Extreme body changes such as aging and dramatic weight loss can cause loose skin and a change in fatty tissue around the body, causing excess skin and loose tissue to appear. Many patients, especially after weight loss surgery and dramatic weight loss, have large amounts of sagging skin left on the body.
Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly more common for men. Tummy tuck surgery has become more common among men who would like a tighter midsection. A tummy tuck will tighten loose abdominal muscles, as well as remove loose skin around the midsection.
Weight loss surgery has become more common among men as well. When a dramatic amount of weight is lost, the whole body can be left with excess and sagging skin. A tummy tuck for men removes loose skin around the abdomen only, but a body lift is a procedure that removes loose skin all over the body.
Body lift surgery is a tool to improve the tone and shape of various parts of the body. It removes excess skin and some fat, and can be performed on both men and women. This is most commonly performed on the stomach, back, buttocks, or thighs.
Dr. Hardaway’s Staff Will Discuss Cost
The cost of the procedure depends on the wants and needs of each specific patient. A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction. Dr. Hardaway’s staff will discuss pricing with you during your consultation. Occasionally, insurance will cover removal of excess skin on the abdomen after massive weight loss.
Healthy Lifestyles Can Make Your Tummy Tuck Last Indefinitely
The results of the surgery can be seen almost immediately after the procedure is completed, though the final results will be seen when fully healed. The results from a tummy tuck surgery are permanent. However, factors such as aging and weight gain can affect the longevity of the results. Following the doctor’s instructions after surgery, as well as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, will help prolong the results of the surgery. If you are in the process of losing a large amount of weight, it is better to wait until you are at or near the end of your weight loss goals for best results.
What’s The Procedure Like?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient is not awake for the procedure. The patient may need either a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck. When performing a mini tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is made between the pubic bone and belly button. The skin is lifted, and any weak abdominal muscles are tightened or repaired. The excess skin is then removed and the loose skin is tightened before the incision is sutured closed.
A full tummy tuck is more extensive than a mini tummy tuck. In addition to an incision along the pubic bone, another incision is made around the navel. The muscles on the upper and lower abdomen are tightened. Then the skin on the lower abdomen is lifted above the belly button, and the skin on the upper abdomen is pulled down to tighten the skin. The excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin sutured together. Dressings or bandages are applied to the surgical site, as well as a compression garment to minimize swelling. Drains may be inserted to help drain fluid from the surgical area.
Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck surgery. Some men may need liposuction to get rid of love handles. Those who would like to have more of an appearance of six-pack abs or V-lines on the lower abdomen can opt to have the skin etched as well, to increase definition.
What Are The Risks?
As with any surgery, there are some risks. The most common risks are scarring, bruising, and swelling after the surgery. Changes in skin sensation or numbness after surgery are risks as well. To reduce these risks, follow the doctor’s instructions closely after surgery. This procedure should only be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon for the best and safest results.
How long is recovery from a tummy tuck procedure?
A tummy tuck can either be an outpatient procedure, which means the patient will be sent home after surgery, or a 23 hour hospital admission. This depends on the needs of the patient. If the procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, the patient should have someone willing to drive them home from the procedure and help take care of them for the first few days of recovery. An antibiotic and anticoagulant may be prescribed after surgery. The healing process varies from patient to patient, and depends on the expanse of the surgery. You can shower when cleared by the doctor, usually about 48 hours after the drains are removed. You will need to sleep on an incline the first few days after surgery. You will not be able to drive a few weeks after surgery. Do not exercise until cleared by the doctor, usually about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. You will be asked to come to follow-up appointments, to make sure you are healing properly from the surgery.
Are You A Good Candidate?
Someone is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if:
- Are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle
- Do not smoke or drink excessively
- Have no medical conditions that will increase the risk of surgery, or will slow the healing process
- Have significant amounts of loose soft tissue or excess skin
- Have realistic goals for surgery. Dr. Hardaway will work with patients to determine what will be best to meet their needs.
- Have a stable weight, or are almost finished with your weight loss goals.
- They have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Dr. Hardaway will work with patients to determine which path will be best to meet their needs.