Will a Tummy Tuck Give You Washboard Abs?

Can plastic surgery give you abs? Our St. Louis-based team knows this is something many people wonder about—especially as the weather turns warmer and more skin gets exposed to the sun.

Having a sculpted, toned abdomen with washboard abs is a fitness goal that plenty of men and women aspire to achieve. However, despite a dedicated diet and exercise, some people may struggle to attain their desired results due to factors such as genetics, prior pregnancies, or significant weight loss. In such cases, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help address excess abdominal skin and fat—but its primary goal is not to create washboard abs.

The term “washboard abs” refers to a highly defined and muscular look in the abdominal area, characterized by well-defined horizontal bands of muscle. These muscles, known as the rectus abdominis, run vertically down the front of the abdomen and are responsible for the coveted “six-pack” appearance.

Achieving washboard abs typically requires a combination of low body fat percentage and well-developed abdominal muscles.

It’s a common misconception that a tummy tuck on its own can give you this look. This procedure does not directly sculpt the abs nor enhance their definition. Instead, specific types of abdominal exercises combined with maintaining a low body fat percentage are more effective techniques if you hope to attain a chiselled six-pack appearance. In other words, a tummy tuck can’t replace the benefits of regular exercise for developing muscle tone and definition.

However, one of the best advantages of a tummy tuck is that it makes it easier to achieve washboard abs if that’s your main goal. The procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat, along with the tightening of abdominal muscles. It is commonly sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or have excess skin and fat due to aging. The primary goal of a tummy tuck is to create a flatter and firmer abdominal profile, rather than sculpting the abs. It can remove the stubborn fat and skin or address other factors that stand in the way of you attaining washboard abs. By helping you sculpt a slimmer, flatter abdomen, this procedure can boost your confidence and motivate you to achieve your fitness goals.

Our St. Louis-based West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University team will provide more details about how a tummy tuck—or another type of plastic surgery or treatment—can enhance the stomach area. Call us at (314) 996-8800 or fill out a contact form to schedule a consultation.