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Body Contouring FAQ

Chicago, Illinois

What are the risks involved with the tummy tuck procedure?

The benefits of a tummy tuck are many, but this surgery also carries some risks as well. Dr. Placik will go over all the potential complications and side effects with you during your cosmetic surgery consultation. Risks for tummy tuck can include excessive scarring, infection, anesthesia reaction, prolonged healing, skin loss, bleeding, and blood clots. Certain patients may carry increased risk based on factors like current health, health history, and compliance with post-operative instructions. Dr. Placik will help you better understand the probability of risk and what you can do to minimize it during your procedure.

Where are the scars located after tummy tuck?

Typically, the incision for a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) will be placed above the pubic region, between the hip bones, and possibly around the belly button as well. Dr. Placik will alter the location of the incisions with your assistance and guidance and the limits of your anatomy. For example, some women prefer the outside parts of the incision to be sharply directed upward to be hidden within the limits of a thong or "French cut" bathing suit above the level of the hip bones. Other women prefer a relatively flat incision which will be hidden beneath "low-rider jeans or garments. For a mini-tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty), Dr. Placik will most likely use a shorter version of the pubic area incision, minus the belly button incision. There will be some scarring, but patients can expect the scars to significantly decrease in appearance over time.

What happens if I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck involves repositioning of the stomach muscles. During pregnancy, these muscles are stretched out a significant amount and fall to the outside creating a muscle deficit and weakness in the middle of the belly which is difficult if not impossible to correct through diet and exercise. This produces the well known central bulge which women find so upsetting. The results of a tummy tuck procedure are most likely to be compromised with pregnancy, however there is no increased danger to the baby or to your abdomen area because you've had the procedure. If you plan on having children, you should wait until you are done with pregnancies to get the full, long-term benefit of the tummy tuck procedure.

Are liposuction results temporary or permanent?

First of all, liposuction patients should understand that the procedure is not meant to be a quick-fix for weight loss, but instead should be intended as a complementary procedure along with diet and exercise. If you maintain a healthy weight by staying in shape, there is no reason why you should gain weight back in your treatment area(s). Patients should remember that metabolism tends to slow down with age, and calorie intake and exercise levels should be adjusted to accommodate.

What are the risks associated with liposuction?

The liposuction procedure has risks you should be aware of, including asymmetry, skin rippling or sagging, fluid retention, pigmentation changes, anesthesia reaction, skin injury, infection, fluid loss, bleeding, blot clots with possible lung involvement, prolonged healing, and excessive scarring. Dr. Placik will not perform liposuction on patients with increased risks due to certain health or skin conditions, and he will give you information on how to minimize your risk.

How long until I am back to normal following liposuction?

Recovery after liposuction will vary based on your healing ability, your area(s) of treatment, and your compliance with Dr. Placik's post-operative instructions. Typically, liposuction patients are able to return to work within a few days to a few weeks, although heavy lifting and rigorous movement may be restricted for up to a month.

How long is the recovery period following a thigh lift procedure?

Following a thigh lift, patients may be up and around the very next day - it is advised movement begin this soon to prevent blood clots. You will be asked to wear a compression garment for about three weeks, although you will most likely be able to resume normal activity within a few days. For rigorous activity, exercise and heavy lifting, Dr. Placik recommends a 4 - 6 week waiting period.

Please e-mail or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on our cosmetic body contouring procedures.

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Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois

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