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Tummy Tuck
in Austin, TX

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery focused on improving the abdomen’s appearance. Performed by our double-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Erella, this procedure aims to remove the excess abdominal skin and repair weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal area. It’s an ideal solution for individuals dealing with significant weight changes, post-pregnancy changes, or stubborn areas that don’t improve with diet and exercise. By making a precise horizontal incision, our plastic surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles for improved firmness and removes excess tissue, leading to a toned appearance. Our tummy tuck procedures in Austin ensure a more sculpted abdominal profile, perfectly suited to those looking to have a smoother, flatter, and more defined abdominal contour.
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Table of contents

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that refines the abdomen’s appearance. Unlike weight loss surgeries that primarily focus on shrinking fat cells within the body, a tummy tuck aims to eliminate hanging, loose skin in the belly area and excess abdominal fat, while also restoring weakened or separated muscles. This procedure results in a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. By tightening the abdominal muscles and eliminating redundant skin, a tummy tuck offers a sculpted, more aesthetically pleasing stomach contour, aligning more closely with an individual’s fitness goals and body image aspirations. It’s an ideal procedure for those looking to address physical changes from pregnancy, aging, significant weight fluctuations, or previous surgeries, which are not typically improved through diet and exercise alone.

Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures

This procedure addresses the entire abdominal region, removing excess hanging skin and fat from both the upper and lower abdomen areas while tightening the underlying muscles. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have experienced weight changes or pregnancy, leading to stretched skin and muscles. Ideal for individuals seeking substantial improvements in their abdominal appearance.

Focused on the lower abdomen, the mini tummy tuck is less invasive, involving a smaller incision and limited muscle tightening. It targets the “pooch” or excess skin below the belly button, making it suitable for people with minor abdominal concerns who wish for a faster recovery and minimal scarring.

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This version extends the full tummy tuck by addressing excess skin and fat around the flanks and lower back, providing a thorough contouring effect. Recommended for those who have undergone significant weight loss, it helps achieve a smoother, tighter waistline and abdominal area.

This tummy tuck variant is tailored specifically for men. It addresses male-specific concerns, such as excess fat and skin around the abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. It enhances the male physique by creating a firmer, flatter abdomen and a more defined waistline. Ideal for men looking to achieve a more toned and athletic appearance, it considers men’s unique muscular and body structure, ensuring natural-looking results.

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This technique involves a vertical incision in addition to the usual horizontal incision across the lower abdomen. This procedure flattens the tummy and significantly improves the waistline’s contour, resulting in a more dramatic reshaping and tightening of the midsection. Ideal for patients with substantial skin laxity, the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck helps achieve a firmer, more toned abdominal profile, enhancing overall body confidence.
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Tummy Tuck Results
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Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Your tummy tuck procedure begins with a detailed consultation with your surgeon, during which you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and address other issues. This is the time to determine the most suitable type of tummy tuck for your needs and understand the expected outcomes and recovery process. Ahead of the procedure, your surgeon may advise you on diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments, as well as any necessary medical evaluations to ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery.

On the day of the surgery, you’ll be administered general anesthesia to maintain your comfort from start to finish. This decision is made to suit the scope of the procedure and aligns with your plastic surgeon’s guidance.

  • Full Tummy Tuck: This tummy tuck involves a horizontal incision made just above the pubic hairline, extending from hip to hip. This allows for the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen. An additional incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin above the belly button.
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: This tummy tuck procedure focuses on the lower abdomen, requiring a smaller incision than the full tummy tuck. This option is ideal for those with minimal excess skin below their belly button region.
  • Extended Tummy Tuck: This tummy tuck is almost similar to the full tummy tuck but requires an extended incision that reaches around the hips to the lower back. This option is best suited for individuals with significant excess skin and fat that extends around the sides and possibly the lower back area.
  • Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck: This method involves a conventional horizontal cut across the lower abdominal region, just above the pubic area, and a vertical cut extending from the lower sternum to the pubic region. The combination of these incisions creates a cross-like pattern that allows for the removal of excess skin and fat both horizontally and vertically.
Our plastic surgeon tightens and sutures the abdominal muscles that have become stretched or separated, which is common after pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.

