Men’s Abdominoplasty

WHAT ABDOMINOPLASTY IS — AND WHAT IT ISN’T

Abdominoplasty, simply put, is a surgical technique used to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Like many men, you may be experiencing excessive skin from recent weight loss or stubborn fat that no amount of diet and exercise can combat. Abdominoplasty can dramatically improve your physique in ways counting calories and spending hours at the gym cannot. Redundant skin and fatty tissue can be removed from your abdomen and your stomach muscles can be tightened to restore an aesthetically pleasing midsection. With a tummy tuck, men can enjoy improvements in skin laxity, core strength and abdominal profile. This operation is done with respect for typical male concerns and the ideal masculine body shape.

Because abdominoplasty removes fat and frequently includes liposuction, it is often thought to be a type of weight-loss surgery. This is a misconception. Unlike bariatric procedures, which do induce weight loss, the typical tummy tuck is performed on someone who is generally fit and near their goal weight, but experiencing frustrating excess skin and abdominal protrusion that cannot be addressed with a healthy lifestyle. Abdominoplasty fine-tunes the midsection by sculpting a flatter, firmer abdomen, helping you look and feel more lean and fit. You will not necessarily experience noticeable weight loss post-surgery. Learn more about common tummy tuck myths here.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

One of the most important things you can do prior to any surgery is something you are most likely already practicing: a healthy lifestyle. By eating well, getting proper sleep and exercising regularly, you will prepare your body for a comfortable, efficient recovery. In the case of abdominoplasty, these healthy practices are essential to smooth and successful patient outcomes.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SURGERY

During your abdominoplasty procedure, Dr. Terrasse will make an incision across your lower abdomen in an area where it can be easily concealed. He will lift the skin to remove fat and, if desired, tighten your core muscles. He may use liposuction to complete the contouring process. Once he has sculpted the underlying structures of your midsection, Dr. Terrasse will pull the skin from your upper abdomen down while trimming away any redundant tissue.

During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Terrasse will complete the procedure by creating a new opening for your belly button in a more flattering location. Lastly, he will close the incisions, leaving you with a flatter, more slender abdominal contour. While abdominoplasty is one of the most widely performed elective surgeries in the world, it is of the utmost importance to select a board-certified, highly experienced and respected surgeon like Dr. Anthony Terrasse who understands the nuances of plastic surgery for men.

 

ABDOMINOPLASTY RECOVERY EXPECTATIONS

Abdominoplasty is commonly done under general anesthesia and may require an overnight hospital stay. Preparing for several days of rest will help prevent postoperative complications, so be sure to secure a friend or family member who can help you with meals, household responsibilities and medication management. The more you are able to rest, the sooner you’ll be in a position to show off your improved physique.

After your surgery, you can expect to be sore and swollen for a few days. Dr. Terrasse may recommend a surgical compression garment to wear that will help reduce swelling and promote healing. Dr. Terrasse will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions regarding managing discomfort and creating positive recovery progress. Plan to take about two weeks off work and most activities. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks after your abdominoplasty.

It is also important to understand that dramatic visual improvements may not appear until the completion of your recovery. Swelling and bruising may initially obscure your results, and your incision line will be the last part of your midsection to heal. With patience and a commitment to your health, we are confident that at the conclusion of recovery you will be more than pleased with your results.

AFTER YOUR ABDOMINOPLASTY

The results of your abdominoplasty will be something you’ll enjoy as long as you continue to maintain a healthy weight and engage in a regular fitness routine. This rewarding procedure can help you look leaner, fitter and healthier, and many men report feeling a renewed motivation to stay in shape. Our team will work with you pre- and post-surgery to guide you toward sustaining positive lifestyle habits in order to make the most of your abdominoplasty procedure.

In addition to the physical benefits of a smoother, more contoured abdominal area, it is impossible to ignore the mental health benefits of abdominoplasty. The positive attitude that comes from feeling good about your appearance — especially if you have devoted extensive time to diet and exercise without the desired results — can be life-changing.

IS ABDOMINOPLASTY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Aging, weight gain and other factors can get in the way of the toned look you want. Dr. Terrasse may recommend a male abdominoplasty if:

• You have loose skin in your midsection due to aging or weight fluctuations
• You have residual fat that resists repeated diet and exercise efforts
• You avoid certain activities or clothing due to self-consciousness about your body

Men who do not smoke and are in good overall health are perfect candidates for abdominoplasty. If you are currently in the process of losing a significant amount of weight, abdominoplasty should be the conclusion of that process, rather than the beginning. It is best to get to a healthy, stable weight before undergoing this procedure since weight changes can spoil your improved contours after abdominoplasty.