Tummy Tuck
in Houston, TX
Abdominal Harmony
Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging can leave loose abdominal skin or stretched muscles that exercise cannot correct. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, removes excess skin and can tighten the abdominal wall to create a smoother midsection. Dr. Paul F. Fortes plans each tummy tuck around the patient's anatomy and goals at his Houston practice. During your consultation, Dr. Fortes will assess your skin, muscle separation, and areas of excess fat. He will explain whether a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck—or a different body contouring procedure—is appropriate, and discuss the expected scar, recovery, and results.
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Redefined Contours
A tummy tuck is surgery to remove excess abdominal skin and, when needed, tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
It can be considered after pregnancy or substantial weight loss when skin laxity remains despite a stable weight. It is not a weight-loss procedure, and liposuction may be recommended separately or in combination when fat deposits also need contouring.
The incision and extent of surgery depend on your anatomy and treatment plan. Dr. Fortes will discuss the anticipated scar, the position of the navel when relevant, and the time you may need away from work and exercise.
Say Goodbye to Loose Skin
A tummy tuck addresses changes in the skin and abdominal wall that exercise alone cannot reverse:
Removes excess skin, particularly after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
When appropriate, tightens the abdominal wall to improve its contour.
Some fat may be removed during surgery; liposuction can be considered when additional shaping is needed.
The removal of excess skin will inevitably remove stretch marks contained within that region, while marks elsewhere generally remain.
Reshapes the midsection; the result depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and surgical plan.
Realistic Goals, Real Results
For many patients, the main goal is a smoother abdominal contour after pregnancy or weight loss. Others want to address loose skin that bunches beneath clothing or muscle separation that changes the shape of the midsection. Dr. Fortes evaluates these concerns together, then explains which changes surgery can reasonably achieve and which it cannot. A consultation also covers the scar, recovery, and whether liposuction or another procedure would better address the areas that concern you.
Discover the Treatment That's Right for You
The amount and location of loose skin, the condition of the abdominal wall, and previous surgery all affect the choice of technique. Dr. Fortes will recommend the approach that fits your anatomy rather than assuming every patient needs the same operation.
A mini tummy tuck may suit someone whose excess skin is mostly below the navel. It treats a smaller area than a full tummy tuck and cannot correct significant loose skin above the navel.
A full tummy tuck addresses excess skin across more of the abdomen. It may include tightening separated muscles and repositioning the navel, depending on the surgical plan.
An extended tummy tuck uses a longer incision to address loose skin that reaches around the sides of the waist. Dr. Fortes will explain the additional scar and recovery considerations if this approach is appropriate.
Make the Most of Your Surgery
A tummy tuck is sometimes combined with liposuction or breast surgery when those procedures address separate goals. Combining surgeries is not right for everyone but Dr. Fortes will discuss the safety, surgical time, and recovery involved in your particular plan during consultation.
Here are a few of the most common combinations:
Finding the Right Procedure for You
A tummy tuck removes loose skin and may tighten separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction removes localized fat, but it does not remove significant loose skin or repair muscle separation. Patients with both concerns may be candidates for a combination. The best choice depends on skin quality, fat distribution, muscle condition, and overall health.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. This is the better choice if you're dealing with sagging skin, stretched-out muscles, or a belly "pooch" that won't go away. It involves a longer incision (usually placed low on the abdomen, where it can be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit) and a longer recovery time. But it also delivers the most dramatic improvement when it comes to reshaping the stomach and strengthening the core.
Liposuction is great for people who have good skin tone but want to reduce areas of stubborn fat. It's less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Liposuction won't do anything to tighten skin or repair muscle separation, so it's not the right option if those are your main concerns.
Sometimes, the best results come from combining the two. Dr. Fortes often uses liposuction alongside a tummy tuck to help refine the waistline or target areas that aren't addressed by skin removal alone.
Core Empowerment
A tummy tuck can create a flatter, smoother abdominal contour by removing loose skin. If muscle separation is present, tightening the abdominal wall may further improve the shape of the midsection. Depending on the treatment plan, patients may also notice a better fit in clothing and a more defined waist. Lower abdominal stretch marks may be removed when they fall within the skin excised during surgery. The tradeoffs include a permanent scar, recovery time, and the risks of surgery. Dr. Fortes will review these alongside your goals so you can decide whether the likely improvement is worthwhile for you.
Dr. Fortes has observed additional benefits a tummy tuck can include, such as:
In addition to these potential medical benefits, patients often experience psychological rewards as well, such as increased confidence and a better quality of life. Overall, Fortes' Houston tummy tuck offers a combination of physical and emotional benefits, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking to address both aesthetic concerns and potential health improvements.
