Tummy Tuck in Webster and Houston, TX
Also serving patients in Friendswood, League City, Pearland, and Clear Lake
Also serving patients in Friendswood, League City, Pearland, and Clear Lake
A tummy tuck is a popular procedure that creates a slim, well-defined waistline by removing excess skin and fat, and repairing weak or separated abdominal muscles. Scars are generally hidden under the bikini line and around the belly button. Patients can feel confident again in swimwear and form-fitting clothes.
Dr. Kim Carpin is one of the leading tummy tuck surgeons in Houston, Texas. She has countless years of experience bringing tremendous results that last, and vastly exceed the expectations of her patients. She not only serves patients in Houston but also in League City and Clear Lake, TX, and greater Houston surrounding areas with tummy tuck surgery and much more. Call today to schedule a consultation.
1 of 16
Typically 2–3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Most patients resume normal activities within 2–4 weeks.
General anesthesia for patient comfort and safety.
Long-lasting results with proper maintenance and a healthy lifestyle.
Mini tummy tuck, complete tummy tuck, or extended procedures.
A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin and stubborn fat pockets from the abdominal area and tightening the abdominal muscles. It’s often chosen by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, post-pregnancy changes, or natural aging that leads to loose skin and separated abdominal muscles.
Because everyone’s body is different, the specificities of the tummy tuck procedure can differ from patient to patient. These are the three types of tummy tuck procedures Dr. Carpin offers her patients:
This type of tummy tuck procedure is referred to as “mini” because it is typically performed on patients who have less skin and excess fat to remove than the average patient. The incisions for this type of tummy tuck are usually quite small, similar to the size of the incision of a C-section. The mini abdominoplasty helps to tighten the skin in the area below the belly button only.
A full abdominoplasty, or a full tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdomen, working to tighten the skin from below the rib cage to the pubic bone. As with all abdominoplasties, this is not an alternative to losing weight. However, it is a procedure recommended for patients who have achieved their ideal weight and are in search of reshaping their midsection.
This type of procedure combines the benefits of liposuction and abdominoplasty to help patients achieve a more sculpted, contoured waist area and midsection. The combination of the techniques of both a liposuction and a tummy tuck will allow not only for the removal of stubborn fat and excess skin, but also precise fat contouring. This procedure is great for patients at their ideal weight, or those who have lost a large amount of weight and want to tighten this area of the body.
This procedure is performed in an operating room under heavy sedation or general anesthesia and lasts for 2-3 hours. An incision is designed to be concealed below your undergarment and around your belly button. Excess skin is removed, and the tummy is contoured. The belly button is brought into its new position. If liposuction is needed it can also be performed to enhance the waist contour. Incisions are closed with sutures, and surgical drains are placed for about one week. A light dressing and compression garment are placed. Patients are able to go home after the procedure in our Accredited Surgical Suite.
A tummy tuck is highly effective at addressing:
A tummy tuck provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. It enhances your body’s natural contours by removing excess skin and fat while tightening lax abdominal muscles. Patients often report improved posture, increased core strength, greater ease with physical activity, and increased confidence in their appearance. Stretch marks and scars in the treated area may also be minimized or removed. Under Dr. Carpin’s expert care, patients achieve a flatter, smoother, and more youthful-looking abdomen.
Dr. Carpin will create a plan that is personal to your body, to meet your expectations. Tummy tucks are a game-changing procedure that will boost your confidence in clothes and beyond.
Candidates for a tummy tuck are patients with healthy body weight, but excess abdominal skin and fat that won’t go away with exercise and diet.
Childbirth, aging, hereditary factors, and weight fluctuations all contribute to sagging skin and a protuberant abdomen.
Mothers after childbirth often experience persistent belly bulges despite exercise, which is due to a condition called rectus diastasis. Rectus diastasis occurs when the abdominal wall muscle fascia weakens between the rectus muscle (a.k.a six-pack muscle). Tummy tuck surgery corrects this by repairing this weakening.
Patients typically experience pain, bruising, and swelling. You will be sore and unable to completely stand straight for about a week. Many patients use a walker to help them get around the house the first week. Dr. Carpin places a long-lasting pain medication, called Exparel, to block the nerves for 3 days after surgery, decreasing the amount of pain experienced. Patients usually return to work with activity restrictions in 1-2 weeks. Refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 6-8 weeks. A compression garment is worn for about 4-6 weeks to decrease swelling. Full resolution of swelling can take about 3-6 months.
A tummy tuck gives you a flatter and tighter abdomen. Results are long-lasting with a healthy diet and exercise. Some stretch marks are removed, however, the marks above the belly button usually remain. The results of a tummy tuck are transformative, providing a smoother, flatter, and more contoured abdomen. Initial improvements are visible immediately after surgery, with final results becoming apparent as swelling subsides over the following months. These results are long-lasting, especially when combined with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Carpin to discuss if you are a surgical candidate, and to review the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes of the procedure. Dr. Carpin performs tummy tucks for patients in Webster, Houston, Friendswood, League City, Pearland, Clear Lake, TX, and surrounding areas, including Pasadena, Kemah, Seabrook, and Galveston. Call us at (713) 799-9999 or click here to send us an email contact form.
A full tummy tuck on average costs around $12,000. After consultation with Dr. Carpin, a personalized quote will be given for the procedure. A mini-tummy tuck costs around $8,000.
Most patients experience pain, bruising, swelling, and tightness after surgery. Additional risks will be discussed during the consultation.
Yes, but Dr. Carpin places incisions strategically to minimize visibility, and she offers guidance on scar management. Scars will be located along the lower crease of your abdomen, below the bikini line, and around the belly button.
Stretch marks on the lower abdomen are often removed or improved during the procedure.
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen, while a complete tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area and tightens the muscles.
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Yes, it is often combined with procedures like liposuction or breast surgery for comprehensive results.
Most patients return to work within 2–3 weeks, depending on the demands of their job.
Yes, tummy tucks are suitable for men seeking to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area.
No, it is a body contouring procedure designed to address excess skin and fat that remain after weight loss.
Ensure you have help at home, stock up on essentials, and follow Dr. Carpin’s pre- and post-operative instructions. Dr. Carpin also recommends Arnica Montana and Bromelain supplements to reduce bruising and swelling. It is also essential to quit smoking or vaping for several weeks before and after surgery.
