Can a tummy tuck give me a 6-pack?

If you’re dreaming of a toned, sculpted midsection, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can help you achieve the coveted flat, “6-pack” look. Below, we explain how tummy tuck surgery can be tailored to create a more athletic abdominal appearance and why working with a skilled plastic surgeon is key to getting the best results possible.

What does a tummy tuck do?

A tummy tuck improves the appearance and functionality of the abdomen by removing excess skin, tightening separated or weakened abdominal muscles (a condition known as diastasis recti), and typically includes liposuction to further contour the area. While the primary goal of a tummy tuck is to restore a smooth, firm abdominal profile, certain techniques can also emphasize muscle definition.

This patient is shown before (right) and after (left) a tummy tuck. In the front view of these photos, notice how her waist still follows her natural body shape but her midsection is now smoother, tighter, and more symmetrical. The side view shows how precise tissue removal and sculpting techniques achieved beautifully defined abdominal muscles that appear completely natural.

How a tummy tuck can highlight natural muscle definition

While a tummy tuck doesn’t build muscle for you (you’ll still need core exercises for that), an expert tummy tuck surgeon like Dr. Brian Reedy personalizes three techniques during a tummy tuck to enhance the visibility of your abdominal muscles.

Muscle separation repair 

Abdominal muscle separation, or diastasis recti, is common during pregnancy and after significant weight gain. If these muscles are overstretched and cannot contract back down, the muscle laxity allows tissue and fat to bulge out from the abdomen. For these patients, Dr. Reedy surgically restores these muscles to an optimal position and tightness so they can once again act as an internal corset and keep your midsection firm and cinched—the foundation of a 6-pack. 

Muscle sculpting

Once diastasis recti is repaired, Dr. Reedy sculpts the fatty layer over the abdominal muscles with liposuction to enhance their prominence and create the look of a 6-pack. The level of muscle definition Dr. Reedy achieves will depend on your natural anatomy and your personal preferences.

In addition to defining your ab muscles with targeted fat removal, Dr. Reedy also uses lipo to remove any other surrounding fat deposits within the abdomen, around the hips and flanks, or along the bra line. The goal is to have a seamless transition from your abdomen to other body areas so your results are harmonious. What we don’t want is to have pockets of fat in adjacent areas distracting from your toned midsection or giving away that you’ve had a tummy tuck. 

Precise skin and fat removal

One of the biggest cosmetic advantages of a tummy tuck is eliminating loose, sagging skin and stubborn pockets of fat—both of which can obscure muscle definition. But removing tissue must be done thoughtfully to avoid an over-tight, obviously augmented tummy. The mark of an athletic physique is not necessarily one that’s overly taught and void of fat, but rather one that is effortlessly smooth and toned and appears proportionate to your natural body frame. Dr. Reedy is careful to consider your overall anatomy and removes the ideal amount of tissue to showcase the natural contours of your core.

“I 100% recommend! I have been told by so many that Dr. Reedy is THE guy. Believe me when I tell you, he IS the guy! The staff is phenomenal! My experience from beginning to end has been seamless & enjoyable. My results are AMAZING & I am so happy! If you live a distance, make the travel!”

—5-star Google review

How can I maximize my tummy tuck results?

A chiseled abdominal appearance requires collaboration between you and your surgeon. Here are some tips to help you support a 6-pack look before your surgery:

• Maintain a stable, healthy weight. Being at or near your goal weight before surgery helps prevent significant weight fluctuations afterward that can impact results.
• Strengthen your core. If your abdominal muscles are intact enough to safely perform direct ab exercises, building muscle tone before surgery can enhance the final appearance of your abdomen. Patients with more severe muscle separation may be advised to avoid direct ab workouts to prevent widening, however, indirect ab workouts may still be beneficial. 
• Communicate your goals. During your consultation with Dr. Reedy, discuss your aesthetic priorities—whether you prefer subtle definition or the most sculpted appearance possible—and be open-minded about what can be realistically achieved while still maintaining natural results. 

Related: What should I wear after a tummy tuck? 

A personalized tummy tuck procedure is the best approach to achieving the midsection you’ve been envisioning, and Reading plastic surgeon Dr. Brian K. Reedy has the skill and expertise to deliver ideal results. Schedule your consultation by calling Berks Plastic Surgery at 610-320-0200 or click the Contact button at the top of this page!