Most people want a sculpted abdomen with a visible muscle definition. But age, weight changes, and childbirth can make that almost impossible to achieve through exercise and diet alone. Dr. Erickson offers a tummy tuck in Houston that will turn your desire for a flatter, firmer stomach into a reality.
Tummy Tuck
Houston
Achieve a Sculpted Abdomen
While diet and exercise can help you lose weight and tone your muscles, they may not be enough to eliminate the stubborn fat and loose skin around your midsection. Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken and permanently damage your abdominal muscles, making it impossible to achieve a firm abdomen with exercise alone. Meanwhile, dramatic weight loss can leave you with sagging skin that you can’t address with dieting. When all else fails, a tummy tuck gives you a tighter, more sculpted abdomen.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat and skin from the stomach area and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck is usually meant for people with excess skin and fat around the stomach area due to weight loss or pregnancy. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen to trim away excess skin, remove excess fat deposits, and tighten the underlying muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer stomach.
Dr. Erickson’s Tummy Tuck Technique
Dr. Erickson performs a highly personalized tummy tuck after a thorough evaluation. During your consultation, the surgeon will carefully examine your abdomen, measure the degree of skin laxity, determine if your abdominal muscles are weak or damaged, discuss your goals and concerns, review your medical history, and determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck. He will also determine if your tummy tuck needs to be combined with liposuction to remove excess fat deposits from the abdomen.
Your tummy tuck in Houston is performed at our accredited surgical facility. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. Dr. Erickson will make an incision in the lower abdomen, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area. Another incision may be made around the navel. After making an incision, the surgeon will separate the skin from the fatty tissue and lift it up. This offers access to the abdominal muscles.
At this point, the surgeon will repair any muscle damage that has occurred and then stitch the muscles back together. Next, excess skin tissues will be trimmed away to make your abdomen look more firm and contoured. If you have excess fat deposits, the surgeon may insert a specialized hollow tube, called a cannula, to suction away excess fat cells. Your surgeon may reposition the navel through a hole made in the contoured skin, restoring optimal navel position.
Finally, the incisions will be closed with stitches or staples, and a dressing will be applied. You will be taken to an observation room for a few hours, following which you can have someone drive you home. Since the incision is made along the bikini line, the scar usually remains concealed. The complete tummy tuck procedure usually takes 3 to 5 hours.
Goals of Tummy Tuck:
- Removing excess, sagging skin tissues from the midsection
- Removing excess fat deposits from the tummy
- Tightening the weakened and damaged abdominal muscles
- Achieving a flat, firm, and toned abdomen
- Reversing the effects of childbirth, pregnancy, weight loss, and age on the tummy
- Achieving a slimmer waist to improve the overall body contours
- Removing stretch marks and C-section scars below the belly button
Recovery After a Tummy Tuck
Most patients report excellent results after surgery and are pleased with their new shape. You can expect some swelling and bruising around the incisions, which will gradually resolve over the first few weeks. There is usually minimal pain after surgery, which can be managed with oral pain medications. You will also have drains in place to remove any excess fluids from the surgical area. These drains are typically removed within a week.
You will need to take it easy for the first few weeks after surgery, avoiding strenuous activity or exercise. Walking is fine, but you should avoid anything that puts too much strain on your incisions. Once you feel better, you can slowly ramp up your activity level. Most people take about two weeks off from work after Dr. Erickson’s tummy tuck in Houston. You may need more or less time, depending on your individual situation.
You must have someone to help you at home during your recovery, as you will not be able to lift anything heavy or do much cooking or cleaning. You can resume normal activities and work within a week or two. But you must avoid strenuous workouts for four to six weeks. You must follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and recovery. If you notice signs of complications, please call Dr. Erickson at his personal number immediately.
Candidates for a Tummy Tuck:
- Have excess sagging skin around the midsection
- Have excess fat deposits in the tummy
- Have weakened or damaged muscles because of childbirth
- Want to achieve a firm and flat abdomen
- Are done having children — future pregnancies can undo the results
- Are willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Are close to their ideal weight — tummy tuck isn’t for overweight or obese individuals
- Are in good overall health
- Are nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Have realistic expectations from the tummy tuck procedure
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about the tummy tuck procedure:
Can a tummy tuck help with loose skin and stretch marks?
A tummy tuck can effectively address both loose skin and stretch marks in the abdominal area. By removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles, it can create a smoother, firmer appearance. Furthermore, a tummy tuck can remove stretch marks located in the strip of skin that’s excised during the procedure on the lower abdomen.
Is it possible to have a tummy tuck after pregnancy or weight loss?
Yes, a tummy tuck is a common procedure performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss. It can help restore the abdominal area by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles, resulting in a flatter and more contoured abdomen.
How much weight do you need to get a tummy tuck?
The eligibility for a tummy tuck is not solely based on weight. Rather, it is more important to have stable body weight and be at or near your goal weight before considering the procedure.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the extent of the surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Erickson to discuss the specifics and receive an accurate cost estimate.
Will there be visible scarring after a tummy tuck?
While a tummy tuck does involve incisions, the scars are usually placed strategically and can be well-hidden within the bikini line. With proper care and the passage of time, the scars tend to fade and become less noticeable, allowing patients to enjoy their improved abdominal contour.
How long do the results of a tummy tuck typically last?
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, but they can be influenced by factors such as weight fluctuations and the natural aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help preserve the results and prolong the benefits of the procedure.
Consult Dr. Erickson
Dr. Cameron Erickson is a highly-acclaimed aesthetic plastic surgeon. He has helped hundreds of patients achieve their dream bodies with cutting-edge surgical techniques that ensure safe, lasting, and natural-looking results. Instead of offering cookie-cutter treatments, Dr. Erickson understands your anatomical needs and goals. He also supports you through every stage of the recovery process and gives you his personal number, so you can maintain a direct line of communication with him. Please schedule a consultation to explore your options for a tummy tuck in Houston.
