This 37 year old female came to Dr. Christopoulos because she wanted to improve the size and shape of her breasts as well as remove the excess fat and tummy skin. Dr. Christopoulos performed a bilateral vertical breast reduction with a full tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. These results are 6 months postop.
This 44 year old female underwent a bilateral breast reduction and a full tummy tuck with liposuction and tightening of her abdominal muscles.
These results are 8 months postop.
This 60 year old female underwent a bilateral breast lift with lollipop scar and a full tummy tuck with liposuction.
These pictures are 3 months postop.
This 45 year old female underwent a bilateral vertical breast reduction with a full abdominoplasty and tightening of her abdominal muscles. These results are 2 months postop.
Most mothers have three big questions when it comes to having a tummy tuck and pregnancy: when is the right time to get a tummy tuck after giving birth, can I have more children after a tummy tuck, and are there any risks to my baby if I become pregnant after a tummy tuck? Let’s take a look at each of these questions one at a time.
When is the ideal time to get tummy tuck surgery?
The popularity of abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, has gone up significantly over the last ten years. New moms in particular are realizing that tummy tucks can help them get rid of the loose skin and pooches that are sometimes impossible to reduce after having a baby. Of course, if you plan to get pregnant again, that loose skin and pooch can definitely come back.
If you can plan it this way, it makes the most sense to have a tummy tuck after you have finished giving birth to all of your children. Once you’ve decided your family is complete, a good rule of thumb is to wait at least one year after your last birth before having a tummy tuck. This gives your body time to heal and return to its normal, pre-baby state.
If you’re still unhappy with your stomach on your child’s first birthday, it’s probably time to schedule your tummy tuck in Chicago. Remember, recovery from a tummy tuck can take up to two whole weeks, and you will probably have trouble caring for your children during that time. Make sure you have ample help and are no longer breastfeeding before scheduling your surgery.
Can I have more children after a tummy tuck?
The majority of doctors agree that it is safe to have a baby after having a tummy tuck. Unfortunately, your new pregnancy will likely undo the effects of your first tummy tuck, so you may need to get a second one down the line. If you fall into this type of situation, choosing a board certified plastic surgeon that is highly experienced, such as Dr. Niki Christopoulos, is a must.
Are there any risks to my baby if I become pregnant after a tummy tuck?
If you become unexpectedly pregnant or decide to have another child a few years after your tummy tuck, don’t worry. Your procedure shouldn’t have any negative effects on your pregnancy. If you’re concerned, talk to your OB/GYN and your plastic surgeon.
Dr. Christopoulos understands women’s bodies and the negative emotions women feel when their post pregnancy shape doesn’t look as they’d hoped. Even with dieting and exercise, women may be left with the infamous “pregnancy pooch”. Instead of continuing to struggle, women can contact Dr. Christopoulos to arrange a private consultation so they can discuss what may be achieved with tummy tuck surgery.
When most men and women talk about “problem areas,” the first item on the list is the tummy. Even extremely fit people can have a tough time getting rid of that little pouch that falls directly under the belly button. The internet abounds with tricks and tips to get rid of those last few pounds, but we’ve yet to find one that works. Likewise, many people who have conquered the long battle of getting fit are often disappointed to find that, once the fat is gone, a lot of excess skin remains.
This is where a tummy tuck can help. A tummy tuck is the colloquial term for abdominoplasty, an elective surgery that can be used to remove excess fat and skin from the midsection… but you probably already knew that. What you may not know is that there are actually three different kinds of tummy tucks.
If you’re not sure which type may be right for you and your body, the best thing for you to do is to visit Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Niki Christopoulos and discuss your wishes during a private consultation. However, if you’d like to start exploring the different type of tummy tucks before you meet with Dr. Christopoulos, here’s a quick run-down to get you started:
The Mini
A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive tuck, as the name implies. With this tuck, you’ll have the smallest incision, usually just a few inches long across your lower abdomen. Dr. Christopoulos will use this incision to remove small amounts of excess fat and skin from the area of your stomach that falls below your belly button. This is usually the area of the stomach that fit people have the hardest time defeating with diet and exercise alone.
The Traditional
A traditional tummy tuck requires a larger incision, usually across the lower belly from the inside of each hip. With this procedure, Dr. Christopoulos can remove excess fat and skin from the entire abdomen, from the ribs below your chest down to your pubic bone. Additionally, during this type of tummy tuck, Dr. Christopoulos often chooses to combine liposuction for even better results.
A traditional tummy tuck has a slightly longer recovery time than the mini, but the results are also more dramatic. A traditional tummy tuck is a great way for people who have recently lost a fair amount of weight (or given birth) to remove the poochy excess skin that can keep you from looking and feeling your best.
The Extended
The extended tummy tuck is for people who have lost a great deal of weight and want their figure to match the way they feel. With an incision that extends beyond the hips, this procedure can remove excess fat and skin from the entire abdomen, the upper hips, and the lower back. This procedure generally involves liposuction to help shape the torso and leave you with a silhouette you’ll love.
If you’d like to learn more about a tummy tuck in Chicago, please set up your consultation by contacting the office of Dr. Niki Christopoulos today.
