THE FLAT, FIRM TUMMY YOU WANT

Whether you were left with a sagging belly after having kids or had a dramatic weight loss, you can get the sleek, toned tummy you want by undergoing tummy tuck surgery. Unfortunately, overstretched skin and abdominal muscles cannot be resolved with diet and exercise and must be corrected surgically.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can be performed in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, such as breast enhancement in a mommy makeover, or as part of post-weight loss body contouring. Houston board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu’s extensive experience with breast and body procedures means you’ll get recommendations and a plan designed just for you.

Overview

• Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
• Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
• Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, or both?
• Which kind of Tummy Tuck will I need?
• Where will my scars be?
• How much does a Tummy Tuck cost in Houston?
• What should I expect at my consultation?
• Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Your recovery & results
• Will I be in pain?
• Why choose Dr. Bob Basu for Your Abdominoplasty?
• Tummy Tuck FAQ

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

The greatest benefit of tummy tuck surgery is the improved confidence and self-esteem you’ll feel once you have a slim, flat abdomen.

Tummy tucks provide the following results:

• Excess sagging or loose skin is eliminated
• Separated abdominal muscles are repaired (diastasis recti or ventral hernia)
• The waist is contoured for a firm, attractive look
• Stubborn pockets of fat on hips, thighs, and abdomen are removed
• C-section scars and stretch marks on the lower abdomen are eliminated

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure?

You are a candidate for a tummy tuck if you:

• Have a BMI of 39 or less
• Are at or near your goal weight
• Have maintained a stable, healthy weight for at least three months
• Have no significant medical problems
• Are finished having children (while it is possible to have more children after an abdominoplasty, another pregnancy can impact your results)

If you still have a lot of weight to lose to reach your goal weight, you may want to re-evaluate the timing of your abdominoplasty so you gain the greatest benefit from the procedures. Significant weight fluctuations after tummy tuck surgery can negatively impact your results.

The Skinny Shot Weight Loss Program: Address your weight before a tummy tuck

Achieve your ideal body weight prior to surgery for a safer procedure with the best possible results.

In the past, we sometimes requested that patients achieve their ideal weight before surgery and return to Basu Aesthetics once they have done so. This has changed thanks to new advancements in the Semaglutide and Tirezepatide family of medications that have recently become available for patients.

We now offer The Skinny Shot semaglutide treatment as part of our comprehensive approach for our patients. The Skinny Shot can help you achieve your ideal body weight prior to surgery for the best possible aesthetic result. In addition, it has been shown that patients with a lower BMI undergoing plastic surgery have a lower risk of complications. Treatment with The Skinny Shot not only improves your results, but it may also make your surgery safer.

Learn more about our Skinny Shot weight loss program

Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, or Both?

Many people wonder if liposuction alone can deliver a flat tummy. The answer depends on whether the problem is primarily excess fat or excess skin and tissue. Liposuction is the preferred option for treating unwanted fat. However, liposuction can actually worsen sagging if you also have excess abdominal skin. If you have excess skin, you are much better suited to an abdominoplasty, which removes skin along with some residual fat.

Many tummy tuck patients choose to combine their procedures with liposuction at the waist or love handles for more sculpted results. While a tummy tuck can dramatically improve the front of the midsection, liposuction can reduce excess fat on the sides of the waist or hips to streamline, firm, and enhance your figure. Patients who have received either procedure have reported significant improvements in their quality of life.

Which Kind of Tummy Tuck Will I Need?

No matter your size, shape, or age, there is a solution for almost everyone. While most people benefit from a full or “traditional” tummy tuck, some are better candidates for other similar procedures.

Types of Tummy Tucks

• Mini Tummy Tuck: A mini tummy tuck might be enough if your abdominal muscles do not need repair.
• Extended Tummy Tuck: If you need to address or repair your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) and also need to address extra skin and fat on your hips, you may require an extended tummy tuck.
• Plus-Size Tummy Tuck: If you’re overweight, you may still be able to have surgery if you meet the right criteria. Read more about plus-size tummy tuck.

Where will my scars be?

The appearance of your scars will depend on the type of tummy tuck you undergo, how well you care for your incisions after surgery, and the way your body scars. A mini-abdominoplasty has a shorter horizontal incision and no navel incision. An extended abdominoplasty will have a longer horizontal incision that may extend to your flanks.

Dr. Basu understands that scarring is a concern for most patients. He uses meticulous techniques to minimize tension on the scars and ensure that they heal to flat, faint lines. Scars are inevitable after tummy tuck surgery, but Dr. Basu’s careful placement and meticulous wound closure technique ensure the incision lines are placed in inconspicuous places so you can confidently wear low-cut bottoms, including bikini bottoms.

