35 year-old with diastasis, excess skin had tummy tuck in Downers Grove, IL*

Patient is a 35 year-old mother of three who presented with an abdominal bulge and skin excess after three previous pregnancies. She felt like she was still pregnant. She had a rectus diastasis, or muscle separation, on exam as a result of the previous pregnancies. We recommended a full tummy tuck with a rectus plication. We used a drainless technique for the tummy tuck with the use of Quill barbed sutures to eliminate the need for drains. We also used Exparel intraoperatively to decrease postoperative pain and the need for narcotics. We used a special technique for creation of a new belly button to give it a natural appearance. The patient was fully recovered in 2 weeks and regained her pre-pregnancy shape.