A male tummy tuck is performed as a cosmetic procedure that tightens the core abdominal muscles, and evens out any sagging skin on the abdomen, hips, and buttocks. You may choose to have liposuction in addition to your tummy tuck procedure if you need to remove excess fat deposits in these areas.
In this guide, we find out Is A Male Tummy Tuck Worth It, male tummy tuck vs liposuction, male tummy tuck after weight loss, and Who should not get a tummy tuck?
Is A Male Tummy Tuck Worth It
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that’s most often performed on women who want to get rid of excess skin and fat in the abdominal area after pregnancy. But, increasingly, men are getting tummy tucks. In fact, in 2018 alone the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recorded more than 2,000 male tummy tucks. So what is a male tummy tuck? Why would men opt for this surgical procedure? And is it worth their time and money?
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your abdomen. It can be done to improve the appearance of your belly, or to make it easier to live with chronic pain or other medical issues. Tummy tucks are typically recommended for people who have substantial amounts of loose skin after losing weight or having children.
They are also used to remove scarring caused by previous abdominal surgery, such as cesarean section deliveries (C-sections), hernia repairs and hysterectomies.
Tummy tucks can be performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting or in an operating room with controlled lighting and ventilation equipment to ensure your safety during surgery.
Why do men get a tummy tuck?
As with many cosmetic procedures, men get tummy tucks for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Improving the appearance of their abdomen
- Improving their self-confidence
- Eliminating pain and discomfort
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
There are a few risks associated with this procedure, but luckily, they’re mostly minor. The most common complication is an infection at the incision site that can be treated with antibiotics. Bleeding and scarring are also possible side effects, though most patients don’t experience either of these issues.
If you do decide to get a tummy tuck, keep in mind that there’s no guarantee it’ll work for you—even if your surgeon thinks it will! There are a lot of factors that go into why some people see results and others don’t: age, diet habits (such as how much alcohol or caffeine), genetics (if someone has poor elasticity in their skin), lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking heavily…the list goes on! A tummy tuck won’t solve all your problems—it’s important to remember that cosmetic surgery is just one option for improving your appearance—but it might help make things easier when it comes down to making decisions about what changes will have the biggest impact on how comfortable you feel in your own skin.
Is it worth getting a tummy tuck?
You may be wondering if a tummy tuck is worth it. The answer is yes! If you are unhappy with the way your tummy looks, or if you have loose skin after losing weight, or if you have stretch marks or a hernia, or even if there’s just an unsightly scar on your tummy, then getting a male Tummy Tuck can help in many ways.
The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and makes it look flat again. It also removes any bulging parts of your muscles that might have formed over time because of pregnancy or weight loss. It also helps repair damaged tissue caused by smoking as well as tighten up loose skin around the belly button area (called panniculus).
If you’re in good health and have realistic expectations, a tummy tuck can help you feel more confident about your body. It’s important to consider all of the risks associated with this procedure before deciding to get one. Wrinkles and stretch marks are more common after a tummy tuck, so you should only undergo this procedure if it’s something that will make you happy.
If you’re still unsure whether or not a male Tummy Tuck is right for you, contact Dr. Cornell today at (703) 955-2211 or visit [his website](http://www.richardcornellmdplasticsurgery.com/services/male-abdominal-plastic-surgery/) to learn more about his practice and procedures!
male tummy tuck vs liposuction
Quick Answer: Tummy tuck surgery (adominoplasty) is best at addressing excess skin and loose muscles. Liposuction targets isolated fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck procedures are more invasive, requiring general anesthesia and an extensive recovery period. In contracts, liposuction can be done under twilight anesthesia and features relatively little downtime. Continue reading to learn the differences between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.
Many of our patients that are interested in a flatter stomach ask what the difference is between a tummy tuck and liposuction. After all both procedures can drastically help clients improve the abdominal area by creating a tone and tight midsection. However, liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are actually very different in terms of the results they provide.
Liposuction
Liposuction is ideal for removing localized fatty tissue that is centralized to specific areas (think “buldges”). The tumescent liposuction is specifically effective for safely removing excess stubborn fat. Liposuction is also far less invasive than a tummy tuck, which involves a scarring, general anesthesia, and long recovery times.
Additionally liposuction can be used on many other places of the body than the stomach, including the sides (love handles), arms, chin, legs, and butt.
Liposuction is perfect for people who generally have good skin and muscle tone. These are individuals who do not have issues like excess skin in the midsection or loose abdominal muscles. Often liposuction improves the shape of the patient’s stomach to a point where they look better in and out of clothes; solving the main concern of the patient.
However liposuction will not eliminate extra skin, stretch marks, and issues stemming from loose abdominal muscles. Often these issues can be associated with massive weight loss or pregnancy.
Before and After Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a great procedure for removing excess abdominal skin while tightening the abdominal muscles.
The tummy tuck procedure starts with an incision across the lower abdomen allowing a surgeon to remove excess skin and tighten slack muscles. Any remaining skin is then re-draped over the abdominal area leaving a flat and tight stomach.
In short, a tummy tuck is the best solution if the main issue experienced by the patient is loose skin or stretched muscle tissue (not fat).
Before and After Tummy Tuck
The Key Indicator: Isolated Fat or Excess Skin and/or lax muscles?
Liposuction is commonly the best treatment for those with good skin tone and a relatively flat abdominal wall. Patients who do not have excess skin or lax muscles and just require the removal of isolated pockets of excess fat are ideal candidates for liposuction. Liposuction removes excess fat between the skin and abdominal wall through tiny incisions. A skilled surgeon won’t simply remove fat, but will sculpt an aesthetically pleasing contour.
The best candidates for liposuction generally fit the following profile:
Patients with excess skin or abdominal muscles which have become loose or stretched may need a tummy tuck procedure. In this case, a liposuction procedure could actually result in even more loose, sagging skin.
Otherwise known as abdominoplasty, tummy tucks can be performed instead of or in addition to liposuction. A tummy tuck involves surgical excision (removal) of fat or excess skin as well as the tightening of underlying muscle tissue. Tummy tuck results are often dramatic, transforming the entire abdominal area into a tighter and tone silhouette.
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty generally fit the following profile:
Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?
Ultimately, the choice between a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure depends on the needs and desired final result of the patient. Liposuction does not address sagging skin, lax muscles, cellulite or stretch marks. The procedure is solely intended to remove isolated areas of unwanted fat and contour the treatment area. Tummy tuck surgery has the ability to tighten lax abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin in order to completely transform the appearance of the stomach.
Both procedures can provide permanent results as long as they are properly maintained by the patient post-surgery.
While both liposuction and tummy tuck techniques can vary, tummy tuck is often considered to be a more invasive procedure than liposuction. Lipo can be performed without the use of general anesthesia. The procedure requires several small incisions, which allow a small tube called a cannula to be inserted in order to suck out unwanted fat and contour the body.
A tummy tuck is a more invasive surgery which requires a larger incision. Tummy tuck incisions run horizontally between the hips and sometimes around the belly button. These larger incisions allow surgeons to surgically excise (remove) excess skin and tissue is removed, as well as manually tighten loose or lax muscle. Often the belly button is repositioned before the incisions are closed with sutures.
Recovery from liposuction is typically quicker than tummy tuck recovery. Most patients can resume light activity within 2-3 days of their surgery. Moderate to strenuous activity can resume after 2-3 weeks.
Tummy tuck recovery, on the other hand, often requires 2-3 weeks of rest before returning to work or light movement. A return to moderate or strenuous activity can take up to 3 months, at which point muscles and incisions have both fully healed.
While pain tolerance can differ from individual to individual, patients often say the process of recovering from tummy tuck surgery is more painful than liposuction. While liposuction requires small incisions in the skin only, many tummy tuck techniques involve incisions that penetrate the muscle. Additionally, the tightening of abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck procedure can cause pain and discomfort for several days after the procedure. However, any pain or discomfort from either procedure can be effectively managed via prescription pain medication.
Like any surgical procedure, both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can result in scarring. However, the risk of developing a visible scar after liposuction is lower compared to a tummy tuck procedure. Most liposuction techniques involve incision sites are small and typically hidden where they will be covered by undergarments or bikini bottoms.
Experienced surgeons will also place tummy tuck incisions in areas where they can be hidden by clothing, but the larger incisions inherent to a tummy tuck procedure results in a greater risk of scarring. A traditional tummy tuck procedure, for example, can create scars extending from the right to left hip and around the belly button.
It’s important for patients to know that scars stemming from either procedure can be minimized with proper aftercare. Additionally, there are several effective scar removal treatments to minimize the appearance of scarring. These include steroid therapy, laser skin resurfacing, intense pulsed light therapy, and microneedling.
The cost of liposuction typically depends upon the size of the area(s) to be treated. A minor procedure could cost as low as $2,000, while treating several areas at once may cost up to $8,000. Liposuction in the abdominal area may include the lower belly below the navel, the waist and low back.
Tummy tuck surgery is not only more complex than liposuction, but requires general anesthesia, which adds to the expense. Depending on the type of abdominoplasty technique used, the cost of tummy tuck surgery can range anywhere from $6,000 – $10,000.
The final cost of any plastic surgery procedure is determined by several variables including the unique need of each patient and the surgical technique used. The only way to know exactly how much your procedure will cost is to get an in-person consultation, where a surgeon can assess your needs and create a treatment plan to provider your desired end result.
Patients with excess fat and sagging skin who are seeking dramatic results may actually benefit most from a combination of both tummy tuck and liposuction. Both procedures can also be done in conjunction with other popular plastic surgery treatments like breast lift or breast augmentation in what is often referred to as a “mommy makeover.” There are several advantages of doing multiple surgical procedures simultaneously including reductions in procedure cost and recovery time.
Which Procedure is better for you?
While both liposuction and tummy tuck are excellent body contouring procedures it’s extremely important to determine what specific issues must be corrected to determine the best course of treatment. If the problem is excess skin or loose abdominal muscles from excessive weight loss a tummy tuck may be your best option. For individuals who just need to improve isolated areas liposuction is usually the best course of treatment.
male tummy tuck after weight loss
Extreme body changes such as aging and dramatic weight loss can cause loose skin and a change in fatty tissue around the body, causing excess skin and loose tissue to appear. Many patients, especially after weight loss surgery and dramatic weight loss, have large amounts of sagging skin left on the body.
Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly more common for men. Tummy tuck surgery has become more common among men who would like a tighter midsection. A tummy tuck will tighten loose abdominal muscles, as well as remove loose skin around the midsection.
Weight loss surgery has become more common among men as well. When a dramatic amount of weight is lost, the whole body can be left with excess and sagging skin. A tummy tuck for men removes loose skin around the abdomen only, but a body lift is a procedure that removes loose skin all over the body.
Body lift surgery is a tool to improve the tone and shape of various parts of the body. It removes excess skin and some fat, and can be performed on both men and women. This is most commonly performed on the stomach, back, buttocks, or thighs.
Dr. Hardaway’s Staff Will Discuss Cost
The cost of the procedure depends on the wants and needs of each specific patient. A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction. Dr. Hardaway’s staff will discuss pricing with you during your consultation. Occasionally, insurance will cover removal of excess skin on the abdomen after massive weight loss.
Healthy Lifestyles Can Make Your Tummy Tuck Last Indefinitely
The results of the surgery can be seen almost immediately after the procedure is completed, though the final results will be seen when fully healed. The results from a tummy tuck surgery are permanent. However, factors such as aging and weight gain can affect the longevity of the results. Following the doctor’s instructions after surgery, as well as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, will help prolong the results of the surgery. If you are in the process of losing a large amount of weight, it is better to wait until you are at or near the end of your weight loss goals for best results.
What’s The Procedure Like?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient is not awake for the procedure. The patient may need either a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck. When performing a mini tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made between the pubic bone and belly button. The skin is lifted, and any weak abdominal muscles are tightened or repaired. The excess skin is then removed and the loose skin is tightened before the incision is sutured closed.
A full tummy tuck is more extensive than a mini tummy tuck. In addition to an incision along the pubic bone, another incision is made around the navel. The muscles on the upper and lower abdomen are tightened. Then the skin on the lower abdomen is lifted above the belly button, and the skin on the upper abdomen is pulled down to tighten the skin. The excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin sutured together. Dressings or bandages are applied to the surgical site, as well as a compression garment to minimize swelling. Drains may be inserted to help drain fluid from the surgical area.
Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck surgery. Some men may need liposuction to get rid of love handles. Those who would like to have more of an appearance of six-pack abs or V-lines on the lower abdomen can opt to have the skin etched as well, to increase definition.
What Are The Risks?
As with any surgery, there are some risks. The most common risks are scarring, bruising, and swelling after the surgery. Changes in skin sensation or numbness after surgery are risks as well. To reduce these risks, follow the doctor’s instructions closely after surgery. This procedure should only be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon for the best and safest results.
