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A slim waist, a smaller abdomen, and tighter midbody are the fabulous results tummy tucks are known for. Being one of America’s most popular cosmetic surgeries, it’s no wonder why so many people consider getting a tummy tuck at some point in their life. This cosmetic procedure can be one of the most life-changing, confidence-boosting decisions that patients make — and we here at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery are incredibly proud of how we work together with the patient to give them the tighter, toner, and slimmer tummy tuck of their dreams. So, are you considering whether a tummy tuck would be right for you? Keep reading to learn more about whether you’d be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. 

 

How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. At Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, every tummy tuck is a deeply personalized experience. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, will design the procedure around the patient’s anatomy, goals, and skin/muscle condition. This includes thoroughly assessing the excess skin and body structure to determine the incision shape and size. 

There are three general categories for tummy tuck procedures: 

  • A full tummy tuck (in which Dr. Vinyard places an incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip);
  • A mini tummy tuck (in which the incision isn’t as comprehensive as with a full tummy tuck);
  • An extended tummy tuck (which focuses on the abdomen, hips, and upper thighs).

Dr. Vinyard has carefully mastered how to craft an aesthetically pleasing, medically elite tummy tuck procedure that reduces the amount of scarring while maximizing the amount of hanging skin and fat removed. Additionally, Dr. Vinyard repairs both the abdominal muscles and the belly button, and contours the muscle to the patient’s figure.

Can I Have a Tummy Tuck if I’m a Man?

While most tummy tuck patients are women, many men have benefited from tummy tuck procedures. There are no gendered requirements for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck will remove excess skin laxity, excess fat, repair the abdominal muscle, and more for men and women alike. Under Dr. Vinyard, every patient’s goals are taken as a top priority, and he will craft the tummy tuck to match the patient’s anatomy. This means men can benefit from a flat, toned, tighter abdomen crafted for their bodies too. Click here to view a before and after photo of one of Dr. Vinyard’s male tummy tuck patients.

 

Can I Have a Tummy Tuck if I’m Over 50?

As people age, skin laxity becomes more common due to loss of elasticity and overall youth. For this reason, many people in their 40s, 50s, and onward are very interested in receiving a tummy tuck procedure. But is there an age limit on the tummy tuck procedure? Fortunately not! While there are, of course, physical and health requirements for undergoing any cosmetic surgery, there are no solely age-restrictive requirements that would prohibit someone over the age of 50 from getting a tummy tuck. As long as one is in good health (meaning no chronic heart, lung, or blood problems/diseases), it’s likely that the patient will be able to undergo a tummy tuck. While the recovery period may be extended for older patients, the tummy tuck results will not discriminate against age. Therefore, younger and older patients can reap the results from a tummy tuck procedure and enjoy a more contoured figure.

 

Can I Have a Tummy Tuck if I Want to Lose Weight?

All patients interested in a tummy tuck procedure must keep in mind that a tummy tuck procedure is NOT a weight loss procedure. While a tummy tuck can help the patient lose a few pounds due to the removal of excess skin/fat, it is not meant to be used instead of exercising, dieting, and living a healthy lifestyle to achieve a healthy weight. Instead, a tummy tuck procedure tightens skin laxity, rids of stubborn fatty areas resistant to weight loss methods, and contours the waist. In addition, the patient undergoing the tummy tuck must be already at a healthy size.

That being said, a tummy tuck can be a massive help to patients who have lost significant amounts of weight or are struggling to tighten looseness even after exercising. In addition, many patients report achieving their dream “beach bodies” thanks to a tummy tuck. 

 

Can I Have a Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy?

Tummy tucks are one of the most popular procedures when mothers are looking for “mommy makeovers.” Due to the physical strain of pregnancy and childbirth, many women’s abdomens have changed structure, shape, and appearance over the years. For women who are done having children, a tummy tuck is ideal for reshaping the abdomen to a “pre-pregnancy” look by re-tightening and reshaping the abdominal area and repairing the abdominal wall. 

While you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter the results of the procedure. If a woman has another child after the procedure, the tummy tuck can be “touched up” later. However, for optimal results and maintenance, it is recommended that a woman no longer have children before undergoing a tummy tuck procedure.

 

Can I Have A Tummy Tuck If I Have Diastasis Recti?

Within a similar strain as the question above, many mothers wonder whether a tummy tuck will help with diastasis recti — a common abdominal separation that can occur during and after pregnancy. Additionally, men and women that have experienced abdominal obesity can also fall victim to diastasis recti. Fortunately, a tummy tuck is the best way to fix this abdominal separation. Muscle plications are performed in a tummy tuck procedure to tighten the abdominal region and correct diastasis recti. While most surgeons perform one or two muscle plications, Dr. Vinyard performs multiple levels to secure and tighten the abdominal region as best as possible and prevent the muscles from pulling apart again.

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The Bottom Line

A tummy tuck can benefit people of different ages, body types, concerns, and backgrounds. Ultimately, you’re an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if you: 

  • Experience abdominal skin laxity
  • Experience abdominal “stubborn” fatty areas
  • Have diastasis recti 
  • Are post-pregnancy or post-weight loss 
  • Have wrinkly skin around the abdomen
  • Want a tighter, toned abdominal area

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Vinyard. He would love to walk you through your options, thoroughly access your body type and condition, and provide you with all you need to know to achieve the body of your dreams. 

Ready to dive in? We here at VIPS prioritize patient experience and results, so we want to help you find the proper treatment for you. We also offer one-time payments or payment plans to help make things as convenient and hassle-free as possible. So book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vinyard to discuss more of what we can do for you!

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