DVA Plastic Surgery | Flatten & Firm Your Core

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty in Bellaire & River Oaks, TX

Woman touching abdomen area.

Restore Your Confidence

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) helps flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise.

Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity, and for women with skin and muscles stretched from pregnancy.

When to Wait: Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having (more) children, should wait before undergoing abdominoplasty.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

Abdominoplasty takes approximately 2 to 5 hours to perform; the patient is placed under general anesthesia.

  • Incisions
    Two incisions are made: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel.
  • Muscle Tightening
    Skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.
  • Skin Removal
    The skin flap is then stretched down over the newly tightened muscles, and excess skin is removed.
  • Navel Reattachment & Closing
    The navel is reattached where it looks natural. The incisions are then closed, and sterile surgical dressings are applied over the sutured areas.

Recovery & Results

After surgery, a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. An overnight hospital stay may be necessary.

Recovery time ranges from 2 weeks to 2 months. Maintaining weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise provides long-lasting results.

Important Considerations

Abdominoplasty leaves a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip, although it is placed low enough to be concealed by a bikini.

Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, or having more children, should wait before undergoing the procedure to ensure optimal, long-lasting results.

Expertise you can trust

Dare V. Ajibade, MD, Ph.D., MPH

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Dare V. Ajibade is an aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks, Lipo 360, and breast surgery, all of which are central to a Mommy Makeover. He completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Temple University Hospital and an aesthetic fellowship at North Texas Plastic Surgery.

His extensive background in general surgery, plastic surgery, and clinical research informs every personalized treatment plan. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ajibade follows the highest standards in patient care.

More about Dr. Ajibade

dare v. ajibade, md, ph.d., mph

Understanding the Risks

In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks associated with abdominoplasty include asymmetry, poor aesthetic result, unsightly scarring, loose skin, numbness in skin sensation, and the need for revisional surgery.

Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery may find that their old scars look more raised, have stretched or are more noticeable in general. Undergoing a scar revision later may minimize their prominence.

Reclaim Your Silhouette

Schedule your tummy tuck consultation today and take the first step towards a firmer, flatter abdomen.