Tummy Tuck

You can achieve tighter, smoother skin and a flatter abdomen with a tummy tuck. At Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center in Houston, Texas, David Davila, DO, FACOS provides this procedure to help you get rid of unwanted abdominal fat, tighten lax abdominal skin, remove stretch marks, and regain tone in your abdominal muscles. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more about how a tummy tuck can change your appearance.

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck enhances the appearance of your abdomen, especially if you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious following pregnancy or notable weight loss. The procedure, also known as an abdominoplasty, can help tighten abdominal muscles that are stretched out beyond the scope of what exercise can help you achieve.

Plus, a tummy tuck firms up sagging tissue and removes excess pockets of fat in your midsection. A tummy tuck works best when you’re near your optimal weight and not planning to get pregnant again.

You may also consider a tummy tuck as part of a complete “Mommy Makeover,” which also includes a breast lift, liposuction, and thigh or buttock lift. Combining all or some of these surgeries into one procedure helps restore your pre-baby body.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck can be approached in one of several surgical methods. Dr. Davila carefully examines your anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine which option will bring you the most optimal results.

In cases in which you have excess fat and lax muscles in the lower abdomen below the belly button, he may recommend a mini-abdominoplasty. During this procedure, Dr. Davila removes a small amount of excess skin – a smaller amount than during a full abdominoplasty – and tightens the abdominal muscles beneath the belly button. He also uses liposuction to remove excess fat.

During a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made near the navel, and loose abdominal wall tissue and fat are removed. Your abdominal muscles are repaired, too. Dr. Davila pulls down the excess skin so it lies smooth and sutures the incision.

How long is recovery following a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck requires at least two weeks off from work. You’ll also have physical restrictions for about six weeks as your abdominal muscles heal. Dr. Davila lets you know when it’s safe to return to full physical activity.

After surgery, you may have some swelling for several weeks that causes you to temporarily go up a dress size as your body heals.

For more information about how your physique can benefit from a tummy tuck, call the office or book an appointment online.