How long is recovery from a tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck can either be an outpatient procedure, which means the patient will be sent home after surgery, or a 23 hour hospital admission. This depends on the needs of the patient. If the procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, the patient should have someone willing to drive them home from the procedure and help take care of them for the first few days of recovery. An antibiotic and anticoagulant may be prescribed after surgery. The healing process varies from patient to patient, and depends on the expanse of the surgery. You can shower when cleared by the doctor, usually about 48 hours after the drains are removed. You will need to sleep on an incline the first few days after surgery. You will not be able to drive a few weeks after surgery. Do not exercise until cleared by the doctor, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You will be asked to come to follow-up appointments, to make sure you are healing properly from the surgery.
Who should not get a tummy tuck
Tummy tucks are a highly popular plastic surgery in the U.S., with over 130,000 procedures performed in the states annually.
However, as the procedure increases in popularity, there are also more people uncertain of what a tummy tuck achieves precisely, and what it should entail.
In short, a tummy tuck is a procedure administered for either aesthetic reasons, medical issues, or a combination of both. If performed for medical reasons, most patients will require muscle repair. In many cases, muscle repair will enhance the aesthetic results, as well. Some patients will not require any muscle repair during their tummy tuck.
Here, Dr. Farber of Farber Plastic Surgery discusses the different approaches to tummy tucks and whether or not muscle repair will be necessary, according to the requirements of different patients. To learn more about what doctor Farber’s team can do for you, schedule a consultation today.
What is the Goal of a Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck procedure has two main goals:
Improve Aesthetic Appearance
Many patients wish to get a tummy tuck because they have unsightly, excess skin surrounding the abdominal region. This is often a result of significant weight loss, leaving stretched skin around the midsection.
A combination of skin removal and liposuction during a tummy tuck assists these patients in achieving a flatter, smoother, more defined, and visually pleasing abdominal region.
Restore the Structure and Musculature of the Abdominal Wall – Diastasis
For some patients, particularly those who have recently been pregnant, a medical condition called diastasis is the primary factor compelling them towards a tummy tuck.
Diastasis is the horizontal separation of the abdominal muscles. The rectus muscles, or the ‘6 pack muscles’, commonly become separated down the middle during pregnancy, and medical intervention through a tummy tuck is often required to reconnect them and restore proper structure to the abdominal wall.
How Does Muscle Repair Impact a Tummy Tuck?
The main difference between a muscle-repairing tummy tuck and a non-muscle repairing tummy tuck comes in the cost and the recovery time.
Patients who undergo a tummy tuck for purely aesthetic reasons have far less downtime because it is the skin that needs to repair and set itself, not the muscles.
Aesthetic tummy tuck patients that did not receive muscle repair can generally return to their full routines within two weeks.
Conversely, muscle-repair tummy tucks involve the surgeon suturing the fascia, or connective tissue, of the rectus muscles together and pulling them in close to one another. This is a significant change in the muscle structure of the abdominal area. The body requires six to eight weeks to adapt, heal, and set the changes in a permanent, stable fixture.
Will I Require Muscle Repair with my Tummy Tuck?
As we have discussed, whether or not patients require muscle repair from their tummy tuck depends entirely on the reasons behind the tummy tuck procedure.
If the musculature of your abdominal wall has been compromised, such as through diastasis, or by having a weak abdominal wall leading to other medical conditions such as a hernia, then you will need muscle repair.
New mothers may also benefit significantly from a complete abdominal restoration procedure, such as a mommy makeover, which drastically improves both the aesthetics and functional structure of the entire abdominal region.
If, however, you are a patient who has recently lost significant amounts of weight and have excess skin, then it is likely that you will not require muscle repair from your tummy tuck. You will need your surgeon to excise the excess skin, remove some fat tissue with liposuction, and then close the incision and wait for your body to heal over the next two weeks.
As such, muscle repair IS NOT always necessary with a tummy tuck.
In fact, many patients contemplating a tummy tuck will benefit greatly from not having muscle repair, as they will pay less for the procedure and have significantly less downtime as they recover from the surgery.
Nonetheless, an essential step in determining whether or not you require muscle repair from your tummy tuck is consulting a certified, experienced, and credible plastic surgeon.
Dr. Scott Farber of Farber Plastic Surgery consistently provides his patients with the highest levels of customer care and patient satisfaction. To book your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Farber to determine whether or not you will require muscle repair from your tummy tuck, call (561) 503-2700 or fill out his online form.