Many male patients wonder if tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is just for women.

When to Pursue Tummy Tuck

Often, women pursue tummy tuck surgery because their abdomen just does not look the same after having children. Pregnancy often causes the abdominal skin to stretch out, and it is unable shrink back to its former size/shape after childbirth and loss of the excess weight from pregnancy. Pregnancy can also severely damage the abdominal muscles, causing them to separate, so they can no longer be toned, no matter how diligent a woman is about exercising and eating right.

In men, massive fluctuations in weight, hormonal changes or simply the natural aging process can cause similar changes to the abdominal area. Often, men who have lost a major amount of weight likewise find that their abdominal skin has lost its elasticity, so it can no longer “bounce back” to a smaller shape or size. Also, a man’s abdominal muscles can be damaged due to major weight fluctuations or the aging process. When this happens, he may need surgical intervention to restore muscle tone to the abdominal area. For men and women wanting to correct these aesthetic concerns, there is a solution: tummy tuck surgery.

How Tummy Tuck Helps

With tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Bohley performs liposuction, if necessary, throughout the abdominal region to remove any stubborn pockets of fat from under the skin. He then creates a horizontal incision that extends from one hipbone to the other. The incision is significant; however, Dr. Bohley strategically positions it in an area that is easily concealed by the underwear or bathing suit line. The Portland tummy tuck surgeon next eliminates the inelastic, excess skin before repairing the underlying musculature and other tissue structures. He restores muscle tone by placing permanent, internal stitches in a crisscross pattern throughout the abdominal muscle fascia. Dr. Bohley then re-drapes the residual skin before closing the incision. He realigns the navel with the new abdominal contour, using a second incision placed inconspicuously in the belly button. The result is a flat, firm abdominal profile, often with the look of “six-pack” abs.

How to Learn More

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bohley to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact his Portland cosmetic surgery practice by calling (503) 253-3458 today.