Restore Your Figure With a Tummy Tuck

Even if you consistently watch your diet and maintain a quality exercise routine, you can still end up with loose skin and excess fat around your midsection. The abdomen is the natural place for our bodies to store fat, which can lead to an unsightly bulging or sagging appearance that can affect both men and women. For many people, excess abdominal skin appears after going through pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and would like to restore your slim, youthful figure, an abdominoplasty at our Houston clinic could be the ideal solution. Dr. Chamata's expertise in tummy tuck procedures can effectively address these concerns and help you achieve the desired results.

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What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed to remove excess skin and fat from the midsection. In many cases, a tummy tuck will also involve tightening or repairing the abdominal muscles. Ultimately, the goal of the procedure is to create a firmer and more toned abdomen.

What Is a High-Definition Tummy Tuck?

As an alternative to a standard tummy tuck, many of our patients choose to undergo an advanced procedure called a high-definition tummy tuck. This procedure combines a traditional tummy tuck with high-definition liposuction, also known as abdominal etching. In addition to the removal of excess skin and the tightening of the abdominal wall, a high-definition tummy tuck utilizes advanced liposuction techniques to remove excess fat from the midsection. Typically, a high-definition tummy tuck is a good choice for tummy tuck candidates who also have a significant amount of excess belly fat. When the subcutaneous fat is removed, the toned abdominal muscles beneath are revealed.

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High Definition Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos & Videos

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Why Choose Dr. Chamata for Your Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Edward Chamata, a board-certified plastic surgeon, seamlessly blends artistic vision with state-of-the-art surgical techniques. After graduating from the Texas A&M College of Medicine, he pursued advanced training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, refining his expertise under the mentorship of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Rod Rohrich. With a background in art and sculpting, Dr. Chamata brings a masterful perspective to cosmetic surgery. Handpicked by Dr. Calvin Jung for Premiere Surgical Arts, he further honed his skills in acclaimed body sculpting techniques.

Whether you choose to undergo a standard tummy tuck or a high-definition tummy tuck, Dr. Chamata will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and preferences. He and his expert team take great pride in providing every patient with a comfortable experience and superb, natural-looking results. If you’d like to schedule a consultation for our tummy tuck in Houston, simply contact our office today.

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A Tuck Tailored to Your Tummy: Types of Tummy Tucks

Each patient has unique body and aesthetic goals, so it's essential to tailor the approach to address their concerns effectively. Factors such as excess skin and fat, abdominal muscle laxity, and desired outcomes all play a part in choosing the best tummy tuck technique.
Dr. Chamata, located in Houston, TX, provides the following options to ensure each patient receives personalized treatment that meets their expectations and leads to the best possible results.

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Traditional Tummy Tuck vs Chiseled Tummy Tuck

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Traditional Tummy Tuck

A traditional tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the standard procedure for removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Dr. Chamata will also address abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) by tightening these muscles with internal sutures to improve abdominal bulging and stability of the midsection. A traditional tummy tuck involves making a horizontal incision, usually spanning from hip to hip, and is best for people with moderate to severe skin looseness and muscle separation in the abdominal area. 

Chiseled Tummy Tuck

This is Dr. Chamata’s unique and highly-requested tummy tuck technique. This procedure combines a traditional tummy tuck with high-definition liposuction, also known as abdominal etching, to create a more toned appearance to the abdomen. In addition to the removal of excess skin and the tightening of the abdominal muscles, this “high-definition tummy tuck” utilizes advanced liposuction techniques to remove excess fat from the midsection in order to define the abdominal muscles beneath and create natural-appearing ab definition. One the signature features of Dr. Chamata’s technique is his unique method of belly button reshaping which aims at creating a natural belly button appearance, with scars as well-concealed as possible. Dr. Chamata aims to keep the incision as low as possible, placed just above the pubic area, so it hides easily within the bikini line. 

Benefits of a Chiseled Tummy Tuck

Aside from the removal of excess skin and repair of abdominal muscle separation, the Chiseled Tummy Tuck can offer many additional benefits to patients in comparison to traditional tummy tuck techniques. Key differences include:

  • Natural abdominal appearance that looks surgically unaltered
  • More toned and defined midsection 
  • Natural belly button appearance
  • Belly button scar more concealed than traditional techniques
  • Low tummy tuck scar that hides well within the bikini line
  • Narrower waistline than traditional techniques
  • Slimmer, more youthful overall figure
  • Abdominal muscle separation repair

Other Tummy Tuck Options

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive choice compared to traditional and extended techniques, mainly focusing on the lower abdomen below the belly button. This technique is best for people with minor to moderate skin looseness and excess fat mainly in the lower abdominal area. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is usually shorter than that of a traditional tummy tuck, in order to mainly target the area below the belly button. Because the mini tummy tuck addresses a smaller area and thus requires a shorter incision, less scarring is thus created, making it an appealing option for patients with specific concerns limited to the lower abdomen. 

