The following question from our forum is from a man who is wondering if he is a good candidate for a tummy tuck operation. He had had prior surgeries which have left him with scars on his stomach.

Date: 06/22/2010 Submitted by: Lennon

Hi there…

Thank you for all the information on your website!

So here is the deal… I am a 28 year old male in need of some advice on abdominoplasty. I have had several back surgeries in the past 4 years, but now my back is in perfect shape. The last surgery was September of 2008, when I had Anterior Spinal Fusion at the L5/S1 level. Anterior, of course, meant that they went through the front. I now have a scar, horizontal, approximately. 6-7″ across my stomach above my hips on the left side. Before surgery, I had about 5-7 lbs. to lose in that area. I am not “fat”, but rather, I have a very “flabby” gut that looks disgusting to me and I am sure to others. I am very self-conscious about it, and I would feel o much better about myself if I did not have such a “tummy”. I want to know if at my age, I am a candidate for a tummy tuck, or if perhaps you think that liposuction alone would be able to help the problem. I wonder if I would have enough elasticity in my skin that it would stretch back? Perhaps also I am not a candidate for the surgery because of the scar that I now have? Please let me know your opinion, and fee free to ask if you need any other information. Thank you SO much for your time in answering my question, I really appreciate your advice!

RESPONSE

Date: 06/22/2010 Submitted by: Tanner

Lennon,

If you were a good candidate for an abdominoplasty, one of the first things you would have to do is get down to your “Ideal Weight” (or a few pounds below it). It sounds like it won’t take you long to do that from what you say. I would combine that with exercise, vitamins and supplements and good nutrition. Then look into the mirror and determine if you really need an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or not. A tummy tuck surgery should be your last resort. It is still a dangerous and expensive surgical procedure requiring a lot of “down time” on your part.

If you were never extremely overweight, I would be optimistic about your skin not being stretched beyond the point of no return. Your young age is a plus for your skin retaining it’s elasticity, but there are too many factors that come into play to make a prediction. I would concentrate on losing the weight and getting into shape first.

As for your existing scar, only a surgeon can determine if it will be a problem or not. I would guess it wouldn’t be but I don’t really know because I wasn’t faced with that situation.

Why not make an appointment for a tummy tuck consultation with a plastic surgeon? It is the only way to get good answers to all your questions. He can also tell you if liposuction will be of any benefit to you. Tummy Tuck Consultations are usually pretty cheap. Mine cost me only $25. After the consultation you walk away with the knowledge and facts needed to make a good decision. Good luck.

Tanner

FOLLOW-UP
Dear Tanner, Thank you so much for your quick response! I will definitely go and have a consultation on this to get my questions answered further…you’re awesome man thanks! Lennon