Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures

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!