Tummy Tuck for Austin & San Antonio, Texas | Synergy Plastic Surgery (2023)

A firm, flat abdomen can be a testament to a person’s health and fitness. But if you have loose skin, excess fat, or even stretch marks, what can you do? Women and men considering a tummy tuck in New Braunfels, Georgetown, and throughout Texas choose Synergy Plastic Surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeons see tummy tuck patients from San Antonio and the Austin area. They offer personalized cosmetic procedures designed to help your fitness and vitality shine through.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Many of the patients our plastic surgeons see for tummy tuck procedures are women concerned about the appearance of their abdomens after having children. A tummy tuck, technically called abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular procedures included in aMommy Makeover, which typically incorporates breast enhancement such asbreast augmentation. However, men who have experienced significant weight loss can also benefit from abdominoplasty. It provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Flattening a bulging tummy
• Tightening excess stretched out skin
• Repairing abdominal muscles that were separated during pregnancy
• Sculpting the waistline

When you meet with us for your consultation, your surgeon will ask you to describe your desired improvements. Your doctor will explain your options and give you plenty of time to ask questions.

Your Tummy Tuck Options

Patients have their own unique anatomies and aesthetic goals, so our doctors offer a variety of tummy tuck techniques, including the following:

• Complete tummy tuck(also called a full tummy tuck) restores the appearance of the entire abdomen from the lower ribcage down to the pubic bone by addressing lax skin, stretched/separated abdominal muscles, and a misshapen belly button.
• Mini tummy tuckaddresses the lower abdomen below the belly button.
• Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, which is most appropriate for post-bariatric plastic surgery patients, extends the complete tummy tuck with a vertical incision that runs from the pubic area to the bellybutton to the chest. This technique removes a significant amount of excess skin to tighten the hips and waistline.
• Extended tummy tuck(or belt lipectomy) continues the horizontal abdominoplasty incision around the waist, like a belt, over the upper buttocks to contour the waist and lift and tighten sagging outer hips and buttocks.

Our plastic surgeons personalize all of these techniques to the unique needs and cosmetic goals of the patient.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Austin?

The cost of a tummy tuck ranges from $12,000 to $14,000. The final cost depends on multiple factors, including the extent of your surgery (e.g., mini or full tummy tuck), whether you decide to combine it with other procedures, and fees for anesthesia and the use of the surgical facility. During your consultation, we will provide you with a written quote that outlines the cost of your tummy tuck after you and your surgeon have discussed all the particulars of your procedure.

Because there are so many variables that go into your final procedure, it’s not easy for us to predict what your cost will be until we’ve met you during a consultation. That’s when you and your surgeon will sit down, talk about your goals, and arrive at a surgical plan (which we can then price out for you in the form of a quote). As you are planning for surgery financially, do keep in mind that we offer patient financing options. Refer to ourPricingpage for information.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction Surgery

Determining whether you need atummy tuckorliposuctiondepends on whether your concern centers around excess skin or excess fat.

• Liposuction is an excellent procedure for removing pockets of fat if you have good skin elasticity, meaning your skin will contract once the fat is removed.
• A tummy tuck removes excess skin that has been stretched by weight gain or pregnancy and has lost elasticity. It also repairs stretched and separated abdominal muscles that can cause a tummy bulge.

Combining the 2 procedures is common if you have both excess skin and fat.

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Mini Tummy Tuck

For patients who only have a small amount of excess skin, a mini tummy tuck can be an excellent option.

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

The mini tummy tuck tightens loose skin below the belly button. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a short horizontal incision on the lower abdomen that is easily concealed, even by bikini briefs. In a full tummy tuck, there is an incision that extends horizontally from hip to hip and another that encircles the belly button. Unlike a full tummy tuck, there is no tightening of any skin above the belly button (which remains in the same place).

What is done in a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon will use general anesthesia and often will combine liposuction with the procedure to sculpt the finishing touches on the hips and abdomen. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is similar to what’s used for a Caesarean section birth, which is usually about 6 inches.

How long does it take to recover from a mini tummy tuck?

As you might expect, the recovery following a mini tummy tuck may be a bit shorter than what a full tummy tuck patient experiences. A full tummy tuck usually requires a patient to take 2 weeks off from work; some mini tummy tuck patients feel ready to return to work after 1 week, but it’s still wise to plan on being away for 2 weeks.

Because a mini tummy tuck typically doesn’t involve repairing the abdominal muscles, most patients are fairly comfortable during the healing process. As with a full tummy tuck, however, you will need to avoid placing undue strain on the abdomen. Prescription and over-the-counter pain relief medication can manage any discomfort you might experience.

