Tummy Tuck

Located in Houston, TX

Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck in Houston is an ideal procedure for women who have pockets of fat and loose skin that have not responded to traditional reduction efforts like diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is frequently performed on women after pregnancy with striae (stretch marks) and excess skin, and on men and women after significant weight loss from diet, exercise, or surgery. For this reason, it is often a procedure done as part of post-bariatric surgery or a mommy makeover.

Dr. Erika Sato has been providing tummy tucks in Houston for patients who want to improve their appearance by getting rid of the excess loose skin on their abdomen. She will be happy to help you achieve effective abdominal contouring.

Tummy TuckConsiderations

During your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Erika Sato, you will find out if a tummy tuck is right for you. She will explain in detail what type of abdominoplasty will be best for you. A partial or mini tummy tuck is possible for patients whose fat and excess skin are isolated below the navel (belly button), while a full abdominoplasty treats the entire abdominal area.

To develop a better concept of your potential results, look over our tummy tuck before-and-after photos. Images contain nudity – viewer discretion is advised.

Meet the Doctor Dr. Erika Sato

Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Erika Sato specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. She performs the latest treatments in aesthetic surgery as well as nonsurgical rejuvenation. Dr. Sato is committed to providing excellence in care, while treating every patient like family.

Dr. Sato is one of nine surgeons at My Houston Surgeons, a world-class multi-specialty practice in Houston, TX with locations in Memorial and The Woodlands.

portrait of dr. erika sato
Skinny young woman in lingerie holds her hands on her waist

Am I A GoodCandidate?

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you are healthy and over 18 years old. If you have realistic goals then a tummy tuck is just right for you. Non-smokers are also good candidates for abdominoplasty.

If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight or if you plan to become pregnant, Dr. Sato will advise you to wait before undergoing the procedure, as further weight loss or pregnancies could reverse the benefits of abdominoplasty.

Once you’re scheduled for a tummy tuck, Dr. Sato will give you instructions about how to prepare for the procedure. Medications may need to be taken, or your current medications might be adjusted. You will be advised to stop smoking and to avoid inflammatory drugs and supplements that increase bleeding. It is recommended to bring a driver with you on the day of your procedure.

Tummy TuckProcedure

A tummy tuck is usually an outpatient procedure done under local anesthetic and IV sedation at our in-office operating room or under general anesthesia at an ambulatory surgery center. The procedure is highly customized based on your needs, so the length of surgery can vary greatly. On average, a tummy tuck takes around two to four hours to complete.

For a mini abdominoplasty, a single small incision will be used for the entire procedure. For a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Sato will make an incision from one hip bone to the other, low along the pubic hair line. There might be another incision around the belly button.

She will remove the excess skin, tighten and repair the abdominal muscles, and reshape the abdominal silhouette. Liposuction will be used to remove excess fat, and the navel is retained in its proper location. She will then close the incisions to complete the procedure.

Tummy TuckRecovery

After the surgery, your abdomen will be bandaged and a compression garment will be worn to help reduce swelling. You will experience some soreness, bruising, and swelling, which are only temporary and can be minimized for your comfort. If subcutaneous drains were placed intra-operatively, you will be provided with drain teaching. Most people take 10 days to 2 weeks off from work for their recovery. Heavy lifting (> 10 lbs) and strenuous activity are discouraged for 4-6 weeks. Dr. Sato will give you full instructions for post-operative care and will monitor your progress during follow-up visits. She will make sure that your body is healing properly and that the recovery process is on schedule. She will inform you when you are fit to resume normal physical activities, including work and exercise. There will be some scarring from either full or partial abdominoplasty but these will fade significantly over time and can usually be hidden under clothing including swimwear and lingerie.

Tummy TuckCost

The price of an abdominoplasty is impacted by a number of factors. The techniques utilized, the length of the procedure, and the amount of tissue removed all play a role in determining the cost of a tummy tuck. Insurance companies will not cover the cost of the procedure. To aid in payment, we offer financing through CareCredit and PatientFi Patient Payment Plans in order to make all of our procedures as affordable as possible.

learn more with aConsultation

To find out more about the tummy tuck in Houston and what it can do for you, contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Erika Sato. During a consultation, patients can look over tummy tuck before and after photos and can ask any questions they may have.

Tummy TuckFrequently Asked Questions

This in-depth FAQ section is tailored for those considering the expertise of Dr. Erika Sato, a leading figure in cosmetic surgery, particularly renowned for her exceptional work in tummy tuck in Houston.

What are the Different Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures?

The tummy tuck procedures are:

  • Full Tummy Tuck – improves both the upper and lower abdomen.
  • Mini Tummy Tuck – focuses on the lower abdomen.
  • Extended Tummy Tuck – combines the full tummy tuck with improving the patient’s flanks.
  • Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck – uses a unique incision shape that looks like the petals of a Fluer-De-Lis.
  • Drainless Tummy Tuck – reduces the risk of fluid buildup, thus eliminating the need for a drain during recovery.
  • Tummy Tuck with Liposuction – combines liposuction with tummy tuck for optimal sculpting results.
  • Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck – a non-surgical skin tightening treatment with a lift effect that can last for a year.

Dr. Sato will guide you in choosing your ideal tummy tuck procedure based on your goals.

How Should I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Here are several common pre-operation preparations you can follow:

  • Schedule and attend a detailed consultation with your surgical team.
  • Familiarize yourself with the tummy tuck procedure. Understanding its objectives and potential outcomes enables you to make well-informed decisions.
  • Adhere strictly to any instructions provided by your surgical team. This may include guidelines on diet, lifestyle adjustments, and medication management leading up to the surgery.

Dr. Sato provides personalized guidelines, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and specific pre-surgery steps.

Are There Risks Associated with a Tummy Tuck?

Although rare, there are some known risks, such as a DVT (deep venous thrombosis) or PE (pulmonary embolism), infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. Dr. Erika Sato prioritizes patient safety, thoroughly discussing potential risks during consultations and covering these risks and more.

How Long Does It Take to See the Final Results of a Tummy Tuck?

You can see noticeable changes once the swelling fades within 6 weeks to 3 months. However, it will take around one year for full results to appear.

Will I Have Scars After a Tummy Tuck?

Scars will appear after surgery but they will fade in time. Dr. Sato will use advanced techniques to minimize the risk of scarring and provide aftercare instructions to help deal with potential scars.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost will depend on the chosen tummy tuck procedure. Anesthesia fees and other fees may be added to the overall cost.

Is Financing Available for a Tummy Tuck?

Yes, financial assistance is available. Dr. Erika Sato’s practice has partnered with several financial institutions to help patients fund their surgery.

Can a Tummy Tuck Help with Stretch Marks?

Yes, a tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of stretch marks around the abdominal area only.

Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can combine tummy tuck with other procedures to achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

How Do I Maintain My Results After a Tummy Tuck?

Following a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and regular exercise can help maintain ideal results.

related Procedures

Liposuction

Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that suctions excess fat from areas that have resisted diet and exercise.

Mommy Makeover

Mommy Makeover

A “mommy makeover” is when two or more plastic surgery procedures are combined to restore a woman’s figure after pregnancy.

Thigh Lift

Thigh Lift

A thighplasty, commonly known as a thigh lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and subcutaneous tissue within the thigh region.

Post Bariatric Surgery

Post Bariatric Surgery

Post-bariatric surgery is a series of procedures that reshape the body after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery.