A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is primarily a removal of excessive fat and skin from the mid and lower areas of a man’s stomach. As part of the procedure some patients choose to have their stomach muscles tightened in order to further improve their stomach contours for the longer term.
Men who choose to undergo the procedure have usually undergone serious weight loss and want an improved body contour.
An abdominoplasty is not a weight reduction procedure; liposuction can be used during an abdominoplasty, if both the patient and the surgeon agree that it is required. This is an additional element and should is not part of a standard abdominoplasty procedure.
During the consultation the medical practitioner will usually establish the patient’s suitability for the procedure. They will asses the patient’s past medical history, the elasticity of the patient’s skin, the amount of fat to be removed and then discuss what results the patient can realistically expect from the procedure.
The consultation itself should be with a medical professional, either a surgeon or a nurse. They will explain the nature of the procedure to you and exactly what it will involve. It is important that you make an informed decision and that you allow yourself enough time after the consultation to make a considered choice. Ensure that all surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.
An abdominoplasty is always performed under a general anthaesethic. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the lower stomach, this below what is sometimes referred to as the “panty line�� after which they lift the skin of the abdomen and the fatty tissue off the stomach muscles these are lifted away from the stomach up until the start of the patient’s ribcage. The navel is detached from the abdominal skin and fat. The surgeon then tightens the muscles of the abdomen. The skin and fat that were lifted away previously is then stretched back over the lower stomach area and trimmed to fit the new contours of the patient. The incision is then closed using suture to minimise scarring. The navel is then re-attached and returned to its correct position.
It is vital that all of the surgeon’s instructions are followed by the patient following the procedure. Usually patient will stay one to two days after the operation at the hospital and return to their home to continue to convalesce.
The patient must ensure that the wound and the dressing are both kept dry and clean. The stitches of the wound are usually removed between seven and fourteen days after the operation.
Serious physical exertion should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks following the operation. Patients can usually return to work after period of fourteen days. This should of course be agreed with the surgeon.
Maintaining a healthy diet with a low fat in take combined with light exercise is recommended, again this should be overseen by the surgeon in charge of post-operative care.
Bruising, swelling and general discomfort are to be expected following the procedure, but all will past comparatively quickly. The patient may return to work after seven days, in some case before. Although they must ensure that they continue the pressure bandages for a period of up to six weeks following the operation
A consultation with The Harley Medical Group - Male Tummy Tuck qualified specialist will help to answer any lingering questions or queries and will also provide support once you decide to proceed with treatment. There are a number of financing options available so any patient can get their desired appearance and fulfil their dreams.