An increasing number of men are choosing to get a tummy tuck. An abdominoplasty is not a procedure to lose weight; instead, patients should be close to their ideal weight. A tummy tuck for men may be suitable for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and be struggling to achieve a flat stomach through diet and exercise alone.
What is a Tummy Tuck for Men?
Often, with a tummy tuck for women, there’s a focus on both removing abdominal skin and creating contours or curves of the body. With a tummy tuck for men, the focus is on creating a firmer and flatter stomach rather than the curves okf the body. The surgery itself is the same and involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.
In male abdominoplasty patients, the incision is typically placed below the waistline. If you have love handles as well, some patients consider abdominal etching at the same time to create that 6-pack look.
Abdominal etching uses liposuction to remove fat so that your naturals abs can shine through. It’s for those who want to achieve a washboard stomach and a more defined six-pack. It’s a complementary procedure to a tummy tuck as it helps to create a more chiselled finish.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
For men, they may consider a tummy tuck after losing a significant amount of weight. After losing weight, you tend to have a lot of excess skin that is hard to get rid of. But it’s important to understand that a patient with a ‘beer belly’ who wants a flat stomach is not the ideal candidate. Instead, patients should be close to their ideal weight. Patients who have lost a lot of weight have excess skin and need to tighten muscles. This makes them more likely to be successful tummy tuck candidates.
Most tummy tuck patients are in good physical health, but they have stubborn abdominal fat and loose skin around the stomach. You should be in good health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations of the result. Your plastic surgeon will determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Whether you’re considering liposuction or male breast reduction surgery, not smoking is important for both recovery and reducing the risk of post-operative complications. Smoking also increases the risk of anaesthesia complications. Quitting smoking for good or at least for a certain period of time is a requirement for all cosmetic procedures.
Tummy Tuck for Men vs Liposuction
When it comes to procedures for the stomach, you tend to have two options: a tummy tuck or liposuction. If you’re looking to reshape the body without the longer recovery of a tummy tuck, then liposuction could be a good option. It’s less invasive and still a highly effective way to flatten the stomach.
If you have a lot of excess skin, a tummy tuck would be a more suitable choice. Liposuction doesn’t deal with excess skin. This is where the main difference is between the two procedures. A tummy tuck can include liposuction, but male liposuction is also a standalone procedure.
Traditional Liposuction vs Vaser Liposuction
With liposuction, you also have a few different options. Vaser liposuction is a less invasive type of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to target stubborn fat cells. A good candidate for Vaser lipo has stubborn fat pockets but is looking for a less invasive procedure with minimal downtime. If you’re looking for a more sculpted result rather than targeting a lot of excess skin and stubborn fat, then Vaser lipo may be a suitable option.
On the other hand, traditional liposuction uses a back and forth motion using a cannula tube to break up the fat. It then uses suction to remove the fat. Traditional liposuction is considered a more invasive type of liposuction. The best type of liposuction for you depends on your skin, health, and the amount of fat you wish to target.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
Often, patients who undergo a male tummy tuck have lost weight. That means they have an exercise regime and diet they follow. It can be tough for previously fit patients to take the time to allow the body to rest. Sometimes, patients try to do too much too soon. The tummy tuck recovery process is a vital part of your tummy tuck results.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Week by Week
Typically, recovery takes about 6 weeks, and you can expect to wear a compression garment for at least 4-6 weeks. Here’s what you can expect from your tummy tuck recovery week by week:
- Week 1 – in the first few days following your tummy tuck, you will be resting and recovering from the surgery. In most cases, you can have a shower after 48 hours. Limit your activties, but get walking gently after your surgery.
- Week 2 – continue to take it easy and rest. Some patients feel ready to return to work after 2 weeks but listen to your body.
- Week 3 – 4 – most discomfort should have subsided, and you will be feeling more like your normal self. You should be able to drive after 3 weeks. You may still have some swelling.
- Week 6 – you should be able to resume exercise and enjoy your results. The incision should be nicely healed, but the tummy tuck scar may still be red and raised at this point.
This is a general guideline for tummy tuck recovery. Ultimately, your doctor will tell you when to resume activities and check your healing throughout your recovery. As everyone heals at a different pace, you could be ahead or behind on your recovery.
Tummy Tuck for Men Before and After
Abdominoplasty at the Harley Clinic
If you have any questions, book a consultation today at The Harley Clinic to discuss if you are a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
