Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX

Factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and the natural process of aging can lead to undesirable physical transformations. These changes may include stretched-out skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles that result in the appearance of a protruding belly. While exercise and diet may help make you feel better, they sometimes are not effective in achieving the tight and toned abdomen that you are looking for. Abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to enhance the appearance of the abdominal region. Plastic surgeons focus on removing excess skin and fat while also strengthening weak abdominal muscles to achieve a beautifully contoured abdominal profile.

Why are Tummy Tucks so Popular?

Tummy tucks are remarkably popular because there are few other procedures that can achieve such a dramatic transformation within a short period of time. This procedure can help both men and women overcome a protruding belly, excess abdominal fat, diastasis recti, and other cosmetic issues affecting the abdominal region. In 2019, more than 123,400 tummy tuck procedures were performed in the US alone (according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Abdominoplasty procedures have very high patient satisfaction rates (96% and 95% respectively) according to Real Self and Real Patient Ratings.
Houston plastic surgeons offer abdominoplasty procedures to patients in Houston and surrounding Texas areas. The surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to re-contour abdominal areas and achieve a firmer and flatter appearance. Surgeons understand that the needs of different people are unique so it is important to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your abdominoplasty procedure should be performed in an accredited in-office operating room or an accredited surgical facility. The surgeon’s anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will sedate you to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the treatment. Your surgeon will then create an incision below the pubic hairline and below the panty line. Depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed, additional incisions may be created around the belly button, or in the flanks. Excess fat and loose skin will be removed. The abdominal muscles will also be strengthened in line with the goals of the surgery. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the treatment areas. Drains are usually inserted to get rid of excess fluid after surgery. A compression garment will also be wrapped around the surgery areas to help with healing. You will be placed in the recovery room where your vitals will be monitored before you are allowed to go home to continue with recovery.

Candidates

Our bodies can change unfavorably with time, even when we are healthy and have a stable weight. Many people experience undesirable abdominal changes due to natural aging, previous surgeries, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Genetics could also have an impact on how your body – and specifically the abdominal region – changes with time. You may be an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck in Houston if:

  • You are in good physical and emotional health.
  • You live in or are traveling to the Houston, TX area.
  • You have a small amount of skin wrinkling or sagging in the lower abdomen as a result of childbirth or weight fluctuations.
  • You have stubborn belly fat that is restricted to the area under the navel.
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure.

While abdominoplasty is a fairly common procedure, only about 20% of all tummy tuck patients are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. This treatment can be very satisfying when performed on the right individual. During your initial visit to a Houston tummy tuck clinic, the surgeon will listen to your concerns and examine your belly before recommending a way forward. Patients who have significant excess skin and stubborn fat on both the lower and upper abdomen may be more suited for a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck.

Different Types of Tummy Tucks

The needs and requirements of each patient are unique. Your plastic surgeon can examine your aesthetic or physical concerns and recommend the best type of abdominoplasty to achieve the results you are looking for. There are many different types of tummy tucks offered in Houston, Texas such as:

Mini Tummy Tuck

This is a less invasive type of abdominoplasty that focuses on contouring the abdominal area below the belly button. The surgeon will create an incision above the pubic area and remove excess skin and fat, as well as strengthen weakened abdominal muscles. This procedure does not entail repositioning the belly button.
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Full Tummy Tuck

A total or complete abdominoplasty is a more comprehensive procedure that contours the abdominal areas below and above the belly button. The surgeon will create an incision above the pubic area and remove excess skin and fat. Weakened abdominal muscles will be tightened and the belly button repositioned to achieve the desired abdominal appearance.
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Extended tummy tuck

This is one of the most invasive type of tummy tucks that focuses on contouring the entire abdominal area along with the hips, flanks, and outer thighs. This type of abdominoplasty typically involves three different incisions: one above the pubic area, around the belly button, and another one running vertically along the flanks. An extended tummy tuck results in a dramatic transformation of the entire waistline.
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Fleur De Lis tummy tuck

This is a type of abdominoplasty that is designed to remove extreme loose skin, usually following bariatric surgery or massive weight loss. A Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty is common with patients who have an abdominal area that is wider than their hips. The surgeon focuses on both horizontal and vertical skin tightening to achieve a slimmer waistline profile.

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Hourglass Abdominoplasty

An hourglass abdominoplasty aims to reveal an attractive hourglass silhouette by removing a significant volume of excess fat while also tightening the skin around the midsection. Fat removed from the abdominal area is usually used to improve the volume and appearance of the buttocks.

