Tummy Tuck Houston
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from a tummy tuck in Houston (abdominoplasty). Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may somewhat improve the appearance of stretch marks, especially those located below the navel.
Personal Tummy Tuck Consultation
During your tummy tuck consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve. This will help us to understand your expectations and determine whether they are realistic with our tummy tuck surgery.
How a Tummy Tuck Is Performed
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen.
Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will somewhat vary according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. If there is loose skin above the navel,
a second incision is made around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down.
Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged. To tighten the abdominal wall, the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall are brought together with sutures.
Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks
may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.
Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.
The procedure always includes tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.
Variations to the Common Abdominoplasty Technique
There are many variations both to 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.
Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another technique for minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck in Houston?
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess or sagging abdominal skin.
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body.
- Abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened.
- Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen.
If you plan to become pregnant or lose significant weight in the future, these may be mitigating reasons to possibly postpone abdominoplasty. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.
How Will I Be Evaluated for Abdominoplasty?
Dr. Moliver will examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. The amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles will be assessed as well. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
Will my Insurance Help Cover the Cost of Surgery?
Although in rare circumstances we have seen insurance companies cover a portion of this surgery, we have not had that occur in the past several years. For this reason, Dr. Moliver is not accepting insurance reimbursement at this time.
How Will I Look and Feel Initially?
The evening of surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first several days. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
Any surgical drains probably will be removed within a week following surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. For the most part, Dr. Moliver does not feel that abdominal binders are beneficial and in many cases may hinder wound healing. The reason for this is that the pressure caused by abdominal binders probably inhibits blood flow to the abdominal skin flap. Generally, stitches will be removed at two weeks after surgery.
You will notice swelling, which is to be expected. Although bruising is uncommon even if concomitant lipoplasty is performed, it occasionally occurs. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your abdominoplasty. You may also notice some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade.
How Long Will the Tummy Tuck Results Last?
Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.
The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour. Some patients who undergo a tummy tuck in Houston will also opt for a breast augmentation as well for an all-over improvement.
Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
You will return to our office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that our relationship with you does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact us by phone or email.
See examples of tummy tuck surgeries in Houston from our Photo Gallery.
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