A tummy tuck is a very popular procedure for many women after pregnancy. This procedure, however, is not limited in popularity to only women. A growing number of men are choosing to have a tummy tuck, and plastic surgery procedures overall are becoming more common in the male demographic. With the number of weight loss surgeries on the rise, more men than ever before are choosing a tummy tuck to tighten and tone their midsection.
An ideal male candidate for a tummy tuck is someone in good medical health who has realistic expectations of what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. Further, the individual will be at his ideal body weight. Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck. For example, a tummy tuck will not improve the appearance of the mid-section of men with large amounts of intra-abdominal fat located around their organs. These individuals may benefit from diet and exercise and may even consider weight loss surgery.
There are several techniques to perform tummy tuck surgery. The particular technique best for you will be based upon your anatomy and aesthetic goals. With most tummy tuck procedures, the abdominal muscles will be tightened and the excess skin removed. The incision is in the lower part of the abdomen, typically below the belt line. Some men may require additional liposuction to the waist to improve the love handles. Other men may opt to have etching of the skin to give the appearance of a "six-pack" or V-lines.
If you are thinking about a tummy tuck to improve the appearance of your abdomen, the first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who also has experience with male abdominal cosmetic procedures. Be sure to do your homework and research the credentials of both the surgeon and the facility where the surgery will be performed. While this does not guarantee results, it is the best way to make sure that you will be happy with the outcome.
This blog was contributed to ASPS by Dr. Josef Hadeed.