What Is A Tummy Tuck?
As one of Houston’s highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Morales performs tummy tuck surgery on men and women at his cosmetic surgery centers in Houston, TX. A tummy tuck enhances the appearance of the lower abdomen by removing stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, and tightening the internal abdominal wall muscles. It is popular among women following pregnancy, as well as both men and women after major weight loss. Patients considering this surgery should be in good physical health, and near their goal weight.
Who Is A Candidate For Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck is a popular surgery for individuals who want to improve the contours of their abdomen. Surgery is often performed after pregnancy when the skin and muscles have been stretched out or after significant weight loss. Good physical health and being close to your goal weight are important qualifications for a tummy tuck. Dr. Morales will also perform an evaluation to make sure you are eligible for surgery. Please inform us if you have any health conditions that may affect your procedure.
What Are the Benefits of A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a wonderful surgical option for individuals in the Houston, TX area who want to get rid of stomach fat, achieve a more sculpted shape, and improve their fitness. This procedure administered at Morales Plastic Surgery is associated with the following benefits:
- Eradicates excess fat and folds from the abdomen
- Strengthens the muscles in the core
- Provides you with a slimmer appearance
- Improves posture, stability, and flexibility
- Might alleviate back discomfort
- Can correct hernia symptoms and incontinence
- Stabilizes the whole spine
- Helps you to be closer to a healthy weight
Tummy Tuck Reviews
I recently had a tummy tuck with Dr. Morales and he is an outstanding surgeon, you can tell he loves what he does. He really puts every ounce into each procedure to ensure that all of your wants in the outcome are what you are looking for. He was extremely informative as well as understanding, and reassuring from my consultation all the way up to my 8 week post op visit. Not to mention that his bedside manner is impeccable. Linda is also extremely informative, patient, and is amazing about getting answers to your questions in a very timely manner. All of his assistants are super sweet, and listen to your concerns. I could not have chosen a better surgeon and team!!
Two months ago I had a tummy tuck, lip and a breast augmentation with Dr. Morales. He is a phenomenal surgeon and his staff is amazing! I highly recommend him and there is no one else I would let do any future surgeries on me other than Dr. Morales!
Beautiful results - great, efficient doctor and team - Dr. Morales was nice, genuine and really cares about what I "care" and "see" on my body. His tummy tuck and eb etching lipo was so painless that I was so so so surprised and amazed good he is. I can actually starts to walk on first day of my surgery and I couldn't believe that because I had a previous lipo with another physician and I was in bed for almost three days.He did a wonderful job, even just taking he clothes off, I could already tell the difference. His staffs were all great, Chris and Claudia, makes me feeling less anxious doing this. And of course, Dr Morales OR nurses were all like angels.. bubbly and making me smile. A big thank you to the anesthesiologist as well, this is the first time I did not throw up after a surgery (excluding wisdom teeth removal) He is amazing.Well, I'll keep you all posted of my beautiful results. But just letting you know, you are in good hands! I feel lucky and lucky!
Very mixed feelings - Dr. Morales was nice, genuine and really cares about what I "care" and "see" on my body. His tummy tuck and eb etching lipo was so painless that I was so so so surprised and amazed good he is. I can actually starts to walk on first day of my surgery and I couldn't believe that because I had a previous lipo with another physician and I was in bed for almost three days.He did a wonderful job, even just taking he clothes off, I could already tell the difference. His staffs were all great, Chris and Claudia, makes me feeling less anxious doing this. And of course, Dr Morales OR nurses were all like angels.. bubbly and making me smile. A big thank you to the anesthesiologist as well, this is the first time I did not throw up after a surgery (excluding wisdom teeth removal) He is amazing.Well, I'll keep you all posted of my beautiful results. But just letting you know, you are in good hands! I feel lucky and lucky!
