Quick Facts
- Procedure: Outpatient
- Anesthesia: General
- Duration of Procedure: About two hours
- Initial Recovery Phase: About two weeks
- Results: Apparent immediately, but continue to improve for several months
Are you frustrated with the appearance of loose abdominal skin? Have you tried to tone your midsection by adhering to a nutritious diet and exercising routinely, to no avail? If so, you might be an appropriate candidate for abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, with Dr. Sean Maguire of Physician’s Center for Beauty. To view Dr. Maguire’s patients’ tummy tuck results, visit our abdominoplasty gallery.
What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Address?
Often, substantial weight fluctuations, pregnancy, genetic factors or the natural aging process can cause the abdominal skin to stretch out so it cannot “bounce back” to a smaller shape or size following weight loss. This leads to drooping abdominal skin that hangs off the body in folds.
The same factors can also severely weaken the abdominal muscles or even cause them to separate. Once this happens, muscle tone cannot be restored without surgical intervention, no matter how disciplined the patient is about diet and exercise. To address these aesthetic concerns, Dr. Maguire offers tummy tuck surgery to individuals in Louisville.
Is Abdominoplasty Right for Me?
Tummy tuck surgery is not designed as a tool for major weight loss. In fact, Dr. Maguire often performs the procedure for patients who would like to improve the cosmetic effects after massive weight loss.
Suitable tummy tuck candidates generally include individuals who:
- Are frustrated with loose abdominal skin and the inability to restore muscle tone throughout the abdomen due to greatly weakened or separated abdominal muscles
- Are in good health, mentally and physically
- Are not currently pregnant and do not plan to become pregnant again (Women who plan to have children should wait until they are finished having kids to undergo tummy tuck surgery, as pregnancy and substantial weight gain can undo the cosmetic outcome of the procedure.)
- Have made the decision to undergo tummy tuck surgery of their own accord
- Recognize both the potential drawbacks and advantages of the procedure
What Happens During Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia.
If the patient has localized fat deposits under the abdominal skin, Dr. Maguire first performs liposuction of the area. Dr. Maguire then makes a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, which runs from one hipbone to the other. Although the incision is significant, Dr. Maguire strategically positions it in an area that can be hidden by the underwear or bathing suit line.
The plastic surgeon excises excess abdominal skin. Next, he repairs the underlying musculature by placing permanent internal stitches in the abdominal muscle fascia, using a crisscross pattern that pulls the muscles together and holds them in place following the procedure. Dr. Maguire pulls the residual skin taut and closes the incision with removable sutures. In some cases, Dr. Maguire makes a second incision around the navel in order to reposition it higher up on the abdomen. Finally, he dresses the treatment area with fluffy, soft bandages.
What Is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Period Like?
Tummy tuck patients should arrange to take about two weeks off from work or their normal routine. During this time, they should get plenty of rest and abstain from strenuous activities, including exercise.
The abdomen might be bruised, swollen, numb, tender or sore, but these are normal symptoms that should subside with time. Taking oral pain medications as directed by Dr. Maguire helps alleviate any discomfort.
There may be drainage tubes present after tummy tuck surgery. These help prevent fluid from accumulating in the treatment area and are removed a few days after the procedure. Dr. Maguire may also advise patients to wear a compression garment over the treatment area for several weeks following surgery. The garment provides additional support to the tissues while they heal and should be kept in place until the surgeon instructs otherwise. Dr. Maguire will let patients know when it is safe to resume their normal regimens, including their fitness plans.
Tone Your Tummy Today
If you have tried unsuccessfully to tone your tummy through traditional means, consider having tummy tuck surgery. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Maguire to learn more about abdominoplasty, contact Physician’s Center for Beauty.
