Germán Newall, MD 4400 Post Oak Pkwy Suite 300
Houston, TX 77027 Phone: (713) 936-6971 M-F: 8:30am – 5:00pm
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes loose, excess skin and fat from the belly and repairs separated muscles for a flatter, sleeker midsection. It is a popular procedure for women after having children and for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.
Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
This gallery contains images intended for adult audiences.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
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Are You a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?
For many, a healthy diet and consistent workouts aren’t enough to produce a toned abdomen, especially after weight loss or pregnancy. Tummy tuck patients are usually frustrated by:
Loose, hanging abdominal skin left after pregnancy or weight loss
A protruding belly caused by weakened or separated abdominal muscles (common after childbirth)
Residual fat deposits localized around the midsection
Ideal tummy tuck candidates are nonsmokers in good overall health who are within 10 to 15 pounds of their goal weight. Having realistic expectations about abdominoplasty surgery and what it can and can’t accomplish is also essential—it’s a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution.
Why Choose a Tummy Tuck With Dr. Newall?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Germán Newall is an internationally acclaimed body sculpting expert specializing in procedures like tummy tuck in Houston, Texas. In Dr. Newall’s skilled hands, a tummy tuck can be life-changing. Our patients achieve these physical and emotional benefits:
With Dr. Newall, a tummy tuck is never one-size-fits-all. He offers a variety of techniques customized to your unique concerns and goals:
Mini Tummy Tuck
Houston men and women with minimal excess skin and sagging benefit from this modified tummy tuck approach. A mini tummy tuck:
Exclusively targets the area below the belly button
Involves a smaller incision on the lower abdomen
Has a quicker recovery window
Dr. Newall will determine your candidacy for this alternate tummy tuck approach during your private consultation.
Standard (Full) Tummy Tuck
A full or “traditional” tummy tuck uses a more extensive approach than a mini tummy tuck to slim and contour the waistline.
Addresses the entire abdominal area (above and below the belly button)
Incisions are made between the hip bones along the lower abdomen and around the belly button
Removes excess skin, tightens abdominal muscles, and reshapes the belly button
A full tummy tuck is typically a go-to approach for patients frustrated by excess fat and sagging skin after pregnancy or weight loss.
Extended Tummy Tuck
True to its name, an extended abdominoplasty accomplishes the same goals as a standard tummy tuck for patients who require more extensive correction.
A longer horizontal incision stretches across the lower belly and around the hips
Liposuction is commonly used
Abdominal muscles are tightened, and the belly button is repositioned
This advanced approach effectively sculpts the waist, flanks, and hips. It is usually suitable for patients frustrated by an excessive amount of loose, sagging skin after multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss.
Comparing Tummy Tuck Options
Procedure Type
Mini Tummy Tuck
Full Tummy Tuck
Extended Tummy Tuck
Ideal Candidate
Minimal loose, sagging skin
Excess skin and muscle separation
Significant skin laxity after major weight loss
Extent of procedure
Lower abdomen only
Entire abdomen
Addresses abdomens, flanks, and lower back
Incisions
Smaller incision (lower abdomen)
Horizontal incision from hip to hip
Longer incision that extends beyond the hips
Downtime
About 1 to 2 weeks
About 2 to 3 weeks
2 weeks or longer
Dr. Newall is also skilled in performing male tummy tuck procedures, tailoring them to help men achieve a more sculpted physique.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Houston, TX?
Tummy tuck pricing depends on various factors, such as the extent of your procedure and the surgical technique used. A mini tummy tuck typically costs less than a full or extended tummy tuck. Dr. Newall shares detailed pricing for your abdominoplasty during your personalized consultation.
You can visit our pricing page for more detailed information. We also provide financing options to make paying for your tummy tuck more accessible.
What To Expect: Your Personalized Tummy Tuck Procedure
Dr. Newall performs your abdominoplasty while you’re under general anesthesia administered by one of our board-certified anesthesiologists. The surgical approach depends on the extent of correction necessary, which is predetermined during your surgical consultation with Dr. Newall. Regardless of the type of tummy tuck, Dr. Newall uses meticulous techniques to sculpt natural-looking contours that align with your aesthetic vision.
