35 year-old Chicago area female who had extended tummy tuck in Downers Grove, IL*

The patient presented to the office after a 70 lbs weight loss after a gastric bypass procedure. The patient complained of excess lower abdominal tissue with a pannus and multiple rolls. We recommended an extended tummy tuck and liposuction of the waist to address the concerns. The extended tummy tuck involves a longer incision to excise more lower abdominal excess tissue. The patient had the extended tummy tuck at our JCAHO accredited facility in Downers Grove, IL under general anesthesia. She had liposuction of the waist with the Micro-Aire power-assisted liposuction machine suctioning 600 ccs of fat from each side. The extensive pannus and multiple rolls were excised and we performed sub-scarpal fat excision to give a better contour. Exparel (liposomal Marcaine) was injected into the abdominal wall at the time of the surgery to decrease the postoperative pain and the need for narcotics. Quill barbed quilting sutures were placed to eliminate the need for drains. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was fully recovered at 3 months with a significant improvement in contour and a natural appearance of her belly button.