Beach bodies are not exclusively popular in the summertime – most men want to look and feel their best year-round. Unfortunately, over time our bodies begin to change and age. Our abdominal muscles lose tone and the skin around our stomach can start to sag, especially after significant weight loss. These factors can make the abdominal area hard to sculpt through diet and exercise alone. Many men resort to a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which is a popular procedure that allows individuals to achieve the physique they desire.
If you hope to tighten your abdominal area, you should consider a male tummy tuck. While it may seem intimidating to undergo a body contouring surgery to correct abdominal sagging, this operation could result in years of improved health and happiness. Dr. Steele will work hard to ensure that the operation leaves you satisfied with your physical appearance.
The male anatomy is different from the female anatomy, and there are physiological differences in skin due to hormonal influences. Therefore, men and women require different procedures to accommodate these differences. The technique chosen will be based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more toned look. Often, men will choose to remove abdominal fat in a pattern that enhances a six-pack, which is different from women who prefer a flat stomach. Dr. Steele makes a straight incision for a male tummy tuck rather than the curved cut along the bikini line for a woman.
Men with loose skin but good muscle tone may choose a skin-only abdominoplasty, which only removes excess skin. Meanwhile, other men may choose to have liposuction that removes fat around their waist and love handles, just above the hip. This offers a more dramatic enhancement. Dr. Steele can do both types of tummy tucks.
It is important to note that this surgery is not a weight loss surgery. You should have achieved your desired weight before considering a tummy tuck since weight loss or weight gain after the surgery can change the results. A tummy tuck is generally considered when exercise and diet have not eliminated excess skin and fat or tightened muscle. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
The incision line is made horizontally above the pubic hairline. The length and shape of the incision depend on the extent of excess skin. Dr. Steele will often combine liposuction of the waist/love handles to optimize contour. In addition to skin and fat removal, some patients will require repair of widened abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) to achieve a flat abdomen.
Men who are good candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are in good health with excess fat or skin in the abdominal area. Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes should be well controlled, as these can increase the risk of infection or healing issues. You should be close to your goal weight prior to surgery and maintain this weight after surgery as recurrent weight gain will negatively affect your results. You will talk with Dr. Steele about what can reasonably be expected from the surgery.
Finally, the ideal candidate does not smoke. Or you are willing to quit smoking and using all nicotine for six weeks before and after surgery. This includes all nicotine delivery devices, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum. Nicotine increases the risk of complications during the procedure, reduces blood supply to the area after surgery, and increases the risk of infection and tissue death.
Your tummy tuck will require general anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need someone to drive you home, and you will need a trusted friend or family member to stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours. After surgery, you will receive detailed instructions on how to care for yourself and your incision.
During surgery, Dr. Steele will insert small drains to remove excess fluid that builds up underneath the incision line. This helps reduce the risk of infection and fluid collection (seroma). Dr. Steele will review how to take care of those drains before you are discharged and then take the drains out during your follow-up appointments. When you go home, you are encouraged to rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first several weeks. Dr. Steele will let you know how much you should be walking to keep the blood flowing and improve healing.
If you find yourself with a small accumulation of excess fat or loose skin in your abdominal region, you should consider a male tummy tuck. This beneficial procedure will tighten up your abdominal area and help you get ready for your summer beach trip. Dr. Steele will evaluate your needs and help you reach your body definition goals. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
