Tummy Tuck
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Known technically as abdominoplasty, the surgical procedure for improving a lax, protruding midsection is more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck. Champaign, Peoria, and Decatur women and men, as well as those from throughout the Midwest undergo their tummy tuck in Savoy, IL with body contouring specialist, Dr. G.D. Castillo.
You deserve a surgeon like Dr. Castillo, who takes the time to get to know his patients so that he can provide satisfying cosmetic outcomes and build a relationship that lasts for years to come. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, request a consultationrequest a consultation with Dr. Castillo or call our office nearest you.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
Tummy Tuck Candidates
An unflattering appearance to the stomach can occur as a result of aging, childbearing or rapid weight changes. Women and men choose abdominoplasty for one or a combination of the following improvements:
- Correcting the abnormally loose, wrinkled skin on the stomach
- Reparing and tightening separated, slack abdominal muscles
- Reducing excess abdominal fat
If you are thinking about this procedure, keep in mind that there is not just a single surgical method for abdominoplasty, but several variations that can be used.
Real Patient Testimonial
"I saw Dr. Castillo about 5 years ago for a tummy tuck. My only regret was not having it sooner. I am completely thrilled with the results and am contemplating a lower facelift. I wouldn't go to any other Dr. because I know how talented he is. Additionally Dr. Castillo has a wonderful staff. Stephanie makes me feel comfortable and is very reassuring. I have been seeing Roxanne, the skincare specialist for several years. She is very knowledgeable"
T.C.
The Procedure
Abdominoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis at our operating suite. Patients are placed under general anesthesia so that they can sleep comfortably through the tummy tuck surgery. Beyond being "just" a cosmetic procedure, it may be combined with correction of umbilical hernias or poor musculature in the abdomen.
To begin the surgery, an incision is traced immediately above the pubic area (the hair bearing area of the pubis region) and extending laterally toward the hip itself. Through this lower abdominal incision, the skin and fatty tissue may be elevated up to the rib cage. After the right amount of skin and fat has been removed, a new navel (belly button) is created. The skin is stretched inferiorly and the excess skin and fatty tissue is completely removed. The stomach muscles, which can stretch out and lose the ability to retighten, are generally tightened during this procedure. The incision is closed with several rows of sutures.
Real Patient Testimonial
"My tummy make me feel like a saggy hag. I saw Dr. Castillo who recommended a tummy tuck. The care there is exceptional and I continue to see Dr. Castillo for Botox and skincare. Now, almost 70, I can wear a bikini and am proud to show my mid-drift! I do not have a single wrinkle on my tummy! I look better in a bikini than my 47 year old friends."
After Surgery
Usually two drains are placed in the lower portion of the incision and these drains are removed within 24 hours of the surgery. A pressure bandage or binder is worn for three weeks to keep the reshaped tissue in place and aid in healing. Following surgery, there is moderate pain that is usually easily controlled with oral medication. Prescription support stockings should be worn continually for the first 7 days to encourage healthy blood flow. Light activities can be resumed immediately after surgery, and routine activities can be added back in on the second day, with care to avoid heavy exertion. We recommend walking as the best all-around exercise. Abdominal crunches and exercises should be avoided for four weeks to allow time for proper healing.
As with many surgeries, there are risks and complications with an abdominoplasty. Dr. Castillo takes special care to minimize risks, and he will review the complications that can occur in detail during your consultation.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck can range anywhere between $6,500 and $11,500 depending on whether you are a candidate for a mini-abdominoplasty or a full abdominoplasty. Dr. Castillo's price quote is all-inclusive. There are no hidden fees. The quote includes your pre-operative appointment, lab work, surgical fees, surgical suite fees, anesthesia fees and your post-operative check up's. When comparing fees for a tummy tuck with other facilities, it is beneficial to clarify whether the quote you are receiving is all-inclusive or if you can expect additional charges through out your surgical experience.
When doing your research to select the right cosmetic surgeon, it is vital that you confirm the surgeon you are considering is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with substantial experience in performing tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Castillo himself has performed well over 1000 tummy tucks during his decades in private practice. While the cost is one important component to consider, experience performing and caring post-operatively for in a significant number of tummy tuck surgeries is priceless.
How long after the procedure can I resume exercising?
Many are eager to get back into the gym after their procedures. After the initial soreness passes, about one week post-op, Dr. Castillo encourages walking on a level surface. Incorporating more intense movement into your routine is a gradual process. Between weeks 2 and 3, a patient can begin low impact aerobic exercise like riding a stationary bike or incline walking. However, you must keep in mind that overworking your body can cause soreness and swelling, so ease into the more active workout routines. Once you reach weeks 3 to 4, you may start increasing the cardio on the treadmill and stair stepper. Swimming in a private (non-public) pool is a great low-impact, full-body workout for recovery, especially in between newly incorporated high-impact workouts. At 8 weeks, you will typically be able to engage in full aerobic activity, adding weight training and resistance exercises. Dr. Castillo advises patients to follow this schedule until they are fully recovered.
Can I get pregnant after my tummy tuck?
You can absolutely get pregnant after a tummy tuck. Having said that, if you are planning to expand your family in the near future, Dr. Castillo advises you to wait until after you have children to undergo the procedure. Though it is possible for patients to maintain great results even after a pregnancy, there is a much higher chance of continued satisfaction if you have your baby before the procedure. Most doctors will encourage you to wait until you are confident that you are done having children. In the end, you must weigh the pros and cons of having the procedure before a pregnancy. It may be worth getting the tummy tuck now if you don’t plan on having children soon. Regardless, if you change your mind and decide to have children after a tummy tuck, it is both possible and safe.
Can I have liposuction instead of a tummy tuck?
It is common for people who are disappointed with a flabby midsection to seek surgical correction, and in fact in some cases liposuction may be used instead of, or in addition to, a tummy tuck. In Dr. Castillo's experience, recent innovations in liposuction techniques make it a viable standalone option for many patients, though in some instances, particularly when a person wants to improve the appearance of stretch marks and loose, wrinkled skin, an abdominoplasty is necessary.
Will there be a scar after my tummy tuck?
If you are considering an abdominoplasty, think of this procedure as a trade off. On the one hand, you are removing loose skin and tightening muscles for a more toned midsection. At the same time, you will have a scar that may extend from hip to hip, though Dr. Castillo is careful to position the incision so that the resulting scar can be easily concealed by underwear or a swimsuit since it will take up to 18 months to fade. An incision in the lower part of the abdomen is an absolute necessity for the performance of this surgery, but you can feel comfortable knowing that Dr. Castillo has performed hundreds of tummy tucks during his decades in private practice. Almost universally, people who choose abdominoplasty surgery find any scarring, which continues to fade over time, to be an acceptable trade off for a tighter midsection. Patients may elect to have a laser treatment to further improve the appearance of scarring if needed.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
In the past few years, the combination of tummy tuck with other types of cosmetic procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation has given our patients excellent results. Combining plastic surgery procedures is often called a Mommy Makeover. Whether this is applicable for your care will be discussed at length in your private consultation.
To learn more about your body contouring options, request a consultationrequest a consultation with Champaign tummy tuck specialist Dr. Castillo or call our office nearest you. We look forward to helping you enhance your look through skilled cosmetic procedures.
