Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX
A tummy tuck can help correct sagging skin from weight loss or pregnancy in a way that exercise and healthy eating can’t. Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Schusterman provides multiple options for his Houston tummy tuck patients. His goal is to create customized treatment plans to address sagging skin and belly fat around the midsection according to each patient’s unique needs.
In addition to the various options available for your tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Schusterman also offers a Drainless Tummy Tuck in Houston. Drainless tummy tucks use a special suture technique that puts less tension on the scar while avoiding post-surgical drains. It allows for a more comfortable recovery and beautiful results.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from around the midsection. Tummy tucks can also remove or repair stretched abdominal muscles that have been damaged by weight gain, laxity, or pregnancy.
As we age, our skin loses the ability to return to its original state after being stretched. This condition is known as skin laxity. If we go through a sudden change in our body size, like through sudden weight loss or pregnancy, our skin might not be able to maintain or restore its elasticity. This causes sagging, crinkled skin around the midsection.
What Types of Tummy Tucks are Available?
Whether you desire to make the ‘mommy pouch’ disappear or create toned and smoother abs, a tummy tuck can help you achieve those desired results. For our Houston tummy tuck patients, Dr. Schusterman offers several different options depending on your specific needs:
- Mini Tummy Tuck – Offers a less intrusive option to the full or extended tummy tuck surgeries. A small incision is made above the pubic bone during a mini tummy tuck to remove some fat to create a flatter surface.
- Full Tummy Tuck – An incision is made from hip bone to hip bone. Dr. Schushterman will then sculpt the area to complete the procedure. A full tummy tuck surgery is one of the most requested procedures to reduce excess skin and repair damaged muscle around the midriff.
- Extended Tummy Tuck – The most comprehensive option to remove the most fat and excess skin is the extended tummy tuck surgery. The extended tummy tuck will also focus on eliminating fat from the hips and upper torso areas to create a svelte, toned abdominal area.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
- overall good health
- The ability to undergo anesthesia for 2-4 hours
- realistic expectations about what a tummy tuck can achieve for them
- lost a large amount of weight causing loose skin to hang around the abdomen
- excess fat and sagging skin around their middle from pregnancies and is not planning on having any more children
A tummy tuck can be performed on both men or women. For men, an abdominoplasty concentrates on hernia repair or the need to repair torn abdominal muscles. In women, tummy tucks are a great solution to remove loose skin caused by pregnancy and childbirth or dramatic weight loss.
What Can I Expect From a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Schusterman prides himself on his adherence to rigorous health standards. His goal is always to provide the best tummy tuck Houston has to offer without compromising your health or safety in any way. After your medical history is cleared, Dr. Schusterman will discuss and give you options and inform you about the amount of fat to remove and what results can be expected.
During a tummy tuck, you will be under general anesthesia. Dr. Schusterman will create an incision across the hips and around the belly button. Then, he will tighten the connective tissue (fascia) over the abdominal muscles. He will reposition the skin around the belly button and then pull it taut. The incision will leave a small scar across the bikini area, which you will be able to conceal easily with an undergarment or swimsuit.
Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
Your procedure will be performed in an outpatient facility, and in most cases, our Houston tummy tuck patients can go home the same day. You will not be able to drive following your tummy tuck due to anesthesia, so it is important to have someone to take you home following surgery.
Small drainage tubes may be placed along the incision site to drain excess blood or fluid. The drains will be in place for 3-5 days to help with healing. There is a specific post-op plan to follow to ensure your pain is managed and you heal correctly. It is recommended to wear a support garment for six weeks to prevent swelling and fluid buildup.
Your Tummy Tuck Results
Your tummy tuck will give your abdomen a slim and toned appearance. This abdominoplasty procedure also achieves the following:
- Hernia repair
- Repair abdominal wall
- Removal of excess skin
- C-Section scars disappear
- Improved look of stretch marks
Drainless Tummy Tuck in Houston
A Drainless Tummy Tuck uses a special suture technique to avoid the use of drains in recovery. This technique offers patients a faster and more comfortable recovery with less upkeep.
The process utilizes a layered technique of suturing, which completely eliminates the need for any post-surgical drains. We’ll make an incision at your abdomen, allowing for tightening or removing loose skin or muscle, causing the undesired appearance. The incision is then closed up using multiple layers of sutures, eliminating the need for post-surgical drains.
Schedule Your Houston Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Schusterman Today
Dr. Mark Schusterman is an artist and a true professional in every way. He is here to listen to you about your expectations and questions about abdominoplasty.
Our goal is always that you achieve the best tummy tuck Houston has to offer, without compromising your health or safety in anyway. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how this procedure can tighten your abdominal wall and help you to look your best.
Consultations typically last one hour and include a financial quote based on the chosen procedure. The consultation is $100, with no obligation to undergo surgery. However, once you decide to move forward with surgery, your consultation fee is applied to your tummy tuck cost. You may also choose to incorporate other procedures into your surgery, such as liposuction or a breast lift. Complete our online form to schedule a consultation or call our office at (713) 794-0368 to learn more.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Your navel is repositioned during a full or extended tummy tuck. However, Dr. Schusterman will ensure that your belly button is natural-looking and will give you a beautiful result.
A tummy tuck is considered elective surgery and is generally not covered under health insurance. Check with your insurance provider about your options.
Patients will work with Dr. Schusterman to determine the optimal post-surgical care to achieve the best results. Surgical procedures carry certain risks, but complications are rare.
An abdominoplasty is not weight-reduction procedure. Yes, tissue is removed with the procedure, but the amount removed is usually only a pound or two. The procedure is best performed when patients are at their ideal body weight. However, most Houston patients are so excited about the changes in their appearance that it motivates them to continue living a healthy lifestyle with clean eating and regular exercise.
Most Houston Tummy Tuck patients require 2 weeks before returning to work. However, many patients are able to start working from home after the first week from surgery. Patients with more physically demanding work may require physical limitations upon returning to work.
In general, patients with an abdominoplasty procedure can start light cardiovascular exercise 3 weeks after surgery and return to full, unrestricted activity at 6 weeks from surgery.
Every procedure is different. However, no-interest financing is available through CareCredit or United Medical Credit. We do accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Patients are advised to wear an elastic compression garment that supports the tissues as they heal. Recovery is expected to last up to eight weeks of downtime, and you will need to refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous physical activity, and operating heavy machinery. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Many patients are back to work within four weeks of the surgery, although it may take several months for the surgical area to heal completely.
Mommy makeover surgery is a combination of cosmetic procedures that are performed together to help women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. It normally includes a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or breast lift, and liposuction.
