Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Conveniently located to serve Houston & Sugar Land

Have you been thinking about getting a tummy tuck? Weight loss and pregnancy can leave excess flab in the abdominal area that can’t be corrected by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Loose, stretched abdominal skin can be effectively removed to reveal a flat, smooth stomach with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Houston.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a body surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen, improving its appearance and shape. It tightens the tummy to give you a slimmer and more attractive look. A well-toned and flat tummy can help clothes fit better as well.

However, remember that a tummy tuck should not be considered a quick alternative to traditional weight loss. It is specifically intended for abdominal contouring.

Abdominoplasty results can be affected by significant weight loss or weight gain. Because of this, people who plan to lose more weight or get pregnant should delay getting a tummy tuck.

The Tummy Tuck Consultation in Houston

During your consultation, Dr. Norris will examine your abdomen or “tummy” area and map out where the incisions will be placed during your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. Dr. Norris will answer any questions you have about the procedure as well as provide you with pre and post-operative instructions.

Make sure to tell Dr. Norris about the medications and supplements you take. You might be instructed to stop taking some of them before and after the tummy tuck. The doctor might also ask you to stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the procedure to prevent complications and improve recovery.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck

Before surgery, it is important to avoid alcohol, tobacco products and certain medications that thin the blood. You will also need to have some lab tests and blood work done beforehand to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo a tummy tuck in Houston.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

During your tummy tuck, you will be placed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Dr. Norris will make incisions across the lower abdomen and around the belly button. Hanging, excess skin is cut away, your stomach muscles are tightened, and your belly button is repositioned. Liposuction may also be performed along with your tummy tuck to further improve abdominal contours and reduce stubborn fat deposits.

Recovering From a Tummy Tuck in Houston

You will need some help caring for yourself after a tummy tuck in Houston, especially the first few days after the procedure.

Drains will likely be placed to help prevent excess fluid buildup at the surgical site, so be sure to monitor fluid collection. Also, keep your incisions clean and dry. You will need to wear a compression garment around your abdomen for several weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and avoid exposing your scars to sunlight as this can cause scars to darken.

Dr. Norris may advise you to walk as early as 24 hours after your procedure. Movement will help speed your recovery but be careful not to overdo it. Medications will be prescribed to help manage your pain. You may not be able to stand up straight for about a week after surgery, but this is normal and will resolve on its own.

Heavy lifting and abdominal exercises should be avoided for several weeks to ensure these activities do not damage your abdominoplasty results. Most patients with desk jobs are able to return to work within two weeks.

Patients with more physically demanding jobs may require more time to heal before being able to return to normal work duties. Strenuous physical activities are usually resumed within 4 – 6 weeks after surgery and sometime around the 8th week, you should be expected to resume all normal activities.

Tummy tuck recovery typically involves some discomfort, bruising, and swelling, expected surgical side effects that will wear off over the next few weeks. After 3-6 months you will begin to see your final tummy tuck results and your slimmer, firmer lower abdomen.

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Tummy Tuck FAQ

What are some of the risks associated with a tummy tuck?

As with all surgical procedures, there are some inherent risks associated with a tummy tuck. However, when it is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Norris, it is generally considered safe and complications are rare.
Will I have significant scarring after a tummy tuck?

Some scarring is inevitable with all surgical procedures. After undergoing a tummy tuck, there will be a visible scar at the site of the incision. The scar resulting from a tummy tuck usually runs from hip to hip and can be easily concealed by undergarments or bikini bottoms. It should also fade over time.
Is pregnancy safe following a tummy tuck?

Pregnancy is safe after having a tummy tuck. But in most cases, it will permanently alter the original results of your tummy tuck. The stomach muscles may stretch out and resemble the stomach you had prior to surgery, in which case a second abdominoplasty could be needed. For this reason, Dr. Norris will likely recommend waiting on having a tummy tuck if you are still planning on having more children.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other plastic surgery procedures?

Many of Dr. Norris’s patients have experienced incredible face and body rejuvenation thanks to his fully individualized combination procedures, which usually allow for just one day of surgery and one recovery period.

For example, women frequently opt for a mommy makeover, a customized treatment plan often consisting of a tummy tuck and liposuction, along with a breast lift, an arm lift, and/or a breast augmentation or reduction. Additionally, the fat tissue removed during liposuction could even be transferred to the buttocks for a curvier backside.
How long does a tummy tuck last?

The results of a tummy tuck are meant to last indefinitely when combined with healthy eating and consistent exercise. However, certain life events like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the skin’s aging process could necessitate a follow-up treatment in the future.
How many sizes will I lose with a tummy tuck?

Most patients report going down one to three pant sizes after an abdominoplasty. This is thanks to the reduction in excess skin volume and some fat tissue.