Post-Weight-Loss Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest and Chicago, IL

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles for a smoother, firmer belly. (1) Following drastic weight loss, patients frequently experience redundant skin tissue and loss of elasticity, resulting in the appearance of loose, sagging skin.

Dr. Michael Howard understands the importance of aligning your physical appearance with your inner vision, and he lends his surgical expertise to help all patients achieve their aesthetic goals with an emphasis on safety and natural-looking results. With more than 20 years of experience performing intricate body-enhancing surgery in the greater Chicago area, Dr. Howard is committed to helping you reclaim your body and build your confidence post-weight loss. To learn more about a post-weight-loss tummy tuck or schedule your personal consultation, call our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview offices at (224) 271-4250.

About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck reduces excess skin and fat around the midsection and strengthens abdominal wall musculature. It is becoming an increasingly popular procedure for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, (2) either through pregnancy, diet and exercise, or medical assistance. Unfortunately, skin laxity resulting from weight loss is not typically something that goes away on its own. The great accomplishment of giving birth or reaching your goal weight can be nearly overshadowed by persistent excess skin, quite literally still hanging around and eliciting feelings of self-consciousness.

A tummy tuck reshapes the abdomen, adjusting for the change in volume. Additionally, a tummy tuck reinforces the abdominal musculature that often stretches or separates during pregnancy, a condition known as diastasis recti. (3) In many cases, a tummy tuck serves as both an aesthetic enhancement and functional improvement, helping the patient regain both a sense of self-confidence and a physically strengthened core.

Benefits

Aesthetically speaking, a tummy tuck removes pesky leftover skin and persistent fat cells, creates a smoother, more taut abdominal silhouette, and visibly enhances the results of a weight loss journey. Beyond cosmetic enhancements, a tummy tuck offers numerous functional benefits, including relief of lower back pain, better core stability, and better posture. These improvements can do wonders to enhance an individual’s self-esteem and help them feel more comfortable in their post-weight-loss body.

To learn more about the benefits of a tummy tuck, schedule an appointment today!

Candidates

Potential candidates are individuals who wish to create a sleeker, more aesthetically pleasing body silhouette after weight loss. Candidates should be non-smokers, in generally good health, and close to their ideal weight, as a tummy tuck is a body contouring treatment, not intended as a step on your actual weight loss journey. Women seeking a tummy tuck will see better results after completing family building, as additional pregnancies will interfere with the results of the procedure. Patients should also keep realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can accomplish for them.

Personal Consultation

If you would like to explore enhancing the results of your weight loss journey with a tummy tuck, Dr. Howard is ready to work with you! During your personal consultation, he will evaluate your abdominal area and degree of skin laxity. He will learn your health history, including the circumstances behind your weight loss, as issues like hernias or damaged abdominal wall musculature may influence his surgical approach. You will discuss your concerns and goals, and he will answer any questions you may have so that you are fully prepared and comfortable moving forward with the treatment plan he creates, unique to your specifications.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Howard, please call any of our offices at (224) 271-4250.

Preparation

In the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck procedure, you should maintain a stable weight and suspend use of alcohol and any blood-thinning medications or supplements. Arrange transportation to and from your surgical appointment, schedule time off from work to recuperate, and fill any post-surgery prescriptions. Dr. Howard recommends that you enlist a “recovery buddy” to assist you for a couple of days after your procedure, as you will be weak, groggy, and unable to accomplish some tasks on your own. Dr. Howard and his team will provide you with more detailed instructions to prepare you for your tummy tuck appointment.

Procedure

At the start of your procedure, you will receive general anesthesia to keep you asleep and comfortable throughout treatment. Dr. Howard will place an incision low on the abdomen, allowing for a very discreet scar. Through this incision, he will remove any excess skin and fat cells, then tighten the abdominal muscles to fortify the abdominal wall. Finally, he will redrape the remaining skin with a smooth closure, creating a firmer, stronger-looking midsection.

Recovery

Recovery from a tummy tuck will vary for each patient depending on their unique situation. However, most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks. You will experience some swelling and discomfort initially, but prescribed medications can help you manage any pain. Wearing compression garments is essential, as they help minimize swelling and provide support during healing. Patients will need to avoid strenuous activity and exercise until receiving clearance. Dr. Howard encourages gentle movement and walking soon after surgery to promote healthy circulation. Make sure to attend all follow-up appointments so that Dr. Howard and his team may monitor your progress, track your recovery, and address any questions you may have.

Results

Even with initial post-surgery swelling, patients will be able to notice improvements in their abdominal strength and contours immediately. As swelling continues to subside in the coming weeks, the abdomen will appear flatter and firmer, the waistline will become more defined, and the full results of your weight loss journey will take their final form. Clothing will fit more comfortably, and a newfound confidence will emerge. With a healthy diet and lifestyle, the results of a tummy tuck can last for years.

Corresponding Procedures

After weight loss, there may be other physical changes you’d like to address in addition to excess tummy skin. Choosing the right corresponding procedures can help you make the most of your weight loss transformation while cutting down on surgical and recovery time. Some complementary procedures include:

Liposuction

Another body sculpting technique, liposuction, reduces fat deposits in targeted areas, typically around the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. A highly popular procedure, liposuction works in tandem with a tummy tuck to provide more extensive body contouring in selected areas of the body to create a smoother silhouette.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

After giving birth or experiencing significant weight loss, we can’t always predict how the change in body mass will affect our breasts. For many women, the sudden loss of volume and skin elasticity can cause breasts to appear saggy and deflated. A breast lift with augmentation can restore natural-looking volume and youthful projection while tightening and smoothing out skin.

Cost of a Post-Weight-Loss Tummy Tuck in Chicago, IL

The cost of your tummy tuck will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of the procedure and whether or not you choose to include any additional treatments. At your consultation, Dr. Howard will provide you with a comprehensive price outline after establishing your personalized treatment plan.

Call our Lake Forest, Chicago, or Glenview offices today at (224) 271-4250 to explore your post-weight-loss tummy tuck possibilities!

FAQ

Will I have scars after surgery?

Incisions are discreet and easily hidden under clothing. Any scars will fade significantly with time, too. There are also post-surgical scar regimens that you can start to improve your results.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Women should wait until after completing their families to undergo a tummy tuck procedure, as pregnancy can affect the intended outcome of the surgery. However, it is of course still possible to get pregnant after a tummy tuck.

Will a tummy tuck eliminate excess weight?

While a tummy tuck can help resolve excess skin, it is not considered to be a weight loss tool. A corresponding procedure like liposuction can more directly address stubborn fat; however, these are both body contouring techniques, not weight loss procedures. Patients should be at a stable, maintainable weight for at least 6 months before undergoing either procedure.

How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?

With a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain your weight, the skin-tightening benefits of your tummy tuck can last for many years.

References

  1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  2. Jacobs JMS, Schechner S, Jacobs JS. Abdominoplasty Following Massive Weight Loss. Semin Plast Surg. 2006 Feb;20(1):15–23. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-932445. PMCID: PMC2884752. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2884752/
  3. Bishop SN. Abdominoplasty and rectus diastasis repair-a plastic surgeon’s perspective. Hernia. 2025 Nov 8;30(1):8. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03460-2. PMID: 41205058; PMCID: PMC12596384. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12596384/