If excess belly skin, stubborn fullness, or changes after pregnancy and weight loss are keeping you from feeling confident in your appearance, a tummy tuck may help you achieve the smoother abdomen you’ve been working toward.
At Aspira Plastic Surgery, we understand how frustrating it can be when healthy habits alone don’t deliver the results you want. Our team provides personalized tummy tuck procedures in Austin, TX, designed to enhance your natural contours and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body.
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that refines the abdomen’s appearance. It aims to eliminate hanging, loose skin in the belly area and excess abdominal fat, while also restoring weakened or separated muscles. A tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for those looking to address physical changes from pregnancy, aging, significant weight fluctuations, or previous surgeries.
The full tummy tuck is a comprehensive procedure, addressing excess skin and fat across both the upper and lower abdomen. It involves tightening the abdominal muscles from the ribcage to the pubic area and often includes repositioning the navel for a natural-looking result. This procedure is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity or muscle separation, such as after pregnancy or major weight loss.
Focused on the lower abdomen, the mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure, involving a smaller incision. 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.
This procedure 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 procedure 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. Ideal for men looking to achieve a more toned and athletic appearance, this procedure considers men’s unique muscular and body structure, ensuring natural-looking results.
This technique involves a vertical incision in addition to the usual horizontal incision across the lower abdomen. Ideal for patients with substantial loose skin from side to side. A Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck helps achieve a more toned abdominal profile, enhancing overall body confidence.
A high-BMI tummy tuck is designed for patients with a higher body mass index who have excess abdominal skin, stubborn fat deposits, or weakened abdominal muscles. While not a weight loss procedure, it can improve abdominal contour and comfort when performed on carefully selected candidates. During your consultation, Dr. Erella will evaluate your health, anatomy, and goals to determine whether this approach is right for you.
Your tummy tuck procedure begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Venkata Erella, 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.
Your safety and comfort are a top priority. Depending on the extent of your procedure, Dr. Erella usually recommends general anesthesia, which keeps you fully asleep, for a full tummy tuck. Local anesthesia with oral sedation numbs the treatment area while keeping you relaxed for some mini tummy tucks. The right option for you will be determined based on your specific procedure and health profile during your consultation.
Incision pattern and size depend on the type of tummy tuck surgery performed by Dr. Erella:
Dr. Erella 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.
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:
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 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.
-Tara
“The staff and doctor are exceptional! I had all my questions answered before I even asked them! The doctor took his time during my consult to ensure I understood what he was recommending and why. If you are thinking about having any cosmetic procedures done, I highly recommend going for a consult and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.”
-Stephanie
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Erella and his incredible team. From my first phone call with Tammy through every post op visit, I have felt genuinely cared for, supported and valued as a patient. My tummy tuck results have exceeded my expectations and I could not be happier. Dr. Erella is not only highly skilled and talented but he is compassionate and attentive. One thing that truly sets Dr Erella apart is that I get to see him at every single visit. I never feel rushed and all my questions are directly addressed by him.”
-Katie S.
A tummy tuck is generally a safe and effective procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, including bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), scarring, changes in skin sensation, delayed healing, blood clots, and anesthesia-related complications.
At Aspira Plastic Surgery, patient safety is our top priority. Dr. Venkata Erella carefully evaluates each patient, develops a personalized surgical plan, and provides detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to help minimize risks and support a smooth recovery.
In Austin, TX, the cost of a tummy tuck can vary significantly, ranging from $7,000 to $15,000 due to various factors. Choosing the type of tummy tuck is important in determining the cost.
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 board-certified plastic surgeon to get a detailed estimate of the costs involved.
Is the recovery painful?
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.
How long do the final results last?
Why is it important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other cosmetic surgeries, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, to achieve my aesthetic goals?
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.
