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Abdominoplasty
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Reclaim a Flatter, More Toned Midsection
Feeling comfortable in your own skin is at the heart of what we want for our patients at May Plastic Surgery. Stretched abdominal muscles, loose skin and stubborn fat can leave you feeling disconnected from your body, especially after pregnancy or major weight changes. Dr. Brian May helps patients restore that sense of harmony and physical confidence through abdominoplasty. His tailored approach redefines the waistline and flattens the abdomen to help you feel strong, sculpted and completely at home in your body again.
General
2-4 hours
2-4 weeks
What is
Abdominoplasty
?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical body contouring procedure that restores a firmer, flatter abdomen by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
These changes are often the result of pregnancy, weight fluctuations or the natural aging process, and can lead to a protruding or lax midsection that feels resistant to even the most dedicated diet and exercise regimens.
While a tummy tuck won't help with weight loss or prevent future aging, it can dramatically improve core strength, abdominal contour and the way clothes fit.
Dr. May offers several types of abdominoplasty, including mini, full and extended techniques, depending on your unique anatomy and specific goals. His approach goes beyond the surface, combining aesthetic and functional precision with careful attention to proportion, incision placement and long-term results, always aiming for a natural and harmonious outcome.
- Dr. Brian May
What Can Abdominoplasty Address?
A carefully tailored tummy tuck with Dr. May can restore strength, contour, and definition to the midsection by addressing common changes caused by pregnancy, weight loss or aging, including:
- Loose, hanging abdominal skin
- Separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Stubborn deposits of fat throughout the midsection
- The belly "pooch" that often remains after pregnancy
- Poor abdominal contour and definition
- Stretch marks and scarring below the belly button
Dr. May often combines abdominoplasty with liposuction to enhance your results, create smooth transitions throughout the torso and achieve a natural, balanced overall appearance.
The Art & Science of Body Contouring With Dr. May
There's an art to sculpting the body that goes far beyond measurements or technique. It's about understanding how curves interact, how light moves across the waistline, and how to restore definition without creating results that feel artificial or overdone. Dr. May brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset to every contouring procedure, not just aiming to flatten the abdomen or remove fat, but to create a natural-looking shape and proportion that feels uniquely yours.
Body contouring requires precision, but it also requires restraint — knowing when less is more, and how to shape rather than simply remove. "Body contouring isn't just about skin and fat removal," Dr. May explains. "It's more important to know what to leave behind. That means looking beyond any one feature and designing something that makes sense for the whole body… something that feels natural and balanced."
Every decision Dr. May makes, from where to remove fat to how each area flows into the next, is made with harmony and longevity in mind. His goal is always a result that enhances your shape while staying true to your natural form.
- Dr. Brian May
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Procedure Details
At May Plastic Surgery, abdominoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity and whether it's combined with liposuction or other body contouring procedures.
Dr. May places the incision low across the abdomen, just above the pubic area, so it can be concealed beneath undergarments or swimwear once healed. Through this incision, he carefully tightens the abdominal wall by repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), removes excess skin and fat, and repositions the belly button for a natural, youthful appearance.
To promote a smoother recovery and provide a more stable result, Dr. May uses a progressive tension suturing technique that minimizes tension on the incision and reduces the potential for fluid accumulation.
While some surgeons may rely on this method alone to prevent fluid collections, Dr. May typically places surgical drains as well, believing that controlled fluid removal helps reduce swelling more quickly and allows patients to recover faster and more comfortably.
Recovery & Results
Recovery from abdominoplasty is a gradual process. In the first few days, you can expect swelling, tightness and some discomfort, all part of the body's natural healing response. Dr. May will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable, and surgical drains are typically placed to reduce fluid accumulation and promote a smoother recovery. You'll also wear a compression garment for the first three months to support your results and minimize swelling.
Dr. May often recommends lymphatic massage during the early recovery period, and our team will help coordinate your sessions with a trusted specialist to enhance healing and reduce discomfort. Most patients are able to return to desk work and light activities within seven to 10 days, though strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and abdominal muscle exercises like crunches or sit-ups should be avoided until cleared by Dr. May.
You'll notice a flatter, firmer abdomen almost immediately, but your final results will continue to refine over several months as swelling subsides and tissues settle. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, your new contours can last for many years. Dr. May and his team will guide you through each step of the recovery process, ensuring you feel supported, informed and confident as you heal.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Abdominoplasty
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
At May Plastic Surgery, we’re excited to help you look and feel your best. If you’re bothered by loose skin and fat that won’t budge despite a healthy lifestyle, Dr. May can help you reclaim a toned, contoured midsection. Call May Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, today at 704-200-2493 to request a consultation with Dr. Brian May and find out if abdominoplasty is right for you.
Any questions?
We are here to help. Reach out with any questions about our procedures, recovery process, or how to get started. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and information you need to feel confident moving forward.