Most people think that a tummy tuck cosmetic surgical procedure is only for women. After all, aren't women more concerned than men with their appearance? However, the truth is that an increasing number of men are opting for tummy tucks to get rid of that "spare tire" they may have around their middle. In fact, in 2006, men underwent one million of the 11 million tummy tucks that were performed. In 2009, men made up 4 percent of all tummy tuck procedures and 11 percent of all liposuction procedures.

Does a Tummy Tuck for Men Differ from a Tummy Tuck for Women?

Perhaps the biggest difference is in terms of muscle definition. While women certainly want a toned and flat abdomen, they are not necessarily looking for the abdominal muscle definition (known as the "six pack") that men seek out. A tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure for men may include sculpting and reshaping the skin and tissue over the muscles to provide the "washboard abs" look that many men find desirable.

What Are the Types of Tummy Tucks for Men?

There are three basic abdominal plastic cosmetic surgical procedures that can be performed for men.

Liposuction alone: This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is only done to remove specific areas of fat on the body. Fat is loosened and then suctioned out of the body. The procedure does not tighten the skin or the underlying muscles after fat removal. It is the least invasive of the abdominal procedures (small incisions are made during liposuction), and patients can generally resume most regular activities within a few days after the procedure. The procedure generally only takes one to two hours and can be done on an outpatient basis.

Mini abdominoplasty: This procedure can be done if there is only loose skin in the lower abdominal region. In this procedure, the lower abdominal skin and underlying tissue are pulled tight. Liposuction may be done in conjunction with this procedure. This procedure involves a low, horizontal incision through which the lower abdominal fat is removed. It can be done with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation and will take one to two hours. Patients can usually return to most normal activities within one week.

Complete abdominoplasty: This is the most extensive procedure and involves more extensive removal of fat and tightening of the skin and underlying muscle from the lower abdomen. The procedure will take from two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours and will require an overnight stay in a surgical center. Recovery can take longer, but patients should be able to resume normal activities within 10 days after surgery and return to light exercise within two weeks.

There is no reason why men should not be able to have the same slim, build as women. A tummy tuck procedure may be just the answer to get men on their way to the athletic look they want.

To schedule a tummy tuck consultation, contact the Dallas practice of Paul Pin, MD.