Tummy Tuck in Minneapolis, MN

When you meet with Dr. McCue for a consultation, he’ll ask you to describe your reasons for considering abdominoplasty and what results you’re hoping for. He’ll ask about your current health, medical history, and your current medications and habits. He’ll also ask if you’re planning a future pregnancy or weight loss regimen. Dr. McCue will examine your abdominal area, along with your hips and upper thighs, and assess your skin type and other relevant factors. He’ll discuss various options and recommendations for your surgery, help you understand what results you can expect, along with any risks of the surgery. If you have any questions, he will be glad to answer them during the consultation. Dr. McCue’s goal is to give you all the information you need to make a decision that is right for you.

Tummy tucks are not all alike. The right approach depends on your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Dr. McCue carefully evaluates every patient during a personalized consultation and tailors the surgical plan to ensure the results appear natural and balanced. By offering multiple surgical options, he ensures that every patient can find the technique that best suits their needs.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is typically for people with a small amount of excess skin or bulging that appears only below the belly button. The incision is shorter than with a full abdominoplasty, which may mean a quicker recovery. Because the improvement is focused on the lower abdomen, this option is ideal for those who are otherwise in good shape but want to smooth a small area of concern.

Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck

This is the most common approach to abdominoplasty. It addresses both the upper and lower belly, removes extra skin, and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. In some cases, Dr. McCue also reshapes and repositions the belly button. A full tummy tuck is often chosen by patients who have experienced weight fluctuations or pregnancy-related body changes.

Extended Tummy Tuck

For patients who have lost a large amount of weight or who have laxity that extends beyond the stomach, an extended tummy tuck may be recommended. This option allows Dr. McCue to not only flatten the abdomen but also smooth the flanks and, in some cases, the hips. The incision is longer, but the trade-off is a more complete transformation.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

In cases of massive weight loss, where excess skin is present both vertically and horizontally, the fleur-de-lis approach may be the best option. This technique employs a vertical incision in addition to the low horizontal incision, enabling more extensive skin removal and a dramatic reshaping of the abdomen.

Following your surgery, dressings will be applied, and elastic bandages or other compression methods will help to control swelling and support your abdomen. A drainage tube may also be inserted to remove excess fluids. Before you return home, you’ll get complete instructions for self-care, along with prescriptions to help prevent infection and reduce any discomfort. Follow-up visits will be scheduled, and you’ll get complete information about things to watch for and report. Over time, discomfort will go away, along with any swelling, and your incision line will fade, although it will remain visible. Depending on your surgery, you should be able to return to work and resume activities in just a few weeks. Early in the recovery process, you’ll discover the improvements in your appearance and the fit of your clothing.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

For many patients, the positive benefits of tummy tuck last a lifetime. The main way that skin stretches is through weight gain (or pregnancy), so keeping a steady weight is the trick to maintaining your results indefinitely. Some mild, age-related skin laxity can be expected around your midsection due to a natural decline in collagen and elastin production since these two proteins are responsible for keeping your skin tight.

Is tummy tuck an effective way to get rid of stretch marks?

Yes, when Dr. McCue pulls your abdominal skin taut, this helps to eliminate any stretch marks that have appeared between your navel and bikini line. However, if you have stretch marks above your belly button, these will not be affected.

What is diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles separate to the left and right side. It is most likely to happen during pregnancy. Unfortunately, these abdominal muscles cannot reconnect on their own, which creates the appearance of a bulging stomach and an unfirm midsection. When Dr. McCue performs tummy tuck, he can suture these abdominal muscles back together so that the midsection looks fit and firm.

Will I lose weight with tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck is not a weight loss surgery. Dr. McCue can remove a modest amount of fat while removing your excess skin, but it should not have a significant impact on how much you weigh. In fact, tummy tuck is best for patients who are close to their goal weight so that they can maintain the contours they have achieved with surgery for the long term. If you have some lingering pockets of fat that have not gone away with diet and exercise, you may ask Dr. McCue about combining tummy tuck with liposuction.

How much does tummy tuck cost?

The price of tummy tuck depends on the amount of skin needing to be removed and the specific techniques that Dr. McCue utilizes to achieve the flatter stomach you have requested. All costs will be discussed upfront during a consultation so that you may make an informed decision about your care. Because tummy tuck is an elective procedure, it is not generally covered by insurance, although financing options are available.

Can exercise eliminate my need for tummy tuck?

Unfortunately, skin that has stretched and is no longer elastic enough to retract to meet the current contours of your body cannot be improved with a healthy lifestyle. Although diet and exercise are great ways to burn surplus fat, they have no effect on your skin. Therefore, if you have loose skin, the most practical solution is to have abdominoplasty.

What kind of scarring can I expect after abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck requires a long, horizontal incision just above the bikini line to remove excess skin from the stomach. While scarring will fade significantly over time, it will not disappear completely. However, because Dr. McCue carefully positions this incision so low, it can easily be covered by most types of underwear and swimsuits so that you can easily show off your new contours.

How soon can I return to normal activities after a tummy tuck?

Most patients can resume light activity, such as gentle walking, within a few days. Many people return to desk work in about two weeks, but strenuous activity, exercise, and heavy lifting should generally wait for at least four to six weeks. Dr. McCue provides a personalized recovery plan to help you safely return to your daily routines.

Can a tummy tuck combine with other procedures?

Yes. Abdominoplasty is often performed alongside liposuction or breast surgery. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and deliver more comprehensive results.

Is a tummy tuck right after pregnancy recommended?

It’s generally best to wait until you are finished having children before scheduling a tummy tuck. Future pregnancies may stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again, potentially undoing your surgical results.

Will a tummy tuck fix a “C-section shelf”?

Yes. Many women notice an overhang or bulge above their C-section scar, sometimes referred to as a “C-section shelf.” Removing extra skin and repairing the underlying muscles can smooth and flatten this area.

Do men get tummy tuck surgery?

Absolutely. While many tummy tuck patients are women, men who have lost a significant amount of weight or who deal with loose, sagging skin in the midsection also benefit from abdominoplasty.

How noticeable are the scars after a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck requires an incision just above the pubic area, which Dr. McCue places low enough to be hidden by most clothing and swimwear. Over time, the scar fades considerably, although it will never completely disappear.

How do I know which type of tummy tuck I need?

The best way to know which technique is right for you is through a consultation. During your visit, Dr. McCue examines your skin, muscle tone, and overall goals to determine which type of tummy tuck is most suitable for you.

If you’ve been considering abdominoplasty to improve the appearance and tone of your abdominal area, your decision will be simpler once you have all the facts. A consultation with Dr. McCue can give you all the facts you need to make an informed decision that is right for you. Contact his Minneapolis St. Paul office at any time to arrange for a personal consultation.