Is a Tummy Tuck Painful?

The tummy tuck procedure is pain-free as it is performed under general anesthesia. Post-surgery, you can expect to experience discomfort, pain, and swelling. You are recommended not to put pressure on your abdomen and use the compression garment and any pain medications as prescribed.

Should I Have Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

Your surgeon is the best person to advise whether you are more suitable for a tummy tuck or liposuction. If you have loose skin that has lost its elasticity due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss, a tummy tuck may be more appropriate. If you are a younger patient with a low BMI and healthy, elastic skin and simply want to enhance your figure and smooth the contour of your body, liposuction may be more suitable for you. The two procedures can also be combined to contour further the abdomen following excess skin removal and re-tightening of the abdominal wall. It varies very much from patient to patient, so it’s important to discuss your needs and expectations with Dr. Hankins, who will be able to explain them in more depth. However, ultimately, your body will decide what procedure is correct for you rather than you selecting a particular procedure.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

There are usually three to six follow-up appointments with Dr. Hankins. Depending on your recovery progress, he will let you know if and when he wants to see you next at each appointment. By prioritizing daily skin care – sunscreen, chemical-free lotions, gentle cleansing – you can maintain your results and enjoy smooth, firm, and youthful skin. Dr. Hankins can guide you on the right skin products to aid this process.

How Long Until I See Results?

The length of recovery depends on various factors, including the technique of your procedure, your age, your healthcare habits, and your skin’s laxity. We recommend that patients wait up to the three-month mark to see their final abdominal contour.

How Long Do Results Last?

If you maintain a stable weight and exercise regularly, results can be long-term. Before getting surgery, you should ideally be within your target weight range, as fluctuations of around 10 pounds can affect the appearance of results.

Should I Get a Tummy Tuck If I'm Considering Having Children?

While there are typically no significant risks associated with becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, it is normally recommended that patients wait until they are done having children before undergoing the procedure. Doing so can help ensure the results achieved are not compromised by the bodily changes that often occur during pregnancy. Our team at Premier encourages our patients’ happiness by extending their families. If you are considering having kids, please discuss this with Dr. Hankins during your consultation so he can help you navigate your decision to undergo this particular surgical procedure.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

The scarring depends on the type of tummy tuck you get. A mini tummy tuck scar is between three and six inches, whereas a long tummy tuck scar is from hip bone to hip bone. Dr. Hankins tries to place the tummy tuck incision in discreet locations, such as the natural contours of your body. Like most scars, they start red and pinkish and fade with time into your skin tone. Proper scar care is essential if you are interested in minimal scarring. Our office can share scare care instructions with you.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Tummy Tuck?

We recommend taking it easy for the first six weeks after surgery. We encourage gentle walking to prevent blood clots, but nothing beyond that. In fact, for the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you’ll need to be very careful and avoid positions that strain your incision line — such as quickly bending at the waist, or else you might risk opening the wound.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Yes, indeed! Many of our patients who receive a tummy tuck in Pearland have combined it with an arm lift, breast augmentation , liposuction , or thigh lift. If you are interested in having any other cosmetic procedure performed, please contact Dr. Hankins to guide you on the best combined procedure plan for your case.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Given that a tummy tuck is an involved surgery, there are the following risks patients should be mindful of: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis Cardiac and pulmonary complications Fat necrosis Fluid accumulation Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Recurrent looseness of skin Skin discoloration and prolonged swelling Skin loss Suboptimal aesthetic result Unfavorable scarring

Houston & Pearland, TX

Tummy Tuck

Name: Premier Plastic Surgery
Brand: Premier Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (119 reviews)

Introduction to Tummy Tuck

Cosmetic surgery is helpful to both men and women, especially regarding excess tummy fat or saggy and loose abdominal skin. A tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) can rejuvenate your entire appearance and help restore your confidence to an all-time high. If you live in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson, or the surrounding areas of South Houston, Dr. Christopher Hankins and his professional staff can help you achieve a flatter, smoother, more toned stomach at Premier Plastic Surgery in Pearland.

Before & After

Tummy Tuck Results

Tummy Tuck B&A

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woman in underwear lying on the floor Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Christopher Hankins provides patients with tummy tucks in Houston as a body contouring procedure. Excess stomach fat, sagging skin, or unsightly stretch marks plague many men and women due to weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy. It is possible to obtain the body shape you desire and stop using clothing to cover up and hide your body. A tummy tuck may be the solution. During a traditional tummy tuck, flaps of excess skin and fat will be removed, and the muscles on the abdominal wall are tightened to strengthen and tone the stomach.

Other Tummy Tuck Procedures:

For patient flexibility, other types of tummy tuck procedures are being introduced in addition to the original tummy tuck.

