Few procedures refine the body as dramatically as a tummy tuck. At Body by Bloch, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Bloch has spent more than forty years perfecting the balance of artistry and precision that defines exceptional results. Recognized throughout Chicago and beyond for his surgical expertise, Dr. Bloch approaches each abdominoplasty as a personalized transformation. Patients in Hinsdale, IL, trust his judgment, skill, and commitment to patient safety, knowing their results will reflect natural refinement rather than overt change.
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Tummy Tuck At A Glance
Medically referred to as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to restore the abdomen when lifestyle measures cannot. Loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, or stubborn pockets of fat often remain after pregnancy, weight loss, or years of natural aging. Even patients who follow a strict diet and consistent exercise routine find these issues unresponsive.
During a tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Bloch makes a horizontal incision low on the abdomen, usually along the bikini line or pubic area, so that it can easily be hidden beneath clothing. Through the incision, he removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal wall, and creates a more defined midsection. The belly button is repositioned for a natural look, and in some cases liposuction is added to further contour the waist. For patients with concerns about the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may provide the right degree of correction.
This procedure is one of the most popular in plastic surgery because of its ability to achieve results that diet and exercise cannot, restoring both physical comfort and aesthetic proportion.
Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery near Hinsdale often describe improvements in how they feel as much as in how they look. The changes can be both practical and deeply personal.
Benefits include:
The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are healthy adults who are close to or have achieved their ideal body weight but remain frustrated by sagging skin, loose abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat deposits. Many patients have undergone pregnancy or significant weight loss that left behind stretched skin and weakened abdominal walls. Others are at a stable weight but struggle with a protruding abdomen or changes brought on by age.
Candidates should be non-smokers, since smoking interferes with circulation and slows healing. Patients must also have realistic expectations, understanding that a tummy tuck creates a smoother contour but is not a substitute for ongoing weight management. During a tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Bloch reviews medical history, lifestyle factors, and current medications to ensure the procedure is both safe and appropriate.
A tummy tuck is specifically designed to resolve problems that are structural rather than cosmetic alone.
It removes excess skin that cannot contract back after weight changes, addresses weakened abdominal muscles that create a bulge in the midsection, and flattens a protruding abdomen that resists improvement through diet and exercise. It can correct sagging skin left behind after pregnancy or significant weight loss and reposition the belly button for a refined, natural look. For patients who struggle with discomfort from folds of skin or difficulty wearing fitted clothing, the procedure restores comfort as well as contour.
A consultation at Body by Bloch is the first step in planning a tummy tuck. Dr. Bloch examines the abdominal area, reviews past medical history, and discusses each patient’s goals in detail. He evaluates the quality of the skin, the condition of the abdominal muscles, and the distribution of fat in order to design a treatment plan that fits each body and lifestyle.
Preparation may involve a medical evaluation and lab testing, adjusting or pausing certain medications, and avoiding supplements that increase bleeding risk. Patients are advised to stop smoking well in advance of surgery and to reach a stable weight before scheduling the procedure. Planning for recovery is also essential. Most patients will need help at home for the first several days and should expect to wear a compression garment and surgical dressings as part of the healing process.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually lasts two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures are included. A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area, allowing Dr. Bloch to remove excess skin and fat and repair the abdominal wall. The belly button is repositioned with meticulous care to ensure it looks natural within the new contour. Incisions are closed with close precision to minimize scarring.
Mini tummy tucks require shorter incisions and are limited to patients with concerns only in the lower abdomen. For those with more extensive changes after weight loss or pregnancy, Dr. Bloch may recommend combining abdominoplasty with liposuction or incorporating breast procedures such as augmentation or lift as part of a mommy makeover.
The results of tummy tuck surgery are visible immediately, even though swelling is present in the first weeks. Patients will notice a flatter abdomen, smoother contour, and a waistline that feels more balanced with the rest of the body. Clothing tends to fit more comfortably, and many patients feel a renewed sense of freedom when choosing styles or swimwear.
Final results become more refined as swelling subsides over the course of several weeks. When maintained with a healthy diet and stable weight, the improvements are long-lasting. For patients who have spent years struggling with sagging skin or a protruding abdomen, the procedure often feels like the completion of a journey toward both comfort and confidence.
Recovery after tummy tuck surgery requires time and patience. Most patients are able to walk upright within a few days and resume light activity after about a week. A compression garment is worn throughout the initial recovery period to reduce swelling, support the abdominal wall, and encourage smooth healing. Surgical dressings protect the incision, and follow-up visits are scheduled to ensure healing is progressing safely.
Scars are placed low on the abdomen, hidden along the bikini line. With attentive care, they fade significantly over time and are easily concealed beneath clothing. The recovery process continues for several weeks as swelling resolves, and patients gradually return to exercise and normal routines with Dr. Bloch’s guidance. Patient safety remains a priority at every stage, from preventing blood clots to monitoring healing closely.
The cost of tummy tuck surgery near Hinsdale varies depending on the extent of correction, the technique used, and whether additional procedures are performed. The overall price generally includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility charges, compression garments, surgical dressings, and follow-up care. Because each abdominoplasty is uniquely tailored, the most accurate estimate is provided during a consultation with Dr. Bloch. Patients are encouraged to view the procedure as an investment in lasting confidence, comfort, and proportion.
If you are living with sagging skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or a protruding abdomen that does not reflect how you feel inside, it may be time to consider a tummy tuck. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Steven Bloch at Body by Bloch near Hinsdale, IL, and take the first step toward a flatter abdomen and restored confidence. Call (847) 851-4383 or request your consultation online today.
Yes. Tummy tuck abdominoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for patients after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Discomfort is expected during the first days of recovery but is well managed with prescribed medication.
All surgical procedures carry risks, including bleeding, infection, or blood clots, but these are minimized in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon.
Results are long-lasting, particularly when a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are maintained.
Most patients return to light activity after about a week, with several weeks needed before resuming full routines and exercise.
