What makes a man a candidate for a "tummy Tuck"

Leo McCafferty, M.D. answers: Tummy tuck considerations for older male patients?

Hi, my husband is considering an Abdominoplasty. He is 63 years old and carries all his weight in his belly. He has back problems and cannot do any significant amount of exercising for the abdomen.

We are not sure whether he is a candidate for a Tummy tuck. What questions and considerations should we raise when we explore options with a plastic surgeon?

Thanks for your comments.
Liz


Leo McCafferty, M.D.
4 months ago

Liz

Your husband should ask whether his "full abdomen" is secondary to subcutaneous fat (fat between the skin and abdominal wall muscle) and skin excess or more due to fat below the abdominal wall-fat we call visceral fat. An abdominoplasty can treat superficial fat and skin excess but not abdominal fullness secondary to deep "visceral" fat. Visceral fat needs to be addressed with diet and excercise.

If, on the otherhand, he just has excess subcutaneous fat with minimal to no skin excess liposuction would be ideal.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Helpful?
Post your question

Tummy tuck before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.