Abdominoplasty | Tummy Tuck
For many men, major weight loss, aging, or previous surgeries leave behind something the gym can’t fix—loose, hanging skin and stretched abdominal muscles.
When your hard work gets buried under excess tissue, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help you finally see the results you’ve earned. Unlike liposuction, which removes fat, a tummy tuck focuses on tightening the underlying muscle structure and removing the redundant skin that’s hiding your shape.
Dr. Joseph T. Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in male body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks tailored specifically to the male anatomy. His approach is designed to enhance core definition, restore natural proportions, and deliver results that look strong and true to your physique. If you’re at a healthy weight but frustrated with skin laxity or loss of abdominal tone, a tummy tuck may be the next step in your transformation.
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess abdominal skin and repair stretched or separated muscles.
These issues often linger, especially following weight loss, no matter how much you work out. In men, the goal of a tummy tuck is not just to flatten the belly—it’s to reinforce the core and reveal the underlying muscle tone for a more defined, athletic torso.
A male tummy tuck differs slightly from female abdominoplasty in both design and goal. With extensive experience in male body contouring, Dr. Cruise focuses on preserving a natural masculine shape, emphasizing the transition between the chest, waist, and hips. For some men, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck to further enhance waist definition.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Cruise begins with a low horizontal incision just above the pubic area, placed strategically to be concealed beneath underwear or swim trunks.
Through this access point, he removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles if needed, and reshapes the waistline.If there is significant fat in the flanks or upper abdomen, liposuction may be performed at the same time. Once the core is tightened and the excess tissue is removed, the remaining skin is re-draped, and the incision is closed with attention to minimizing visible scarring. Most patients go home the same day with a compression garment and detailed instructions for recovery.
Tummy tuck surgery is designed to address cosmetic and functional issues in the abdominal area, especially when skin and muscle have been permanently stretched. It is commonly performed for:
While not a weight loss procedure, a tummy tuck can be the final step in restoring form and function after reaching a stable, healthy weight.
For the right candidate, a tummy tuck offers both aesthetic and physical benefits. The most common improvements include:
Patients often report feeling more in control of their bodies, with results that motivate them to stay active and maintain a healthy weight over time.
You may be a good candidate for a male tummy tuck if you’ve reached or are close to your goal weight but still deal with extra abdominal skin or a lingering belly bulge. This is especially common in men who’ve experienced major weight fluctuations, past abdominal surgeries, or aging-related tissue laxity.
Good tummy tuck candidates are non-smokers in overall good health, without serious medical conditions that could impair healing. Dr. Cruise will carefully assess your skin quality, muscle tone, and overall body proportions to determine whether abdominoplasty or another treatment is best suited to your goals.
Recovery from a male tummy tuck is more involved than less invasive body contouring procedures, but most men feel significantly better within 10 to 14 days.
You’ll wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your new shape. Discomfort is well-managed with prescription medication during the first week, and you’ll be up and walking within 24 hours.
Activity restrictions are gradually lifted based on your healing progress. Most men return to the gym (excluding core exercises) after about four weeks, with full workouts and lifting by six weeks post-op. Dr. Cruise and his team provide close follow-up care to guide your recovery and ensure proper healing.
The results of a male tummy tuck are often dramatic. You’ll see an immediate difference in contour and posture, with further improvements over several weeks as swelling fades.
The lower abdomen becomes tighter and flatter, clothing fits more comfortably, and your overall silhouette reflects a stronger, more proportional build.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, your results are long-lasting. Most men describe the surgery as a “reset”—a way to move forward with confidence, free from the distractions of loose or unresponsive skin.
Dr. Joseph T. Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience helping men refine their physiques through precise, natural-looking procedures. He is well-known for his specialization in male aesthetic surgery, offering techniques that respect and enhance the male form without overcorrection.
From your consultation to your final result, Dr. Cruise is committed to helping you reach your goals with an expert plan, clear communication, and long-term support. His team works closely with each patient to ensure safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout their journey.
If you’re ready to address loose skin and muscle laxity with a tummy tuck, contact our Newport Beach office at 949-644-4808 or complete our online form to request your private consultation.
Let us help you reveal the shape beneath.
