Tummy Tuck
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess tissue from the abdomen while tightening weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer midsection. (1)
Loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat pockets can be frustrating to address through diet and exercise alone. These issues can have a variety of causes, including aging, pregnancy, or major weight loss. If you are struggling with these concerns and want to reclaim a firmer, flatter stomach, you might be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure.
If you are seeking a more defined abdomen, Dr. Oren Paul Mushin and his team at the Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery can help you achieve your goals. With years of combined experience, Dr. Mushin and his staff have helped many patients from the Houston area and beyond.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a tighter, more sculpted abdomen, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Mushin by contacting us online or calling (713) 722-7400.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a popular body contouring procedure that targets excess skin, stubborn fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. Many individuals find that even after achieving a healthy weight, they are left with sagging skin or separated abdominal muscles that cannot be corrected through exercise alone. A tummy tuck addresses this and helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals. This procedure has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of patients turning to body contouring procedures after achieving significant weight loss with the help of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. (2)
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
There are several different types of tummy tucks, each offering different advantages. The primary difference between each variation is how much tissue your surgeon removes from your midsection. Dr. Mushin can help you determine which variation is best suited for you, depending on your goals and anatomy. Some of the different types of tummy tucks Dr. Mushin can perform include:
- Traditional/Full Tummy Tuck: Addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, repairing stretched muscles and removing a significant amount of excess skin and fat.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button, ideal for patients with minimal excess skin and no muscle separation.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: Involves a longer incision to address the flanks and hips along with the abdomen, often recommended for patients after massive weight loss.
- T-incision Tummy Tuck: For more comprehensive skin tightening, a vertical incision may be added to allow for skin tightening in multiple directions. This approach is especially appealing to patients who have undergone significant periods of weight loss and are experiencing a substantial amount of loose skin.
- Circumferential Tummy Tuck: For patients with excess tissue in both the front of the abdomen as well as the back area, a circumferential tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from these areas. This is considered a more comprehensive approach and also known as a “360 tummy tuck.”
Benefits
Tummy tuck procedures can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved Body Contours: A tighter and flatter abdomen can enhance one’s overall body proportions.
- Eliminates Excess Skin: A tummy tuck effectively removes loose skin, which may be a source of frustration and discomfort.
- Strengthened Abdominal Muscles: By tightening the abdominal wall, a tummy tuck restores lost strength, improving posture and core stability.
- Increased Confidence: Many patients report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance post-surgery.
- Enhanced Clothing Fit: With a flatter abdomen, clothing fits better and provides a wider range of style choices.
- Addressing Post-Pregnancy Changes: Women who have given birth often experience stretched skin and abdominal muscle separation; a tummy tuck helps restore pre-pregnancy contours.
- Long-Lasting Results: With a proper diet and exercise, the results from a tummy tuck can remain long-lasting, maintaining a smooth silhouette over the years.
To see how you can experience these benefits for yourself, contact the Memorial Center for Cosmetic Surgery online or by calling (713) 722-7400.
Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidates for a tummy tuck typically include:
- Those who have loose, excess abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles.
- Individuals at or near their goal weight who maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Women who have completed their families and do not plan to have more children.
- Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before surgery.
- Patients who have realistic expectations regarding the surgery and its outcomes.
Dr. Mushin will assess your health and goals during your personal consultation to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Personal Consultation
Each patient’s treatment begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Mushin. He will take time to listen closely as you share the changes you hope to see and the reasons that brought you to the office. A careful examination of your abdomen will follow, where Dr. Mushin will assess factors like skin elasticity, muscle tone, and stubborn fat deposits. Once he has gathered enough information, Dr. Mushin will craft a personalized treatment plan designed to match your body’s needs and your aesthetic ideals.
Dr. Mushin will walk you through everything you need to know about the surgical process, recovery timeline, preparation steps, and associated costs.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation, please contact us online or call (713) 722-7400 to schedule this personal consultation.
Preparation
Preparing for a tummy tuck is a crucial step toward ensuring a safe procedure and optimal results. Dr. Mushin will provide detailed preoperative instructions, which may include:
- Discontinuing blood-thinning medications and certain supplements.
- Avoiding nicotine and alcohol consumption before and after the procedure.
- Filling prescriptions in advance.
- Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you during initial recovery.
- Planning time off from work and strenuous activities to allow your body to heal.
The preparation process will look different for each patient, and Dr. Mushin and his team will be available to guide you through the process to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared heading into your treatment.
Procedure
To start your tummy tuck, you will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. Dr. Mushin will then begin by making a carefully placed incision along the lower abdomen, typically low enough to remain hidden beneath most clothing and swimwear. Through this incision, he will remove excess skin, repair any separation of the abdominal muscles, and sculpt the midsection to achieve a flatter, firmer contour.
In some cases, Dr. Mushin may use liposuction to refine the midsection or remove localized fat deposits for a smoother silhouette.
Once the necessary adjustments have been made, Dr. Mushin will redrape the skin and meticulously close the incisions with precise techniques to promote optimal healing and minimize visible scarring. Most tummy tuck procedures are completed within two to four hours, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.
Recovery
Recovery after a tummy tuck will vary based on the individual and the extent of the procedure performed, but most patients can expect a similar general timeline. In the days immediately following your tummy tuck, you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the abdomen. Throughout your healing journey, Dr. Mushin will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing properly.
A compression garment will also be in place to keep the area tight after your procedure to minimize swelling and promote proper healing. Dr. Mushin often encourages light activity, such as gentle walking, early in the recovery process to promote circulation, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks or until approved. Most patients can expect to resume normal daily activities and return to desk work within one to two weeks.
Results
While some improvements in abdominal contour can be noticed almost immediately after surgery, the final results of a tummy tuck will become more apparent as swelling subsides and the body continues to heal. Over the following weeks and months, you will begin to appreciate a firmer, flatter abdomen and a more youthful waistline that complements your natural body shape. Many patients find that clothing fits more comfortably and that they feel increased confidence in their appearance. Dr. Mushin takes great care to place incisions in discreet locations and provides guidance on scar care to help them fade as much as possible over time.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Houston
Dr. Mushin and his team tailor each tummy tuck to the individual patient and their unique goals. As such, the cost of your tummy tuck is subject to vary, and Dr. Mushin will be glad to provide you with a personalized cost estimate once the full details of your treatment have been established during your personal consultation. Our practice also offers financing options to patients who qualify.
Schedule your consultation online or call (713) 722-7400 and begin planning your tummy tuck!
FAQ
Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
You may be a good candidate if you have excess abdominal skin, weakened muscles, and are close to your goal weight with no plans for future pregnancies.
How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck?
Most patients return to light activities within 1-2 weeks, but full recovery and resumption of strenuous exercise may take 6-8 weeks or longer.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, though results vary depending on their location and severity.
Will I have a visible scar after a tummy tuck?
Yes, but Dr. Mushin will strategically place the incision low on the abdomen so that it is easily concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. Scars fade significantly over time.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes, many patients combine a tummy tuck with liposuction or breast procedures as part of a more comprehensive body contouring plan.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613712/
- Haykal D, Hersant B, Cartier H, Meningaud J. The Role of GLP‐1 Agonists in Esthetic Medicine: Exploring the Impact of Semaglutide on Body Contouring and Skin Health. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2024;24(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16716
