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What is a Tummy Tuck? Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Candidate for a Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck Techniques Your Consultation with Dr. Vitenas Cost of a Tummy Tuck The Tummy Tuck Procedure Recovery After a Tummy Tuck Why Choose Dr. Vitenas Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, more formally called an abdominoplasty, is designed to restore a taut, youthful abdomen by surgically excising unwanted skin and fatty tissue. Weakened or stretched muscles are surgically tightened with sutures. As a part of a tummy tuck, stretch marks and a C-section scar can be removed. The groin area can be reshaped during the procedure, as well.

Abdominoplasty can provide excellent results when performed alone. The tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction of the hips, thighs, and knees. When abdominoplasty is performed with other procedures, such as breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, optimal physical rejuvenation can be achieved.

What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery eliminates unsightly loose skin and unwanted pockets of fat in the abdomen in order to restore a more youthful shape. There are many benefits of a tummy tuck in Houston with Dr. Vitenas, including the following:

  • A more flattering, firm waistline
  • A flatter, more toned abdominal contour
  • Muscle strength is restored to support the abdominal area
  • May remove five or more pounds of excess skin and fat
  • Eliminates stretch marks and a C-section scar on the lower abdomen
  • May reduce urinary incontinence.

Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Anyone struggling with a protruding abdominal area, sagging skin, or similar concerns may be a candidate for a tummy tuck.  A tummy tuck is for those who want a more sculpted, firm abdominal contour. Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good physical and mental health
  • Do not smoke
  • Skin on the abdomen is loose or saggin
  • Stomach muscles are separated or weakened
  • Stubborn fat pockets in the abdomen remain despite exercise and diet
  • Are near their ideal weight
  • Feel they can maintain their ideal weight
  • Have realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can achieve
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Tummy Tuck Techniques

There are several different abdominoplasty techniques, each of which can be tailored to your specific needs. Tummy tuck techniques include: mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and a combination tummy tuck that includes liposuction to address fat pockets. 

Dr. Vitenas will work with you during your consultation in his Houston office to create a treatment plan that utilizes a technique tailored to your cosmetic goals.

Tummy Tuck Before & Afters

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Your Consultation With Dr. Vitenas

Before your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Vitenas for a consultation in his Houston office. He will review your medical history and learn about your aesthetic goals for your figure. Dr. Vitenas will then explain your tummy tuck options in full, answering any remaining questions that you might have about the procedure. 

Dr. Vitenas will also go over the recovery requirements and the risks involved. If you’re a candidate for tummy tuck surgery and want to move forward, he will create a personalized surgical plan for you.

What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Houston?

Depending on the exact surgical technique utilized and the extent of correction desired, the average tummy tuck will cost between $11,000 and $13,000. This cost is all-inclusive, consisting of the surgeon’s fee, the board-certified anesthesiologist's fees, and any fees associated with the surgical suite. If additional procedures are included, such as liposuction or a breast lift, the price will vary. During your consultation appointment, the full cost of your tummy tuck will be established. We invite you to contact our office for more pricing details.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Depending on the exact abdominoplasty technique required to achieve your cosmetic goals, your procedure details will vary. Generally, an incision is made that runs from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area, where the scar is easily covered by underwear or a swimsuit.

Excess skin and fat will be removed, and the underlying muscles may be tightened with permanent sutures. The upper skin will be pulled downward and firmly contoured. The navel is repositioned, and the incision closed, creating a shapely waistline. A dressing will then be applied and temporary drains may be placed to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Tummy Tuck vs Body Lift Video With Dr. Vitenas

Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

Recovering from abdominoplasty will take between one and two weeks. Bruising and swelling are common after surgery, and some numbness of the skin may also occur. The drains are removed within five to seven days after surgery.

A special support garment should be worn for several weeks after the procedure. This compression garment promotes proper healing and helps to reduce swelling. Patients will experience mild to moderate discomfort during the healing process, although this can be controlled with medication.

Most abdominoplasty patients are comfortable returning to work in 14 days. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. 

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Why Choose Dr. Vitenas For A Tummy Tuck In Houston?

Dr. Paul Vitenas is a board-certified, acclaimed Houston and body contouring specialist. He is known for his ability to create natural-looking yet dramatic results for his patients. His goal is to help patients improve their quality of life and improve their confidence in their appearance, allowing them to feel happy and comfortable in their own skin. 

Dr. Vitenas treats every patient individually, with compassion and care. His team helps make patients feel at home on their journey to achieving beautiful results. 

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Tummy Tuck FAQ

Where are the tummy tuck incisions located?

Will my tummy tuck be painful?

When can I return to work after my tummy tuck procedure?

What other procedures go well with a tummy tuck?

Do they remove fat during a tummy tuck?

Where are the tummy tuck incisions located?

The incision is located just above the pubic area between the hip bones. However, not all surgeries are performed in exactly the same way. Dr. Vitenas will go over incision placement during your consultation.

Will my tummy tuck be painful?

Although there is mild to moderate pain for a few days following a tummy tuck, Dr. Vitenas will provide the appropriate pain medications for a comfortable recovery.

When can I return to work after my tummy tuck procedure?

Most people are comfortable enough to return to work or their regular routine (not strenuous exercise) by two weeks after their surgery.

What other procedures go well with a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is often paired with liposuction to sculpt a trim physique throughout the abdomen and hips. Women often combine a tummy tuck with breast augmentation and breast lift for a complete mommy makeover.

Do they remove fat during a tummy tuck?

Some fat is removed with a tummy tuck. If liposuction is combined, a tummy tuck can result in a weight loss of approximately five pounds of fat and skin.

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