Achieve a Flatter, More Contoured Abdomen with Tummy Tuck In Houston

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.

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.

Dr. Lapuerta is a renowned tummy tuck specialist with over 20 years of experience performing abdominoplasty in Houston. His patient-focused approach distinguishes him from other plastic surgeons. With a deep understanding of patient concerns, he offers personalized solutions that meet individual needs and goals.

Dr. Lapuerta’s method for tummy tucks is notably distinct. He often incorporates liposuction in the hip or flank areas to create a natural, feminine contour. His use of a multiple suture technique for tightening the abdominal wall and a progressive method for restoring flat abdominal contours leads to fewer complications, improved healing, and a more natural appearance. For full tummy tucks, he meticulously repositions the belly button to ensure it looks as natural as possible.

To minimize post-operative pain, Dr. Lapuerta administers long-lasting local anesthetic injections in the surgical area, reducing the need for oral pain medications. His thorough understanding of each patient’s goals, combined with his detailed approach and precision, ensures smooth recoveries and optimal results.

During your consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will help you determine the best type of tummy tuck for your needs, typically involving general anesthesia. He will discuss the procedure and expected outcomes, helping you understand the benefits of tummy tuck surgery.

During the surgery, Dr. Lapuerta may remove excess fat from the hips and flanks to enhance the overall shape. He uses precise incisions to flatten the abdomen by bringing the muscle walls together. Post-surgery, you will need to rest for several days and wear compression garments to manage swelling. Movement is encouraged to boost blood flow. The doctor will provide a list of restrictions to follow for the first few days, with some lasting several weeks until full healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within six to eight weeks post-operation.

There are a few different approaches that can be used to address the problem areas, depending on the patient’s history and the amount of excess skin, fat and tissue. During a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, he will partner with the patient to determine which surgical technique best addresses the individual needs of that patient. Below is a brief overview of the three primary surgical techniques for a tummy tuck in Houston.

Full Tummy Tuck

A traditional (full) tummy tuck is suitable for both women and men who have a moderate amount of excess skin in their midsection. The surgery is also commonly performed on women post-pregnancy. During this surgery, an incision is made that extends from hipbone to hipbone. The incision is placed low on the abdomen such that panties or a swimsuit bottom will cover the scar. Patients may wear these when Dr. Lapuerta marks the incision prior to surgery to ensure their scar will be in the optimal position.

Once the incision is made, the skin, excess tissue and fat, and any stretch marks or scars in the marked area will be elevated away from the abdominal muscle wall. Dr. Lapuerta will remove this section, then begin to reconstruct the abdominal wall by bringing the abdominal muscles together to ensure a flat foundation for the abdomen. Dr. Lapuerta will also utilize liposuction to sculpt the area to ensure a feminine, natural form. 

The belly button will be repositioned in a natural fashion and Dr. Lapuerta will close the new, flat abdomen in a progressive fashion to ensure reduced complications and better healing of the scars. During the procedure, he will inject a local anesthetic that will provide a base level of pain relief for three days post-surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Individuals who are in relatively good shape, have minimal amounts of excess skin, tissue or fat, or have stretch marks or undesirable scars are excellent candidates for a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck differs from a full tummy tuck in three important ways: With a mini tummy tuck, only problem areas at the level of the belly button and below can be addressed, the belly button is not repositioned and the abdominal wall muscles are not pulled together with permanent sutures.

A shorter scar placed low on the abdomen (which can be concealed with panties or a swimsuit bottom) is made. This incision allows the removal of undesirable problem areas of skin, tissue, fat, stretch marks, or scars. Sculpting liposuction may or may not be included on an individual basis as needed to create a natural form. The abdomen is closed in a similar fashion as a full tummy tuck; however, the belly button is left in its original position and the abdominal wall muscles are not addressed.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients who require extensive skin tightening and body contouring following major weight loss. The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, as well as another one around the navel. Liposuction is used and the excess skin is trimmed away and tightened. The belly button is repositioned during this surgery.

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Lapuerta has an accredited operating room and surgical facility on-site, making for a safe and hassle-free option for a tummy tuck in Houston. Depending on the approach selected, the surgical procedure typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete and is considered an outpatient procedure. Extended tummy tucks typically take 3-6 hours depending on the patient’s particular condition and sometimes require a hospital setting for surgery with an overnight stay.

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.

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.

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.