Male Tummy Tuck
Surgical/Procedure name:Abdominoplasty
Common name:
Tummy Tuck
Introduction
Many men are concerned about having "love handles," a "pot belly," or a "spare tire." Such concerns are not unfounded; right or wrong, our society places a high value on looking fit and young, for men as well as women. Male abdominoplasty, also called " male tummy tuck," is a common procedure that can reduce the size of a protruding belly by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles in the midsection. Tummy tuck surgery, for many men, can deliver a flatter, tighter, more aesthetically appealing abdominal contour. Below, find a brief overview of the abdominoplasty procedure for men.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck for men
Frequent or dramatic changes in weight can cause the abdominal muscles to weaken, the skin to sag, and stretch marks to appear. In many cases, however, simple aging is the primary reason behind the flabby midsection that is the source of frustration and disappointment for many men. As we age, fat redistributes itself to the abdominal area. For many men, exercise alone cannot produce the slim, fit, and youthful looking result they desire. Male tummy tuck surgery (or male abdominoplasty) can improve the appearance of the abdominal region through the removal of excess skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles. For the best results, male abdominoplasty should be teamed with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A common and highly successful procedure, tummy tuck surgery can create a tighter, flatter abdominal area for men, as well as provide a boost in confidence and a new, more youthful contour.
A good candidate may feel that his nose is either too large or too small in comparison to the rest of his face. He may also be unhappy with the appearance of the nasal tip if it droops, is bulbous, or protrudes too far out. While the majority of male candidates are simply dissatisfied with the physical appearance of their noses, many others seek rhinoplasty in order to breathe easier or to fix deformities.
Variations on the Male Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty generally takes up to four hours. The operation involves the use of a general anesthesia and a hospital stay of two to four days. An ellipse of skin between the pubic bone and the navel is cut out and the skin is lifted. Once the excess skin is removed, the skin above the navel is pulled down and stretched toward the skin below the pubic bone and is stitched together. Excess fat may be removed and underlying muscles tightened at the same time. In some cases the skin is pulled down over the original navel and a new hole is made for it to come through. After surgery, bandages and drainage tubes are put in place to support proper healing.
In a partial, or "mini," male tummy tuck, less skin is removed, and the navel is left intact. A smaller incisional scar is left behind, and the recovery time is shorter compared to the full male abdominoplasty. Liposuction can also be performed at the same time to remove any excess fat from the area. The full male tummy tuck procedure takes approximately two to five hours and the partial male abdominoplasty requires one or two hours to complete.
In an extended tummy tuck, the surgical incision extends around the patient’s flanks, and the treatment area is expanded to include the “love handles” and upper hips. To determine which type of tummy tuck might be most appropriate in your case, consult a surgeon in your area.
During the endoscopic tummy tuck, small incisions are made and using a small camera device, the surgeon tightens the abdominal area. No skin is removed in this procedure and it is less invasive than other tummy tuck procedures.
Questions and Answers
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the details of the tummy tuck surgery, including its risks and limitations. Your anesthetic options will be addressed as well. Your surgeon will also evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone.Be sure to ask all the questions you have about tummy tuck surgery, and ask to see tummy tuck before and after pictures of the doctor' s recent patients. The practice' s tummy tuck pictures may be a key factor in determining if this surgeon is right for you. You can also ask for his/her patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks, and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.
Am I a candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
In general, the best candidate for tummy tuck surgery is:Note: If you have scarring from a previous tummy tuck, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty, or may caution you that tummy tuck scars could be unusually prominent.
What should I expect after surgery?
Bed rest for two to three days is recommended following tummy tuck surgery. While in bed, your legs should be bent up towards the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas.Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. Although you may not be able to stand straight up at first, you should start walking as soon as possible, which will help promote blood circulation.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures will come out in two to three weeks.
What is the recovery process like?
Following surgery, tummy tuck recovery time may vary for each patient. It may take you several weeks to feel completely back to normal. If you are in top physical condition, recovery will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others may take four weeks to recuperate.Even if you've never exercised before, you should begin a light exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and improve muscle tone. However, vigorous exercise, especially lifting, should wait until you can do it comfortably and your surgeon gives you permission.
Although you can discuss the possibility with your surgeon, there is generally no guarantee of a scarless tummy tuck. Often, tummy tuck scars appear to worsen during the first few months, but typically flatten out and lighten in color over the course of a year. While tummy tuck scars may never disappear completely, your incisions will be placed so that they will be undetectable under a bathing suit or underwear.
