Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to restore and improve the appearance of the belly and flanks by getting rid of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. The muscles may also be tightened for a toned appearance. By removing fatty tissue and sagging skin, cosmetic surgeons are able to tighten the belly and make it tighter and firmer for a trimmer and more youthful look.
Because many moms elect to get a tummy tuck after having children, the procedure is often assumed to be appropriate for women only. But is this true? Can men get tummy tuck surgery too?
Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Benefit Men?
Tummy tuck surgery is most often performed on women who have given birth and wish to restore their bellies to pre-pregnancy conditions.
During pregnancy, the abdominal skin stretches and expands. Once a woman gives birth, this skin often does not retract and begins to sag over the natural contours of the abdomen. Additionally, the vertical muscles may be stretched beyond their ability to bounce back, causing the belly to protrude and sag.
Obviously, men never become pregnant. However, they can develop loose skin on the abdomen, especially after significant weight loss. The abdominal skin in men stretches as they gain weight and sags after they lose a lot of weight. Rapid weight loss leads to men developing a lot of loose skin in their belly area. A tummy tuck can benefit men experiencing this issue.
With that said, tummy tuck surgery is not considered to be weight loss surgery. Men with stubborn abdominal fat might be good candidates for liposuction or may need to consider weight loss measures such as diet, exercise, or weight loss surgery before getting a tummy tuck.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty for Men
Men who are considering a tummy tuck often have lots of questions. Doing your research and learning as much as you can about the procedure will help you determine if it’s the right choice for you. Any other questions will need to be answered by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Is the process of tummy tuck surgery in men the same as in women?
The process of abdominoplasty is generally the same for men as it is for women. This is of course with the exception of the obvious differences in anatomy, which might cause small variations in the technique and procedure used.
For instance, the process is identical when it comes to the excision of unwanted, sagging skin and fat tissue from the belly. Also, the transverse incision is done just above the groin area between both hip bones for both men and women.
However, there is a difference in the shape of the incision as women tend to get a curved incision while for men it’s mostly horizontal. Besides that slight difference, the whole process is largely identical.
What happens before the actual surgery?
The most significant step before a patient goes in for tummy tuck surgery is a consultation. During the consultation, the patient gets to have a face-to-face session with the plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and health history. The patient shares their motivations and expectations for the procedure so the surgeon can recommend a treatment plan.
The cosmetic surgeon goes over the procedure, including the risks and benefits, and performs an exam. They may ask the patient questions to get to know them better and to evaluate their candidacy. The surgeon also reviews the patient’s medical history, establishes if they are fit for surgery, creates a personalized surgical plan, and answers any remaining questions.
Who is a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery is available to both men and women. All that is required is that the patient be in good health and fit for surgery. Also, the patient should preferably be at their ideal weight. This is because abdominoplasty is only effective for tightening the abdominal skin and muscle structures, with only minimal fat reduction. Diet, exercise, and weight loss surgery are better means of reducing stubborn intra-abdominal fat.
Also, potential abdominoplasty patients should be non-smokers. Those who smoke will need to abstain from smoking or using nicotine products in the period leading up to the surgery and during the recovery. The same goes for alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can potentially cause thinning of the blood.
When can one resume work and physical activity after tummy tuck surgery?
Thanks to advancements in the field of cosmetic medicine and surgery, procedures like tummy tucks are much less invasive than they used to be. The initial recovery period for a patient following abdominoplasty ranges from one to two weeks.
This of course varies from person to person, depending on their unique body characteristics and lifestyle. Most people can resume regular daily tasks after the two-week mark. However, intense physical exercise and other strenuous activities should be put on hold for at least six weeks.
Even then, you need to listen to your body. If you still feel some discomfort, it is best to wait until after you are completely healed to resume your workouts and heavy lifting.
Is there a difference in the cost of abdominoplasty for men and for women?
Tummy tuck surgery generally costs the same for both men and women. This is because the process is essentially identical except for minor variations due to the unique requirements of each abdominoplasty procedure. The costs can also vary if a patient undergoes tummy tuck surgery along with other procedures such as liposuction for fat removal in the abdomen and/or other parts of the body.
Learn More About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that has the potential to enhance your appearance, boost your self-esteem, and completely transform how you view yourself. To achieve these goals, you need to work with a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Paul Vitenas.
A multiple award-winning plastic surgeon, Dr. Vitenas is widely recognized in the field of cosmetic surgery for his skill and dedication honed over three decades. He has vast experience and can be trusted to give you the best quality of care and beautiful results that you’ll be proud of.
Ready to learn more and book your tummy tuck consultation?
Contact Dr. Vitenas today online or call 281-484-0088. You can also visit the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery office located at 4208 Richmond Avenue, Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77027. Dr. Vitenas will treat you with respect and compassion while providing the highest-quality care.