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.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What are My Tummy Tuck Options?
The full abdominoplasty with Dr. Maguire addresses sagging skin, excess fat and loose abdominal wall muscles. This technique improves the upper and lower abdomen, excising loose skin from the lower abdominal area and pulling the remaining tissue taut. A new navel is formed, and stretch marks that may have existed below your belly button may be removed. This option is ideal for those with significant sagging skin and stretched muscles, including diastasis recti.
A mini-abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen below your navel. Loose skin and fat are removed, and muscles are tightened in this area only. A mini-tummy tuck will not improve loose skin or outstretched abdominal muscles in the middle or upper abdomen. This tummy tuck option is often good for people with mild to moderate excess skin and fat located under the belly button. If you have a lower belly “pooch,” the mini tummy tuck may be right for you.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Address Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis recti is a condition that often happens during pregnancy, when the rectus abdominis muscles are stretched, causing them to separate. These muscles make up the “six-pack” abs many people hope to attain through exercise. While diastasis recti may resolve itself in the weeks following childbirth, up to 40% of women still struggle with the separated ab muscles long after delivery. This visible bulging can be more than a cosmetic concern and may contribute to low back, pelvic or hip pain. The condition can be challenging to address through exercise alone, and certain activities may make the muscle separation worse, such as crunches or planks.
A tummy tuck tightens and repositions the abdominal wall to repair these muscles and provide a flatter, firmer body contour.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of your tummy tuck will rely on several factors, the first of which is whether you are to have a standard abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck. Combining your procedure with another plastic surgery, such as breast augmentation, will impact the price. The surgical facility expenses, plastic surgeon’s fees and other aspects can affect the overall cost of a tummy tuck.
Dr. Sean Maguire is extensively trained in plastic, reconstructive and hand surgery. He has published many research papers, book chapters and scientific articles and performs procedures at an accredited outpatient surgical facility for plastic surgery. You will be given a detailed price quote during your consultation, and you can discuss financing options with our Louisville office.
Can I Have a Tummy Tuck if I Plan to Have Kids?
While there is no contraindication of pregnancy and childbirth after a tummy tuck, it’s recommended to wait until your family is complete to have this plastic surgery. There are no major risks should you have future children, but the body changes involved in pregnancy may compromise your results.
How Much Excess Skin is Needed for a Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck removes excess skin from the lower abdomen and stretches the remaining tissues from the navel to the pubic hairline. You will need enough skin to accommodate these changes, but the necessary amount of excess skin will vary by patient. Dr. Maguire can determine if you have sufficient loose skin for a tummy tuck during your consultation at the Physician’s Center for Beauty in Louisville.
Do I Need to Lose Weight Before an Abdominoplasty?
If you are overweight, you may need to lose some pounds before your tummy tuck. It’s generally advisable to be at or near your goal weight, meaning within five to ten pounds. You must maintain a stable weight for a certain period of time before having a tummy tuck to ensure long-lasting results with a healthy lifestyle.
When is the Best Time for a Tummy Tuck?
There is no ideal age for a tummy tuck, but you will want to be sure you’re done having children and wait at least six to 12 months after pregnancy to give your body the time needed to heal and return to a normal weight.
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.