Very mixed feelings - Dr. Morales was nice, genuine and really cares about what I "care" and "see" on my body. His tummy tuck and eb etching lipo was so painless that I was so so so surprised and amazed good he is. I can actually starts to walk on first day of my surgery and I couldn't believe that because I had a previous lipo with another physician and I was in bed for almost three days.He did a wonderful job, even just taking he clothes off, I could already tell the difference. His staffs were all great, Chris and Claudia, makes me feeling less anxious doing this. And of course, Dr Morales OR nurses were all like angels.. bubbly and making me smile. A big thank you to the anesthesiologist as well, this is the first time I did not throw up after a surgery (excluding wisdom teeth removal) He is amazing.Well, I'll keep you all posted of my beautiful results. But just letting you know, you are in good hands! I feel lucky and lucky!Updated on 14 Nov 2023:Claudia was awful, just awful. Please do not use her as your coordinator. Updated on 14 Nov 2023:I am so angry at Claudia the coordinator. Cold and feels like she’s tired of answering questions. I feel bad to give the doctor three stars. I still a think he is good but Claudia really takes away another three starts of this whole experience. I wish she gets fired and find a better one. After they take the money, maybe they just don’t care about you. I miss my original surgeon and team in Hawaii. This experience is just sad and 90% is because of the poor communication with the coordinator Claudia.Updated on 15 Nov 2023:Today I went in for the first time for post op. I was quite defeated because of the previous coordinator Claudia upsets me yesterday. But hey, today the manager Veronica took care of me, I felt being listened, she was so patient, completely supportive and put a smile back to my face.My stomach is still pretty swollen so hopefully it’ll go down soon( I had lipo with TT)
46
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Plan Your Procedure
Average Cost
from $12,000.00
Recovery Time
2 Weeks
Average Procedure Time
3-4 Hours
Procedure Recovery Location
Inpatient
What Happens during a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment and will need to rest for the first 48 hours. They should make a concerted effort to move around in order to help promote blood circulation, but should only attempt to initially stand at a 45-degree angle to protect the incision. Pain medication will be provided to help with post-operative pain. Clearance to resume exercise is usually given around 4-6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The price for abdominoplasty will vary depending on the technique used, the patient’s condition and aesthetic goals, as well as other factors relating to the surgical case. However, on average, most patients can expect to pay about $12,000 for their tummy tuck procedure.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Although you may still get pregnant following an abdominoplasty, it will likely affect your results. Dr. Morales recommends that you be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before you consider an abdominoplasty. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, a second surgery can be done to refresh your stomach.
Tummy Tuck Or Lipo?
Patients who have loose skin in the lower abdomen may be better candidates for a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck. If a patient is battling unwanted belly fat, but otherwise has good skin tone, liposuction (which removes fat only) may be all that is needed.
Combination Surgery?
Abdominoplasty can be combined with another cosmetic procedure, such as breast augmentation, a breast lift or liposuction that targets another area of the body. This is sometimes referred to as a mommy makeover and is considered a common practice, especially where pregnancy, weight gain and breast-feeding are concerned.
What About Scarring?
Unfortunately, scarring is a part of this procedure. However, every effort is made to minimize scarring, and the incisions are generally placed in locations easily concealed by undergarments. For women who have had a previous C-section, the original C-section scar will be replaced with the tummy tuck incision. Most patients feel the physical results of this surgery far outweigh any scarring left behind.
What If I Gain Weight?
For optimal results, it is recommended that patients wait to have abdominoplasty until after all pregnancies have been completed. This is to ensure the stretching and weight gain that occurs with pregnancy does not compromise the results of the surgery.
What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
Full Tummy Tuck
A traditional (full) tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who have a moderate amount of excess skin in their midsection. It is commonly performed on women post-pregnancy. During this surgery, the incision extends from hipbone to hipbone, which grants the surgeon access to a greater portion of the internal structures. Liposuction is used to remove fat and the abdominal muscles are pulled and tightly secured. The belly button is usually repositioned for natural placement.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Individuals who are in relatively good shape but desire a flatter tummy may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck (known as a “Brazilian tummy tuck”). These patients have loose abdominal fascia, but the muscles aren’t stretched to the point where a full tummy tuck is necessary. During surgery, a smaller incision is made along the lower abdomen, liposuction is sometimes used to remove excess fat, and the remaining skin is pulled tight. The belly button is not affected by this surgery.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients who require major skin tightening and body contouring following a major weight loss. The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, as well as another one around the navel. Liposuction is used and the excess skin is trimmed away and tightened. The belly button is repositioned during this surgery.
