Tummy Tuck
Tummy Tucks in The Woodlands, Texas Area
Have you reached your goal weight only to be disappointed by the excess skin around your waist and on your tummy? Or has pregnancy left you with a beautiful baby and a less than beautiful abdomen? Loose skin and muscle damage won’t fix itself; to regain a flat tummy you will need a surgical tummy tuck at The Woodlands Plastic Surgery.
Quick Facts
Average Procedure Time
3-4 Hours
Average Recovery Time
2 weeks
Covered by Insurance
Not typically
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, restores a flatter abdominal profile by removing excess skin and repairing the underlying muscle structure. Skin damaged by stretch marks caused by weight fluctuations and pregnancy can be removed during the procedure. Liposuction may also be used to remove excess fat from around the hips.
WHAT’S A MINI TUMMY TUCK?
If you are close to your ideal weight but have not been able to get rid of the small ‘pooch’ of fat below the belly button, a mini-tummy tuck may be all you need. Although this procedure was originally designed only for the area below the navel and only tightened the muscles in that area, it is now possible to tighten even above the belly button in select cases. Houston residents love this mini-tummy tuck because the downtime is far less and the result is seen much faster than in a full tummy tuck. Additionally, it avoids the incision around the belly button. This mini-tummy tuck produces excellent results and is possibly the best alternative to a full tummy tuck at The Woodlands Plastic Surgery.
THE PROCESS
The surgery takes about 3-4 hours, after which the patient will be in recovery until you have completely come out of the anesthetic and are alert. Dr. Correa usually has patients with a full tummy tuck stay overnight for pain control and monitoring. Following this, you will recover at home or at a recovery facility as you will need assistance with simple tasks for a few days.
STEP 1
You will receive a general anesthetic for this procedure. Dr. Correa will determine the length and position of the incision based on the amount of excess skin that will be removed.
STEP 2
The incision will be made so it is under the bikini line and hidden with clothing. There will also be an incision around the belly button.
STEP 3
The underlying muscles are repaired and then the upper skin section is brought down to the lower incision line.
STEP 4
The excess skin is removed and the incision is closed. Your navel will be relocated to the correct position at this time.
THE RECOVERY
With a full Tummy Tuck at The Woodlands Plastic Surgery, you will be unable to walk completely upright for about a week. Most patients simply walk slightly bent over for this time while others prefer a walker. You will be encouraged to walk around as soon as possible to prevent any complications such as forming blood clots in your legs and to speed the healing process.
You will be provided with prescription pain management and will be wearing a compression garment for 2 weeks. For the first few days you will need to have sponge baths, but some patients continue this longer as it can be easier than showering while you are initially recovering. You will need to arrange at least 2 weeks off work and will have to restrict any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 6 weeks. The incisions typically heal well and inconspicuously and patients gain back most of their strength over the first 6 weeks.
Swelling and bruising are to be expected but will begin to resolve after the first 2 weeks. It can take some time for all of the swelling to disappear but usually, by 2-3 months you should see your new, flatter profile emerge, although there will be subtle changes for the first year.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dr. Correa provides unique results to each patient with an initial consultation. Dr. Correa carefully evaluates each patient to determine the right combination of treatments that are right for them. At his practice, there are no cookie cutter procedures, so if you’re interested in a customized tummy tuck, tailored to your wants and needs, then you have come to the right place.
1. Schedule Your Free Consultation
2. We Discuss Your Needs, Wants & Options
3. Schedule Your Appointment Date
4. We Help You become Your Best Self!
CONSIDERING A TUMMY TUCK IN THE WOODLANDS?
This procedure is for men or women who have significant loose skin and stubborn pockets of fat that won’t respond to exercise or dieting. You are a good candidate for this procedure if:
You are in good health
You are at or near your ideal weight
You are finished having children
You are bothered by stretch marks or excess skin on your abdomen
You don’t anticipate any future large fluctuations in weight
You have a realistic expectation of results
Dr. Correa’s Philosophy on
Tummy Tucks
“A well-executed tummy tuck can have a dramatic impact on one’s appearance both in and out of clothes. In addition to the improvements seen from removing excess skin, many patients are as pleased with the improvement in the shape of their waist and hips giving them a more curvy figure.”