Tummy Tuck
(Abdominoplasty)
Cosmetic Surgery in Houston

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty), is a surgical procedure that creates a slimmer, more contoured stomach by removing excess fat, skin, and other tissue. Doctors remove a section of skin and fat from the abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, then bring the new edges of the incision together, leaving a smooth, taut result.

Your belly may sag due to genetic factors, pregnancies, previous procedures, fluctuations in weight, and/or aging. A tummy tuck can also tighten weakened muscles for a flatter, firmer profile. This is especially valuable for patients with movement or activity limitations that make it difficult to exercise.

Abdominoplasty differs from other body slimming procedures like liposuction, though they are often performed together. While liposuction can be used to remove fat from various areas (e.g., thighs, stomach, chin, buttocks, etc.), a tummy tuck is only used to slim the midsection. However, liposuction cannot correct sagging skin, cellulite, or weakened stomach muscles.

Procedure Types and Techniques

There are a few different kinds of tummy tuck procedures, each suited to different needs. The following are the most common options.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The least extensive type of abdominoplasty is a mini tummy tuck. Small areas of sagging skin and fat are removed and the skin is pulled tight via a small incision above the pelvic region. If you have excess fat and sagging below your navel but are otherwise at a stable weight, a mini tummy tuck could be a good option for you. If you have extensive areas of excess skin and fat, a full tummy tuck may be a better choice.

Full (Traditional) Tummy Tuck

The typical full tummy tuck uses a larger incision and removes a larger section of fat and tissue. Due to the larger area involved, the navel is also repositioned. The traditional tummy tuck is a great option if you are a new mom or someone who has recently lost a lot of weight. If you’d also like to sculpt a bit further during the procedure, you might add liposuction to your plan.

Extended Tummy Tuck

This procedure is the most involved, as it addresses not just the stomach, but also the “love handle” area around the hips. The incisions are much larger, but the scars will not be visible in clothing or swimwear. Like a traditional tummy tuck, extended procedures are often combined with liposuction. If you have a significant amount of sagging skin and fat around your hips and belly, the extended tummy tuck is an ideal option.

The Cost of a Tummy Tuck

This procedure is the most involved, as it addresses not just the stomach, but also the “love handle” area around the hips. The incisions are much larger, but the scars will not be visible in clothing or swimwear. Like a traditional tummy tuck, extended procedures are often combined with liposuction. If you have a significant amount of sagging skin and fat around your hips and belly, the extended tummy tuck is an ideal option.

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Getting a tummy tuck not only helps improve the look of your midsection, it can also improve your experience in other areas of life.

An abdominoplasty can:

• Improve your posture and mobility
• Boost your self esteem
• Help you fit more comfortably in clothing
• Reduce bladder leakage (a common symptom in both men and women, especially women who have had multiple children or are post-menopausal)

How a Tummy Tuck Works

In addition to the surgery itself, getting a tummy tuck also involves a period of preparation and recovery. If you decide to have an abdominoplasty, you can expect to progress through three stages: consultation, surgery, and recovery.

Step 1: Consultation

In addition to the surgery itself, getting a tummy tuck also involves a period of preparation and recovery. If you decide to have an abdominoplasty, you can expect to progress through three stages: consultation, surgery, and recovery.

Step 2: Surgury

Here’s how your abdominoplasty will proceed:

• You will be prepped for surgery.
• An appropriately sized incision will be made above your pubic area.
• Do will carefully separate the skin from the abdominal wall, then remove the unwanted skin and fat. In the case of a full (traditional) tummy tuck, this will be done by removing a triangular area of tissue.
• A pocket will then be created under the skin and fat of the upper abdomen, allowing the surgeon to tighten up the abdominal muscles and then stretch the upper skin down to meet the lower section of skin.
• If necessary, additional fat will be cut away or removed by liposuction.
• Your navel will be sewn into the right position via a moon-shaped incision.
• Before closing up the incisions, tubes will be inserted to help the area drain. You may be required to wear a compression garment for drainage purposes.

Step 3: Recovery and Results

Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure; mini tummy tucks tend to take the least amount of time, while extended tummy tucks take the longest amount of time. On average, it takes approximately 2 weeks to return to sedentary activity, and 3-4 weeks to return to strenuous activity, such as exercising.

For the first few days after your surgery, the skin will feel tight. You may also struggle to stand up straight. Eventually, your incisions will heal and your skin will stretch until movement is completely comfortable. Some swelling is normal and should go down in time. If it persists, let us know immediately.

Make sure you have sufficient time for recovery before you return to work or do anything strenuous. You won’t be able to enter any pools, hot tubs, or baths for several weeks after your surgery. To keep the blood flowing and encourage healing, Dr. Do recommends taking light walks.

You’ll have follow-up appointments to ensure that you are healing properly and check on your results. After a month or so, if all goes well, you should be able to clearly see—and flaunt—your results.

Why Choose Dr. Do at the Aesthetic Surgery Institute

The Aesthetic Surgery Institute is a trusted Houston clinic that has helped thousands of patients correct physical defects, improve their self-esteem, and live more comfortably in their own skin. Dr. Do is a highly skilled surgeon with 15 years of hands-on experience performing more than 10,000 procedures. We also offer no-interest financing that can help bring the procedure you want into your budget range.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a quick rundown of tummy tuck information, take a minute to review our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the procedure.

Should I Combine My Tummy Tuck with Other Surgeries?

If Dr. Do deems it safe and appropriate, there are some other procedures you can do at the same time as a tummy tuck. Liposuction and breast augmentation are examples of procedures that are commonly combined with tummy tucks.

How Long Will It Take for Me to Recover?

In most cases, roughly 1-2 months should be sufficient for recovery. A mini tummy tuck will take less time, while an extended tummy tuck will take more. You will be able to return to sedentary activity around 2 weeks after surgery, and begin exercising again around 3-4 weeks after surgery.

Will I Be Left with Scars?

Even a mini tummy tuck typically leaves some degree of scarring, but a skilled surgeon like Dr. Do can minimize the severity of these scars, as well as ensure that they will be hidden under clothing and swimwear. Following aftercare instructions carefully and obeying recovery limitations can also help minimize scarring.

Can a Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?

If the stretch marks are located on the skin beneath the navel in an area that can be removed via a tummy tuck, yes! Any stretch marks outside that area cannot be removed in the procedure.

Could a Tummy Tuck Affect Pregnancy?

A previously completed tummy tuck poses no health risks during future pregnancies. Of course, the stretching of the skin can certainly impact the results of the tummy tuck, which is why many women wait until they are done having children to have a “mommy makeover.”

Will My Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Because the majority of tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures, most are not covered by insurance. However, if your tummy tuck is part of another procedure, like a breast reconstruction, your insurance may offer coverage.