Will I ever have toned abs after a tummy tuck?

Question

I was told by my surgeon that I would never have toned abs after my tummy tuck. I don’t understand why and he wouldn’t answer directly when I asked why. I have been working out for 6 months with extreme dieting and care and there is absolutely no change in my abdominal structure. Why is this and what can I do to get the beach abs I desire?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As a bodybuilder, I can understand your concerns.  Having seen this transformation take place on some of my patients, I can tell you that it is possible.  If your body fat is low enough, you will be able to see your abs. Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy tucks each year, has great reviews, and has great before and after pictures on his/her website.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

I don't know why someone would say that to you.  Please have a look at the page I've linked to below.  The top photo is a patient of mine, and I'd say she has some pretty nice abs!  Of course, this is somewhat up to her, right?  She took this procedure seriously and went to the gym after I removed her loose skin and repaired her muscles.  So now, she Rocks That Bikini!I think the advice you got was a little bit "off" to say that least.  Good Luck!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

What kind of tone are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking to get a six pack or just a flatter, firmer mid-section? It sounds like you’re exercising and dieting, so a six pack is only possible if you have little fat hiding your muscle definition. If you’re just hoping for a flatter, firmer mid-section, then that should be achievable with the healthy lifestyle you’re leading. I would suggest asking your surgeon again for clarification.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You should be able to achieve toned abs after a tummy tuck, however extreme dieting is not recommended.  The description of "beach abs" is not specific but with regular exercise and following a healthy balanced diet you should be able to achieve a nice physique.  Perhaps working with a nutritionist or trainer will help guide you to better results.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Something does not sound right… Of course, you can have "toned abs" after tummy tuck surgery, with careful attention to diet and exercise. You may wish to obtain the assistance of personal trainers and/or nutritionists and prove your plastic surgeon wrong!

Best wishes.

Best wishes.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

The other day I saw a patient of mine. She will be turning 62 in a couple of days. I performed her tummy tuck approximately two and a half years ago. Her tummy is as flat as the wall and her muscles feel hard to the touch (while she is relaxed she told me she does not do any ab ex. Another one of my patient that I did years ago is 50 years old. Her exam is similar. She told me that people think she’s a body builder, even though she’s not. (But she does exercise routinely) I invented a tummy tuck where Patients typically wake up in no pain (please see the full tummy tuck video on our page). Pain and recovery are minimal when compared to traditional techniques. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

It should be possible to start on gentle toning exercises, and I would suggest you pace yourself according to your discomfort. It may be that your PS has realigned or repaired your rectus muscles in the midline with permanent stitches and he may be concerned that if these may pull out.
If you have any ongoing concerns I would suggest you see your PS for advice and reassurance.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear DjuricAleks,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. You may want to look into a body contouring procedure that combines liposuction with laser, radiofrequency (RF), and acoustic therapy to produce the best balance of fat reduction and skin tightening and smoothing for your body type and anatomy. We use a proprietary liposuction technique, combined with Emsculpt to help each patient reach his or her desired result. First off, all devices and instruments used are FDA-approved. We start your treatment with Emsculpt to help strengthen your abdominal muscles, augment your buttocks, and reduce any diastasis or abdominal muscle laxity that you may have. This is particularly important for patients who want convert a “round” abdomen to a “flat” abdomen. Emsculpt has been proven to be able to do this based on peer-reviewed research. We then use Smart / Laser Liposuction or VASER (ultrasound) to reduce dense, fibrous fat, and stimulate collagen formation; Radiofrequency-based skin tightening to maximize skin contraction; and Ultrasound, RF, or subcision (Z Wave, Venus, Cellfina) to treat cellulite, maximize fat reduction, and smooth out any irregularities postop. These procedures are usually performed in the office, with only local anesthesia. Patients go home the same day as surgery, do not need any narcotics postop for pain control, and can return to light exercise and work two days after their procedure. In my practice, we select the appropriate treatment for each patient based on their skin quality, amount of fat and surgical goals. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. Preoperative visualization with Crisalix can simulate what your body will look like after surgery and can help you make your decision. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

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