Our Summary

This research paper discusses the rising trend of male body contouring surgery, particularly focusing on abdominoplasty, commonly known as a “tummy tuck”. Traditionally, body shaping procedures have been more popular among women, but more and more men are now undergoing such surgeries. Several factors contribute to this shift, including increased awareness and acceptance of these procedures, the proven safety and effectiveness of the surgeries, and the desire of men to maintain a youthful and fit appearance, which can be beneficial in competitive work environments. Additionally, males who have undergone significant weight loss often seek these procedures to remove excess skin. The paper also discusses important factors in male abdominoplasty such as patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of male body contouring surgery?
  2. How has the growth of bariatric surgery influenced the trend towards male abdominoplasty?
  3. What are the key features of the modern male abdominoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about abdominoplasty is to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. This includes a balanced diet and regular exercise to ensure the long-term success of the procedure. Failing to do so may lead to weight gain and diminish the results of the abdominoplasty.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended abdominoplasty include those who have excess abdominal skin and fat that has not responded to diet and exercise, individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin as a result, and patients who have experienced changes in their abdominal area due to pregnancy or aging. Additionally, patients who are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery are also good candidates for abdominoplasty.

Timeline

Before abdominoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and candidacy for the procedure.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery and to discuss any potential risks or complications.
  3. Pre-operative instructions, including guidelines for medications, diet, and lifestyle changes leading up to surgery.

After abdominoplasty:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the first few days to weeks.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Gradual return to normal activities and exercise, following the surgeon’s recommendations for post-operative care.
  4. Long-term results, including improved abdominal contour and self-confidence, with continued maintenance through healthy lifestyle choices.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
  2. What are the risks and complications associated with abdominoplasty?
  3. What is the recovery process like and how long can I expect it to take?
  4. Will there be scarring after the procedure and how can I minimize it?
  5. Can you show me before and after photos of male patients who have undergone abdominoplasty?
  6. How long will the results of the surgery last?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet/exercise regimen after the procedure?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in the future to maintain the results?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  10. What is your experience and success rate with male abdominoplasty procedures?

Reference

Authors: Stein MJ, Matarasso A. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2022 Apr;49(2):285-291. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2022.01.002. PMID: 35367035