Tummy tuck before and after photos show loose skin and stomach wrinkles replaced by flat, smooth abdomens. Excess fat is gone, and patients look more proportionate with more attractive figures and curves.
But how much information can you really get from the before and after galleries you see online? Most people know these pictures can be a great way to vet a plastic surgeon and their skills, but what exactly are you assessing for?
If you’re preparing to undergo abdominoplasty, below we offer advice on exactly what to look for as you browse tummy tuck before and after pictures.
What to Look for in Before and After Abdominoplasty Photos
1. Consistent Lighting and Background
Ensure that the lighting and background are consistent in both the before and after photos. Changes in lighting and backgrounds can make it difficult to see accurate changes made during surgery.
2. High-Resolution Images
Look for high-resolution images that allow you to zoom in and closely examine details. Blurry or low-quality photos can make it hard to assess the surgical results accurately.
3. Consistent Photo Angles and Proper Framing
You want photos taken from consistent angles and perspectives. Consistency ensures that the results are accurately represented. This allows you to make a fair comparison. It’s also great if the surgeon provides multiple angles of the same before and after patient.
Next, pay attention to the framing of the photos. They should frame the abdomen area appropriately, with clear views of the overall tummy tuck results.
4. Clear Descriptions
Because multiple techniques and technologies can be used in tummy tuck surgery, it’s worth knowing what was used with each before and after set. For example, if it’s an hourglass tummy tuck before and after or a tummy tuck with mommy makeover before and after, you want to know that. As you approach your own surgery, this may influence the strategy you discuss with your surgeon.
For this reason, ideally, each practice will provide a brief description of the patient and the details of the surgery they underwent next to their photographs.
5. Time Progression Photos
If possible, look for before and after photos that show the progression of healing and results over time. While this won’t be possible with all patients, it can be useful to have access to photos like these so that you’re not surprised at the stages of your own healing. Progressional photos will help you understand how results evolve and mature over time.
6. Patient Diversity
Look for surgeons who work with a variety of patients. Naturally, it can be helpful to find a “before” patient that looks similar to you and who shares your physical concerns. But diversity is also a positive thing to see because it lets you see how the surgeon handles different body types, skin tones, and ages.
7. Consistency with Your Aesthetic Goals
Do the “after” photos share features of your desired outcome? Would you be happy with the results this surgeon has provided for his or her past patients? One thing’s for sure when looking at tummy tuck before and afters: You want to be impressed by the results.
8. Natural-Looking Results
In addition to actually getting rid of loose skin and fat on the abdomen and tightening and slimming the ab muscles, pay attention to the overall appearance of the results: Do they look natural?
Ideally, the patients’ midsections will be markedly improved, but they also must blend well with the overall proportions of each patient’s body. The goal is to enhance the figure while maintaining a harmonious, balanced look.
9. Limited Scar Visibility
Examine the scars in the “after” photos. The tummy tuck scar should be well-healed, well-hidden, and positioned low on the abdomen, typically under the bikini line (for the lower lateral incision). Where possible, scrutinize the quality of the incisions. They should be precise and well-closed, and if enough time has lapsed after surgery, they should be flat and faded and as discreet as possible.
10. Improvement in Skin Tightness
Take a look at the reduction of loose or sagging skin in the “after” photos, particularly in the lower abdominal area. You should see a notable improvement in flatness and smoothness.
11. Waist Definition
Look for an enhanced waistline, ideally creating an hourglass figure (for women).
12. Symmetry
Finally, check for symmetry in the results. Both sides of the abdomen should appear balanced, with no noticeable irregularities.
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures With Stretch Marks
Q&A: Tummy Tuck Surgery
Can a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?
Yes, in many cases, a tummy tuck can get rid of at least some stretch marks on the lower abdomen. Keep in mind that each patient is unique, however.
So, depending on where your stretch marks are located and how many you have, this plastic surgery may not be able to completely get rid of all of them. See Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures With Stretch Marks to the left.
Can men get a tummy tuck?
Absolutely, abdominoplasty is a male female procedure, meaning both men and women can benefit.
Where can I find male tummy tuck before and after photos?
Any plastic surgeon who performs tummy tuck surgery should have photos of tummy tuck before and after male patients as well as female patients. When you browse the pictures filter cases by gender to see male photos only.
Where can I find mini tummy tuck before and after photos?
If the surgeon you’re considering performs mini tummy tuck surgery, they should have mini tummy tuck before and after photos on their website.
How much weight is typically lost with a tummy tuck?
The primary focus of a tummy tuck is to remove sagging skin and repair the abdominal muscles. Despite the fact that a limited amount of fat may also be removed via liposuction, tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure.
Call Today to Book a Consultation
If you’ve gone through multiple pregnancies or lost a significant amount of weight, loose skin and separated abdominal muscles may be hindering your movement, comfort, and confidence. A tummy tuck can help you achieve your desired results and give you back your self-esteem.
Call today to set up a consultation appointment for tummy tuck surgery with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/your-guide-to-a-tummy-tuck-before-during-and-after
