Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Houston, TX

Dr. Newall will examine your skin elasticity and abdominal fat to determine if you are a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Loose skin can only be addressed with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Pregnancies can also create diastasis recti, separation of the abdominal muscles, common in women who deliver a high birth weight baby, or have a multiple pregnancy. It also occurs in middle aged and older men with abdominal obesity. There may be a bulge in the middle of the belly. Dr. Newall can address the diastasis recti and any umbilical hernia during a tummy tuck. This will tighten the abdominal muscles while removing the excess skin to give you a smooth abdominal appearance.

Dr. Newall will stretch the loose skin and remove as much as he can depending on the elasticity of the skin and length of the torso. Depending on the placement of the stretch marks you may see decreased stretch marks after the excess skin is removed.

Depending on the type of tummy tuck Dr. Newall plans to perform on you, the scar will vary in length. The tummy tuck scar will be a horizontal line across the lower abdomen. Dr. Newall places it low enough to be hidden by a underwear or bikini line. An additional scar will be concealed inside your belly button.

Yes, during your tummy tuck Dr. Newall can release the c-section scar and cut it out when he is creating the new scar.

A single drain will be placed after your tummy tuck procedure only if you had liposuction performed in combination. If you did not have any liposuction performed you will not require a drain. The drain is removed about 6 days after your procedure if one was placed.

The tummy tuck procedure will typically take Dr. Newall about 2 hours but may take longer if in combination with other procedures.

Dr. Newall performs all of his plastic surgery procedures at the award-winning ACPS SurgiCentre, which is the largest private plastic surgery center in Texas. The ACPS SurgiCentre exceeds accepted standards for private surgical facilities and has a license by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The ACPS offers four surgical suites, pre-operative consultation suites, and seven comfortable post-operative recovery suites, all staffed with medical professionals handpicked by our surgeons. Surgery Center is located near Town and Country - 12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77024

Patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks depending on the nature of the job. For more strenuous jobs Dr. Newall will discuss when you can return to work.

Most people can get back to their daily chores once they are off the pain medication and feel stable when moving around typically after 1-2 weeks. Each person heals differently depending on  the extent of their tummy tuck and if this was in combination with other procedures.

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When you are recovering from your tummy tuck you will be resting on your back with your head elevated by pillows and a pillow under your knees to keep you comfortable.

Swelling is normal after a tummy tuck. Typically it takes two months to see the majority of the swelling go down but it will take several months for all of the swelling to dissipate.

It is best to wait at least 6 weeks after your tummy tuck to resume sexual intercourse. Dr. Newall will clear you at your follow-up.

You will see an immediate improvement after surgery but swelling will take a few months to dissipate and the incision will flatten and begin to fade.

It is best to get a tummy tuck after you have completed your family. However if you do get pregnant after having a tummy tuck there will be no harm to the baby, as the muscles will expand to accommodate the pregnancy. You may need a touch up after to tighten the muscles and address any loose skin after.

A compression garment will be worn for 4-6 weeks depending on the extent of your tummy tuck.

Lymphatic massages have been recommended for post-op tummy tuck recovery in the past but Dr. Newall found that ThermiSmooth (a radiofrequency treatment in the medspa) speeds up the healing and offers more benefits to his patients than traditional lymphatic massages.

For your tummy tuck procedure a board-certified anesthesiologist will put you under using general anesthesia and monitor you throughout the procedure.

A mini tummy tuck addresses loose skin that is just below the belly button. Most women are not a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. A standard tummy tuck is the most common and addresses the loose skin of the entire abdomen and usually muscle repair.

The cost of a tummy tuck ranges depending on the extent of the surgery. For example a mini tummy tuck is different from a traditional tummy tuck with muscle repair. It is best to set up a consultation with Dr. Newall to get an exact quote.

A tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures such as the Brazilian butt lift and/or breast procedures. Dr. Newall will discuss the best combination for your goals at the consultation.

• Someone who is healthy and has realistic expectations
• Women who are done having children (women can have a tummy tuck before completing their family but may need a secondary tummy tuck.)
• Women who recently had a baby must wait at least six months after giving birth and a few months after breastfeeding to have optimal tummy tuck results. The body needs time to recover from the pregnancy changes. It is essential to give the body time to balance your hormones and some pregnancy weight.

You cannot have a tummy tuck immediately after a c-section. You can safely have a tummy tuck procedure performed typically four months after a c-section.

Dr. Newall uses two rows of stitches for all of his tummy tuck muscle repairs.

You will schedule your follow-up appointment at your last pre-op appointment before your surgery date. You will come back to see Dr. Newall a few days after your surgery.

The swelling will go down over time as you heal. To help the swelling go down faster, you will need to wear surgical garments. Dr. Newall also suggests ThermiSmooth. ThermiSmooth will begin a few weeks post-op for tummy tuck patients.

Most people report feeling “normal” around the two-month mark, but some people may take three months. Everyone heals differently.

After a tummy tuck procedure, you can start to do light workouts such as cardio four weeks post-op (as your body allows). Each person is different, so it is crucial to listen to Dr. Newall’s instructions and your body. Typically 6-8 weeks, you can start to increase the intensity of your workouts. It is best to wait up to 6 months after surgery before doing any sit-ups or crunches.