Dr. Saberโs Blog
A well-sculpted midsection has always been one of the most vital indicators of health, strength, and ruggedness. But for many men, despite months of strict dieting and rigorous exercise, that last layer of loose skin may continue covering the abdominal area, preventing a six-pack from emerging.
When this happens, plastic surgery offers a simple solution: a โtummy tuckโ to pull the extra skin and tighten the muscles. Now, more men than ever are discovering the esthetic benefits of plastic surgery.
Also known as an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery removes excess fat and abdominal skin, contouring the skin around the abdominal muscles and creating a firmer appearance.
Approximately 140,000 tummy tucks are performed annually in the U.S. โ and approximately 97% are done on women.
Abdominoplasties are particularly popular after massive weight loss, leaving a lot of saggy skin behind. However, genetics, age, or frequent weight fluctuations can also create โskin laxityโ around the belt line.
Tummy tuck procedures help reveal the lean abdominal contour that may already be present. They remove excess skin and may even help diminish a few stubborn fat pockets, but they are not weight loss surgery.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, approximately 140,000 tummy tucks are performed annually in the U.S. โ and approximately 97% are done on women. As a result, those who would be interested in a tummy tuck for men often have a hard time visualizing the possible benefits of this surgical procedure.
At a glance, a tummy tuck follows the same steps for patients of both genders: a plastic surgeon will make an incision close to the belly button and, from there, remove excess skin, pull down the remaining skin to make it firmer, and then reposition the belly button before closing the incision site.
But the art of cosmetic surgeryโand especially the final resultsโdepends a lot on the details. When performing a male tummy tuck, a surgeon will generally pay more attention to following the shape of the muscles below. This will make the midsection look more defined without tightening the upper abdomen or creating a narrower waist.
Not all male bodies are created equal โ and neither are everyoneโs dream results. Depending on each male patientโs needs, plastic surgeons will usually opt between four different types of tummy tucks:
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Abdominoplasties are usually very personalized, with each surgeon altering the exact locations and extent of each โtugโ to meet a specific goal. As a result, the profile for men seeking tummy tucks tends to vary greatlyโbut not everyone is equally suited for this plastic surgery procedure.
Male tummy tucks are best for:
For patients who are not quite at their ideal weight yet, the tummy tuck can be combined with localized liposuction or with a breast reduction for those experiencing gynecomastia (a non-cancerous condition that causes abnormal enlargement of breast tissue in men).
Not all types of tummy tucks are equally suited for all patients. Generally speaking, the โmini tuckโ is best suited for men who need a final push of body contouring. At the same time, the complete or extended versions will better address love handles on men with naturally bulkier frames.
Finally, the fleur de lys procedure is usually the best option for anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight (100 pounds or more).
Men now opt for more cosmetic procedures, from botox, face lifts, or liposuction, at unprecedented rates. And yet, there are still few places where men can discuss plastic surgery freely and without fear of judgment. This leaves them little room to ask questions without any โstrings attached.โ
Letโs look at some of the most common questions I hear during the initial consultation for a male tummy tuck.
A liposuction is a procedure meant to โsuctionโ or remove fat cells underneath the skin. In that way, it is often considered a โweight lossโ surgery, as it directly lowers the number of fat cells in a specific area โ although these can grow back without a proper fitness plan!
Meanwhile, an abdominoplasty pulls the skin after weight loss. It doesnโt reduce fat or help with weight loss beyond the weight of the skin itself.
Tummy tucks are major surgery and require general anesthesia, so there are some inherent risks.
The most common complications are infections near the incision sites, bleeding, and generalized bruising โ which are treatable once you have competent physicians at hand who are ready to act promptly.
Occasionally, patients may develop โhypertrophic scarring,โ which will make the scars harder to hide, which can be detrimental to self-confidence.
On rare occasions, more severe complications, such as pulmonary embolisms or deep vein thrombosis, can prove fatal. However, this affects less than 0.05% of abdominoplasty patients. When done correctly and by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, tummy tucks are considered safe.
The recovery process after an abdominoplasty surgery can last up to three months, but most patients can expect to return to their regular activities after six weeks. The journey can be roughly divided into the following stages: You will likely need help moving or getting up from bed for the first few days. You may also feel tired or constipated, as your bowels may take a few days to โwake upโ fully. You will likely need some form of pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil). You may also have small drainage tubes near the incision sites, which the doctor will remove during your first check-up. Between 5 and 15 days after the procedures, the doctor will remove the bandages and drainage tubes. Over the next month, you will progressively regain movement and see your skin heal. During this period, you will need to use a compression garment. Depending on your occupation, you will likely return to work during this time โ but it will be best to steer clear of any heavy lifting. Over the final month, the sutures will continue to heal, and the swelling will subside. The total time needed before you see the final results will depend on your overall health condition, constitution, and the type of abdominoplasty you had.
Male tummy tuck scars will depend a lot on the type of abdominoplasty you had and the exact location of the sutures. For a mini tuck, most patients often end up with a single incision across the lower abdomen. Experienced surgeons will usually try to hide the scar beneath the underwear line. For a full or extended tuck, you will also likely see another scar close to the belly button. After a fleur-de-lys tuck, you may also need an extra line in the upper abdomen, usually around the end of the rib cage.
Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering care for patients of all genders throughout the Los Angeles area.
Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford Universityโs world-renowned medical school. Then, she specialized in reconstructive and plastic surgery at the University of Southern California (USC). She rounded off her experience with a New York University (NYU) fellowship in hand surgery and microsurgery.
Call (877) 205-4100 to request a consultation or schedule a consultation online.
Dr. Saber’s practice is located in Encino, CA, and serves patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.
๐ฉ๐ปโโ๏ธ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
๐ซ Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
๐ฅ Encino, CA
โ๏ธ (833) 215-0500
๐ info@saberplasticsurgery.com
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I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.
I donโt have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didnโt think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.
I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!
I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because sheโs a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . Iโm 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and Iโm very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3
Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours sheโs the one you want.
Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.
Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!
Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.
I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. Sheโs very easy to get in contact with and sheโs so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!
Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.
Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.
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