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Tummy Tuck in Houston
Many women consider a tummy tuck after experiencing body changes due to pregnancy or significant weight loss. At Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Paul Vitenas, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, specializes in tummy tucks that not only refine abdominal contours but also boost self-confidence.
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Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat between the belly button and the pubic area. It also tightens the abdominal muscles for a flatter, more toned appearance in the abdominal region. Tummy tuck options include full, mini, and combination techniques.
Those who only need minor improvements may be candidates for a mini tummy tuck, which targets just the lower abdomen below the belly button. A combination tummy tuck surgery will use liposuction to address excess fat pockets along with the traditional abdominoplasty. Stretch marks and scars might also be addressed during the procedure.
Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
The ideal tummy tuck candidates are men and women who:
- Have loose, sagging abdominal skin that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Want to restore firmer, tighter abdominal contours
- Are bothered by excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen
- Have abdominal muscles that have been weakened or separated
- Want to remove stretch marks or a cesarean section scar
Tummy tuck patients are often mothers who want to reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies. They may have loose skin, separated muscles, and stubborn fat deposits after childbirth. Others considering a tummy tuck have experienced significant weight fluctuation, leaving them with loose, hanging skin. Removing this excess skin can help the abdomen appear more toned and proportionate to the rest of the body.
However, women who should not get a tummy tuck are those who plan to have more children in the future. Patients should be in good overall health and close to their ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. A healthy weight will support the best possible results. Medical history is considered during evaluation. Candidates should also have realistic expectations for what body contouring procedures can achieve.
Your Consultation With Dr. Vitenas
During your initial consultation with Dr. Vitenas, we prioritize understanding your unique body contouring goals. Dr. Vitenas will review your health history and perform a detailed examination of your abdominal area.
He will discuss the most suitable tummy tuck techniques for you, whether a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck and consider integrating liposuction for enhanced results.
You’ll have the opportunity to view before-and-after photos of past patients, which will provide a clear expectation of the potential outcomes. Dr. Vitenas will also detail the recovery process, addressing any concerns or questions you may have. He can answer any questions you have regarding the process, expected results, and follow-up care.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure for your safety and comfort. The procedure typically takes two to four hours, depending on whether other body contouring treatments are performed at the same time.
Dr. Vitenas will make the main incision just above the pubic bone, from hip bone to hip bone – any resulting scar will be below the panty or bikini line, perfect for those looking forward to wearing bathing suits. Excess abdominal skin is then lifted up to expose the underlying muscles.
These muscles are tightened with permanent sutures, creating a firmer abdominal wall. If needed, liposuction is used to remove unwanted pockets of fat, and excess skin that has been stretched out is trimmed away.
Finally, Dr. Vitenas will reposition the belly button and close the horizontal incision. During a mini tummy tuck, only the skin below the navel is removed through a shorter incision. In both procedures, a new and shapelier waistline is contoured. Afterward, a dressing is applied to the wound, and drains might be placed to manage any excess fluid.
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Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
Tummy tuck recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks after surgery. Patients will need to avoid strenuous activity during this time. Walking and regular exercise is encouraged soon after surgery to prevent blood clots. Bruising, swelling, and moderate discomfort are common but controlled with prescription pain medication.
Dr. Vitenas will prescribe pain medication following the procedure. He may also have patients wear a compression garment to control swelling and support proper wound healing. Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 14 days after their tummy tuck procedure. Activities like heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks until healing is complete.
Surgical scars from the tummy tuck incision will fade significantly with time, but some visible scarring will remain. Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions will ensure the smoothest, most comfortable recovery time after your tummy tuck. Dr. Vitenas and his team provide dedicated support from your initial consultation through your complete recovery.
Tummy Tuck Cost in Houston
The average cost of a tummy tuck in Houston starts at $8,000 and can vary based on the extent of treatment needed and additional procedures performed. During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will provide you with an exact quote tailored to your specific procedure plan. At Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, we provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden costs.
The total fees cover the surgeon, operating facility, anesthesia, and all follow-up visits. Financing options are available to help you budget for your tummy tuck.
While cost is an important factor when considering a tummy tuck in Houston, choosing an experienced, reputable surgeon like Dr. Vitenas based on their skill and artistry is key. This transformative procedure is highly technique-dependent. An expert eye and surgical skills are needed to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results that meet your goals.
Tummy Tuck vs Body Lift
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Life After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Why Choose Dr. Vitenas for Your Tummy Tuck?
With over 30 years of experience performing cosmetic surgery, Dr. Vitenas is one of Houston’s most trusted surgeons for tummy tuck procedures. Known for his artistic skill and natural-looking outcomes, Dr. Vitenas delivers results that accentuate his patients’ natural beauty. Dr. Vitenas aims to help patients not just look better but feel more self-confident through refined contours and youthful shapely curves.
Dr. Vitenas is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has received numerous awards for his work. He pursues regular continuing education and stays abreast of the latest tummy tuck surgical techniques. His expertise allows him to perform this transformative procedure with a low rate of complications and high patient satisfaction.
From your first consultation to your post-op follow-up visits, Dr. Vitenas and his team provide five-star patient care. He wants every patient to feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout the process. Many patients travel from out-of-state and overseas to have their tummy tucks performed by Dr. Vitenas.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
The starting price for a tummy tuck is $8,000. This cost goes up based on the complexity of the surgery, including removing skin and fat from your belly or tightening muscles. Each person's surgery is different, which affects the price.
Dr. Vitenas will give you a specific cost that covers everything from the surgeon's fee, operating room expenses, anesthesia, and follow-up visits. If you decide to add more procedures, like liposuction, the price will increase because of the extra work needed. We offer financing options to help with the cost of enhancing your abdominal appearance.
