Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve The Woodlands, Houston, and Shenandoah

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. When performed by a qualified provider, a tummy tuck can dramatically enhance the appearance of the midsection.

Our board-certified plastic surgeon in The Woodlands has helped countless patients improve their self-confidence with tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Lahiri will discuss your individual needs, goals, and expectations during your personal consultation.

Who Is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are healthy, non-smoking men and women who have:

• Localized fat deposits or loose abdominal skin unresponsive to diet and exercise
• Stretched abdominal muscles from pregnancy
• Loss of skin elasticity due to aging or weight fluctuations

Finally, please note that tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure. Patients planning significant weight loss or future pregnancies are generally advised to postpone surgery. 

Complementary Procedures to Tummy Tuck Surgery

In many cases, tummy tuck surgery can be combined with other procedures to create more comprehensive results. For instance, Dr. Lahiri may recommend pairing abdominoplasty with liposuction to further refine body contours, or with breast augmentation to enhance breast volume. For patients seeking facial rejuvenation, a facelift or eyelid surgery can often be performed at the same time to address signs of aging in the face and eyes.

Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and achieve a more harmonious transformation. During your consultation, Dr. Lahiri will discuss all available options with you and design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A full abdominoplasty generally takes two to three hours and begins with a horizontal incision between the hipbones, just above the pubic area. The skin is lifted to expose the abdominal muscles, which are tightened and stitched together. Excess skin is removed, a new opening is created for the navel, and the incisions are closed. A small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup. As stated above, tummy tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction to further contour the hips, waist, or other areas.

A skin-only abdominoplasty focuses on the removal of excess skin and fat without the muscle tightening (for those patients who do not necessarily need their muscles tightened). This less extensive procedure usually takes one to two hours and can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis.

Before surgery, you should be nicotine-free for at least eight weeks and throughout the healing process, as smoking can slow healing and increase complication risks. Be sure to tell Dr. Lahiri about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you take, as some may need to be adjusted. Avoid overexposure to the sun and extreme dieting, as these can impair healing. If you develop an illness or infection, your procedure may need to be postponed. During your initial appointment, Dr. Lahiri will determine the best approach to achieve your desired results and discuss the surgical facility, anesthesia, recovery, and costs.

What Is Recovery Like After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

As you recover from tummy tuck surgery, following all post-operative instructions closely is essential. You can find Dr. Lahiri’s post-operative directions here.

You will stay overnight at our Maison Esthetique recovery retreat. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the first few days and can be managed with medication. You may not be able to stand fully upright at first, but light walking is encouraged to promote circulation. 

Most patients return to work within two to four weeks, though it can take several months to feel fully recovered. Starting a light exercise program (once approved by Dr. Lahiri) can reduce swelling, lower the risk of complications, and restore muscle tone. Strenuous activity should be avoided until it’s comfortable and safe to resume (typically about eight weeks).

In the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lahiri, tummy tuck surgery generally produces positive results; however, as with any procedure, risks exist. Rare complications such as infection or blood clots can occur; infections may require drainage and antibiotics, and you can help reduce clot risk by walking soon after surgery. Smoking can slow healing and increase complication risk, so it’s important to stop well before your procedure.

What Are the Typical Results of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

At Lahiri Plastic Surgery, our patients are typically thrilled with the results of their tummy tuck procedures. By tightening stretched muscles and removing excess skin, abdominoplasty can restore a smoother, more toned midsection – effects that many patients find boost both their confidence and comfort in clothing. 

While the natural aging process will continue, the improvements from tummy tuck surgery are typically long-lasting when supported by a healthy lifestyle. It’s also important to note that the procedure does leave a permanent scar, usually low on the abdomen from hip to hip. Scars often appear more prominent for the first few months before gradually flattening and lightening over 9–12 months, and they are easily concealed under most clothing, including swimwear.

How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?

The total cost of a tummy tuck surgery is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fee, surgery center charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery.

A detailed cost estimate will be provided during your consultation with Dr. Lahiri. To help make treatment more affordable, we accept financing through CareCredit®, a trusted third-party lender offering flexible monthly payment plans for qualified applicants. If you have any questions about pricing or financing options, our team will be happy to assist you.

Additional Tummy Tuck FAQs

Is tummy tuck surgery safe?

Tummy tuck surgery is a well-established procedure with a long track record of safety and effectiveness when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lahiri. Like any procedure, it carries potential risks including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in skin sensation, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of fluid accumulation beneath the skin, known as seroma, which is one of the more common complications specific to this procedure. Your overall health, medical history, and lifestyle habits play a significant role in determining your personal risk level. A thorough consultation with Dr. Lahiri, including an honest discussion of your medical history, is the most important step in understanding whether surgery is appropriate for you.

Is tummy tuck surgery painful?

While some degree of discomfort is expected after a tummy tuck, most patients describe the recovery process as tolerable. The initial healing period often includes sensations of tightness, soreness, and swelling. Pain is typically managed with prescribed medication in the early recovery period, and transitions to over-the-counter options as healing progresses. Most people find post-op discomfort manageable and report that it improves steadily over the first one to two weeks. Swelling, tightness, or sensitivity in the abdominal area can persist for several weeks to months.

How much weight can I lose with tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. This surgery is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles — not to produce significant weight loss. The procedure tends to produce the best outcomes for people who are already close to their goal weight and looking to address loose skin or muscle separation that dieting and exercise cannot resolve, such as the changes that commonly follow major weight loss or pregnancy.

For more information on plastic surgery and the procedures we offer, we welcome you to schedule a consultation!