Male Tummy Tuck
All You Need to Know about Male Tummy Tuck Surgery including different procedures, risks, costs, and recovery.
Male tummy tuck, or male abdominoplasty, is a procedure to tighten the stomach area by removing excess fat from around the waistline. It is not liposuction as the abdominal muscles are also tightened up as well as the removal of excess skin to iron out the wrinkles. A tummy tuck is often the only option for men who have undergone massive weight loss and have no realistic way of getting rid of the excessive skin. It is a common procedure in men and generally has a high patient satisfaction rate.
Tummy tuck procedure
There are three layers of abdomen that need to be considered during a male tummy tuck, including the skin, fatty tissue, and the underlying muscles. Each of these can be subject to stretching and weakening after putting on excessive weight, through lack of exercise, and followed by heavy weight loss.
After being assessed by the surgeon to see whether you are up to the procedure, the process involves the surgeon making a long incision from hipbone to hipbone in the lower abdomen areas above the pubic area. Another incision is then made to free up the navel and then separate the skin from the abdominal wall, after which a large flap of skin and fat is lifted to reveal the muscles of the abdomen. These muscles are then tidied up by suturing them into a tighter position and the flap of skin and fat that was previously lifted up is stretched over and the excess of both are removed. The incision is then sutured along with the re-stitching of the navel.
Male tummy tuck surgery usually takes about two hours, but the time is ultimately dependent on the technique used, the age and condition of the patient, and whether or not liposuction is performed at the same time. Expect to spend a night or two in the hospital following surgery. The abdomen will remain slightly swollen for the first few days and medication will be prescribed for the pain. Although patients won’t be able to stand right after surgery, they are encouraged to walk about as soon as practically possible. Most stitches used for tummy tucks nowadays are of the dissolving type and any clips will be removed after around five days.
You won’t be able to go right back to work following surgery and should have at least two weeks off - perhaps even four - but should not lift any heavy weights until at least six weeks have passed post-surgery and your doctor has given the okay to do so. The wearing of a comfortable support garment for around six weeks along with follow-up visits is also necessary. Although you should be careful in the gym, walking and swimming are good moderate forms of exercise.
Tummy tuck surgery benefits:
- Reduces stomach bulge
- Improves appearance of abdominal wall, making it firmer and flatter
- Removes larger stretch marks
- Can improve self esteem and confidence
Although a male tummy tuck generally gives excellent results in the tightening of the abdomen, you should be realistic in your expectations and stick to a balanced diet along with regular exercise to keep in shape.
