What is a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty, popularly known as the tummy tuck, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that addresses the loose, sagging skin around a man or woman’s midsection. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Bullocks performs a tummy tuck to safely remove the excess skin and fat from the abdomen and address aesthetic concerns due to aging, heredity, pregnancy, or significant fluctuations in weight. Not only does a tummy tuck restore your appearance, but this procedure also repairs weakened and separated muscles in the midsection. We commonly combine abdominoplasty with liposuction and skin tightening techniques to help provide a harmonious shape of the trunk and a smaller waistline. This is important to planning our tummy tucks, because our goal is to treat the entire front and back to create a smaller waistline. Board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks have welcomed hundreds of patients who wish to achieve smoother and firmer abdominal profiles through their expertise.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Houston? The average cost of a tummy tuck in Houston typically ranges between $8,000 and $12,000. The total cost for your tummy tuck will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit®. Because a tummy tuck is typically more about cosmetic appearance and is less of a medical necessity, it is not covered by insurance plans.
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck? At Heights Plastic Surgery, ideal candidates for a tummy tuck experience the following concerns: A sagging abdominal wall Overstretched abdominal muscles Lessened skin elasticity in the stomach area Bothered by the appearance of the abdomen Stretch marks of the lower abdomen Fat deposition or fatty changes of the lower abdomen During your private consultation, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will clarify whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. The tummy tuck is usually the best option for people who want to get rid of excess skin and tighten the muscles in the midsection after already losing weight or giving birth.
How does Heights Plastic Surgery perform tummy tucks? A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about two to three hours to complete. To begin, either an anesthetic or IV sedation will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then make a careful incision just above the pubic area to access the abdomen. After carefully removing excess fat and skin from the midsection, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will tighten the muscles in the abdomen, pull the skin tight, and trim away the excess tissue.
What tummy tuck techniques do you offer? Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may use any of the following techniques to contour your body with a tummy tuck. Traditional Tummy Tuck. If you want to improve your upper and lower abdomen, the traditional or full tummy tuck repairs the problem area with a horizontal or U-shaped incision made from hip bone-to-hip bone and just over the pubic hairline. Then, excess skin is removed while abdominal muscles are tightened. Though it yields a longer scar than other surgical methods, a full tummy tuck gives you a flatter, smoother stomach. This results in an increased comfort in pants and skirts plus more flattering silhouettes in form-fitting clothes. Mini Tummy Tuck. If your issue is limited to just a protruding or unflattering lower belly, a mini-tummy tuck may be enough to address it. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will make one short incision beneath the panty line. Loose muscles in the lower abdomen are tightened and excess skin is removed to flatten your abdominal wall. The mini tummy tuck is relatively quicker than the traditional tummy tuck, requires a shorter recovery, and produces a flattering lower belly. Liposuction of the abdomen is commonly performed to sculpt and improve the overall results Extended Tummy Tuck. For patients who desire the removal of loose abdominal skin from a wider area, the extended tummy tuck could be a better fit than the traditional technique. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks makes a longer incision that extends from the hip to the sides of the lower back and removes the patient’s excess skin. This technique is often recommended for patients who have undergone a massive weight loss. Circumferential Tummy Tuck. This technique gets its name from the fact that the incision is made all around the waistline, spanning the entire lower body. The technique, also known as a lower body lift, is recommended by Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks to patients who have had undergone extreme weight loss or have sagging of the outer thighs and buttocks that need to be addressed. The aim of the circumferential approach is to remove an abundance of excess fat and loose skin in problem areas such as the tummy, outer thighs, and buttocks.
What can I expect during my recovery after a tummy tuck? For the first 24 hours following your tummy tuck, it is normal to experience some pain, soreness, swelling, and bruising around your treated areas. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. You will also be asked to wear a surgical compression garment to ensure your skin heals tight against your body’s new contours. Within two to three weeks, you may return to work and resume low-impact daily activities. While the results of your tummy tuck are considered final after about one to three months of healing, many patients report continuing to see gradual improvement over the next several months as swelling continues to subside. Final results of your tummy tuck may be easily maintained through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks are also rigorously trained in revision surgery, particularly of body contouring procedures for those who have had tummy tucks in the past and desire additional contouring.
