Tummy Tuck for Men: Ultimate Guide

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and in some cases, tightens the abdominal muscles. The surgery is equally effective at restoring both men and women with a flatter stomach. However, due to the differences in anatomy, surgeons will aim to recreate a slightly different aesthetic when performing the surgery on a male patient than on a female patient. In this guide, we’ll explain the male tummy tuck procedure in more detail.

Male vs. Female Tummy Tuck

The placement of the incisions for a male and female tummy tuck surgery is very similar, as they both require incisions in the lower abdomen, just above the groin. However, the incisions are shaped slightly differently in each case. Surgeons may use a flat incision on male patients and a curved incision on female patients to match the male and female aesthetic.

Furthermore, if a patient requires a full tummy tuck to remove excess skin from around the navel and the lower abdomen, our surgeon will need to reposition the navel. The sex of the patient may determine how the surgeon reshapes and repositions the navel, as there is a slight variation in the size and shape of a male and female belly button.

Another difference between a male and female tummy tuck relates to the patient’s desired results. Where women usually prefer a more toned stomach, men may want to reveal their six-pack abs. In cases where stubborn fat pockets have obscured a patient’s abs, our board-certified plastic surgeon can combine tummy tuck surgery with high-definition liposuction to define their abs.

Benefits of a Male Tummy Tuck

Many men tend to accumulate excess weight in their abdomen. Therefore, after losing weight, men are often left with sagging skin and stubborn pockets of fat in the area. In such cases, men will benefit from a tummy tuck procedure as it removes excess skin and fat in the abdomen to reveal a slimmer physique.

Furthermore, a full tummy tuck, sometimes combined with liposuction, also provides a more sculpted abdomen by tightening the muscles and removing excess fat in the area to define the abdominal muscles. Thus, a tummy tuck procedure gives men an improved aesthetic and stronger core, which leads to an increase in self-confidence and a healthier lifestyle.

Male Tummy Tuck Before and After

Who is a Good Candidate for Male Tummy Tuck?

Our plastic surgeon will determine your eligibility for the procedure during a consultation. In general, a good candidate for a male tummy tuck will have no underlying conditions and will have reached their ideal weight. Furthermore, a tummy tuck for men will not be effective with a protruding belly causing large amounts of visceral fat beneath the abdominal wall and surrounding their organs. In such cases, patients will need to lose weight through diet and exercise to reach a BMI of around 25 before an abdominoplasty surgery.

Male Tummy Tuck Cost

In general, the cost of a male tummy tuck surgery at CREO clinic London starts from £8,900 for a mini tummy tuck and £10,900 for a full tummy tuck procedure. The price of a mini tummy tuck may vary depending on each patient’s surgical needs. You will receive the exact cost of your plastic surgery following a consultation with our plastic surgeon, where you will discuss a bespoke treatment for attaining your desired results.

Procedure

A tummy tuck surgery takes place under sedation or general anaesthesia and usually takes between 2-5 hours, depending on the complexity of each procedure. At the CREO clinic, our surgeons specialise in performing four types of tummy tuck procedures:

• A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin in the lower abdomen through a small incision above the groin.
• A full tummy tuck removes excess skin around the navel and the lower abdomen and repairs the separated abdominal muscles. It requires a longer incision above the groin and a second incision around the navel.
• An extended abdominoplasty is a full tummy tuck that also removes love handles (excess fat on the sides of the lower waist). 
• A fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty may be necessary for patients with severe skin laxity and muscle separation in their abdomen. It requires a long horizontal incision above the groin and a vertical incision from the rib cage down to the groin.

Recovery

Immediately after this plastic surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the affected area. The recovery process from a tummy tuck is different for each patient, depending on the invasiveness of each procedure. In general, most patients return to office work and light daily activities 1-2 weeks after the procedure and resume more strenuous activities after six weeks except for abdominal exercises, which you can restart after three months.

Male Tummy Tuck Results

Immediately after the cosmetic surgery, you will notice that your abdomen looks significantly slimmer and contoured. As the post-surgical swelling dissipates, you will experience continuous improvements in your results. It may take 6-12 months for the residual swelling in the area to completely disappear, after which you can enjoy the final results of the plastic surgery.   

Complementary Procedures

Tummy Tuck and Lower Back Lift

A lower back lift is a plastic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the lower back, which is the area from below the rib cage to the upper part of the buttock. The lower back is another area that accumulates excess fat and develops sagging skin following significant weight loss. Therefore, it’s common for men with excess fat in their abdomen and lower back to combine a tummy tuck with a lower back lift.

Tummy Tuck and Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia, commonly called man boobs, is a cosmetic condition that enlarges the breast tissue in men. It is a common condition that surgeons treat with gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction. This plastic surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and loose skin to provide men with a flatter and more contoured chest. Men who suffer from gynecomastia often combine a tummy tuck with male breast reduction.

Male Tummy Tuck FAQ

Is a tummy tuck permanent?

Yes, a tummy tuck permanently removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. However, further fluctuations in weight can affect the results of the procedure.

Will a tummy tuck look natural?

When performed correctly, a tummy tuck for men will provide natural-looking results. At the CREO clinic, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Omar Tillo specialises in performing tummy tucks and other body contouring surgeries. Therefore, he has the skills and expertise to produce results that conform to each patient’s figure, and when necessary, reshape the navel according to the patient’s unique proportions.

Can a male tummy tuck help with back pain?

While there is no guarantee, many patients report that their lower back pain symptoms have improved after tummy tuck surgery. Weakened abdominal muscles can cause poor posture, which may be why some patients experience chronic back pain. By repairing the muscles, a tummy tuck may alleviate this symptom.

How much weight will you lose from a male tummy tuck?

The primary goal of a tummy tuck is not to lose weight. However, the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen does lead to some weight loss. The amount of weight you can expect to lose varies depending on the amount of excess fat you’re carrying. Most patients lose around 2kg, while those with extensive skin laxity can lose 5kg or more.

Is a male tummy tuck worth it?

The abdomen is an area that many men want to feel comfortable and confident exposing. Thus, men with loose skin and excess fat in the stomach, especially after losing significant amounts of weight, consider a tummy tuck surgery a worthwhile treatment as it permanently contours their abdomen and improves their upper body physique. Furthermore, the surgery promotes an active lifestyle by providing patients with a stronger core and defining the abdominal muscles.