Tummy Tuck in Sugar Land, TX

Dr. David Stapenhorst of Signature Plastic Surgery offers two types of Tummy Tuck procedures to the residents of Sugar Land, Texas, and Houston, Texas.

Sometimes, no amount of exercise is enough to give you a well-toned stomach. Even if your body weight is considered normal for your height, you can still have an abdomen with sagging skin.

Before                                  After

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A traditional Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen to just above the belly button. A mini Tummy Tuck is recommended by Dr. Stapenhorst for patients whose excess skin and fat is limited to the area below the belly button. After the procedure, significant weight gain can diminish the improvement in the abdominal area. Dr. Stapenhorst recommends that the patient practice healthy habits, including diet and exercise, after the Tummy Tuck procedure.

Common Reasons for a Tummy Tuck:

• Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
• Excess fat concentrated in the abdomen
• Sagging abdominal skin
• Protruding abdomen

Is a Tummy Tuck Right For Me?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are people with no adverse medical conditions and a realistic expectation regarding the procedure. A tummy tuck may be performed alone, or it may be performed as part of other body-shaping procedures. In women, a tummy tuck may be part of a general mommy makeover designed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy shape.

What happens during the Tummy Tuck procedure by Dr. David Stapenhorst?

Dr. Stapenhorst performs the Tummy Tuck procedure using a general anesthetic. For the traditional Tummy Tuck, an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area. Dr. Stapenhorst then removes the excess skin and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall to achieve the desired appearance. Finally, the belly button is moved to maintain a natural appearance and the incision is closed. For the mini Tummy Tuck, the excess skin and fat between the pubic area and belly button is removed. The belly button is not moved during the mini Tummy Tuck procedure.

When can normal activities resume after the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Dr. David Stapenhorst advises his patients that they will need to take it easy for a few days after their procedures. Patients need to rest and allow the body to heal properly. Typically, patients who undergo Tummy Tuck procedures return to work after about two weeks. Strenuous activities including any lifting of more than five to ten pounds must be limited for at least six weeks after the procedure.

Is there any pain associated with the Tummy Tuck procedure?

Dr. Stapenhorst advises his patients that they will experience discomfort after the Tummy Tuck procedure. He will prescribe a pain medication to help with the discomfort. The patient may be sore for several weeks after the procedure. Swelling is common after the Tummy Tuck procedure, and Dr. Stapenhorst requires patients to wear a special garment during the first three to six weeks after surgery.

How much does a Tummy Tuck cost in Sugar Land, TX?

Signature Plastic Surgery works with CareCredit® to provide financing options for patients. Within a few hours, you can be pre-approved for your cosmetic procedure.

Dr. Stapenhorst specializes in cosmetic surgery; visit our other body contouring pages including arm lift, body contouring after massive weight loss and buttock lift.