Tummy tucks are performed with the patient under general anesthesia, taking from two to five hours. The procedure may be inpatient or outpatient depending on the complexity.

A full tummy tuck involves two incisions. The first is made from hipbone to hipbone. The second incision is at the navel. These incisions provide access to the underlying abdominal muscles, which have become weak and separated. These muscles are pulled together and stitched into place to create a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin is then stretched downward over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is trimmed, and the navel is reattached.

For patients who still have good muscle tone, a mini tummy tuck could be an option. In a mini tuck, only a single incision is made down around the pubic area. Muscles are not usually addressed in a mini tuck, just loose skin, which is pulled down and the excess trimmed off. A mini tummy tuck can also be good for older patients whose abdominal skin has simply become looser due to aging.

Because it involves the underlying muscles, recovery from tummy tuck surgery isn’t easy. You will wear compression garments to keep the swelling down and to help your body conform to its new contours. Still, there will be pain and swelling for the first few days, followed by residual soreness for weeks, possible months. Recovery time ranges from a few weeks to a few months. Lifting objects and any strenuous activity will have to wait at least six weeks, and you’ll need to take up to one month off work.

Patients love the results of their tummy tuck procedures, as they again have the flat stomach of their youth. Results will last for decades, as long as the patient maintains a healthy weight and follows some sort of exercise routine.

4-6 weeks

Male Tummy Tucks with Dr. Aydin start at $11,500.