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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Houston, TX

Significant weight loss, pregnancy, and excess fat can all cause the abdomen to develop a flabby and bulging appearance. The loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles that result cannot be corrected through diet and exercise alone, and require surgical repair. In a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, Dr. Germán Newall removes excess skin and repairs the weakened muscles to restore a flat, smooth appearance to the abdomen. Dr. Newall, board-certified plastic surgeon, helps patients in Houston, Post Oak, Sugar Land, Katy, and all other surrounding areas to achieve their desired results.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

One of our board-certified anesthesiologists will administer the sedatives or general anesthesia. Various monitors will be set up to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

Depending on the type of tummy tuck performed (mini, full, extended), a horizontal incision made beneath the bikini line allows the skin to become lifted. Once the lifted skin is out of the way, Dr. Newall will then repair the abdominal muscles by tightening them back together with sutures. The second incision is then made around the navel to correct loose skin in the upper abdomen. It may be possible to improve the appearance of stretch marks if loose skin that has stretch marks is removed from the lower abdomen, although you should not expect a dramatic change. The remaining skin is then pulled down and sutured back, and Dr. Newall creates a new opening for the belly button. Once in place, sutures are used to close the remaining incisions.

Tummy Tuck

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What Results Can I Expect from a Tummy Tuck?

The results from a tummy tuck are long-lasting in most cases if a stable weight is maintained. If you are planning substantial weight loss or pregnancy, you may wish to postpone abdominoplasty surgery to avoid fluctuations in weight that could impact your results.

Where will the procedure be performed?

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.

What is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like? 

You will have a bandage where the incisions were made and placed in a compression garment to reduce swelling and aid the healing process. You will need to wear the compression garment for approximately four weeks after surgery. To help promote blood circulation, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and take short walks. Depending on your specific case, you may have drains (small tubes) temporarily placed at the incision to help drain excess fluid. Instructions will be given to care for drains (if placed), medications, care of surgical sites and incisions, and when to come in for follow-up appointments.

Types of Tummy Tucks:

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tuck is an excellent alternative to a traditional abdominoplasty if you are the right candidate for this procedure. The mini tummy tuck surgery is an excellent option if you have a small amount of abdominal skin to be removed that is below the belly button. The mini tummy tuck surgery is also known as a “scarless tummy tuck” due to the significantly smaller incision that is required to perform the procedure. This procedure is also competed quicker than a traditional tummy tuck and necessitates less recovery time.

What is a Standard Tummy Tuck (Standard Abdominoplasty)?

A standard tummy tuck, aka full tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that removes the excess skin and fat from the abdominal region using a horizontal incision. The incision is between the hip bones and placed low to hide below the panty line. An additional incision is made around the belly button to create a new belly button position. The typical recovery for a standard tummy tuck is about two weeks long, but everyone heals differently.

What is an Extended Tummy Tuck (Extended Abdominoplasty)?

As its name suggests, the extended tummy tuck is a more extended version of a full tummy tuck. For an extended tummy tuck, the horizontal incision can stretch across the lower belly and around the hips. This allows Dr. Newall to remove more surplus skin. Liposuction is commonly used to contour and reduce excess fat. Dr. Newall repositions the belly button before closing the incision. The recovery from this procedure takes a few weeks.

Does a Tummy Tuck Leave a Scar?

The scar, which is below the bikini line, will take time to heal. The scar can take months to a year to fade. Dr. Newall may suggest products and treatments to help fade the discoloration as much as possible. Fraxel laser therapy helps to diminish the scar.

Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX

Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures Houston, TX

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) FAQs

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.

Patient Testimonials:

Dr. German Newall, a board-certified plastic surgeon, focuses on the needs of his patients and assures that you will be met with a caring, dedicated, and experienced staff. If you are considering body sculpting or body contouring in Houston, Post Oak, Sugar Land, Katy, or any surrounding communities, please contact us today to schedule your consultation.


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