Tummy Tuck North Shore & Kenilworth, IL

With age, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy, the abdomen can become perpetually flabby and misshapen, no matter how often you exercise. When this occurs, a Kenilworth tummy tuck with Dr. Fenner can restore your firm and flat midsection.

Reclaim Your Confidence

If you are bothered by loose skin, excess fat, or weak abdominal muscles that resist diet and exercise, a tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. Dr. Fenner specializes in this transformative body contouring procedure for the North Shore and Kenilworth, IL areas. It removes unwanted tissue and tightens the underlying core muscles to restore a smooth, firm, and aesthetically pleasing abdominal profile.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is s a major cosmetic procedure designed to address aesthetic and structural issues in the midsection often resistant to diet and exercise. This powerful body contouring solution works by surgically removing excess skin and stubborn fatty deposits. The primary goal is achieving a smoother, flatter abdominal profile that significantly enhances the overall body contour.

Beyond skin and fat removal, a tummy tuck provides the crucial benefit of tightening and repairing the underlying abdominal muscles. For many individuals, especially women who have been through pregnancy, the core muscles can become weakened and separated. By stitching these muscles back together, the procedure not only creates a much firmer, more defined midsection but also provides essential core support, leading to improved posture and comfort.

Woman who recieved a tummy tuck on the beach

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck in North Shore can transform your figure and deliver the stomach you’ve been unable to achieve through diet and exercise alone. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Geoffrey Fenner, the procedure has the power to:

Tighten loose abdominal muscles
Trim away excess skin on the stomach
Remove unwanted fatty deposits and love handles
Minimize the appearance of stretch marks

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck can be a transformative procedure for individuals seeking to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal contour, especially after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging have left behind loose skin or weakened muscles. But how do you know if it's right for you? You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Geoffrey Fenner if you:

Struggle with excess abdominal skin or sagging that does not improve with diet or exercise
Have weakened or separated abdominal muscles (often after pregnancy)
Are in overall good health, without conditions that could impair healing
Are a non-smoker, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery

A personalized tummy tuck experience

In an effort to provide the best tummy tuck experience available, Dr. Fenner offers a variety of customizable procedures. His extensive preoperative consultation with each of his tummy tuck patients in North Shore and Chicago helps him better understand his or her goals while creating a customized treatment plan that may include a mini tummy tuck or a modified abdominoplasty, depending on the patient's current health and body contours.

The procedure: What to expect

Your tummy tuck will be done under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable and safe surgical experience. During the procedure, Dr. Fenner will remove unwanted fat, trim away excess skin, and tighten lax muscles. Depending on your needs and anatomy, he will utilize one of the following approaches:

Traditional tummy tuck

The traditional tummy tuck requires an incision that extends from hip to hip, along with a cut around the navel. The procedure allows Dr. Fenner to tighten and reshape the entire abdominal area and reposition the belly button, if needed.

Mini tummy tuck

The mini version of this procedure is the best tummy tuck for Kenilworth, IL men and women who are close to their ideal body weight and exclusively want to address excess flab beneath the belly button. Because this approach targets a limited area, it is associated with a quicker recovery period.

Extended tummy tuck

The extended tummy tuck is ideal for North Shore men and women who want to address the stomach area and love handles. The incision extends behind the hips and offers a comprehensive transformation.

Once unwanted fat and excess skin have been removed, Dr. Fenner will often reposition the navel as well. This involves an additional incision along the central abdomen to detach and reattach the belly button. It is important for patients to understand that navel reattachment is a delicate art form and requires an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure natural results. The length of your procedure will depend on the type of tummy tuck you’re having done. While a mini tummy tuck can take 90 minutes to complete, the extended version of the surgery can take a few hours. Once your abdomen has been completely rejuvenated, Dr. Fenner will close the incisions carefully to minimize scarring.

Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results

Recovery is a crucial phase following your tummy tuck. Immediately after the procedure, you should expect swelling and soreness in the abdominal area, which will be managed with prescribed pain medication. You will be advised to walk bent over slightly for the first few days to avoid straining the incision line.