Mini-Tummy Tuck — A mini-tummy tuck procedure differs from a full tummy tuck in that the level of dissection is limited to the area below the umbilicus. Correction of diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles) below the umbilicus is possible, but it is not done above that point due to the limited dissection. Due to the limited dissection, it is possible to make the incision somewhat shorter than it would have been for a full tummy tuck, but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Extended Tummy Tuck — An extended tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty with flankplasty, is similar to a traditional tummy tuck. However, in addition to treating the abdominal area, the procedure removes skin and fatty tissue from the sides and back – giving you an all-around flatter, tighter midsection and more streamlined waist.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Our patients who have received a Tummy Tuck in Houston have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits that this surgery can provide:

Better core strength
Boost in self-esteem
Flatter stomach
Improved control over bodily functions
More flattering figure
Prevents painful hernias
Relieved incontinence
Repairs issues such as diastasis recti

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you are concerned about localized fat deposits in your stomach and loose, flabby skin. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck include:

Individuals who have lost weight but are troubled by excess fat pockets, a stomach pouch, or loose skin.
Women who have weakened abdominal muscles, stretch marks, and excess skin due to pregnancy are good candidates for a tummy tuck or a “mommy makeover.”
Individuals with significant weight loss after surgery are left with weak or separated stomach muscles, stretched, redundant skin, and unsightly stretch marks.

Dr. Christopher Hankins advises his patients that a tummy tuck is an excellent cosmetic procedure for flattening and shaping the abdomen and tightening and smoothing the skin. However, tummy tucks are not meant as a weight loss solution alone, and patients should be close to their ideal body weight.

It’s important to note that not everyone is a candidate for tummy tuck surgery. Suppose the patient’s BMI or height-to-weight ratio is too high. In that case, Dr. Hankins will recommend the amount of weight that should be lost before surgery, or in some cases, can offer a panniculectomy that will often enable patients to lose the additional weight to be considered a good candidate for a formal abdominoplasty.

However, BMI is not a strict criterion for eligibility for surgery. Depending on the amount of fat stored in the abdomen, both internally and externally, the patient may have to present with a lower BMI than other patients to be a viable candidate for surgery.

“ I love my new body! ”

I had Tummy Tuck surgery and lipo with Dr Hankins and my results are beyond amazing! I love my new body! Jean and Dr Hankins were wonderful to work with and I have recommended him to all my family and friends! Breast lift next! Dr Hankins really cares for his patients and that really meant at lot to me! Thanks Premier Plastic Surgery

— Sherre Melancon

“Dr. Hankins is a wonderful surgeon”

Dr. Hankins is a wonderful surgeon that takes his time with you! He has never rushed me out of the room unwilling to answer questions. He is SO THOROUGH and precise. I had a tummy tuck done and am so pleased with the results! It’s even better than my “pre-babies” body! I plan to have my breasts done as well and I will look nowhere else! He is my go to 🙂

— Holly Kelley

woman in a white blouse Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

Tummy Tuck First Step

What’s the first step?

If you are interested in a tummy tuck consultation, you first want to contact Premier Plastic Surgery and schedule an appointment. Dr. Hankins will examine your abdomen and skin elasticity, review your medical history, and discuss your body-shaping goals. He will then determine if you are a candidate for tummy tuck surgery and thoroughly examine the recommended procedure and surgical process. We will be happy to discuss the tummy tuck options in greater detail, answer any questions, and discuss which technique is best for you, along with the associated pros and cons.

Once he deems you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, he will come up with a treatment plan, which you can then take to a patient coordinator who will help you schedule the procedure in addition to helping you with the pricing options and share any pre-operative instructions you might need.

What to Expect on the Day of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Dr. Hankins often begins a tummy tuck procedure with liposuction of the lower abdomen. Fat in the targeted area will be removed before an incision is made in the skin. This leaves the lymphatics behind to help prevent fluid accumulation with a conventional abdominoplasty. This technique was initially developed by Jean Francois Pascal of Leon, France. Afterward, an incision is made above the pubic line, which extends to the pelvic rim on each side.

The next step involves undermining the excess skin and fatty tissues from the initial incision. The amount of skin that is removed is tailored to the individual patient. This technique effectively addresses cases where two fat bulges are in the abdomen, one lying higher than the other. Dr. Hankins performs an undermining surgical technique that effectively treats this deformity.

When the two middle strap muscles in the midline of the abdomen (i.e., the rectus abdominus) are separated (diastasis recti), Dr. Hankins will repair this deformity to give you a slimmer waistline and a flatter tummy.

For patients with an umbilical hernia, the hernia is repaired, the abdominal skin and fat are then repositioned, and the excess skin is removed.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

After tummy tuck procedures, most patients are admitted for a 23-hour post-operative observation in the hospital to manage pain and nausea. The following morning, they are sufficiently recovered to be discharged home.

