Contact 
Gallery 
Call Tummy Tuck
Achieving a flatter, firmer abdomen can feel impossible with diet and exercise alone, especially if you’re dealing with loose skin, excess fat, or separated abdominal muscles caused by pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, tightening weakened abdominal muscles, and sculpting the midsection for a more toned appearance. This cosmetic surgery provides long-lasting, transformative results, helping you feel confident in your body again.
Dr. Lapuerta draws on over 30 years of experience as a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon to deliver exceptional tummy tuck results. Whether you need a mini tummy tuck for subtle improvements or a more complete tummy tuck to address extensive concerns, Dr. Lapuerta personalizes every procedure to your unique anatomy and goals. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and compassionate approach, Dr. Lapuerta ensures each patient receives care tailored to their needs. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward a slimmer, more sculpted midsection.
1 of 106
“Could not have picked a better doctor! Decided to get a tummy tuck and being my first procedure, I was very nervous. Despite this, Dr. Lapuerta and his staff were able to inform my husband and I of the entire procedure without difficulty, and we were treated with the utmost respect from beginning to end. Dr. Leo and the entire staff were very responsible and attentive during all post-op appointments. I will definitely be back for any future procedures!”
Review from N.C. | Source: Google | Nov 17, 2018 Plastic Surgery Patient
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.
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 sculpted appearance. He 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.
A tummy tuck targets a variety of physical concerns that diet and exercise alone cannot resolve, including:
This procedure is an excellent option for individuals looking to achieve a toned and contoured abdomen after experiencing changes due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
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.
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.
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 are 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 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.
A tummy tuck helps you achieve a flatter, more sculpted abdomen, enhancing your entire silhouette. Patients often notice immediate improvements in the shape and tone of their midsection, with final results becoming more visible as swelling subsides over the following weeks.
With proper diet and exercise, the results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting. Lapuerta's precise surgical techniques minimize scarring, ensuring your tummy tuck scar remains discreet and easy to conceal under clothing or swimwear.
A tummy tuck is a major surgery that requires the expertise of a skilled and experienced surgeon. With Dr. Leo Lapuerta, you’ll work with a triple-board-certified doctor known for his commitment to patient satisfaction. He provides an individualized approach, tailoring each procedure to meet your unique needs and goals. Lapuerta's extensive experience, positive patient testimonials, and detailed before-and-after photos highlight his expertise and compassionate care. He takes the time to answer all your questions, walk you through the surgical process, and ensure you feel confident about your decision.
After surgery, you can expect thorough follow-up care, including phone calls and appointments to monitor your progress. Dr. Lapuerta and his team remain accessible throughout your recovery, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
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.
Recovery time
Average Procedure time
Post-op Follow-up
Procedure Recovery Location
2-3 Weeks
3-5 Hours
1 Week
Outpatient
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on the type of procedure used and other factors. The average is between $9,000 and $13,000 for a tummy tuck. 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.
A tummy tuck is a permanent procedure if your lifestyle helps maintain the results. You’ll need to focus on eating healthy and exercising to maintain your weight.
After surgery, you’ll experience some swelling and soreness. During the first few days, the pain may be moderate, but it will improve as the swelling goes down.
For a patient to be considered as a candidate for a tummy tuck, they should have a BMI of less than 30. The maximum BMI for a tummy tuck is 35, and very few surgeons will consider a patient with a higher BMI.
Any surgery comes with some risk, and a tummy tuck is no different. However, tummy tucks are generally safe, with only a very small percentage of patients having any adverse reactions or negative side effects. In these rare cases, the patient may have some kind of fluid accumulating under the skin, experience a change in skin sensation, or have some internal tissue damage. There are also the typical risks of any type of surgery, which include the risk of infection, a bad reaction to anesthesia, or too much bleeding. To learn more about the risks that come with tummy tuck surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, so it should not in any way hinder your ability to have a baby after a tummy tuck. However, most plastic surgeons suggest waiting for a tummy tuck until after you are done having children. Pregnancy and childbirth can reverse the results of a tummy tuck, stretching out the skin in your abdominal region and adding new pockets of fat to the area.
