This technique is best for patients with a modest amount of loose skin and fat on the abdomen.

Patients that require a large amount of skin removal may require a full tummy tuck in a hospital setting. To determine which procedure is right for you, please request an appointment with Milwaukee cosmetic surgeon Dr. Timothy Zelko for a consultation. He will examine your skin and let you know the best surgical approach for you.

Stop the use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements (such as ginkgo biloba, ginger, and vitamin E) before surgery. These may increase bruising after a tummy tuck surgery. It is best to stop smoking several weeks before and after your procedure.

Any form of nicotine may slow down the healing process. While you may need to inform your job that you will need time off to heal from surgery, the biggest benefit of the Zelko Aesthetics tickle tummy tuck is the minimal downtime in the healing process. It is best to pick up any prescriptions before the procedure to be properly prepared.

There is no such thing as a scarless excess skin removal surgery. It may take a few months or up to two years for the scars to fade. With Dr. Zelko’s 15 years of cosmetic surgery, he performs abdominoplasty in a way to leave as little scarring as possible, and tries to place the incision in such a way as to limit scar visibility

The Tickle tuck scar is a horizontal line placed low on the abdomen. It’s easily hidden in clothes and swimwear.

A scar is a tradeoff for a smooth, flat abdomen that looks great in clothes. Most tummy tuck patients are mothers or people aged 30+ that are happy to trade unsightly skin folds for a hidden scar that no one except you and your partner will see.

Our Tummy Tuck patients love seeing their before and after results. Tummy Tucks result in a flatter, more contoured, and attractive abdomen. Skin reduction is visible from day one, as excess skin is surgically removed during the operation.

Swelling is a normal reaction to any surgery. Post-op swelling can take 6 to 12 months to subside. Most excess skin removal surgery swelling goes down within a few weeks, revealing a preview of your abdominoplasty results. It also takes one to two years for tummy tuck scars to fade. There is no such thing as a “scarless abdominoplasty”; All surgeries leave a scar, no matter what some surgeons would like to claim. Dr. Zelko carefully performs loose skin removal surgery to make the scar as least visible as possible.

The average cost of a tummy tuck in Milwaukee ranges from $6,047 and up. Tummy Tuck costs are determined by the amount of skin removal needed. For example, a mini tummy tuck is priced differently than a full abdominoplasty or extended tummy tuck. The cost of the procedure will vary whether you have a skin-only tummy tuck performed in the office (Avelar tummy tuck) or a tummy tuck with muscle repair in the hospital. Office-based procedures cost less than a tummy tuck in the hospital. A tummy tuck with liposuction will cost more than just having excess skin removal surgery without lipo.

Facility, general anesthesia, and operating room fees also factor into tummy tuck pricing. If you have a tickle tummy tuck in Dr. Zelko’s office, these hospital fees are not necessary. The best way to determine the tummy tuck cost for your procedure is to meet with Dr. Zelko and his team for a personalized consultation to do a full assessment, walk through each step of the procedure a full breakdown of the costs involved, with the opportunity to move forward and book for the procedure. You’ll receive a full breakdown of costs, with no obligation to pursue surgery.

As a tummy tuck is elective, insurance would not typically cover the procedure.

Most patients get abdominoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Therefore, this is an elective procedure and one would pay out of pocket to proceed with the treatment. Zelko Aesthetics strives to make the cost of tummy tuck procedure feasible with affordable monthly financing plans. Please also visit our specials page to see if you are eligible for any cosmetic surgery discounts.

Dr. Zelko can perform your tummy tuck using a technique that eliminates the need for drains in what is known as a “drainless tummy tuck.”

Most types of tummy tucks typically require the use of one or two drains after surgery to allow the fluids that can collect at the surgical site to drain off, but drains can present some potential risks and discomfort of their own. Plus, they have to stay in for 5 to 7 days after surgery, they can't shower for two weeks, and they require monitoring, measuring output, and maintenance.

A drainless tummy tuck eliminates the need for post-surgical drains by using progressive tension sutures. This layered suturing technique secures the abdominal skin to the underlying tissues and creates a tighter bond that leaves less room for fluid to build up. As a result, the body reabsorbs what little fluid does have the chance to develop in these tighter spaces.

Benefits of the Drainless Tummy Tuck include:

• Less pain
• Faster healing
• Lower risk of seromas
• Reduced risk of infection
• Scars tend to heal more smoothly
• Convenience

The procedure is done in the office with a local anesthetic. A gentle vibration is felt as the anesthetic is applied to the areas to be treated. Dr. Zelko ensures your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

TickleLipo can treat multiple problem areas at one time! The vibrating cannula liquefies the fat while adjacent non-fatty tissue is preserved. This allows the skin to naturally tighten, resulting in a slimmed and contoured look! The design and vibration of the cannula create a tickling sensation for the patient, hence the very appropriate name for the procedure. The next portion, the Avelar Tummy Tuck, is the removal of excess skin of the lower abdomen. The Tickle Tuck procedure places your scar in the lower abdominal area, keeping it very discreet. You will need to wear a garment to help minimize swelling for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. You can return to work once you feel comfortable, usually as early as 3 to 7 days post-procedure.

If you stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle, your results from the tummy tuck may become permanent. It all depends on weight gain – when you gain weight due to more fat, your skin can stretch.

Although a small amount of weight is removed during the procedure due to the removal of excess skin, abdominoplasties do not address weight. The purpose of a tummy tuck is to remove excess, sagging skin, and to tighten the abdomen. It is recommended that patients reach a stable weight before looking into excess skin removal surgery. However, Dr. Zelko also offers liposuction for patients looking to get rid of some stubborn weight that is not responding to diet or exercise before receiving a tummy tuck.

There is a difference between having a tummy tuck and having liposuction surgery. With a tummy tuck, Dr. Zelko will remove excess skin in the abdomen, so it is a skin removal procedure. With liposuction, Dr. Zelko removes unwanted fat from a specific area or multiple areas of the body, which helps to reshape the body. Dr. Zelko has years of experience in both skin removal surgery and fat removal surgery. Your personal body goals can be discussed with him in a consultation to help you determine the best procedure for you. Call us today to schedule your appointment.