Concerns about the appearance of the abdomen are very common among patients consulting with a plastic surgeon. Just like every patient is different, so too is every abdomen. Different problems require different solutions. Your board-certified plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to identify the problems as well as the appropriate solution.

The abdomen is commonly addressed via liposuction or abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”). Which procedure is best is dependent upon the source of the problem.

Excess fat deposits underneath the skin can be addressed via liposuction. Liposuction will not address any other issues and may worsen the situation if there are other factors at play such as skin excess and muscle laxity (see below).

Common patients concerns are centered around issues of excess skin as well as fat. A third factor, which is often overlooked by most patients, is abdominal wall muscle laxity (typically seen in postpartum mommies). The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall to create a smoother and slimmer contour. The tummy tuck is designed to target areas of the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise, making it particularly popular among people that have a lot of loose or sagging skin around the abdominal area due to significant weight loss, as well as women with excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles following pregnancy and childbirth.

Candidates for tummy tuck should be already at or near their ideal weight for optimal results. It is a unisex procedure and can be performed on both men and women. However, men will differ in the sense that muscle laxity is less common and plication/tightening is not always necessary.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Sure, tummy tucks can certainly be performed on men. As long as you are in good health, your age is not a factor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Yes, a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can be performed on men and women in a similar fashion. It can be combined with liposuction and muscle tightening as well. The latter determination is made based on your rectus muscle appearance and fat distribution.

Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck and any other procedures, such as those aforementioned.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes. Abdominoplasties in men are a bit different than those in women because their pelvic girdle (hip bones) are wider. They may have stretch makes but no previous pregnancies so that the need for extensive muscle tightening is not a great. They look great and require about two weeks off work.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Absolutely, a tummy tuck is not gender specific. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and he can determine if it is right for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Tummy tucks are frequently performed on men, particularly after weight loss and could easily be done on a healthy 55 year old. Obviously, you need to arrange a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to make sure a tummy tuck would accomplish what you are hoping it will.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. Yes, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is possible in male patients. Each case is unique and specific. See a board-certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, tummy tucks are absolutely available for men! I am seeing an increase in the number of tummy tucks among my own male patients. I think that all of my male tummy tuck patients were all over 50 at the time of their surgery--male cosmetic surgery is one of the fastest growing areas of our practice. The results are great in getting rid of excess fat and skin; however, understand that you will have a scar that runs approximately from hipbone to hipbone and sits well below the belly button so that you can wear bathing suits in public. Over time, the scar will fade to a thin white line.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, a tummy tuck is available for men.

Published on Jul 11, 2012