chicago, IL

Tummy Tuck

Chicago, IL

Introduction

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

Sometimes, no matter how many crunches you do or salads you eat, that stubborn belly bulge just won’t budge. That’s where a Chicago tummy tuck—also known as abdominoplasty—comes in. At A New You Plastic Surgery, serving the greater Chicago area from our Orland Park location, Dr. Samir Shah performs this cosmetic surgery to help patients achieve a smoother, firmer, and more sculpted midsection.

Schedule a tummy tuck consultation today to discuss your goals and learn more about your options.

Before + After

Tummy Tuck Gallery

  • tummy-tuck-17a-beforetummy-tuck-17a-post

    Tummy Tuck

  • tummy-tuck-16a-beforetummy-tuck-16a-post

    Tummy Tuck

  • tummy-tuck-12a-beforetummy-tuck-12a-post

    Tummy Tuck

View Results

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty surgery also addresses muscle laxity and rectus diastasis, which are common causes of a protruding abdomen.

Dr. Shah has found that tummy tuck procedures can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the stomach muscles.

There are different types of tummy tuck procedures tailored to individual needs.

A close-up of Samir Shah, MD, wearing a surgical mask, glasses, and a blue surgical gown, holding a needle and thread with surgical tools while performing a procedure under a bright overhead light. - Tummy Tuck in Orlando Park, IL A close-up of artwork featuring a woven rattan or wooden leaf shape with parallel lines, laid over a textured deep blue background.

A mini-tummy tuck is ideal for our patients with mild to moderate excess skin or fat below their belly button. It involves a shorter incision and no repositioning of the belly button. This option works well for people who are relatively fit but just need a little help tightening their lower abdomen. Recovery tends to be quicker, and scarring is less extensive than with a full tummy tuck. Muscle separation can be performed through a mini-incision.  

Dr. Shah uses a careful, personalized approach to determine if a mini-tummy tuck is the right choice or if a full abdominoplasty would better achieve your goals. Patients in the Chicago area often appreciate this targeted option when they want meaningful results with less downtime.

Abdominoplasty with Liposuction

For patients seeking a more sculpted and defined abdomen, abdominoplasty with liposuction offers a powerful combination. This approach allows your plastic surgeon to remove excess fat from the upper and lower abdomen, flanks, and other targeted areas through liposuction, while the tummy tuck procedure addresses excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. By combining these techniques, you can achieve a flatter, firmer midsection and a more contoured waistline.

Abdominoplasty with liposuction is especially effective for those who have both stubborn fat deposits and loose skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise alone. However, it’s important to understand that combining procedures may increase recovery time and the risk of complications. Your surgeon will carefully assess your individual needs and goals to determine whether this comprehensive approach is right for you, ensuring you get the best possible results from your tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy

If you’re considering a tummy tuck and planning to have children in the future, timing is key. Pregnancy can stretch and separate the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing the results of your tummy tuck surgery. For this reason, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until you’ve completed your family before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.

If you become pregnant after a tummy tuck, maintaining a healthy weight and balanced diet can help minimize changes to your abdominal area. However, it’s important to know that pregnancy may still affect the tightness of your abdominal muscles and the appearance of your results. Discuss your family plans with your surgeon during your consultation to ensure your tummy tuck aligns with your long-term goals.

Tummy Tuck and Weight Loss

Significant weight loss can leave behind excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles, making it difficult to achieve a smooth, toned midsection. A tummy tuck procedure is an excellent solution for removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles after weight loss, helping you fully enjoy the results of your hard work.

To ensure the best and longest-lasting tummy tuck results, it’s important to reach and maintain a stable weight before surgery. Fluctuations in weight after your tummy tuck can affect your outcome and may lead to the return of loose skin. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise routine will help you maintain your new shape and support your overall well-being. For those who have experienced significant weight loss, a tummy tuck can be a transformative step toward a more confident, active lifestyle.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. Tummy tuck patients should be at or near their ideal weight before surgery to achieve the best cosmetic results. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure or weight-loss surgery; it is a body-contouring option for those who have already lost weight, often after weight-loss surgery or significant lifestyle changes. Weight fluctuation after surgery can affect the longevity of your results, so maintaining a stable weight is essential.

If you feel that you desire to have a flatter abdomen and look more attractive in your slacks and form-fitting clothes, then a Tummy Tuck may be the procedure for you.

Dr. Samir Shah will meet with you for a personalized, private consultation to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Please contact our Orland Park office in the Chicago area to set up an appointment to meet with Dr. Shah.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

It flattens and tightens the midsection, but it can also improve posture by reinforcing weakened abdominal muscles and, in some cases, relieving back pain. You’ll likely feel more confident in fitted clothing, swimwear, and everyday outfits. The procedure is also frequently paired with liposuction to further contour the waistline. A tummy tuck aims to create a natural appearance, ensuring results that look harmonious with your body. It is also important to have a natural appearing umbilicus.

After surgery, many patients in Chicago report improved body image, increased physical comfort, and a boost in overall self-esteem. Some patients may also experience improvement in stress urinary incontinence following the procedure. If you’re looking for both functional and cosmetic benefits, a tummy tuck might be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Patient safety is always a top priority, especially when combining a tummy tuck with other procedures.

