Tummy tuck in a 41 year-old Chicagoland female in Downers Grove, IL*

The patient presented to the office with complaints of an abdominal bulge and excess abdominal skin after previous pregnancies. On exam, the patient had a significant rectus diastasis which extended to above the belly button. We recommended a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with rectus diastasis repair (muscle tightening) and liposuction of the waist. The patient had the procedure at our AAAASF accredited facility in Downers Grove, IL under general anesthesia. We used a very low abdominal incision, Exparel for better postoperative pain control, a drainless technique using quilting sutures, and a special technique for creating a natural appearing belly button. She had an uneventful postoperative course and was completely recovered at six weeks postoperatively. She noted a significant improvement in her waistline and a much flatter abdomen.