Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive

Tired of a sagging, bulging abdominal profile? Pregnancy and weight gain often leave excess flab and loose musculature above and below the belly button. If you are in good general health, a tummy tuck--or abdomnoplasty--may be your solution for a firmer, trimmer abdomen.

Expertly performed by Alexandrina S. Saulis MD, FACS, Hinsdale, IL board-certified plastic surgeon, abdominoplasty is a proven way to contour the abdomen, belly button to pubic bone and hip to hip. Dr. Saulis is an expert in this procedure and in many other cosmetic body contouring surgeries. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, she readily answers patient queries regarding this in-patient or out-patient procedure that has proven results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can get abdominoplasty? Dr. Saulis carefully reviews a patient's medical and surgical history and performs an examination to determine readiness for surgery. In general, patients in good overall health and with realistic aesthetic goals make excellent candidates. Smokers are encouraged to quit before undergoing this surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots and other complications. Additionally, patients must understand that this procedure is cosmetic. It is not meant as an alternative to sensible weight loss and exercise. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and individuals who have lost a lot of weight are common tummy tuck patients.
2. What is the procedure like? A typical abdominoplasty takes 2 to 5 hours. The patient receives general anesthesia and is fully monitored through out the surgery. For a complete tummy tuck, Dr. Saulis makes a bikini line incision hip bone to hip bone. She tightens the skin and musculature and removes excess fat. She may install one or 2 drains to remain in place along with sutures to facilitate removal of excess fluid. Patients go home the same day with an elastic bandage for support and oral antibiotics to prevent infection.
3. What is after care like? Typically, a patient experiences bruising and swelling at the incision line and applies ice packs for a day or 2 post-op. He or she must limit strenuous activities for at least 5 to 7 days and expect to be off work for about 4 weeks.
4. What is a mini-tummy tuck? A partial abdominoplasty involves a smaller incision and less recovery time than the traditional procedure. Using a small endoscope, the Hinsdale plastic surgeon removes fat deposits below the belly button. The procedure takes around an hour or 2.
5. Will there be a scar? Both partial and complete abdominoplasties leave scars. Physicians at the Cleveland Clinic concur that scarring is minimal and fades over several months.