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Plus Size Abdominoplasty

Overweight patients can also benefit from a tummy tuck. Surgeons performs plus-size abdominoplasty procedures to suit the needs of overweight patients. This type of tummy tuck is highly customized to the needs of each patient.
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Rectus Diastasis Repair

Many women experience partial or total separation of the rectus abdominis (six-pack) muscles as a result of pregnancy and childbearing. Surgeons may sometimes use a tummy tuck to rejoin these muscles and alleviate physical symptoms and unpleasant abdominal appearance.

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Medical Reasons for a Tummy Tuck

While abdominoplasty is typically performed to achieve cosmetic goals, this procedure may also be used to alleviate certain medical conditions.

  • Ventral hernia – a ventral hernia is a bulge of the intestine or other abdominal tissue through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall muscles. Surgeons can perform abdominoplasty in order to alleviate this medical condition and yield bonus cosmetic benefits.
  • Stress urinary incontinence – urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of urine. This condition usually affects women and may be triggered by physical activity or movement that applies pressure to the bladder and urethra. While this condition could be treated without surgery, various studies have demonstrated that abdominoplasty can also help.
  • Back pain and posture problems – some women experience back pain and posture problems due to separated abdominal muscles following pregnancy and childbearing. Surgeons usually performs abdominoplasty to support the separated abdominal muscles and alleviate the discomfort. The procedure will also result in dramatic aesthetic improvements of the entire abdominal region.

Benefits of Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery

Patients who undergo a tummy tuck usually experience a wide range of benefits, which may include the following:

  • Improved physique and silhouette
    A flatter and firmer abdomen
  • Strengthened abdominal muscles
    Removal of excess skin from the entire midsection region
  • Improved posture
  • Better or attractively fitting clothing.
  • Alleviated back pain
  • Achieve a shapely feminine-looking contour in women
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Alleviated medical conditions such as urinary incontinence and ventral hernia.

Recovery After Abdominoplasty Surgery

You will need to have someone to drive you home once you are discharged from the surgical facility. This could be a close friend or family member who is also available to help out with chores over the first few days. You can expect to feel some pain over the first few days after the surgery, but the surgeon will provide pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. Antibiotics may also be provided to prevent the risk of infection during recovery. Bruising and swelling – while common – usually subside within a few weeks. It is important that you do not subject your surgical incisions to abrasion, force, or excessive motion during the recovery process. You will be asked to rest as much as possible and focus on a healthy diet. Make sure to stay hydrated and take light walks so you can encourage proper blood circulation following the abdominoplasty procedure. Most patients are able to return to work in about 2 weeks, but this can extend to up to 6 weeks depending on the type of tummy tuck you received. The results of your abdominoplasty will be evident in about 3-4 months, but it can take up to 18 months after surgery for your scars to fade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for abdominoplasty surgery?

While preparing for tummy tuck surgery, it is important that you do the following:

  • Quit smoking at least four weeks before the surgery.
  • Limit alcohol consumption a few weeks before the surgery.
  • Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin) and herbal supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
  • Arrange for transportation to and from the operating room.
  • Get your post-operative recovery supplies ahead of time.
  • Ask a friend to stay with you for a night or two so they can watch you and help out with basic chores.

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for your tummy tuck during one of your consultation visits.

Will I lose weight after abdominoplasty surgery?

A tummy tuck is not designed as a weight-loss procedure. If you are looking for surgery to lose weight, the surgeon may recommend bariatric surgery. The goal of abdominoplasty is to remove excess skin and fat while also strengthening weakened abdominal muscles. Dr. Surgeon recommends that patients are close to their ideal weight before moving forward with tummy tuck plastic surgery.

Will I have scars?

A tummy tuck – like any other surgical procedure – will leave scars. There are advanced techniques in order to reduce the size and appearance of scarring. The surgeon may also put you in a comprehensive scar care program in order to make sure that scars fade well with time. If you are particularly worried about scarring, let the surgeon know before the surgery so he can answer your questions.

How long do results last?

Results of a tummy tuck are usually long-lasting and are even considered permanent. Keep in mind that excess fat and skin that has been removed through surgery cannot grow back. However, future fluctuations in weight could result in sagging or additional fat deposits. Plastic surgeons recommend that you maintain a stable weight and focus on a healthy lifestyle in order to make the best out of your abdominoplasty. Plastic surgeons will also recommend waiting until after you have completed childbearing before you have a tummy tuck.

Is abdominoplasty covered by insurance?

The cost of abdominoplasty in Houston can vary from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the type of procedure being performed, and the extensiveness of the treatment. Health insurance companies typically do not pay for tummy tuck procedures that are required for cosmetic reasons. Your plastic surgeon or staff will provide an initial cost breakdown when you visit the office so you can make arrangements for financing.