A personal consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons is the first step for anyone considering a tummy tuck. During this meeting, one of our surgeons will evaluate your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery.

During your physical examination, our surgeon will determine the extent of muscle wall laxity, fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. We will also discuss alternatives and the risks, goals, limitations of each. We can also explore whether a plus-size tummy tuck or belly apron surgery may be an effective option for you. 

If, your fat deposits and excess skin are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a mini abdominoplasty, which can often be performed in our office-based surgical suite. You may also benefit from liposuction of the hips and flanks for fat removal for a better body contour.

Our surgeon will work with you to recommend the best procedure options to achieve your specific goals and desired results.

The surgery will be performed at one of our in-house, accredited surgical suites. A total abdominoplasty usually takes two hours. A mini abdominoplasty can be somewhat shorter in duration. After surgery, you are cared for in a recovery area for one hour before being discharged home. You will need a driver and someone to stay with you for the first twenty-four hours, minimum after surgery.

For a total tummy tuck, an incision is commonly made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue.

Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and a large skin flap is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. If necessary, the vertical muscles in your abdomen are restored with sutures.  Pulling them together with suture material tightens the muscles. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched and a temporary drainage tube will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Dressings and a girdle will be applied.

In a mini abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.  The skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel.  This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the incision is stitched together.

For the first few days after surgery, your abdomen will be tight and swollen. You’re likely to feel moderate pain and discomfort that can be controlled by medication. We will give you instructions for post-operative care. Though it may be difficult to stand up straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

We offer both general anesthesia with board-certified anesthesiologists for most tummy tuck procedures. IV sedation may be used for mini tummy tucks (skin only, no muscle repair), on a case-by-case basis. Illume features some of the top tummy tuck Milwaukee cosmetic surgeons, prioritizing your safety and results during every step of your surgery. 

A panniculectomy removes excess hanging skin and fat from the lower abdomen for medical reasons, such as rashes or mobility issues. It does not tighten muscles. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat and tightens abdominal muscles for a flatter, firmer look. 

Yes, we do! At Illume, we proudly offer panniculectomy procedures for patients seeking relief from excess hanging abdominal skin after weight loss or pregnancy. This surgery can significantly improve comfort, hygiene, and mobility. In many cases, panniculectomy may be covered by insurance if it’s deemed medically necessary. 

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us here. 

Our goal is to make plastic surgery available to any patient who is qualified. We accept all major credit cards and offer several patient financing options to make the process as easy and affordable as possible. Our plastic surgery financing partners include CareCredit, Alphaeon, Prosper, and CosmetAssure. Contact us to learn more.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us here.