Patients done at a surgeon’s office and then sent home are at an extreme disadvantage for the first few hours following surgery when the pain and nausea are at their worst. As mentioned above, these patients may be paying less than a patient would pay to have the surgery done in the hospital with a 23-hour overnight admission.

Patients are prescribed pain medication to help relieve pain and discomfort after surgery. Tummy tuck patients must wear a compression garment for several weeks to support the abdomen while healing. They should take a stool softener to avoid straining the abdomen and incision. Dr. Hankins will notify you when you can return to work and do other activities. Strenuous activities where you must lift or strain your stomach muscles must be avoided for at least six weeks.

Dr. Hankins will provide specific after-surgery instructions and follow-up visits will be scheduled.

Tummy Tuck Cost

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost In Houston?

The cost of a Tummy Tuck at Premier Plastic Surgery starts at $8,800 and may increase depending on each patient’s goals and needs. This price point includes liposuction to the upper and lower abdomen.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with Houston Tummy Tuck expert Dr. Christopher Hankins for a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedure. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a customized quote and answer any questions you may have regarding a Tummy Tuck procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Hankins?

Dr. Christopher Hankins should be your choice for your Tummy Tuck in Pearland and the surrounding Houston area. He believes in offering patients only treatments that are in their best interests. His commitment to his patients is to always carefully evaluate the patient, not just the plastic or aesthetic surgery issue under consideration. Dr. Christopher Hankins specializes in face, breast, and body aesthetic surgery. He also has advanced training in hand surgery, breast reconstruction after cancer, and other reconstructive surgical procedures. Dr. Hankins completed five plastic surgery fellowships with highly distinguished physician mentors in the United States and the United Kingdom, including a Plastic and Microsurgery fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine and a Hand Surgery fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Hankins earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He completed his General Surgery training prerequisite for Plastic Surgery as established by the Residency Review Committee in Plastic Surgery and Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

In addition to his practice in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Hankins is actively involved in the study and clinical application of anti-aging medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine and a member of the American Board of Pathology (ABP), American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAAM), and the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

dr hankins and his staff Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

Your surgeon is the best person to advise whether you are more suitable for a tummy tuck or liposuction. If you have loose skin that has lost its elasticity due to pregnancy, aging, or weight loss, a tummy tuck may be more appropriate. If you are a younger patient with a low BMI and healthy, elastic skin and simply want to enhance your figure and smooth the contour of your body, liposuction may be more suitable for you.

The two procedures can also be combined to contour further the abdomen following excess skin removal and re-tightening of the abdominal wall.

It varies very much from patient to patient, so it’s important to discuss your needs and expectations with Dr. Hankins, who will be able to explain them in more depth. However, ultimately, your body will decide what procedure is correct for you rather than you selecting a particular procedure.
There are usually three to six follow-up appointments with Dr. Hankins. Depending on your recovery progress, he will let you know if and when he wants to see you next at each appointment.

By prioritizing daily skin care – sunscreen, chemical-free lotions, gentle cleansing – you can maintain your results and enjoy smooth, firm, and youthful skin. Dr. Hankins can guide you on the right skin products to aid this process.
While there are typically no significant risks associated with becoming pregnant after tummy tuck surgery, it is normally recommended that patients wait until they are done having children before undergoing the procedure. Doing so can help ensure the results achieved are not compromised by the bodily changes that often occur during pregnancy.

Our team at Premier encourages our patients’ happiness by extending their families. If you are considering having kids, please discuss this with Dr. Hankins during your consultation so he can help you navigate your decision to undergo this particular surgical procedure.
The scarring depends on the type of tummy tuck you get. A mini tummy tuck scar is between three and six inches, whereas a long tummy tuck scar is from hip bone to hip bone. Dr. Hankins tries to place the tummy tuck incision in discreet locations, such as the natural contours of your body.

Like most scars, they start red and pinkish and fade with time into your skin tone. Proper scar care is essential if you are interested in minimal scarring. Our office can share scare care instructions with you.
We recommend taking it easy for the first six weeks after surgery. We encourage gentle walking to prevent blood clots, but nothing beyond that. In fact, for the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you’ll need to be very careful and avoid positions that strain your incision line — such as quickly bending at the waist, or else you might risk opening the wound.
Given that a tummy tuck is an involved surgery, there are the following risks patients should be mindful of:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Fat necrosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin discoloration and prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
- Unfavorable scarring

Schedule a Consultation

Our team at Premier is dedicated to helping you reach all your aesthetic goals. To learn more about abdominoplasty and whether a tummy tuck is right for you, contact the office today to schedule your free personal consultation. If you live in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson, or the neighboring communities of South Houston, Dr. Hankins can help you achieve a body you won’t want to cover up!