Male Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, creating a more tightened and toned appearance. Tummy tucks offer dramatic results around your midsection by trimming away excess skin and fat. Although both sexes can undergo tummy tucks, there are crucial differences: men have a generally shorter recovery period, and their surgical process and outcomes are very different.
TIME FRAME
2.5 Hours
ANAESTHETIC METHOD
General
STITCH REMOVAL
Not Required
OVERNIGHT STAY
Occasionally - for extensive cases
BACK TO WORK
2 Weeks
BACK TO FITNESS
8 - 10 Weeks
PRICE: CUSTOM APPROACH
Schedule a consultation to get your exact cost for male tummy tuck.
What is a Male Tummy Tuck?
What is a Male Tummy Tuck?A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical method that tightens the abdominal muscles to create a more even and toned stomach. At the same time, it reduces excess skin and fat from around your waistline to give you a slimmer, more athletic body contour.
There are key differences between a male and female tummy tuck. Most women undergo a tummy tuck because of pregnancy and childbirth, whereas men typically seek one after weight loss. Because of how the bodies respond to weight loss compared to pregnancy and childbirth, men’s recovery times are generally quicker. Secondly, because of physique differences, the location, design, and length of incision is unique for men. Dr. Bray generally chooses the bathing suit area for incision sites. Lastly, the outcome is drastically different – even though they both require liposuction and contouring. Whereas women generally want a curvier, hourglass figure, men aim for an angular, muscular shape.
Dr. Bray performs the surgery under general anesthesia, meaning that the patient will be unconscious the entirety of the surgery. It also allows him to target more than one area for liposuction.
Dr. Bray aims to create an athletic, youthful physique in his male tummy tucks. Through liposuction, contouring, and the removal of hanging skin, he flattens the abdomen and creates a narrower waistline. This leaves the patient with balanced and appealing proportions.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Men who have lost massive amounts of weight and still hold onto loose skin can greatly benefit from an extended tummy tuck. In this procedure, Dr. Bray removes excess skin from the abdomen, hips, and flanks. Whereas other surgeons may avoid liposuction in some tummy tucks, Dr. Bray liposuctions nearly all tummy tuck patients. Moreover, an extended tummy tuck will also target excess skin on the lateral thigh. This makes it a popular option for those who have undergone massive weight loss. Those with more significant loose skin, extending around the lower back and buttock region, will be best served with a full circumferential body lift.
With an extended tummy tuck, Dr. Bray makes a surgical incision below the underwear line, extending laterally past the hip bones. The abdominal skin is then lifted and pulled taut so that it is smoother and tighter than before. For men with excessive amounts of loose skin, a scar must extend around the sides towards the back. Dr. Bray must perform it in such a manner to ensure as much skin is removed and tightened as possible. If you have any questions regarding this, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bray.
The Dr. Bray Difference
Dr. Bray has been performing male tummy tucks for over 20 years. He has developed techniques, strategies, and uses only the latest technology to operate on his patients. Dr. Bray works from a holistic view, taking into consideration the patient’s proportions to create a balanced, athletic physique. Therefore, he may suggest another surgery if it is needed. Even after massive weight loss, fatty areas can be very persistent and cause bodies to be out of proportion. Since the waist, lower back, and love handles are typical places of fat deposits, he usually targets these areas. However, Dr. Bray always considers the entire region.
Since scarring is an inevitable and sometimes worrisome outcome for patients, Dr. Bray aims to optimize the scar position and healing potential. The largest factor in scar quality is tension from the newly tightened skin straining the stitching. Therefore, his suturing (stitching) is also done internally to create less tension on new incisions. He places the stitches underneath the skin where the stronger fascia layers are. This allows the skin on top to relax, the tension on the scar to lessen, and the incision to heal better.
Tummy Tuck: Before and During Treatment
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
Many men are stuck with stubborn fat deposits, and loose, hanging skin. Oftentimes, diet and exercise cannot reverse these changes. Those who struggle as such are excellent candidates, so long as they are without any medical conditions that can decelerate the healing process. It is important that candidates are non-smokers and do not engage in drug use or excessive alcohol consumption. Men who undergo this procedure should be at a stable, healthy, sustainable body weight. Please contact Dr. Bray to schedule a consultation to see if you are a candidate for a male tummy tuck.
What to expect in pre-screening
It is essential to have a complete patient history before any procedure. Dr. Bray will need your health history, and also perform a physical examination. In addition, he may perform other tests to rule out complicating health conditions such as ECGs, urine tests, blood tests, liver function tests and hormone studies. Medical conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, thyroid problems, diabetes or the regular use of certain medications might affect your surgery. If any of these apply to you, inform Dr. Bray.
The physical examination also involves analyzing the body holistically, with a focus on the abdominal wall. Dr. Bray will check for hernias, abdominal masses, and muscle separation.
Lastly, Dr. Bray will discuss his surgical approach, guiding you through what the procedure will look like. Depending on his physical examination, he may suggest other areas of improvement.
Preparing for a Male Tummy Tuck
Medical conditions, such as heart disease, hypertension, thyroid problems, diabetes or the regular use of certain medications might affect your surgery. If any of this applies to you, you should consult with Dr. Bray first.
No smoking of any sort of nicotine, vape or marijuana products for approximately two to four weeks before your procedure. Continuing to do so might adversely affect your surgical outcome. We also advise not consuming alcohol at least a week prior to surgery.
