Abdominoplasty in Chicago — Michael E. Nissan, M.D.

Overview

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, is a body contouring operation that addresses excess skin and muscle separation in the abdominal wall. It is one of the most transformative body procedures in aesthetic surgery, and often one of the most satisfying, because it addresses concerns that patients cannot correct through diet or exercise alone.

Pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging can permanently stretch the abdominal wall, separate the underlying muscle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and leave the skin with a laxity that is not treatable with diet or exercise. Abdominoplasty addresses each of these components at their source: skin is removed and redraped, the muscle is repaired and tightened, and residual fat is contoured, often with liposuction of the flanks to create a smooth, harmonious result.

The goal is a flatter, tighter, more contoured abdomen that shows the patient’s underlying musculoskeletal structure.

Who is a Candidate

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are patients in good health who are bothered by excess abdominal skin or persistent lower abdominal fullness that does not respond to diet and exercise. Common candidates include women after pregnancy, patients after significant weight loss, and patients whose abdomen has aged despite an otherwise fit lifestyle.

Candidates should be at a stable weight and finished with childbearing, as future pregnancy may degrade the result. Patients should not be nicotine users due to nicotine’s deleterious effect on wound healing.

Abdominoplasty addresses skin, muscle, and contour — not weight loss. It is not a substitute for weight management. Patients at their goal weight consistently see the best results.

What to Expect

Every case begins with an unhurried consultation. Dr. Nissan will examine the abdomen, trunk, and flanks, discuss what you notice and what you hope to change, and offer a candid opinion on what abdominoplasty can and cannot do for you.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Drains may or may not be used. Discomfort is most pronounced in the first week and improves steadily thereafter. Most patients are back to desk work within two weeks, and cleared for full activity — including exercise — at six to eight weeks. The final result continues to refine over several months.

Frequently Asked

What is the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck?

A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdomen from the ribcage to the pubic area. A mini tummy tuck addresses only the area below the belly button. Most patients with significant concerns are candidates for a full abdominoplasty; the mini version suits a small subset with more limited findings.

Where will the scar be?

The abdominoplasty scar runs low across the abdomen, along or below the underwear line. Its exact position depends on your anatomy and preferences and is designed to be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. Scar quality is patient-dependent as well as surgeon-dependent, and our practice uses scar treatment strategies to maximize the result.

Will there be a scar around my belly button?

In a full abdominoplasty, yes. The belly button is preserved and repositioned as part of the operation, leaving a small circular scar around it. This scar is designed to be concealed within the contours of the belly button.

Can abdominoplasty be combined with liposuction?

Yes. Liposuction of the flanks and hips at the time of abdominoplasty often produces a more harmonious silhouette than tummy tuck alone. Dr. Nissan will discuss whether liposuction is appropriate for your case.

Can abdominoplasty be combined with breast surgery?

Yes. Combining abdominoplasty with breast augmentation or a breast lift — often referred to as a mommy makeover — is a common and reasonable approach, particularly for patients addressing post-pregnancy changes to both areas.

How long does the result last?

The structural changes of abdominoplasty — skin removal and muscle repair — are permanent. That said, the abdomen can change again with significant weight gain or subsequent pregnancy. Patients who maintain a stable weight consistently see the longest-lasting results.

Is abdominoplasty painful?

Most patients describe the first week as uncomfortable, particularly around the muscle repair. Discomfort is managed with a combination of non-narcotic pain medications and early mobilization.

What happens at the consultation?

The consultation is a conversation as much as an examination. We will take your photos, and Dr. Nissan will examine the abdomen, trunk, and flanks. He will discuss the underlying anatomy driving your observations and recommend the treatment strategy that best serves your goals.