Loose abdominal skin and excess fat are trimmed away to create a smoother, flatter abdominal profile. In some cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with the tummy tuck to enhance the abdomen’s contour. The remaining skin is carefully redraped to create a better tummy shape.

The incisions are carefully sutured closed to minimize the visibility of scars as much as possible. The navel will be repositioned to a natural-looking location for a full tummy tuck.

Recovery After Abdominoplasty Surgery

Understanding the recovery process and following your surgeon’s advice closely can significantly impact the quality and speed of your healing. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery period:

In the first two weeks following your tummy tuck, discomfort and pain are common but manageable with prescribed medication. During this period, limiting your activities is vital; avoid any strenuous tasks or movements that could disrupt the healing incision. You might also have drainage tubes in place, which are typically removed within the first week or two. Wearing a compression garment as instructed is essential, as it helps alleviate discomfort and supports the healing process.

As you move into the 2 to 6-week mark, you’ll notice that swelling and bruising, though present, will start to diminish. It’s important to continue wearing your compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen. During this phase, you can gradually begin to reintroduce normal activities into your routine, being mindful to steer clear of any vigorous exercise until your surgeon approves. This gradual increase in activity helps promote circulation and aids in the overall recovery process.

Beyond the six-week point, you’ll start to see more of the results as swelling continues to subside. This is when the final outcomes begin to reveal themselves, but it’s important to remember that complete healing and the final appearance might take several months. During this phase, long-term scar care becomes a focus, with recommended products or treatments used to help minimize scarring. Adopting a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential to maintaining the results of your surgery.
By adhering closely to your surgeon’s care instructions and giving yourself time to heal, you can ensure a smoother recovery and enjoy the lasting benefits of your tummy tuck. Each phase of recovery brings its challenges, but with patience and proper care, you’ll gradually return to your daily activities while appreciating the transformative results of your procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Procedures?

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you might wonder if you’re a good fit for this transformative procedure. Here’s a closer look at what makes someone an ideal candidate:
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you are looking to improve the abdominal area by addressing sagging skin and restoring balance to your body shape. This procedure is often chosen by individuals seeking a more youthful appearance after experiencing physical changes due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process. By removing excess tissue and tightening underlying muscles, a tummy tuck can help you achieve the abdominal profile that better reflects your goals.
Smoking can interfere with healing, circulation, and overall surgical outcomes. Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are non-smokers or individuals who are ready to quit well in advance of the procedure. By eliminating tobacco use before and after surgery, patients reduce the risk of complications and create the best environment for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Women who are considering future pregnancies may want to delay their tummy tuck. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal muscles and skin, potentially undoing the benefits of the procedure. If you are not planning future pregnancies, a tummy tuck can provide long-lasting improvements to the abdominal area, giving you a firmer and more defined contour that remains stable over time.
The best candidates are those who are already at or near their ideal body weight and are not using the procedure as a means to lose weight. A tummy tuck is most effective for removing stubborn skin and fat deposits that remain after lifestyle changes, rather than serving as a weight loss solution. Maintaining a stable weight both before and after surgery supports lasting and natural-looking results.
Because a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, overall health plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective results. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to confirm your readiness for surgery. Being in good general health helps minimize risks and enhances the healing process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your results with confidence.
It’s important to approach the procedure with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the potential outcomes. Because surgery involves permanent changes to the abdominal area, your surgeon will help you determine whether a mini or full abdominoplasty is most suitable for your needs. Having an informed perspective on both the process and the results ensures that you move forward with confidence and satisfaction.
If this description fits you, a tummy tuck could be a step toward achieving your desired abdominal appearance. 
This surgery can provide a more contoured and firmer abdomen, boosting your confidence and enhancing your self-image.
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Benefits of Tummy Tucks

