Body Contouring Procedures

Having loose or sagging skin and stubborn fat around one's abdomen that cannot be eliminated by diet and exercise alone is a problem for many men and women. Sometimes this condition is inherited; in other cases it's a result of age or pregnancy. Liposuction or injection lipolysis may be enough for some people with a little excess around their abdomen; others will benefit most from liposuction in combination with a surgery that also tightens up the skin and muscle — an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The many Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois-area abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) patients of Dr. Stuart Baker can attest to his skill at achieving a youthful, firm abdominal contour with this surgical procedure.

• Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck)?
• What can I expect during and after my abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck)?

Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck)?

Abdominoplasty may be appropriate for you if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Your abdomen protrudes or is not in proportion with the rest of your body
• You have excess fatty tissue concentrated in your abdomen
• Your abdomen has sagging skin
• You have abdominal muscles that are weakened or separated

If you plan or need to lose weight, please discuss your tummy tuck options with Dr. Baker. The same is true if you expect to become pregnant at some time in the future. In addition, for some patients an abdominoplasty can be combined with another cosmetic procedure such as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. If you live in the Decatur, Champaign, or Springfield , Illinois area and are considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery, contact cosmetic surgeon Stuart Baker, M.D. to discuss your treatment options.

What can I expect during and after my abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck)?

There are several types of tummy tuck surgeries that fall into the categories of complete vs. partial abdominoplasty. Dr. Baker will explain the surgical options in detail and discuss which is best for you. The procedure can be performed at one of the hospitals with which Dr. Baker is affiliated. General and local anesthesia can be used for a tummy tuck.

An incision will be made to open the abdominal area. The navel (belly button) may be moved with another incision. The underlying vertical muscles will be tightened if necessary, and excess fat deposits can be removed. This makes a firmer abdominal wall and a smaller waistline.

The extra skin is removed. If needed, a new hole is cut for your repositioned navel, which is then stitched in place. Your tummy tuck incision will be closed, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid away from the surgical site. For a few days after the surgery, you are likely to experience some discomfort and pain that can be controlled by medication. You may be able to go home within a few hours (with help), or you may want to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Your surface stitches can be removed in about a week. Dr. Baker will give you complete postoperative guidelines to follow. Your scar may also take months to heal completely; however, the scar's incision will probably be placed so that the scar will be hidden beneath normal underwear or a swimsuit.

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you are a Decatur, Champaign, or Springfield, Illinois-area patient considering tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, please contact Stuart Baker, M.D. for an appointment explaining how you, too, can obtain a firmer, toned abdomen.