30+ Years of Experience
3k+ Real Patient Reviews
10,000+ Breast Surgeries Performed
Texas Super Doctor
Tummy Tuck in Houston
Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is also referred to as an abdominoplasty. This surgical procedure 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. 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, while a combination tummy tuck surgery will use liposuction to address excess fat pockets along with the traditional tummy tuck surgery. 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 loss 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.
Patients should be in good overall health and close to their ideal body weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. Having a healthy lifestyle and weight will support the best possible results. Candidates should also have realistic expectations for what abdominal contouring can achieve.
Your Consultation With Dr. Vitenas
The initial tummy tuck consultation allows Dr. Vitenas to determine whether you are a good candidate for this body contouring treatment. He will review your health history, examine your abdominal skin and muscles, and discuss your goals.
Dr. Vitenas will explain which tummy tuck techniques can address your concerns, whether an extended tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck is recommended. He may suggest combining procedures like liposuction for optimal contouring.
You will be able to see tummy tuck before and after photos from past patients. Dr. Vitenas will outline what you can expect during recovery after your procedure. 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 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 hipbone to hipbone – any resulting scar will be below the panty or bikini line. 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. Excess skin that has been stretched out is trimmed away. Finally, Dr. Vitenas will reposition the belly button and close the incisions. 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.
5 stars review
-Brandi
Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
Tummy tuck recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks. Patients will need to avoid strenuous activity during this time. Walking and light movement is encouraged soon after surgery to prevent blood clots. Bruising, swelling, and moderate discomfort are common but controlled with 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 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 cost of a tummy tuck in Houston 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
Video With Dr. Vitenas
Life After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Once you recover from your abdominoplasty, you can enjoy your revitalized figure for years to come. But a tummy tuck does require some adjustments to your lifestyle. You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting during your recovery. Later on, strength training focused on the core and cardio exercise is recommended to help maintain your results.
It’s also essential to follow a healthy diet and avoid significant fluctuations in weight. While a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat cells, substantial weight gain can re-stretch the abdominal area. Pregnancy following your procedure can also impact results. Therefore, maintaining your weight and fitness is ideal.
Overall, patients can enjoy dramatic improvements in abdominal contour and tightness from their tummy tuck procedure. Along with diet and exercise, the results are long-lasting. As your body adjusts to its new shape, your self-confidence is sure to grow.
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
A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate excess abdominal fat and skin. It also tightens weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal wall through sutures that create a firmer, taut abdomen.
Different techniques are used depending on the patient’s unique needs. A full tummy tuck involves an incision from hip to hip and repositioning the belly button. A mini-tuck uses a shorter incision and leaves the belly button in place. Liposuction might also be used to rid of unwanted fat.
Patients are generally somewhat hunched over for the first week or so.
After about 2 weeks, most of the tightness and discomfort will improve enough to begin standing upright, but some tightness and stiffness may persist for several more weeks. Following all post-op care instructions will support optimal healing.
During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will provide you with an exact quote for your customized surgical plan that will include the surgeon’s fee, operating room costs, anesthesia, and all follow-up visits. When combined with additional procedures like liposuction, the price adjusts accordingly. We also have financing options that can help you budget for this investment in your improved abdominal contour.
Patients typically need to be slightly bent at the waist for the first 1 week after a tummy tuck while the abdomen heals. Some hunching or bending at the waist is common during this initial recovery period.
Yes, excess fat deposits can be removed with liposuction in conjunction with the tummy tuck procedure to optimize contouring results. Fat removal is customized to target any problem spots.
Tummy tuck costs can vary based on the extent of treatment needed. During the consultation, Dr. Vitenas will provide an exact quote based on your customized surgical plan. Financing options are available to help budget for this transformative procedure.
The main incision for a tummy tuck runs horizontally between the hipbones, just above the pubic hairline. This ensures any resulting scar can be concealed by underwear or a swimsuit. Belly button repositioning in a full tummy tuck requires a circular incision around the navel as well. Incision length and pattern vary based on the amount of skin laxity and whether it is a full, mini, or extended technique. Dr. Vitenas precisely plans incisions to limit scarring while enabling the desired results.
