If you’ve recently lost a significant amount of weight, you may be thinking about rewarding yourself for all that effort with a tummy tuck in Houston, TX. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is well-known and respected for his expertise in plastic surgery. He can recommend when to have a tummy tuck and determine if you’re a good candidate.
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What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgery that removes excess skin, often left after a major weight loss. If you notice sagging skin around the abdomen, you may be a good candidate for this surgery. A tummy tuck can give you a more defined waistline and help you feel better about the way you look in swimsuits and other revealing clothing.
Patients often choose to have a tummy tuck in Texas after childbirth to help them regain their pre-pregnancy body. This surgery also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, which creates more definition around the waist. It can also stop chafing from loose skin hanging over the stomach.
The Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure
When you are ready to have a tummy tuck in Houston, the first step is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lapuerta will discuss the procedure and your options based on your goals for the surgery. Next, he creates a unique treatment plan for each patient that is based on their distinct needs.
If you have minimal loose skin, he might recommend a mini tummy tuck. This procedure addresses issues in the lower abdomen and doesn’t require repositioning of the belly button. A full tummy tuck is necessary when you have loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen. It’s a more extensive surgery and requires the surgeon to reposition the belly button.
An extensive tummy tuck may be necessary if you have a significant amount of loose skin and require body contouring. Dr. Lapuerta may recommend liposuction with the tummy tuck to remove any excess fat tissue that didn’t go away despite healthy eating and exercise. Regardless of the type of tummy tuck you need, Dr. Lapuerta will position the incision below the navel to reduce the likelihood of noticeable scarring. In most cases, the scar will be hidden by swimsuit bottoms or underwear.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck in Houston
A Houston tummy tuck is a major surgery that requires the expertise of a skilled surgeon. You want to choose someone with a positive track record of patient satisfaction. You should be able to review their before-and-after photos to see the difference the surgery made.
With Dr. Lapuerta, you get a doctor certified by three separate boards. He stays up to date on the latest trends and techniques while providing an individual plan that’s based on each patient’s needs. Patient testimonials showcase his expertise and his kind bedside manner. He takes the time to answer questions and walk you through the surgery and recovery time. His goal is to help you feel confident about taking the next step in your plastic surgery journey.
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Houston: What to Expect
During your consultation, you and Dr. Lapuerta will decide which type of tummy tuck you need. He’ll analyze your options for sedation, which is most often a general anesthesia. After discussing the procedure in detail and the potential results, you’ll begin to see why having a tummy tuck can be worth it.
During the surgery, Dr. Lapuerta may remove excess fat from the hips and flanks to create a more feminine appearance. He also uses multiple small incisions to help create a flat abdomen by bringing the muscle walls together. He also injects a long-lasting local anesthetic into the area where the tummy tuck was performed to reduce pain and the need for medications after the surgery.
You can expect to rest after the surgery for several days while wearing compression garments to reduce swelling. You’ll still need to move around as much as possible to increase blood flow. The doctor will provide a list of restrictions for the first several days, with some lasting for a few weeks until the incisions are completely healed. You should be able to return to all normal activities by about six to eight weeks post-op.
Why Choose Dr. Leo Lapuerta for Your Tummy Tuck?
For a tummy tuck in Houston, TX, you’ll want to work with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Lapuerta. He uses a patient-centric approach and considers the mental health and physical appearance of his patients. He can also explain the options with a tummy tuck vs liposuction to determine which is best for your goals. You can expect follow-up phone calls and appointments to monitor your recovery progress after the surgery. Dr. Lapuerta’s staff is just a phone call away if you have concerns at any point in the process.
The cost of a tummy tuck in Texas depends on the type of procedure used and other factors. The average is between $9,000 and $13,000 for a tummy tuck. Insurance may pay for the procedure if it’s deemed medically necessary. Our office will take care of submitting claim forms to the insurance company for approval and payment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Tummy Tuck?
After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment to help aid the healing process. During the first 48 hours, the patient will need to rest, but they should make a concerted effort to move around in order to help promote blood circulation. While some movement is needed, patients should only attempt to initially stand at a 45-degree angle to protect the incision. Some bruising and swelling is common following a tummy tuck surgery, and patients may also find the abdominal skin somewhat numb.
Initially, there will be some discomfort following the procedure, and pain medication will be provided to help with post-operative pain. Many patients compare the discomfort to the feeling of having performed intense abdominal exercises. While most patients can return to work in two to three weeks after surgery, clearance to resume exercise and physical activity is usually given around four to six weeks post-surgery.
The level of discomfort and amount of recovery time varies depending on the type of tummy tuck selected. A tummy tuck will result in a scar, but the scar is in an area that is usually covered with clothing, and, if performed by an expert such as Dr. Lapuerta, the scar should fade with time.
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in Texas?
For those wondering how much a tummy tuck costs, the price for abdominoplasty will vary depending on the technique used, the patient’s condition and aesthetic goals, as well as other factors relating to the surgical case. However, on average, most patients can expect to pay between $9,000 and $13,000 for their tummy tuck procedure.
The best way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of a tummy tuck in Houston is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta partners with the patient to determine the best treatment so that they can meet their specific goals. After deciding on what type of tummy tuck procedure is best for the patient, patients will receive a complete quote and will know what to expect for the cost of their tummy tuck in Houston with Dr. Lapuerta.
Schedule a Consultation for a Tummy Tuck in Houston
If you’re considering a tummy tuck in Texas, you can contact Dr. Lapuerta for a consultation. He is dedicated to providing a safe experience for his patients with results they are happy with for years to come. Schedule your consultation today to begin your journey to a new you.
PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE
Recovery Time
- 2-3 Weeks
Average Procedure Time
- 3-5 Hours
Post-op Follow-up
- 1 Weeks
Procedure Recovery Location
- Outpatient