Listen here to the “Which Tummy Tuck is Right For Me?” episode of Behind the Double Doors, our plastic surgery and aesthetics podcast hosted by Dr. Bob Basu.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Houston?

Here in Houston, tummy tuck surgery costs vary, starting at $11,500 and up depending on your needs. Your procedure costs include facility fees, anesthesia costs, and pre and post-op appointments.

At Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, we offer special promotions for a variety of cosmetic procedures. We also offer easy plastic surgery financing options to help make your abdominoplasty affordable.

Another factor in the price is your surgeon’s credentialing, qualifications, and experience. You may find prices on tummy tuck surgery in Houston very appealing, but it is very important to exercise caution. But choosing the cheapest doctor—often an underqualified or inexperienced surgeon can put your health and appearance at risk.

Be sure that you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with an excellent safety record, many positive online reviews, and glowing patient testimonials. Your board-certified plastic surgeon should also specialize in abdominoplasty procedures and have an impressive before-and-after gallery.

What should I expect at my consultation?

Calling to talk to our empathetic, kind, and experienced patient care coordinators is the first step toward scheduling a consultation. Setting up an in-person consultation with Dr. Basu is the best way to determine if a mommy makeover is right for you.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Basu, he will speak with you about your tummy tuck options in detail, as well as the recovery time and results you can expect. He works with you to determine a surgical plan that best suits your needs to create the results that you envision. Every abdominoplasty is a custom procedure.

Your tummy tuck surgery

Tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia, so you will not be awake or experience any pain during the procedure. Your surgery can last from two to three hours to complete.

The surgery is performed in our state-of-the-art Texas Department of Health licensed Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), the Beleza Surgery Center. This ASC is one of the few facilities in the state that subspecializes in aesthetic plastic surgery procedures.

Dr. Basu works closely with his ABA-certified anesthesiologist, Mary Ellen Firat, MD, to create a safe anesthesia care plan. You will also receive a muscle relaxant if the stomach muscles need to be repaired.

During surgery, any hernias will be repaired, the underlying muscle structure tightened, and excess skin, fat, and tissue removed, after which the incisions will be carefully and delicately sutured to limit scarring. Dr. Basu takes special care to place all incisions as discreetly as possible, although some scarring is part of the process. The incision length and location will vary based on your condition and goals, and a dressing will be applied to protect the incisions as they heal. Most people feel that the scars are well worth the tradeoff. After surgery, you’ll wear a compression garment that will provide support and pressure to aid in healing and limit swelling.

 

 

 

 

 

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Your Recovery & Results

Recovery from your Houston tummy tuck will vary based on how your body responds to surgery. Most people take at least 1–2 weeks away from work and their other normal activities to recover. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise for another several weeks. Your final results should be achieved about 6–8 weeks after your surgery, with incisions fading progressively over time.

You should participate in light walking immediately after surgery, but you will be walking flexed at your waist in the skier’s posture for 7–10 days. You should feel at your baseline 10–14 days after your surgery. However, Dr. Basu recommends no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 5–6 weeks. Most people are able to see their final results in 6–8 weeks after their surgery. Results continue to improve over the next several months as you continue to heal. While it takes some patience, the results are well worth the wait!

Will I be in pain?

One of the top concerns Dr. Basu hears from patients is fear about the amount of pain involved with this surgical procedure. That depends on the extent of the surgery and your individual pain threshold. To ensure you are as comfortable as possible, Dr. Basu performs nerve blocks on all his abdominoplasty patients.

Nerve blocks utilize a local anesthetic called Exparel® to numb the areas treated. Most patients will feel no pain at the surgical sites for several days. The effects last up to 72 hours or longer. Some patients do not even need prescription pain medication, finding that over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to keep them comfortable during recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Bob Basu for Your Abdominoplasty

The results of a tummy tuck are the direct result of your plastic surgeon’s experience, skills, and artistry. Dr. Bob Basu has successfully performed over 16,000 aesthetic procedures and has over 14 years of experience with body and breast procedures.

Dr. Basu has honed his techniques and artistry and is known for his superior surgical results. He believes the key to excellent abdominoplasty results is enhancing and perfecting your existing body features. He performs all tummy tuck procedures with 100% honesty regarding the results you can expect to achieve.

Find out why so many people in the Houston area trust Dr. Basu with their tummy tuck procedures. using the online form, or call or text our office at (713) 799-2278 to schedule your appointment.

Areas served:

• Uptown Houston

• Cypress

Continue learning about a tummy tuck with Dr. Basu

Tummy Tuck FAQ