If you have made health improvements like significant weight loss or a rigorous fitness regimen, it can be frustrating to still feel unhappy when you look in the mirror. Loose skin or a belly that hangs over the beltline can negatively impact the way men feel about themselves both in their clothes and out of them. Procedures like tummy tucks are becoming increasingly popular among male patients, especially with the rise of bariatric surgery and a growing interest in plastic surgery among men in general.

An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a powerful tool for improving the appearance of the stomach and flanks. Tummy tucks are a highly customizable procedure, so if you are considering a male tummy tuck in Virginia Beach, our skilled plastic surgeons at Galardi | Bowen Plastic Surgery can walk you through the options to design the best treatment plan for you.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

During a traditional full abdominoplasty, one of our surgeons will make a long incision across the lower abdomen to access the muscles of the abdominal wall. No two tummy tuck procedures are exactly alike, but typically our surgeon will then tighten the connective tissue (fascia) in the muscle tissue using suturing techniques. Finally, our surgeon will skillfully remove excess skin and fat and then pull the skin taut over the stomach.

Other tummy tuck options include an extended abdominoplasty, which includes the hips and flanks, or a “mini-tuck,” which only involves the lower belly region. Afterwards, recovery usually requires about two weeks of downtime, and final results are usually visible after six months.

Unique Aspects of Male Tummy Tucks

Compared to women, who frequently undergo abdominoplasty after body changes due to pregnancy, the cause of a protruding belly might not be as apparent in male patients in Virginia Beach. During the initial patient consultation, our highly trained surgeon will determine if there is significant subcutaneous fat (the kind you can pinch) that might need to be removed by liposuction as well as the degree of loose skin and weakened muscle tissue suitable for a tummy tuck.

Visceral fat is located deeper inside the abdominal cavity surrounding the organs, making it difficult to address through cosmetic surgery. Men are more likely to carry extra visceral fat in the abdomen. If visceral fat is the primary reason for a large belly, diet and exercise will generally be the most effective interventions.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck for Men

Since tummy tucks work by tightening abdominal muscle tissue, many men in Virginia Beach experience improved core strength and better posture after healing. Once the surgery has eliminated excess skin, the underlying muscles may be more visible on the stomach. Patients seeking a “six-pack” or V-lines can also talk to one of our surgeons about enhancing those visual effects through techniques such as abdominal etching. Abdominoplasty can also contour and narrow the waistline to make the shoulders and upper body appear broader.

Many men who have tummy tucks find that their tailored suits and other clothes look better on them afterward. Removing loose and excess skin from the torso also grants a more youthful appearance, enhancing many men’s self-confidence in going shirtless at the beach or swimming pool.

Talk to a Virginia Beach Plastic Surgeon About Whether a Tummy Tuck is Right for You

Whether or not someone can get a flat stomach and well-defined abdominal muscles through exercise alone is largely up to their genetics. If you have been diligent with diet and exercise but still feel frustrated by excess skin or persistent trouble spots, a male tummy tuck in Virginia Beach could be the final step to achieving your goals. Call Galardi | Bowen Plastic Surgery to set up a private consultation with one of our caring cosmetic surgeons today.