Whether you’re aiming to revitalize your body after significant changes or refine your physical contours, here are the multifaceted benefits of undergoing a tummy tuck:
One of the most noticeable benefits is the dramatic improvement in your abdomen’s appearance. This procedure targets the abdominal area, removing excess fat and loose skin while tightening your abdominal muscles, leading to a flatter, more sculpted stomach. The result is a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing silhouette, significantly enhancing how clothes fit and feel.
Tightening the underlying abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck enhances the visual appeal of your midsection and contributes to increased core stability. A stronger core supports the spine better, leading to improved posture. Strengthening the core muscles can also alleviate some forms of back pain associated with weak abdominal muscles.
The outcomes of a tummy tuck can endure for years, especially when complemented by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Sustaining a consistent weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise helps maintain the procedure’s results, ensuring a lasting transformation.
The procedure’s physical improvements often lead to a significant increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. Feeling more positive about your body image can impact personal relationships, social interactions, and professional opportunities in profoundly positive ways.
While primarily not aimed at removing stretch marks, a tummy tuck can lessen the appearance of stretch marks by removing excess skin, especially in the lower abdominal area, promoting smoother and more uniform skin.

Experiencing the positive changes a tummy tuck brings often motivates individuals to maintain those results through a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity and balanced eating habits become priorities to preserve the new, more contoured appearance.

A tummy tuck is particularly effective in correcting diastasis recti, bringing separated abdominal muscles back together. This improves the abdomen’s look and enhances muscular function and strength.
By removing redundant abdominal skin and fat and restoring weakened muscles, a tummy tuck can also mitigate health issues such as skin infections or irritation that may occur under excess skin folds.

Cost of Tummy Tucks in Austin, TX

In Austin, TX, the cost of a tummy tuck can vary significantly, ranging from $8,000 to $10,000 due to various factors that impact the overall price. Firstly, choosing the type of tummy tuck is important in determining the cost. A mini tummy tuck procedure, which is less invasive and focuses on the lower abdomen, is usually at the lower end of the price range. In contrast, a standard tummy tuck, addressing both the upper and lower loose abdominal skin for a more comprehensive result, and an extended tummy tuck, which also tackles excess skin around the hips and possibly the lower back, tend to be more costly due to their complexity and the broader areas they cover.

Moreover, combining the tummy tuck with additional procedures, such as liposuction, can further elevate the cost. During your tummy tuck consultation, it’s essential to discuss your specific goals and expectations with our double board-certified plastic surgeon to get a detailed estimate of the costs involved. This can help you understand the financial aspect of your desired procedure and explore available financing options or payment plans that may make the surgery more affordable.
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Rediscover Your Confidence. Schedule Your Austin Plastic Surgery Consultation

At Aspira Plastic Surgery, our environment is specifically designed to ensure you feel genuinely cared for and supported from the moment you consider a tummy tuck to the completion of your recovery. Recognizing the significant transformation this procedure can bring to your life, we are committed to offering guidance and support at every stage.

Our team, led by our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Venkata Erella, offers unparalleled skills in body contouring and tummy tucks. With extensive specialized training and a deep understanding of abdominal anatomy and aesthetics, our plastic surgeon ensures that your procedure is not only safe but also effective, targeting the best possible outcomes tailored to your specific needs.
Transparency is one of the pillars of our practice. We are dedicated to answering your questions with honesty and detail, ensuring you have the necessary information to make a well-informed decision about your tummy tuck surgery. At Aspira Plastic Surgery, building trust through clear and open communication is essential to the supportive and nurturing journey we provide.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mild to moderate discomfort is a normal part of recovery, but most patients report that it is manageable with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care. While you can expect some soreness and tightness in the abdominal area, these effects gradually improve over the weeks following surgery. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you stay as comfortable as possible during recovery.
The results of a tummy tuck are designed to be long-lasting, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits. To maintain your outcome, it is essential to attend all follow-up appointments and follow your surgeon’s guidance on physical activity. Avoiding strenuous activity during recovery allows the body to heal correctly, which helps ensure the final results remain stable and natural-looking over time.

Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make when considering a tummy tuck. With careful planning, your surgeon develops a personalized treatment plan that ensures both safety and the best possible aesthetic outcome. At our practice, you’ll also benefit from the support of an amazing staff dedicated to your care, helping you feel empowered and confident throughout the process.

Yes, many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with additional procedures for more comprehensive results. At our plastic surgery practice, these combinations are often part of mommy makeovers, which address multiple areas of concern in a single surgical plan. Whether it’s liposuction, breast augmentation, or other options, combining procedures can save recovery time and deliver a significant amount of improvement in overall body contour.