"Dr. Fortes is unbelievably talented!!! I had a tummy tuck done, and his work was beautiful! I get compliments on my scar... no one thinks I just had this done in June. He and his staff are very professional and welcoming. From start to finish, it was a great experience! I've already referred him to friends and family and will be back myself in the future!!! Thank you for making me feel so good about myself Dr. Fortes!!!"— Morgan B., Houston Tummy Tuck Patient
"Dr. Fortes did my tummy tuck and lipo back in 2005. He was awwwesome! He explained everything he was going to do before the surgery. My husband was even comfortable with his bedside manner. Dr. Fortes is so good at what he does that I didn't have any bruises on me after surgery. I would recommend Dr. Fortes."— Debbie M., Houston Tummy Tuck Patient
"Dr. Fortes did an amazing job on my neck lift and tummy tuck. The results exceeded my expectations. His staff is knowledgeable and attentive. The care at the surgery center was excellent. My recovery from both procedures was easier than I anticipated. I would highly recommend him."— Flo L., Houston Tummy Tuck Patient
"Dr Paul Fortes and his staff are true gems. They listen to the wants and needs of their patients. From the consultation to the office visit, the operating room, and recovery, they maintained the highest level of professionalism.… I had a breast implant exchange, lipo everywhere, body tightening to the abdomen, and a mini tummy tuck. The results are amazing. The care was amazing. Dr Fortes is compared to Picasso because his attention to detail is spot on. Truly one of the best surgical experiences I have ever had."— Elizabeth C., Houston Tummy Tuck Patient
A Flatter Stomach
At your Houston tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Fortes will review your medical history, medications, previous abdominal surgery, and goals. He will examine your skin, abdominal wall, and fat distribution, then discuss the technique he recommends, the expected incision and scar, whether liposuction is appropriate, and the risks and recovery involved. You can also review relevant before-and-after cases and ask what outcomes are realistic for your anatomy. Your quote will depend on the extent of surgery, whether procedures are combined, and applicable facility and anesthesia fees. Bring any questions about financing or what is included in the pricing quote to your visit.
Improved Posture,Strength, and Flexibility
A full tummy tuck typically involves a low horizontal incision. The surgeon lifts the abdominal skin, tightens separated muscles when indicated, removes excess skin, and closes the incision. The navel may need to be repositioned. Mini and extended tummy tucks use different approaches, which Dr. Fortes will explain when recommending your surgical plan. This is a significant operation; patients should be in suitable health and understand the likely scar and recovery before deciding to proceed.
Tonedand Well-Defined
Swelling can obscure the final contour at first. As healing progresses, the abdomen generally becomes flatter and firmer, although results and timelines vary. The incision leaves a permanent scar that usually becomes less noticeable over time. Significant weight changes or a future pregnancy can alter the result. Review Dr. Fortes's abdominoplasty gallery for examples of different starting points and surgical plans; individual results vary.
What to Expect from Your Results:
A Better Quality of Life
Healing after a tummy tuck is a gradual process, and it's important to go easy on yourself. Most patients need a couple of weeks off from work, and while light walking is encouraged early on, you'll want to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity for about six weeks. You'll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling, and drains may be placed for the first week or two to help your body recover smoothly.
While the physical recovery takes time, patients often say the emotional benefits start early. Feeling more confident, stronger, and more like yourself again is something that often builds as your body heals and the better you care for your body post-surgery, the better your long-term results are likely to be.
What Recovery Looks Like:
Tips for Long-Term Care and Maintenance:
Paul F. Fortes MD Plastic Surgery
Good candidates for a tummy tuck are individuals with excess skin and fat in the abdominal area, often due to significant weight loss or pregnancy. It is important to be in good general health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, poor wound healing, changes in sensation, an unfavorable scar, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. Dr. Fortes will explain which risks apply to you and how the team works to reduce them.
Look for patients with a starting anatomy similar to yours and note the type of tummy tuck performed, any combined liposuction, the scar, and how long after surgery the photos were taken. Photos show individual outcomes and cannot guarantee your result.
Yes, a tummy tuck can be an effective modality for removing excess abdominal tissue after significant weight loss. It aims to reduce excess skin and fat around the abdomen and strengthen the abdominal wall musculature, contributing to a more toned and slimmer appearance.
Most patients can return to work within 2-3 weeks, depending on the nature of their job.
Typically, a compression garment is worn for about 4-6 weeks to support healing.
Scarring is expected but typically fades over time and can be concealed beneath most clothing.
A tummy tuck may remove stretch marks located on the lower abdomen where excess skin is removed.
While a tummy tuck does not do anything to prevent pregnancy, it is recommended to complete your plans for a family before undergoing the procedure, as future pregnancies can affect results.
