Cosmetic Surgery for Men

Parker Center in Paramus, New Jersey

• Abdominoplasty Introduction
• Liposuction Alone
• Mini Abdominoplasty
• Complete Abdominoplasty
• Additional Resources

Abdominoplasty Introduction (Tummy Tuck)

As we grow older, busy schedules and slower metabolism rates can cause weight gain around the midsection. This can lead to a protruding waistline that is difficult to combat with diet and exercise alone. If this sounds like you, an abdominoplasty may be the best solution.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 6,753 men underwent abdominoplasty surgery in 2011, making it the seventh most popular cosmetic surgery among men.

The goal of an abdominoplasty is to flatten the abdomen. The extent of the procedure will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Besides removal of excess fat, it can include:

• Removal of excess skin
• Smoothing of stretch marks
• Tightening of loose abdominal muscles or “abs”

There are three basic types of abdominoplasty:

1. Liposuction alone
2. Mini abdominoplasty
3. Complete abdominoplasty

Liposuction Alone

Liposuction alone is used for patients who have excess fat in the abdominal region, but also have good skin elasticity and muscle tone.

The Procedure

Click to understand your plastic surgery options with our animated procedure guide

• Liposuction is performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation
• It uses two tiny incisions in the pubic hair area and one inside the navel
• It takes about one to two hours to complete the procedure.

Recovery

Patients who undergo a liposuction recover quickly.

• The abdomen may be somewhat sore for the first 3 to 4 days
• You will need to wear an abdominal binder
• You should be able to move about on the day of surgery
• You can usually return to full activities within a week
• Exercise may begin in 2 weeks

Mini Abdominoplasty

If you have muscle laxity and limited amounts of extra skin in the lower abdomen you could be a good candidate for mini abdominoplasty.

The Procedure

• Mini abdominoplasty performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation
• Surgery time ranges from 1 to 2 hours
• Dr. Parker will make a low horizontal incision, similar to that used in a C-section
• He will remove fat and excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles
• You can be discharged within one hour after surgery

Recovery

• You’ll need to wear an abdominal binder to minimize swelling and keep the area tight
• There’ll be slightly more pain than there is after liposuction alone because of the muscle-tightening component
• Pain medication can be used to minimize discomfort
• The sutures will dissolve on their own
• Regular activity can be resumed after two weeks

Complete Abdominoplasty

A complete abdominoplasty allows for maximum removal of excess skin and fat, and for tightening of the lax “abs” along their entire length.

The Procedure

Complete abdominoplasty is the most uncomfortable of the three methods due to the extent of muscle tightening.

• Complete abdominoplasty performed under general anesthesia and takes 2½ to 3½ hours
• The main incision is similar to that for a mini abdominoplasty, but is longer in that the outer ends curve up to the hip bones
• This incision is designed so that it is hidden by swimwear
• A second small incision is also made encircling the navel
• These incisions are used to remove the fat and skin and tighten the rectus abdominus muscles

Recovery

• Patients are monitored overnight in our facility by one of our highly trained registered nurses.
• An abdominal binder is applied several days after surgery and worn for approximately two weeks.
• Though the scars are permanent, they usually fade within the first year of surgery. Our patients have told us time and time again that overall results are well worth it.
• The pain during recovery can be relieved by our “pain management protocol”. The addition of a pain pump, which slowly infuses local anesthesia into the operative area for three days, virtually eliminates pain.
• You can begin walking the day after surgery and can resume normal activities within seven to 10 days.
• Light exercise can often begin at two weeks and return to full exercise at six weeks.

Tummy Tuck procedures can also be combined with liposuction of flanks, back and extremities, body lifts, gynecomastia treatment, and/or facial surgery. The results of these procedures are spectacular for many people, as they greatly improve overall appearance and self-esteem.

Additional Parker Center Resources

To learn more about the liposuction procedure, read about our consultation process. If you have further questions or comments, please contact us.

• Click to see men’s abdominoplasty photos