You will need to wait at least a month to 6 weeks before resuming any kind of strenuous exercise. Your surgeon will work with you to develop a more specific timeline during your follow-up visits.

Should I Have a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck removes a relatively small amount of loose abdominal skin below the belly button, and it doesn’t tighten the stomach muscles. If you’ve had children, a complete tummy tuck is probably the better choice. A mini tummy tuck isn’t the appropriate approach for women who need their abdominal muscles repaired after they’ve been stretched by pregnancy. It also isn’t recommended if there is a significant amount of excess fat or skin to remove.

What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and a Fleur-de-Lis (FDL) Tummy Tuck?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck removes significantly more skin than a full tummy tuck. Unlike a full tummy tuck that tightens skin in one direction only, the FDL tummy tuck tightens skin both vertically and horizontally. In addition to the low incision for the full tummy tuck, the FDL tummy tuck includes a vertical incision that runs from the pubic bone up the midline to the breast bone traversing the bellybutton. Both techniques can include abdominal muscle repair. Patients are often impressed with the dramatic effect an FDL tummy tuck has on reshaping their hips and waist.

Is It Possible to Combine a Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?

Yes, and it’s quite a common path for our patients. After having children, many women combine tummy tuck surgery with breast enhancement in what’s called a Mommy Makeover. The surgery can provide a comprehensive transformation for women who have concerns about both their breasts and their abdomens.

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Tummy Tuck Surgery

Our surgeons perform tummy tuck surgery in our private, state-of-the-art surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Our doctors use general anesthesia so you will sleep through the surgery. This procedure provides comprehensive improvements with an incision that typically spans from hip to hip, but can usually be concealed by underwear or swimsuits. The surgeon removes excess skin, repairs abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button. In addition, the surgeon may useliposuctionto sculpt the abdomen, hips, and thighs, if desired.

How Long Is Recovery From a Tummy Tuck?

We suggest that patients take 2 weeks off from work following a tummy tuck. Our surgeons provide detailed post-operative instructions that will help you recover as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. We encourage you to carefully move around as soon as the evening of your surgery or the day after. Light walking around the house helps promote good circulation and enhances the healing process.

Most patients are ready to resume light activity within 10 to 15 days (the timeline may be slightly faster following a mini tummy tuck); however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks following any tummy tuck surgery.

Your Tummy Tuck Recovery Guide

Here’s a little more about what to expect as you recuperate:

• Incision care: Your incision will begin healing within the first 48 hours, but it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the wound to heal completely enough that you can safely submerge it in water. Throughout the healing process, make sure to keep your incisions clean and dry, following any specific instructions your surgeon gives you.
• Drains: You may have drains placed to prevent fluid from building up in your abdomen as you heal. You will need to empty and clean these drains regularly until your surgeon removes your drains in our office.
• Compression garments: It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising, peaking around day 3 and mostly resolving after 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to wear the provided compression garment day and night for 4 to 6 weeks to minimize this swelling and encourage a shapely result.
• Sleeping: It’s best to sleep in a reclined position for the first couple of weeks after your tummy tuck to minimize swelling, prevent strain on your incisions, and make it easier for you to get up and down. You can either sleep in a recliner or propped up on pillows in bed.
• Walking: You can begin taking light walks around the house as soon as you feel up to it. However, keep in mind you may find it difficult to stand completely upright at first as your body adjusts to your taut new skin and muscles.
• Scars: Once your incisions have healed, keep your scars out of the sun or covered in SPF to prevent them from darkening. It may take up to a year for your incision to soften and fade from raised and red to smooth and faint.

If you have any questions about your recovery, please contact our office.

Tummy Tuck Results

Tummy tuck surgery picks up where diet and exercise leave off, providing lasting improvements to the midsection and removing excess skin and the belly bulge caused by weakened abdominal muscles.

After abdominoplasty, you likely will be thrilled to have a flat abdomen right away. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to avoid positions that place strain on the treated area during the recovery period. You will also have a scar that needs your attention and care as it heals.

The scar initially will be raised and pink; over the course of several months, it gradually recedes and the color fades to more closely match your surrounding skin tone.

Women and men considering tummy tuck surgery travel from Killeen, Cedar Park, and other neighboring Texas communities to our Austin or Round Rock offices. To meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeonsrequest a consultationusing the online form, or call us at(512) 244-1439.

Common Tummy Tuck Questions