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is a technique that targets excess skin and fat in the abdomen, flanks, and even part of the lower back to address skin that extends more posteriorly toward the lower back area. This technique is perfect for people who have lost much weight and have extra skin beyond the abdomen. The incision for an extended tummy tuck is longer than that of a traditional tummy tuck, usually extending posteriorly toward the lower back, which allows for thorough reshaping of the midsection and lower body.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

This technique is used when there is excess skin and fat both horizontally and vertically, often after significant weight loss. It includes a horizontal incision like a traditional tummy tuck, as well as a vertical incision from the lower abdomen to the breastbone. This technique allows for more extensive tissue removal and reshaping but may lead to a more noticeable scar.
 
In the consultation, Dr. Chamata will have a detailed discussion about the available options, considering factors like scarring, recovery time, and the level of correction needed. By collaborating closely with his patients, Dr. Chamata ensures they are fully informed and at ease with their treatment plan before moving forward with surgery.

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Belly Button Reshaping: When It's Necessary and Why

In a tummy tuck, reshaping the belly button is needed to get the best results. This involves disconnecting the belly button from its original spot on the abdominal skin flap and making a new opening for it to come through the newly tightened abdominal skin. Dr. Chamata uses unique techniques to create a natural design for the new belly button. His technique also aims to conceal the scar around the belly button as internally as possible which leads to more aesthetic outcomes for the patient and leads to a natural appearance of the abdomen that looks like it has not been altered surgically. 

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Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A chisel tummy tuck can offer major benefits to individuals who would like to achieve a slimmer, more youthful-looking abdomen. The main benefits of the surgery include:

  • Eliminates excess abdominal skin and tissue
  • Tightens or repairs the abdominal muscles
  • Creates a firmer and more defined midsection
  • Slimmer, more youthful overall figure
  • Increased wardrobe options
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Improved mobility and athletic performance

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

If you’re interested in undergoing a tummy tuck in Houston, you can start the process by having a consultation with Dr. Chamata. During this meeting, Dr. Chamata will listen to your goals for the procedure and answer all of your questions. He will help you determine whether or not a tummy tuck is the best option for your situation. If you decide to proceed, he’ll work with you to create a custom-tailored treatment plan. 

Typically, a tummy tuck will be performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Chamata will begin by making one or more incisions, the placement and size of which will depend on the specifics of your treatment plan. Usually, the primary incision will be a horizontal cut located between the belly button and pubic hairline. The doctor will then begin adjusting and excising skin and tissue as needed. 

He may also tighten your abdominal muscles using sutures. Finally, he will secure your abdominal skin and close your incision(s) before applying bandages and drainage tubes. Overall, your tummy tuck will likely take between one and five hours. After the procedure, you’ll need to be monitored for a couple of hours. Then, you’ll be able to return home, but someone else will need to drive you.

How Long Is the Recovery Time From an Abdominoplasty?

Although every patient has a different recovery experience, most patients require about two weeks of rest before they can return to work. You will also need to wear a compression garment for multiple weeks, and you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. If necessary, Dr. Chamata can prescribe you pain medication to alleviate these symptoms. To ensure proper healing, you will need to refrain from heavy lifting or any strenuous exercise for at least five to six weeks after your tummy tuck.

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Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Adults who are unhappy with their excess abdominal skin and fat could be good candidates for a tummy tuck. To be an ideal candidate for the surgery, you should:

  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Have loose skin around the midsection
  • Have loose abdominal muscles
  • Have stubborn excess fat around the abdomen
  • Have the desire for a slimmer, more toned abdominal area
  • Have reasonable expectations for the procedure
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Be relatively close to your ideal weight

How Long Will It Take To See Results After a Tummy Tuck?

Because you will likely be dealing with swelling and unable to fully stand up straight, it will take some time for the full results of your tummy tuck to become visible. Usually, you can see the complete effects of the procedure after approximately two to three months. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, your chisel tummy tuck results should last for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of an abdominoplasty?

Is a tummy tuck a weight loss procedure?

What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

Are there any scars after a tummy tuck?

Are there different types of tummy tucks?

Can an abdominoplasty address stretch marks?

Can I have more children after a tummy tuck?

How long do tummy tuck results last?

What are the benefits of an abdominoplasty?

Improved abdominal contour, reduced sagging skin, enhanced waistline, and potential relief from muscle separation.

Is a tummy tuck a weight loss procedure?

It's not a weight loss solution, but it is designed to eliminate excess tissue from the treatment area for a more sculpted appearance.

What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

Initial recovery within 1-2 weeks, with gradual return to normal activities over several months.

Are there any scars after a tummy tuck?

Yes, scars are inevitable, but skilled techniques help minimize scarring, and they usually fade over time. Dr. Chamata makes incisions in a careful and calculated manner to ensure that there is as little scarring as possible.

Are there different types of tummy tucks?

Yes, options include traditional, mini, and extended tummy tucks, tailored to individual needs and goals.

Can an abdominoplasty address stretch marks?

To some extent, lower abdominal stretch marks can be improved or removed during a tummy tuck.

Can I have more children after a tummy tuck?

It's best to wait until after completing your family, as pregnancy can impact the results. See our mommy makeover procedure for more information.

How long do tummy tuck results last?

Results can be long-lasting with a healthy lifestyle, although natural aging and lifestyle factors can affect outcome.

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