Male Tummy Tuck
Introduction
Body contouring is not restricted to female patients. Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgeries are designed for both men and women that desire firmer, more contoured midsections. Like women, men can experience changes in this area that leads to flabby skin and the dreaded “spare tire” around the middle. In many cases, these changes linger even when you spend hours at the gym or count every calorie. Dr. Barrett offers customizable solutions in abdominal contouring that allow you to achieve just the amount of correction necessary to remove loose skin and stubborn fat while sculpting the coveted six-pack contour along the waistline.
From Dr. Barrett
“The male abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is one of the operations I’m most passionate about. Tummy tucks are not just for women. With a few adjustments for the male physique, we can offer an excellent improvement in the core strength, skin laxity, and abdominal profile. It’s important to note that this operation must be done differently for the male to address typical masculine concerns and shape. One size does not fit all. The incision must be low and hidden and the belly button must be congruent to the abdominal wall musculature found in men. Combined with high definition liposuction, a truly refined result can be created. My ultimate goal is to make it look like you haven’t had surgery.”
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
2009
Tummy Tuck and Gynocomastia surgery after massive weight loss
2012
Tummy Tuck and liposuction of the flanks after weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
This type of surgery is applicable to both men and women. Below is a list of ideal candidates, many of whom we have encountered in the past:
- Older, slightly obese individuals with loose skin*
- Individuals who still retain excess fat and/or skin despite attempting diet and exercise
- Women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy*
We recommend patients attempt surgery after completing weight loss plans and/or after they are finished having children as additional weight gain can affect the quality of abdominoplasty results.
What is a Tummy Tuck for Men?
Abdominoplasty is a procedure that addresses unwanted changes that occur around the abdomen and waistline, producing dramatic, long-lasting results. The surgery works to both tighten underlying tissue while removing redundant skin and stubborn fat deposits that tend to accumulate in this area. A male tummy tuck is about more than appearance. This procedure can help your clothes fit more comfortably and restore your confidence in your body once again.
Is a Male Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Dr. Barrett may recommend a male tummy tuck if you have any of the following concerns:
- Loose skin around the middle due to aging or weight fluctuations
- Residual fat despite repeated diet and exercise efforts
- Waistlines in clothing have become uncomfortably tighter
- Avoidance of some activities due to self-consciousness about your body
It is best to get to a stable weight before undergoing a male tummy tuck since weight fluctuations can change your contour after abdominoplasty. Dr. Barrett will address your concerns and assess your general health and medical history to determine whether a tummy tuck would be both safe and effective for you.
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Male Tummy Tuck
Since a tummy tuck tends to be more involved than other surgical procedures requested by men, your choice of plastic surgeon is imperative to a positive experience and optimal results. First and foremost, you want to work with a plastic surgeon that is board-certified, since this credential is indicative of the highest level of qualifications and experience. Because a tummy tuck also requires longer incisions overall, a surgeon that has advanced techniques for scar management is also preferable to ensure the best cosmetic outcome. Ultimately, you also want a surgeon that will make you feel comfortable throughout the process. Dr. Barrett has worked with numerous male patients at his Beverly Hills practice and strives to make each of them feel confident in their decision to move forward with plastic surgery.
Benefits of a Male Tummy Tuck
A male tummy tuck provides a variety of advantages to the appropriate patient, such as:
- Flatter, firmer midsection
- More sculpted abdomen
- Reduction in loose, flabby skin
- Repositioning of the navel to maintain proportion
- Restoration of the six-pack or vertical muscle definition
Choices in Tummy Tucks
Dr. Barrett will tailor the techniques for your procedure to your precise aesthetic goals and the amount of correction you will need to achieve them. Partial abdominoplasty or a mini tuck is recommended for men who do not have a significant amount of loose skin to excise. Dr. Barrett uses a shorter incision for this approach and may incorporate some liposuction into the procedure to create the additional sculpting men typically want. The less invasive nature of a mini tuck usually means less discomfort after surgery and a quicker recovery process. However, the level of correction will not be as dramatic using this method.
A traditional male tummy tuck increases the amount of correction performed and is typically recommended for men with a substantial amount of loose skin to remove. Two incisions are usually required for this procedure, but Dr. Barrett will use suturing techniques and post-operative protocol in incision management to minimize visible scarring. The second incision, which runs from the lower abdomen to the navel, allows for the repositioning of the navel when needed. More fat can also be removed during this technique, and Dr. Barrett can add liposuction to produce additional sculpting as well.
Preparing for Your Procedure
During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Barrett will discuss the differences between these two approaches to a tummy tuck, to help you determine which technique will provide you with the best results. You will have the chance to list your concerns and aesthetic goals, as well as ask questions about what you can expect from your surgery. Through this meeting, you and Dr. Barrett will create the surgical plan that will work the best for you.
Male Tummy Tuck Overview
If you opt for a mini tuck, Dr. Barrett will place the incision low on the abdomen and keep it as small as possible while allowing access for all the correction you need. Some skin will be excised during this technique, but the primary focus will be to sculpt the midsection from the inside out. Fat deposits will be removed, and liposuction is frequently used to complete the contouring process. An suprapubic contouring or resuspension of the pubic area can be performed at the same time.
During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Barrett will tighten core muscles while removing excess fat and skin, leaving a sculpted, aesthetically-flattering midsection. A tradition tuck requires the two incisions (a horizontal incision low on the abdomen and a second incision running between the first line and the navel. In addition, men can request to have their skin sculpted and etched so that the procedure produces the lines on the outside of the midsection often referred to as a six-pack.
After Your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Barrett will take around three to five hours to complete your male tummy tuck, depending on the amount of correction needed. Patients will receive general anesthesia for the operation, which may be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. After your procedure, you can expect to be sore and swollen for a few days. Dr. Barrett may give you a surgical garment to wear during that time that will reduce swelling and encourage healthy blood flow and healing to the area. Dr. Barrett will also provide detailed post-operative instructions to help you manage discomfort and create a positive recovery process.
It should take you about two weeks to recover from your tummy tuck and resume work and most activities. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery. During your post-operative care, Dr. Barrett will see you regularly to ensure your recovery is progressing and address any concerns that might arise.
Regain Your Six-Pack
A male tummy tuck is an efficient way to eliminate the last of a spare tire you haven’t been able to get rid of through diet and exercise alone. While this procedure does involve some recovery time afterward, the results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a healthy weight after surgery. To learn more about our tummy tucks explicitly designed for male patients, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648.
The information about male tummy tuck was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.