Mark Sisco, M.D.
501 Skokie Boulevard
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: (847) 504-2333
Monday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tummy Tuck

In Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Glenview, and other Illinois communities, a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) remains one of the most popular options for tightening and toning the abdomen when diet and exercise have failed. By removing excess skin, repositioning abdominal muscles, and selectively reducing fat deposits, a tummy tuck sets the standard for complete abdominal rejuvenation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sisco blends his keen sense of aesthetics with his extensive experience to bring his patients results that exceed their expectations.

Start planning your own tummy tuck today. Request a consultation online or call Dr. Sisco at NorthShore Plastic Surgery at (847) 504-2333. Located just north of Chicago, our office is minutes away from Lake Forest, Glenview, Highland Park, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect, and Glencoe.

You Have Options

Although the traditional full tummy tuck is the most popular version of the surgery, abdominoplasty is a customizable procedure that can be tailored to your exact specifications. Your options include:

Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
 Before & After Photos

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Case: 1 of 9
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Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 146 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) Case

This woman in her forties had excess lower abdominal skin and fat that persisted despite diet and exercise. Dr. Sisco perfomed a tummy tuck, thinning the fat in her upper abdomen and fashioning a new umbilicus. Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 92 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) with Liposuction with Breast Lift Case

This woman desired rejuvenation of her breasts and abdomen. Dr. Sisco performed a breast lift and breast reduction to improve the appearance, symmetry and weight of her breasts. He also performed a tummy tuck and liposuction to improve her waistline and remove excess skin and fat from her abdomen. Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 6 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) with Liposuction Case

This mother sought abdominal rejuvenation after having children. During her abdominoplasty, Dr. Sisco was able to removal almost all of her stretch marks, leaving her with an improved contour and smaller waist. Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 34 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) Case

Dr. Sisco performed a tummy tuck on this woman in her sixties to tighten her abdominal wall and remove excess skin.
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 13 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction and Breast Lift Case

This patient was looking to improve the contour of her abdomen, breasts, and flanks. She underwent a staged procedure. During the first surgery, Dr. Sisco performed a breast lift and liposuction to her abdomen and flanks. The liposuction allowed him to perform a more effective tummy tuck during her second stage. Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 7 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8

Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift Case

This forty-something mother sought abdominal and breast rejuvenation after having three children. North Shore plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sisco performed a breast lift to improve her breast contour. In addition, he performed a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to tighten her abdominal muscles, fix an umbilical hernia, and remove almost all of her stre... Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 156 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) with Liposuction and Umbilical Hernia Repair Case

This 40-year-old woman had a severly bulging abdomen after childbirth. She also had a large umbilical hernia. Dr. Sisco performed a tummy tuck and liposuction on her flanks to improve the appearance of her midsection. Read More
Before & After Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Case 189 View #1 View in Northbrook, IL
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8

Abdominoplasty (Tummy-Tuck) with Umbilical Hernia Repair Case

Dr. Sisco performed a tummy tuck and abdominal liposuction on this woman in her 30s to rehape and define her abdomen. She had a large umbilical hernia that was repaired at the same time. Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Diagram of tummy tuck surgery options

Who’s an Ideal Tummy Tuck Patient?

A good candidate for tummy tuck surgery is in good health but has some excess abdominal skin, sagging, and pockets of fat. Tummy tuck patients should be at a weight they can maintain since post-surgical weight fluctuations can compromise results. Good candidates for the procedure also are:

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

Often, patients in search of abdominal improvement wonder if liposuction alone is a viable option. While Dr. Sisco guides you to a solution during your consultation, one way to understand which approach may be better for you is to determine whether your concerns are caused primarily by excess fat or excess skin and separated abdominal muscles.

Liposuction can only treat excess fat, which some people may carry in their midsection. If you have a protruding tummy and your skin is firm and elastic, you may be a good candidate for liposuction alone. However, if you have loose or sagging skin, liposuction will not do anything to improve it. In fact, it may make the issue of loose skin worse. You’ll also want to be sure that your protruding belly isn’t caused by weakened or separated abdominal muscles—a condition called diastasis recti—which is repaired during a tummy tuck.

