Learn More About Abdominoplasty for Men
An abdominoplasty often called a “tummy tuck,” is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. Sometimes, excess skin and muscle separation (diastasis recti) cannot be corrected with exercise alone. Many take the step to undergo a tummy tuck by Dr. Zaluzec to recreate a toned, lean midsection.
- A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue. It will also tighten the underlying muscles, and restore a taut, sculpted abdomen.
- Men turn to tummy tucks to help create a toned midsection after weight loss.
- A tummy tuck can resolve stretch marks, excess skin, tissue, and fat, and weakened abdominal muscles.
- Types of tummy tucks include: mini, standard and extended.
- The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition with areas of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. This procedure can also benefit older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
- During your consultation, Dr. Zaluzec will discuss your medical history, including any previous surgeries and medications, as well as your expectations and what you hope to achieve to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. Abdominoplasties are not a one-size-fits-all procedure, Dr. Zaluzec will customize a plan for your unique goals.
- During your tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Zaluzec and her expert team will administer general anesthesia to ensure your utmost comfort. Surgery may take from two to five hours. Most surgeries can be done as an outpatient and you will be able to recover in the comfort of your home. You will have a customized nerve block (to numb the abdominal wall) to keep you comfortable during the initial periods of your recovery. In some cases, you may be required to stay overnight after the surgery.
- Dr. Zaluzec will expertly place incisions (often low on the abdomen and around the belly button) to remove excess skin and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Fatty deposits may be removed with liposuction. Dr. Zaluzec will suture the incisions and apply a specialized dressing to help your incisions heal. Most tummy tucks are now “drainless tummy tucks”. You will be fitted with an elastic bandage or compression garment to help you heal.
- You should take steps to prepare for your recovery these include:
- Preparing your home with ice packs
- Having loose comfortable clothing
- A handheld shower head and bathroom/shower chair can make bathing safer and more comfortable
- Dr. Zaluzec will provide detailed aftercare instructions for bandage replacement and tips to help you heal quickly. She may use a specialized dressing, called an incisional wound vac, to help your incisions heal more rapidly and aesthetically.
- You will need to plan on taking a couple of weeks off from work or other activities. You must avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for at least six weeks. Most importantly, you should be up and walking the night of surgery to help keep your blood flowing.