Your surgery takes place in The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery SurgiCentre, our private, state-of-the-art QUAD A-certified facility. This licensed surgical facility exceeds the highest safety standards in Texas. An abdominoplasty typically takes about 2 hours or longer if combined with other complementary procedures.
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Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
While every patient varies, typical tummy tuck recovery usually involves a few weeks of downtime before you can resume regular activities. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
First week after surgery:
Prioritize rest and healing, but get up and walk on day 1 to maintain circulation
Let trusted friends or family assist with household chores and caregiving duties
You may have temporary drains at the incision site to monitor and manage
Take pain medications as directed by Dr. Newall
Refrain from strenuous activity and heavy lifting (including lifting small children)
You may receive a home care visit if you’re within our ZIP code range
Wear a compression garment to minimize swelling
Sleep on your back with your torso and head elevated and your body slightly bent
Week 2
Swelling and soreness should have peaked and begin subsiding
You should no longer need prescription pain medication
Drains have been removed
You can walk more upright
You’ll continue wearing a compression garment
Continue to keep your incisions clean and prioritize rest and healing
Weeks 3 to 4
Return to nonstrenuous work and light activities
Swelling continues to subside
You’ll feel more “normal,” but be mindful not to push yourself too hard as you reintroduce daily activities
Weeks 4 to 6
You can stop wearing a compression garment
Resume stomach sleeping (as cleared by Dr. Newall)
Resume sexual intercourse (after 6 weeks)
Resume more vigorous workouts (but wait 6 months before doing crunches or sit-ups)
3 to 6 Months
The majority of swelling resolves, and your initial results are visible
6 Months to 1 Year
Feel confident showing off your final results
Scars gradually fade over time
While healing takes patience and time, most tummy tuck patients find their transformation well worth the wait. Closely adhering to Dr. Newall’s postoperative instructions facilitates smoother healing.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
Does a tummy tuck leave scars?
Yes, a scar is an inevitable part of your tummy tuck surgery. However, Dr. Newall places the incision low on the abdomen so a swimsuit or underwear easily conceals it. In a traditional tummy tuck, an additional incision is hidden inside your belly button. Abdominoplasty scars gradually flatten and fade over time.
Will a drain be used during the tummy tuck?
Dr. Newall places a single drain only if liposuction was performed during your procedure. The drain is removed about 6 days after your procedure. If no liposuction was performed, you will not require a drain (a drainless tummy tuck).
Is a tummy tuck painful?
The procedure itself isn’t painful because you’ll be placed under anesthesia. However, you can expect some discomfort during recovery, such as soreness and swelling. Dr. Newall helps tummy tuck patients minimize discomfort by administering EXPAREL® for pain control into the abdominal muscle tissues. This is a long-acting anesthetic that reduces pain in the area for up to 3 days. He also shares a detailed aftercare protocol, which includes pain medications and tips to enhance recovery and comfort.
Can you get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While this is possible, Dr. Newall recommends waiting to have your abdominoplasty until after you have children—at least 6 months after childbirth and a few months after breastfeeding is the ideal time frame. Future pregnancies can stretch the skin and impact your tummy tuck results.
However, if you become pregnant, the baby is not harmed, and your muscles (and belly) will expand to accommodate the pregnancy. You can visit us for a “touch-up” afterwards to regain your flat tummy.
Are tummy tuck results permanent?
You can expect your tummy tuck results to last about 10 to 20 years or longer. Longevity often depends on your lifestyle habits. You can preserve your dream body by eating healthy, working out, and avoiding significant weight gain.
Should you get a tummy tuck or liposuction?
The choice between a tummy tuck and liposuction depends on your specific goals. Liposuction is ideal for removing stubborn fat deposits and contouring the body but does not address loose skin or muscle separation. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles for a firmer, flatter midsection. Liposuction may be the better option if you have good skin elasticity and only need fat removal. However, a tummy tuck is likely the best choice if you have loose skin or weakened muscles.
Many patients benefit from combining procedures, as liposuction often complements your tummy tuck results. A consultation with Dr. Newall is the best way to determine the right procedure for you.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation With Dr. Newall
If you’re considering a body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck in Houston, consulting with a top board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. Request a consultation with Dr. Newall using the online form, or contact us by phone at
(713) 936-6971.