If loose skin is the root of your concern, a tummy tuck is the option that’s likely to create the smooth, toned abdomen you want. Keep in mind that Dr. Sisco typically incorporates liposuction into a tummy tuck procedure to help reduce areas of unwanted fat.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

For our North Shore and Arlington Heights-area patients, tummy tuck surgery typically costs $10,500 to $13,500.

Mark Sisco, M.D.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sisco has trained at some of the most esteemed institutions in the country, and he brings the skills he attained there to his practice in Northbrook. From extensive reconstructive procedures to delicate, targeted liposuction, Dr. Sisco serves your needs from head to toe.

Meet Dr. Sisco
Meet Dr. Sisco
Mark Sisco, MD doctor feature

Surgery Day & Long-Term Results

Dr. Sisco performs tummy tuck surgery while you are completely asleep under general anesthesia. He begins by making the incision in accordance with the surgical plan you created during your consultation. Depending on your exact needs, he tightens loose or weakened abdominal muscles, selectively removes unwanted fat deposits with liposuction, and cuts away excess skin, smoothing the remainder with a technique called redraping. He will also reconstruct your navel before closing your incision with sutures (except in the case of a mini tummy tuck).

Diagram tummy tuck surgery steps

It may take about 6 months for swelling to completely resolve, but you will see your tummy tuck results take shape as the swelling diminishes.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your tummy tuck, you’ll need to take it easy for at least a week. You’ll likely have temporary surgical drains in place that are used to collect fluid and reduce swelling. Dr. Sisco will instruct you on how to monitor these drains. You can manage any discomfort you experience with prescribed pain medication.

For the first week or so, you will need to walk and sleep in a slightly hunched position to avoid putting tension on the sutures. Tightness, swelling, and bruising are common after the procedure. Wearing a compression garment around the clock for the first several weeks minimizes swelling and reduces fluid buildup.

After your sutures and drains are removed, you’ll likely feel comfortable returning to work and other light, everyday activities. Over time, your incision will fade significantly, usually leaving behind a faint, flat line.

Swelling will likely peak about 4 to 6 weeks after abdominoplasty and begin to subside after that period.

Along the way to dealing with breast cancer, I discovered a team of wonderful doctors who guided me to make the best decisions about my health first — but to also make me feel whole and happy in the end. Dr. Sisco especially had the patience to help me overcome some problems, and I felt more than pleased with the reconstruction, even in the early stages. I now look better than when I began this journey.

—L.B.

Read Testimonials

Common Tummy Tuck Questions

Do I need to lose weight before tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure so patients should be at a healthy weight they can maintain before having the procedure. Large weight fluctuations after the surgery will affect your results.

How should I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

We’ll provide you with complete instructions for caring for yourself before surgery, including a list of medications to discontinue before the procedure. It’s also a good idea to have your prescriptions filled in advance so they’re ready for you when you get home. Plan to be off your feet for at least a week, and make arrangements for help around the house, including pet and childcare, if necessary.

How many dress sizes are generally lost after an abdominoplasty?

While you won’t likely lose more than a few pounds after a tummy tuck, you can expect to drop 2 to 3 dress or pant sizes after the surgery.

What can I do to minimize my tummy tuck scar?

Many patients are concerned by the scar that is left after tummy tuck. Although the incision can be quite long, Dr. Sisco places it low on the abdomen to keep it relatively well concealed later on. Try to minimize tension on your incision during your recuperation, and follow Dr. Sisco’s instructions for caring for it while it heals. Keep the incision clean and dry, and avoid exposing it to sunlight until it is completely healed.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

Your results can last indefinitely, especially if you maintain a healthy, steady weight after surgery. If you’d like to get pregnant in the future, you may wish to postpone your procedure until you’re done having children in order to prolong your results.

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