Among the most transformative body contouring procedures in cosmetic surgery, the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) addresses concerns that diet, exercise, and non-surgical treatments simply cannot correct. For women and men in Webster, TX and the greater Houston area, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Monica Wentworth provides tummy tuck procedures with an emphasis on natural-looking, proportionate results and a commitment to patient education throughout every step of the process.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen, tightens the underlying abdominal muscles if they have separated, and repositions the navel to its natural location in the newly contoured abdomen. It is not a fat loss procedure—though it is frequently combined with liposuction to address adjacent fat deposits simultaneously.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. Depending on the extent of skin removal needed, a tummy tuck may be categorized as mini, standard, extended, or circumferential (body lift). Dr. Wentworth evaluates each patient’s anatomy during the consultation to recommend the most appropriate approach.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Address
- Loose, excess skin in the lower and middle abdomen
- The overhanging skin fold (pannus) that develops after significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies
- Diastasis recti—the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles that occurs in most pregnancies and many cases of significant weight gain. Exercise cannot repair diastasis recti; surgery is the only effective treatment.
- C-section scars—the tummy tuck incision is often placed at or below the existing C-section scar, removing it as part of the procedure
What a Tummy Tuck Cannot Address
- Excess fat without skin laxity—liposuction is more appropriate for this
- Stretch marks above the navel (stretch marks below the navel are typically removed with the resected skin)
- The effects of future pregnancy—which is why most surgeons recommend patients complete their family before undergoing a tummy tuck
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Adults who have completed their family or do not plan future pregnancies
- Patients at or near their goal weight with stable weight for at least six months
- Non-smokers in good overall health
- Individuals who have realistic expectations about the outcome, including the presence of a low horizontal scar
The Tummy Tuck Scar
A tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, typically placed within or near the bikini line. The scar extends from hip to hip—the length varies depending on the amount of skin removed. Over the first twelve to eighteen months, the scar progresses from pink and slightly raised to flat and pale. Most patients find the scar well worth the improvement in abdominal contour, and it is concealed by most swimwear and underwear.
Recovery in the Webster/Houston Climate
Houston’s warm, humid climate creates some specific recovery considerations—particularly regarding compression garment wear. Dr. Wentworth advises patients to stay in air-conditioned environments as much as possible during the first four to six weeks, choose moisture-wicking compression garments, and stay well hydrated throughout the recovery period.
Combining a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures
Tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction, breast surgery, and other body contouring procedures as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover. Combining procedures allows patients to address multiple concerns in a single anesthesia and recovery period, which most patients find significantly more convenient than staging procedures separately.
Dr. Wentworth provides tummy tuck procedures to patients in Webster, League City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Houston, and surrounding Southeast Texas communities. To discuss whether a tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation at wentworthplasticsurgery.com.