Tummy Tuck

Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Every tummy tuck is unique in that it is customized to the patient’s specific physical characteristics and personal preferences.

Incision Locations

Generally, your surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above the pubic area where it will be hidden by underwear or a bathing suit (see dashed line in illustration). The length of the incision depends primarily on the amount of skin the surgeon removes. In most cases, the surgeon makes a second incision around the belly button so that the loose skin above it can be pulled down. The surgeon then separates the skin from the abdominal wall (see shaded area in illustration).

Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti Repair)

Pregnancy often stretches the abdominal muscles to the point where they separate along the center of the abdomen and cause the belly to protrude. During a tummy tuck, your surgeon repairs this area by bringing the separated muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall back together (see illustration) and securing them in place with permanent sutures.

Removing Excess Skin

Next, the surgeon pulls the abdominal skin downward and removes any excess skin along with stretch marks on its surface (see illustration). Any remaining stretch marks will usually lie below the belly button when the surgery is complete. In many cases, the surgeon uses the advanced progressive tension suture technique, sometimes called the no-drain tummy tuck, to secure the abdominal skin and tissues vertically from the top of the abdomen to the lower abdomen. The surgeon inserts the umbilical stalk through a small incision and creates a natural-looking belly button, then carefully closes the incision with fine sutures. The horizontal incision is then stitched closed.

Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck Right for You?

At Houston Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, drainless tummy tuck surgery is available under the appropriate circumstances. This approach uses a special kind of internal suturing to close the “open space” where fluid can accumulate after surgery. By closing this space, fluid does not have a place to build up, making drains unnecessary. Your surgeon will help you determine if this option is a good choice for you.

Meet Our Plastic Surgeons

Each plastic surgeon on our team has the training, experience, and talent needed to provide the natural-looking results patients want while ensuring their safety and comfort.

Request Your Consultation

Dr. Moliver

Dr. Aguilar

Dr. Carpin

Request Your Consultation

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

There are many variations in both the design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial or mini abdominoplasty.

Combining Procedures

Our doctors often combine body contouring procedures to provide more dramatic results, especially for women who want to get back their pre-pregnancy bodies. The combination of a tummy tuck with liposuction and breast augmentation or a breast lift is often referred to as a mommy makeover. Our doctors often perform liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks, or “muffin top,” during the tummy tuck procedure to enhance the waist and overall results. (This combination is often called lipo-abdominoplasty.)

Other procedures that might be combined with a tummy tuck include:

• Breast reduction
• Breast implant exchange
• Symmastia repair

We also offer the option of using fat that is removed during liposuction to sculpt and improve other areas like the buttocks – known as a Brazilian butt lift.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Which Is Best for You?

Even though tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are both body contouring procedures, they have different goals and are often combined to produce exemplary results. Abdominoplasty targets excess skin and separated abdominal muscles, while liposuction removes excess fat. 

Tummy Tuck Recovery

It is important to realize that recovery after a tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. When you wake up from your surgery, you may have surgical drains. The need for drains depends on whether your surgeon used the progressive tension suture technique, whether liposuction was combined with your tummy tuck, and the amount of abdominal tissue removed. You will have bandages on the incision and a compression garment around your abdominal area. You will need someone to drive you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours.

We also offer post-op pain relief with a single application of EXPAREL® during the surgery. This local anesthetic lasts for about 3 days and has been shown to significantly decrease postoperative pain after a tummy tuck. We provide detailed postoperative instructions about changing surgical dressings, caring for drains, and showering.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline

First Week: Rest is a priority during the initial recovery phase. We want you to take brief walks around your home to minimize the risk of blood clots. You’ll need to remain hunched over when walking for up to 2 weeks. You’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks to minimize swelling and enhance the results. 

Week 2: Your sutures and surgical drains (if you have them) will be removed during a follow-up appointment about 7 to 10 days after your surgery. Your surgeon will also monitor the progress of your healing and answer any questions you might have. 

Week 3:  Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous jobs 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Recovery is generally shorter for a mini tummy tuck. You should be feeling closer to normal, with minimal bruising or swelling. 

Week 4: After a few weeks, you can often resume most of your routine activities, including some form of light exercise. However, you may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling, so listen to your body and take it slowly.

Weeks 5 to 8: You can gradually ramp up the intensity of your activities during this time, as you regain strength and the incisions heal completely. 

Model

A Better Tummy Tuck

Our tummy tuck patients have access to today's most advanced abdominoplasty options for improved safety and comfort. We offer the "drainless" approach for qualified patients using the progressive tension suture technique. These sutures are made in a quilted pattern and run vertically down the surgical area. This technique closes the space between the skin and the muscle below, preventing the fluid buildup that would otherwise require drains. Advantages include:

• No cumbersome drains after surgery
• Reduced tension on the incision
• Thinner, flatter, less noticeable scars
• Reduced risk of complications
• Easier, more comfortable healing process

Model

Frequently Asked Questions