If you’re considering cosmetic surgery for a flatter stomach, a tummy tuck for men is a popular procedure for achieving a more toned midriff. A growing number of men are choosing to undergo abdominoplasty to sculpt the stomach and create a flatter, more firm appearance.
What is a Male Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is one of the top leading cosmetic procedures for men in the UK, followed by liposuction and male breast reduction. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. The best candidates for a male tummy tuck are at their ideal weight.
A male tummy tuck targets and tightens the abdominal muscles, removes excess skin and pulls in the stomach area. The result is a flatter, firmer, and more washboard abdomen. Many patients combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to target stubborn fat cells and create a more trimmed result.
Quick Overview: Tummy Tuck for Men
- Surgery Time: 2-3 hours
- Anaesthetic: General
- Hospital Stay: Same-day or 1 night
- Dressing and Garments: Draining tube for 1 week, compression garment for 6 weeks
- Time Off Work: 2 weeks
- Exercise: 6-8 Weeks
- Mobile: 4-5 days
- Washing: 48 hours
- Sleeping Position: On your back with a slight bend and upper body elevated for 6 weeks
- Full Recovery: 8 weeks
Why Have a Male Tummy Tuck?
As men get older, they can also experience up and downs in weight and a decrease in tone. While diet and exercise can usually tackle fat, you can’t reduce excess skin from significant weight loss. Other reasons to have a male tummy tuck include:
- Muscle weakness in the abdomen
- Loss of skin elasticity
Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss Surgery
When you think of a tummy tuck, it’s easy to think of women, but many men can benefit from a male tummy tuck. After significant weight loss, you may be left with excess and loose skin. Even with an intense diet and exercise, it can be challenging to target loose skin and create a firm and toned stomach.
What Happens During a Men’s Tummy Tuck?
During a tummy tuck for men, you will be under general anaesthetic. The surgery will last around 2 hours and may require an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on your case.
Here’s a breakdown of what happens during a typical men’s tummy tuck:
- Your plastic surgeon will make an incision, usually hip to hip.
- They will then separate the skin from the muscle to tighten the abdomen.
- If needed, liposuction will be used to remove excess fat.
- The skin is then stretched, and any excess will be removed.
- The naval is reattached if required, and all incisions are closed.
Men’s Mini Tummy Tuck, Full Abdominoplasty, or Drainless Tummy Tuck
There are different types of tummy tuck procedures that your plastic surgeon may employ to get the best result possible. The main elements that change are the length of the incision, the incision placement, and whether drains are used in the recovery process.
- Mini tummy tuck – suitable for a little excess skin.
- Drainless tummy tuck – a full abdominoplasty that removes the need for drains in the recovery process.
- Full abdominoplasty – suitable for lots of excess skin.
The best type of men’s tummy tuck will depend on your expectations, excess skin, and ideal recovery process. Dr. Riaz Agha explains the difference between a full abdominoplasty and a drainless tummy tuck in the video below.
Plastic Surgery for Men: Six Pack Male Tummy Tuck
If you’re looking to achieve a more chiselled appearance, abdominal etching may be a suitable procedure. Abdominal etching is also known as six-pack surgery or six-pack liposuction. It can be a standalone procedure, or you can combine it with a tummy tuck.
For abdominal etching, your plastic surgeon strategically targets unwanted fat, specifically from the stomach region. The fat around the stomach is notoriously resilient to diet and exercise. Depending on your situation, your surgeon may recommend both procedures simultaneously or separately. You will discuss this in your cosmetic surgery consultation.
Men’s Tummy Tuck Before and After
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck for Men?
There are various benefits of a tummy tuck for men, including:
- Remove excess skin after weight loss
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
- Create a more chiselled appearance
- Can wear more fitted clothes
Male Tummy Tuck Risks, Side Effects, and Complications
Like any surgery, there are risks and potential complications of a male tummy tuck, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma
- Anaesthesia risks
- Skin and or fat/necrosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Poor wound healing
- Poor scarring
- Nerve injury
- Contour irregularity
- Seroma
- Over/under correction
- Asymmetry
- Damage to other structures
- DVT
- PE
- Chest infection
Male Tummy Tuck Results and Recovery
Male tummy tuck recovery time can vary from one individual to another. You will need at least 1-2 weeks off work to rest and recover.
Most bruising should subside after 3 weeks. You can expect to be back to light activities between 10 and 14 days after your procedure. You should be able to resume exercise after 6 weeks. It’s important that you wait to exercise until your doctor gives you the all-clear. Although it can be tempting to resume your exercise regime, you need to be fully healed beforehand.
You will need to wear a compression garment after your surgery to reduce swelling and aid healing. You will be wearing the garment 24 hours a day except for showering for the first few weeks. You will likely have follow-up appointments at 2 weeks and 6 weeks to check your progress and healing.
At the Harley Clinic, you communicate directly with your plastic surgeon. There is no coordinator between you and your doctor.
What to Expect from Your Male Tummy Tuck Scar
As a surgical scar, your male tummy tuck scar will never disappear altogether. But your plastic surgeon will do their utmost to conceal the scar so that it’s not noticeable in clothing. A skilful surgeon creates scars that are neat and, over time, will fade.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck for Men?
A good candidate for a male tummy tuck is:
- A non-smoker
- Has realistic expectations of the surgery
- At or close to their ideal weight
- Physically healthy
- Has loose or excess skin around the abdomen
- Committed to a healthy lifestyle
How to Prepare for a Male Tummy Tuck
If you’re considering a tummy tuck for men, here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Eat well and exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Stock up on medical supplies
- Create your recovery space
- Book time off work
- Arrange travel to and from the hospital
- Adjust medications based on your doctor’s advice
Male Tummy Tuck Before and After
Male Cosmetic Surgery and Abdominoplasty at the Harley Clinic London
How to Find the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon
If you’re considering a male tummy tuck, contact the team at the Harley Clinic. Our Harley Street cosmetic surgery clinic features world-class facilities with patient care at the centre of everything we do.
For more information on the latest plastic surgery tips and news, read our cosmetic surgery blog.