Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures

Hi there-
With regard to evaluating photos, it really doesn't need to be complicated...
You should be able to look at the photos and see an attractive abdomen with which you would be happy. That's it.
You should know, however, that there are going to be a GREAT many other things that you should take into consideration when selecting a surgeon and experience for yourself-
For a healthy understanding of how to choose a surgeon AND how to evaluate photos, please read this:

Thank you for your question.  An expertly done tummy tuck should produce a flat abdomen, narrow hourglass waistline, small, natural-looking belly button, and lower abdominal scar that is gently curved and sits very low, so that it is able to be easily covered by any bikini bottom or most underwear.  Liposuction is often used as and adjunct to tummy tuck, in order to sculpt the flanks (sides) or produce a subtly athletic contour to the front of the abdomen.

It’s important to review pre and post-operative pictures
when selecting a plastic surgeon.These
pictures can illustrate the quality of the surgeons work and the surgeon’s
sense of aesthetics.Harmony,
balance and proportion are aesthetic goals of every plastic surgeon.In addition symmetry, shape and contour are
important considerations as well.When
looking at pre and post-operative pictures, it’s important to look at all of
these issues, to determine the quality of the surgeon’s work.It’s
important to remember that the surgeon doesn’t control all the variables when
abdominoplasty is performed.When
evaluating surgical results with pre and post-operative pictures, be aware that
a large number of decisions that affect the final result are made by the
patient. Pre and
post-operative pictures are helpful tools in the selection of a plastic
surgeon.It’s also important that your
surgeon be board certified and has experience performing abdominoplasty
surgery.

What would you like to achieve with a tummy tuck? What is your current body contour? What kind of scarring appears in the after photo? These questions can help you determine what you should look for in tummy tuck photos. Try to find photos that have a body contour that is similar to yours in the before photo. Then look at the after photo and see if you like the results. You should also consider the surgeon as well. If you like the work of one surgeon but they don't have photos of patients that look like you, you should still consider seeing them. During your consultation with them they may have photos to show you that aren't on their website for public viewing.

There is a wide range in results, partly because of the wide range at the starting point. If a patient is within 25 pounds of ideal body weight, and the skin excess is not too great, then an excellent result can usually be obtained. Focus on the quality of the scars and the appearance of the umbilicus (belly button). Liposuction is very commonly done as part of an abdominoplasty, particularly to improve the appearance of the waist line and hips, so often surgeons will not include that part of the procedure in labeling the postoperative pictures.

Thank you for your question.  As others have pointed out, you should look for patients with a similar body type, height, and weight to yours.  Some patients have better results than others and this can be due to factors outside of the surgeons control; things such as skin elasticity, skin color, and time since surgery can all affect how a scar heals.  Many surgeons will combine some element of liposuction with their tummy tuck procedure to help improve the lateral and posterior contour.  

In general, look for photos that show a flatter abdomen and narrower waist.  Remember that it takes up to a year or longer for scars to fade.  Most physicians will tend to put their best photographs on their website but may have other photographs available of patients who have had "average" results.  I think it would be dishonest to "photoshop" one's postoperative photographs, but that does not mean it cannot happen.  Do your research and seek out several board certified plastic surgeons for your consultation.  Good luck!