More and more men are turning to plastic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck to help them achieve their fitness goals. If you’re considering a male tummy tuck, be sure to ask these five questions at your consultation to help you get the most out of your body contouring procedure.
1. Are You a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?
The first decision you’ll have to make when planning your tummy tuck is which plastic surgeon to work with. Make sure you’re working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has ample experience performing tummy tucks and other body contouring treatments.
You can also ask about other important credentials that may set one plastic surgeon apart from the rest, including membership to accredited medical organizations like the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Medical Association.
2. Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
During your consultation for a male tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon should listen to your needs and goals for your final results and determine whether you could be a good candidate for this procedure. Keep in mind that body contouring treatments are not meant to serve as weight loss tools, but rather as a way to enhance your results from diet and exercise. Because of this, the ideal candidates for a tummy tuck should already be at or very close to their target weight.
Men who have reached a significant weight loss goal often consider a tummy tuck to help remove loose or excess skin in their abdominal area.
3. Should I Combine Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck?
Men may want to discuss the possibility of including liposuction with their tummy tuck for optimal results. While a tummy tuck can very nicely address sagging skin and loose muscle tissue, it can’t get rid of stubborn pockets of fat that might be difficult to lose through diet and exercise alone. Thus, choosing a procedure like the C.L.A.S.S.® tummy tuck, which combines a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction and eliminates the need for drains, often provides the most comprehensive results.
4. What Can I Do to Prepare for My Procedure?
Once you’ve decided that a male tummy tuck is right for you, work with your plastic surgeon to help you get ready for your tummy tuck. Ask if he or she has a list of guidelines to follow as the day of your surgery approaches.
You will most likely be asked to stop smoking and taking medications and supplements that can thin your blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, vitamin E and St. John’s wort, several weeks before your tummy tuck. You should also try to accomplish any final fitness goals you’re striving to achieve in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
5. When Will I See Results?
You should see your tummy tuck results begin to gradually reveal themselves over the next weeks and months after your procedure. Discuss the timeline for recovery and results with your plastic surgeon during your consultation to help you get a better idea of how much time you’ll need to take off work and other responsibilities so that you can get the best possible outcome.
Remember, too, that maintaining healthy eating and exercise habits after your tummy tuck can help you to keep the same toned, contoured results long-term.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
