Tummy Tuck Advice for Men

Men are now very accepting of the tummy tuck procedure. A few decades ago, the word plastic surgery was virtually taboo with men but they have now embraced it and its entirety wholeheartedly. These days, men and women are both very accepting of any plastic surgery procedures.

The abdominoplasty, another name for the operation, is actually best suited for men who have just lost some weight and are currently sporting some loose, flabby skin. The procedure is not something that will help a person lose a lot of weight and should not be confused with liposuction although both operations can be performed on a single person on different times for safety reasons.

Safety

Doctors prefer their tummy tuck patients to be non smokers who are drug free for several months already. Smoking and the use of recreational drugs can actually compromise the safety of the surgery and possibly impair the results. Lab work should be done on the prospective patient to check for underlying diseases which may affect the operation. Any allergies should be told to the attending physician and medical history may be discussed. Some dietary supplements and diet products may also affect the procedure so it is best to give the doctor a list of medications and supplements that the patient is currently taking or have taken within a few months.

The Procedure

The operation itself entails cutting off excess skin and tissue to enhance the man's appearance. There is a limit to the extent of skin and tissue that the doctor can take away. The procedure is best done after the patient has undergone liposuction. Drawings are made on the man's abdomen and these will guide the surgeon where the incisions should be made. The tummy tuck take some time especially if the operation transverses the sides of the abdomen and across the stomach. Stitches are necessary to put together the skin and in some cases, a new belly button may need to be made.

Recovery

The recovery period after a tummy tuck may be somewhat painful. It is important to follow the surgeon's prescriptions and recommendations to achieve or come close to a successful operation. Discomfort will be eased by taking pain medications and the risk of an infection will be kept at bay by taking the prescribed antibiotics. It is advisable to follow the prescription thoroughly in order to avoid complications. Some patients do not continue taking antibacterial medications because they believe that they have passed the dangerous stage. Assumptions like these can get patients in trouble. At the sign of any abnormal swelling or redness, the doctor should be informed. The patient should expect to experience some discomfort for several weeks, depending on the extent of the operation. Exerting too much effort such as lifting or laughing too much should be avoided especially in the first two or three weeks after the operation.