Samir Shah, MD, a man wearing a blue suit, glasses, and a dark tie, is walking down a hallway while looking at a tablet he is holding. The hallway has gray walls, wood-patterned flooring, and distinctive curved gold lighting fixtures.

What’s the First Step?

Your first step will be a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Samir Shah at our Orland Park location. During your visit, you’ll discuss your goals and medical history and undergo a physical examination. Dr. Shah will help determine whether you’re a better candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or drainless option. You’ll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of your surgical plan, pricing, recovery expectations, and next steps.

Preparation for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

Getting ready for your tummy tuck surgery is an important step toward achieving the best possible results. Before your procedure, it’s essential to maintain a stable weight, as weight fluctuations can impact the outcome of your tuck surgery. Adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine not only helps you reach your ideal body weight but also supports your overall good health, which is crucial for a smooth recovery.

If you smoke, your board-certified plastic surgeon will advise you to stop at least four weeks before your tummy tuck. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and slow down the healing process. You may also need to pause certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, to minimize surgical risks. Your surgeon will likely request a thorough medical evaluation and lab tests to ensure you’re in good health and ready for surgery.

Following your surgeon’s personalized instructions will help set you up for a successful tummy tuck experience and a smoother recovery.

A Logo with butterfly in gold

What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Complete tummy tuck surgery usually takes three to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial tummy tucks may take an hour or two. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

Most commonly, Dr. Shah will make a horizontal incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic hairline and within the bikini line, to minimize visible scarring. This placement is designed to be hidden by underwear or a bathing suit. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel is not moved; however, excess skin from the upper abdomen is not tightened.

The skin flap is then stretched down, and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, surgical dressings will be applied for post-operative care, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

It does produce a lasting scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.  All patients will receive nerve blocks to help reduce discomfort after surgery.

recovery-yshah-v2

Tummy Tuck Recovery

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen, and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours, or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.*

Dr. Shah will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressing. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks.* A support garment may replace the dressing on your incision.

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.* Most patients can gradually return to their normal routine as advised by their surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

A smooth recovery is essential for achieving the best results from your tummy tuck surgery. After your procedure, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous activities for several weeks to protect your abdominal muscles and incisions as they heal. Wearing a compression garment as recommended will help reduce swelling, support your abdomen, and promote optimal healing.

Steer clear of smoking and nicotine products during your recovery, as they can increase the risk of complications and slow down your progress. Eating a balanced diet and gradually reintroducing gentle exercise, as approved by your surgeon, can help speed up your recovery and enhance your results. Be sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing and address any concerns. By taking these steps and prioritizing your health, you’ll set yourself up for a successful tummy tuck recovery and long-lasting results.

A monochromatic, close-up image of a broken white male torso statue against a dark background, with white wire-like branches winding around it.
A Logo with butterfly in gold

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of a tummy tuck in the Chicago area—including Orland Park and Oak Lawn—varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether it’s combined with liposuction, and which surgical technique is used. On average, pricing ranges from $12,000+, which includes surgical fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and follow-up care. Many patients in the region look to reputable centers such as Northwestern Plastic Surgery for their high standard of care, reflecting the expertise available within the Chicago plastic surgery community.

At A New You Plastic Surgery, you’ll receive a personalized quote during your consultation. We offer flexible financing options for our qualified patients to help make this life-changing procedure more accessible.

Gold Butterly shah-why-new_v3 Close up gold butterfly

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Shah?

Dr. Samir Shah and Dr. Rajendra Shah:

  • They are both board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience and skill in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
  • Share a commitment to provide quality and compassionate care to their patients.
  • Have thousands of satisfied patients, including facelift patients (View gallery and reviews).
  • Both are on staff at Advocate Christ Hospital.

Dr. Samir Shah:

Dr. Rajendra Shah:

Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

Patient Reviews

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    I always feel like family there

    The whole entire team is fantastic. From the front desk to outpatient surgery.

    I always feel like family there. They listen to you, they address your concerns, and give you the best advise/treatment that suits your needs.

    – Donna B.

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Dr. Shah has the talent to make the fountain of youth a reality

    Dr. Rajendra Shah is an exceptionally skillful surgeon who has an artist’s eye for determining what it takes to enhance natural beauty, coupled with the ability to make it happen with natural results. It has been a pleasure dealing with Dr. Shah who takes the time to answer all of my questions, and address my concerns while providing the best options for me. He also has a wonderful staff who are all friendly and knowledgeable. My experience with Dr. Shah has been completely positive, and I highly recommend him. Dr. Shah has the talent to make the fountain of youth a reality.

    – Erin

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    Dr.Shah and his staff are amazing

    Dr.Shah and his staff are amazing. Everyone is so friendly and inviting. I had a breast augmentation done 2 months ago and I feel great. Dr.Shah gave me the perfect size for my body type and was very honest and knowledgeable about how the procedure and recovery would go. Overall it was a very comfortable and great experience!

    – Kelly M

  • ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    They are very professional and yet have a personal touch!

    Dr. Shah and his team are the best! They are very professional and yet have a personal touch! I highly recommend this practice !!

     

    – Kimberly D.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in finding out whether you are a candidate for a Tummy Tuck, call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samir Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon. Call 708-424-3999 or contact us online.

Contact Us
Contact Us