Dr. Fenner emphasizes the importance of following all post-operative instructions, including wearing a compression garment consistently to help minimize swelling and support your new contour. While most patients can return to light, non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least 6 weeks. The final, smooth, and firm results of your North Shore tummy tuck will become fully visible once the residual swelling resolves, typically over several months.

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Refining your tummy tuck results

Some of Dr. Fenner’s patients choose to undergo their tummy tuck procedure in combination with liposuction for enhanced, more sculpted body contouring results. This dual approach allows for the removal of excess skin and tightening of abdominal muscles, while also addressing stubborn pockets of fat—delivering smoother, firmer, and more defined contours.

In addition to liposuction, Dr. Fenner offers comprehensive body contouring procedures to help patients achieve their ideal physique. He is able to perform a full range of aesthetic treatments for the face and breast, tailoring each plan to the unique needs and goals of every individual. If you're exploring options for a tummy tuck in North Shore or surrounding areas, Dr. Fenner offers trusted, natural-looking results.

I begin my journey with Dr. Fenner and his team At the beginning of May, for a tummy tuck. I was immediately impressed by everyone. There was no question that was off-limits. They never rushed me I was very nervous I told them this and they explained every detail answering my questions in every way that I asked it. My surgery date was June 16 it went extremely well from the minute I checked in I was made to feel like I was the most important person in the office. Now five weeks postop I can tell you that with every follow up visit you could absolutely see the progression. He is amazing.

I love Dr. Fenner and his staff! He did my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy tram flap with a tummy tuck and it turned out amazing! I have continued on with multiple services in the office for 13 years. And the med spa is amazing!

I am very grateful to Dr. Fenner for his excellent work. I did a lower face lift, breast lift and tummy tuck. Dr. Fenner gave me back my youth, his work is amazing, the clinic staff is very pleasant, if there are any questions, everything is resolved very quickly, care is felt towards the clients of the clinic. The best doctor. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a high quality result.

Why Choose Dr. Fenner for Your Tummy Tuck?

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Geoffrey Fenner, performs a variety of body contouring procedures to help his patients achieve their desired body shape. In addition to liposuction, he regularly performs tummy tucks to tighten weak abdominal muscles, remove unwanted fatty deposits, and trim away loose, sagging skin in the stomach area.

Patients seeking a tummy tuck in Kenilworth trust Dr. Fenner for his precision, artistry, and commitment to personalized care. Countless patients from Chicago and the North Shore have visited our state-of-the-art facility to undergo their tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Fenner. With a combination of compassionate patient care, a keen aesthetic eye, and unrivaled surgical skill, Dr. Fenner consistently produces extremely natural results for his tummy tuck patients.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck?

Recovery typically takes two to six weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual healing process. Patients can usually return to light activities after 1–2 weeks but should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4–6 weeks. Dr. Fenner provides personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery

Will there be scarring after a tummy tuck?

Yes, a tummy tuck does involve scarring; however, Dr. Fenner places incisions low on the abdomen, typically below the bikini line, to make them as discreet as possible. Over time, the scars fade and can be further minimized with proper care and optional treatments.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction, breast augmentation, or other body contouring procedures for a more comprehensive transformation. This is commonly referred to as a Mommy Makeover. Dr. Fenner can help you decide the best combination based on your goals.

What happens if I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

While a tummy tuck doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant, it’s best to wait until after completing your family to undergo the procedure. Pregnancy can re-stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially reversing some of your results.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

Results from a tummy tuck are long-lasting, especially when maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. While your body will continue to age naturally, most patients enjoy a flatter, more contoured abdomen for many years after surgery.

Are drains used after surgery, and if so, for how long?

Yes, surgical drains are commonly used to prevent fluid buildup during the initial recovery phase. Dr. Fenner will give you detailed instructions for caring for your drains and typically removes them within 1–2 weeks, depending on your healing progress.