Tummy tuck surgery has remained incredibly popular for many years now due to its unique ability to recontour the abdominal area. The procedure is used to help both men and women achieve a flatter, and healthier-looking abdomen by removing loose, excess skin and repairing damaged abdominal muscles that can cause the appearance of a belly “pooch”. However, depending on the specifics of each case, there are different types of tummy tuck procedures that all provide their own unique benefits. This is why I thought it would be helpful to answer questions about the different ways that a tummy tuck can be performed.
Question #1: How can I know if I am a candidate for a mini or full tummy tuck?
This is what the tummy tuck consultation appointment is for. Depending on the specific needs of each patient, including how much skin needs to be removed and whether or not muscle repair will be needed in the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck can be a great and less invasive option for some patients. A mini tummy tuck can be performed in the office with local sedation to save on costs in some cases. During the consultation appointment, I take the time necessary to hear all of my patient’s concerns and goals, and run them through all of their available options to ensure they find the best procedure option for their needs.
Question #2: Can a tummy tuck help rejuvenate my waistline?
I developed a specialized tummy tuck method known as the Scarpa Fascia Technique to help patients (specifically female patients) who are concerned with narrowing their waistline. During the procedure, I am careful to preserve the layer of the anterior abdominal wall known as the Scarpa Fascia. This subtle change in technique can help provide fantastic and lasting results for patients with more noticeable curving around the waistline and bulging in their abdomen (similar to the look of pregnancy).
Question #3: How does a male tummy tuck differ from a tuck tuck for female patients?
Because the anatomy of men and women are clearly different, it is crucial to preserve this when performing a male tummy tuck versus a female tummy tuck. However, in many cases there is not a ton of difference in how the procedure is performed. While some men may believe that they do not need to consider repair of the abdominal muscles, because this issue is commonly associated with pregnancy, the truth is that many male patients do need this. When a person (man or woman) gains weight, this excess fat will stretch the abdominal muscles and make them loose.
If you are interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery and your many potential options, I highly encourage you to take the initial step of consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like myself. For more information or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and so much more.