Houston Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, also known as a Houston tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure able to restore the youthful shape of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. If necessary, the anterior abdomen wall muscles can also be tightened, c-section scars removed, and the groin area reshaped. There are several different techniques which may be used including the mini tummy tuck, the full tummy tuck, and a combination of procedures involving liposuction. Abdominoplasty may be performed on its own or it may be combined with other procedures such as breast augmentation or liposuction.

Good candidates for abdominoplasty include men and women who are in good health and are looking to improve the appearance of excess skin and fat in the abdomen. The procedure can be particularly beneficial in restoring a woman's abdomen after child birth and is often combined with liposuction of the hips, thighs, and knees.

 Dr. Vitenas performs abdominoplasty at the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and its affiliated outpatient facility, the Day Surgery Center, with an overnight stay for the patient's comfort. The procedure takes about two to three hours to complete and is performed with general anesthesia. A lower transverse incision is made which is located between the hip bones just above the pubic area.

Excess skin and fat are then removed and the muscles may be tightened. Once the incisions are closed, a dressing will be applied and temporary drains may be placed to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

 The recovery after abdominoplasty takes one to two weeks. Patients can expect bruising and swelling, and some numbness of the skin may also occur. The drains are removed within five to seven days after surgery. A special support garment may need to be worn for a period of time. Patients may experience some discomfort which can be controlled with medication. Work can typically be resumed after one week, though more strenuous activities will need to be postponed for four to six weeks.

Q - What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure which removes excess skin and fat of the abdomen in order to restore a more youthful shape. During the procedure, c-section scars can be removed, the groin area reshaped, and the anterior abdomen wall muscles tightened. There are a variety of techniques for abdominoplasty including the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck, and a combination of procedures along with liposuction.

Q - Who is a candidate for abdominoplasty?

Men and women who are in good health and interested in improving the appearance of excess skin and fat of the abdomen may be good candidates for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can be particularly helpful in restoring a woman's abdomen after pregnancy.

Q - What should I expect during a consultation for abdominoplasty?

During the consultation for abdominoplasty, Dr. Vitenas will go over your complete medical history, take the time to understand your goals, and answer all of your questions. You will see pre-op and post-op photos of previous abdominoplasty patients, and computer imaging will be used to help you visualize your own personal results. Dr. Vitenas will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the procedure including the technique, the recovery, the risks, the costs, and financing options.

Q - Where is the surgery for abdominoplasty performed?

Dr. Vitenas performs the surgery for abdominoplasty at the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and its affiliated outpatient facility, the Day Surgery Center. There is often an overnight stay for the patient's comfort.

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