Both men and women stand to benefit substantially from tummy tucks to remove excess skin. The procedure itself is virtually identical for both sexes. The main differences arise from the reasons for the tummy tuck in the first place.
Men tend to get skin laxity in the abdominal region after losing weight because of typical male weight gain patterns. Fat tends to accumulate behind the belly button, stretching the skin directly in front of the stomach. Female tummy tucks can also be necessary for the same reason. More commonly, though, they are for removing sagging skin following pregnancy.
Male VS Female Tummy Tuck: Similarities
Male and female tummy tucks are very similar. Both involve making an incision just above the groin, removing excess skin, and then stitching the area back up again. Surgery may also involve tightening the abdominal wall muscles to stop them from hanging down. The result for both sexes is a tighter and more confidence-inspiring mid-section.
Male VS Female Tummy Tuck: Differences
There are, however, some slight, subtle differences between male and female tummy tucks. For instance, some cosmetic surgeons will use a flat incision for male tummy tucks and a curved one for women. A straight line tends to look more masculine, while a sweeping one is more feminine.
The female belly button tends to have softer curves and a more vertical orientation than the male. Thus, if your tummy tuck involves making alterations to your navel, your sex may determine how Dr. Greenberg reshapes it.
Other nuances relate to liposuction techniques (which can be a part of the tummy tuck procedure). Men may wish to remove fat in a pattern that reveals their six-pack, whereas women often prefer their stomachs to look toned.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks are a common and effective procedure that can radically change how your mid-section appears. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
- Increased confidence showing your body in public or to other people
- Reduction in back pain, thanks to a decrease in weight at the front of your body
- Improvement in urinary incontinence issues resulting from less pressure on the bladder
- Ventral hernia correction, eliminating the bulge of tissue protruding through openings in your abdominal wall muscles
- Improvements in exercise tolerance due to increased comfort moving
Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
If you have lost a lot of weight from your mid-section or have loose skin from pregnancy, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
Because a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, you will need to be in good health before undergoing treatment. Certain conditions may compromise your recovery. Please note that your weight should be stable before your tummy tuck: they are not a weight loss procedure.
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about what you can expect from tummy tuck surgery? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137