Follow Dr. Bray’s instructions concerning diet, hygiene and medications. Before any kind of surgery, your stomach should be empty, which is why you should not eat or drink after midnight the day before the procedure.
Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes to allow easier change of clothes before and after surgery. Please arrive without any jewelry, makeup and nail polish on the day of the procedure. If you wear contact lenses, please switch them out for glasses.
Plan enough time for your recovery. Taking a few days off from work will be essential. Patients usually require between 3 and 7 recovery days.
By law, you cannot drive after your surgery. Therefore, you will need to arrange a ride home from a friend, family member, Uber, Lyft, or other taxi service.
COVID-19 testing
In line with COVID-19 regulations, we have reassessed our cleaning and sterilization protocols. Upon arrival in our office we conduct symptom screenings with a questionnaire and check our patients’ temperature. We also require masks for our staff and patients. COVID-19 testing before surgical procedures is mandatory in order to protect our staff and other patients. Please have yourself tested by arranging a test in your area prior to your surgery.
Blood work
Dr. Bray requires a number of lab tests, diagnostic tests and medical evaluations leading up to your surgery. The nature of these tests will vary according to the procedure, your age, health, history, and other key health factors. Necessary testing may change based on procedure, age, health, history and other factors.
Day before surgery
Prepare your loose-fitting clothing (and glasses instead of contacts, should you need them) the night before your surgery. Secondly, avoid eating anything after midnight, but drink plenty of water. If any changes to your health have occurred, contact Dr. Bray. Lastly, if you have not arranged for someone else to drive you home, do so immediately. Since abdominoplasty is an outpatient surgery, you may return home the same day. However, by law, someone else is required to drive you home due to the anaesthesia’s lingering effects.
Two weeks before surgery
Medications that cause blood thinning, such as Aspirin, should be avoided 2 weeks before, and 2 weeks after surgery. Blood thinners can cause complications during the surgery, and healing process. If any changes to your health have occurred, contact Dr. Bray.
Four weeks before surgery
It is crucial to avoid any sort of nicotine, marijuana, or smoking 4 weeks before your surgery date. These factors can cause complications during the surgery, and healing process. If any changes to your health have occurred, contact Dr. Bray.
Post Op / Aftercare for a Male Tummy Tuck
Dr. Bray will provide you with a plan to greatly improve the healing process. It is critical that these instructions be followed. Generally, he advises between 3 and 7 days off work. Lastly, ensure that the hygiene, medication, and dietary instructions are followed. Post-op care is extremely important following the male tummy tuck procedure. You should take plenty of rest and avoid anything that might aggravate your wounds or delay healing time. This is important to make sure you are fully recovered before returning to your normal routine.
Bruising, swelling, and tightness are common side effects of this procedure, especially among patients with larger corrections. Dr. Bray will place a dressing over the incision site and belly button. You may have to return to the clinic to drain excess blood or fluids from the wounds. He will also supply you with an abdominal garment (abdominal binder) to wear for 6 weeks afterwards. The garment helps prevent fluid buildup and supports the healing process. Refrain from any strenuous movement, such as exercise or lifting heavy objects. However, non-strenuous activities such as walking may be performed immediately after surgery. After 3-7 days, and the sutures have been removed, you may return to work.
Although results of the abdominoplasty are immediately visible, the final outcome is after the healing process. The new shape and contours are permanent, but factors such as post-operative care, aging, and weight gain will affect the quality of the long-term results. Following Dr. Bray’s instructions to ensure your recovery is as efficient and effective as possible.
RECOMMENDED SURGERIES WITH A MALE TUMMY TUCK
FAQ
What are the risks associated with male tummy tuck surgery?
Potential complications for a male tummy tuck include, but are not limited to:
- Hematoma (bleeding)
- Seroma (accumulation of fluid)
- Infected wounds
- Blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in sensation
How is a male tummy tuck different from a female tummy tuck?
Although Dr. Bray performs contouring, liposuction, and skin removal on both sexes, there are key differences: process, outcome, and recovery. Incision sites for men tend to be in the bathing suit area, below the underwear band, making the scar easier to conceal. Moreover, he also uses the belly button incision point, in the form of a circular incision, rather than a vertical one. Secondly, since men generally carry fat in their waist, lower back, and love handles, he targets those areas. However, Dr. Bray considers the entire region when operating. Thirdly, men are generally looking for a v-shaped, athletic physique. Dr. Bray thus works to both liposuction and contour the abdominal area. This creates a more toned appearance, in line with most patients’ goals. Lastly is the recovery process. Men tend to recover faster because they are less likely to require significant muscle-tightening along with a tummy tuck.
Can medical insurance cover this surgery?
Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures that are carried out without a medical reason. Some insurance plans have provisions, like a Health Spending Account, that might provide some degree of coverage. Talk to your insurance company to see if you qualify.
How long does it take to recover from male tummy tuck surgery?
Typically, patients can expect to return to work after 3-7 days; however, immediate light movement such as walking is appropriate immediately. For 6 weeks an abdominal binder will be worn. It is best to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 6 weeks. Patients vary in healing time according to age, health, and commitment to Dr. Bray’s instructions, but 6 weeks is an expected estimate. Following Dr. Bray’s guidelines on medication, dietary restrictions, water intake, and movement will greatly improve the healing process.
*INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY
Contact Dr.Bray
Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bray by submitting the form below or calling his offices directly at 416-323-1330.
