Table of Contents
- See Real Results
- Hear From Our Patients
- How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost
- Why Choose Dr. Christopher K. Patronella?
- What Is a Tummy Tuck?
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- What Are the Benefits of Having a Tummy Tuck?
- The True Form Tummy Tuck® Difference
- Preparing for Abdominoplasty
- How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
- What Is Recovery Like for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
- Frequently Asked Questions
See the True Form® Difference: Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos
Procedures:
Mommy Makeover, True Form Tummy Tuck®, Liposuction (flanks, hips, axilla, bra line, lateral chest, back), Breast implant removal, Breast implant exchange, Capsulotomy
Age: 49
Height: 5’4″
Weight:150 pounds
Children: 1
“The True Form technique was born from my intense drive to produce results that appear authentic, seamless, and elegant.”
Amazing Experience
“I had an amazing experience from consult to surgery and even after surgery. Dr. Patronella and his staff were very attentive to my needs and made me feel so comfortable. My results…WOW! I am so happy with my new tummy! If you’re looking into getting a tummy tuck, go with Dr. Patronella!”
DC
Amazing Experience
“Definitely recommend. Great surgeon and great friendly staff. Had a TT done a week ago and looking and feeling great.”
XC
Amazing Experience
“Dr. Patronella’s skill is only surpassed by his caring attitude towards his patients. At first, I was a little hesitant to have a tummy tuck, but Dr. Patronella explained that he could offer me a natural, minimal scar result. Sure enough, my incision has faded as he said it would, and now, with my flat tummy, I look great in my jeans!”
DW
How Much Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost in Houston, TX?
The cost of a tummy tuck can vary based on the type of procedure, surgical complexity, anesthesia, facility fees, and any additional treatments. A personalized quote is provided after your consultation.
For the convenience of our patients, Dr. Patronella’s office offers several payment and financing options for our surgical and non-surgical procedures and products. We accept all major credit cards, cashiers’ checks, and PatientFi financing, as well as CareCredit®.
Learn More About Our Pricing
Why Choose Dr. Patronella for Your Houston Tummy Tuck?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher K. Patronella has more than two decades of experience, earning him recognition as one of Houston’s leading plastic surgeons. Known for his True Form Plastic Surgery® techniques, he tailors each procedure to enhance natural beauty while prioritizing safety and precision.
Dr. Patronella performs his True Form Tummy Tuck® for women and men from across the globe at his private, fully accredited surgical center in Houston, Texas. He offers online video consultations and works with experienced patient care coordinators to ensure patients have a smooth and positive experience, whether they are local or traveling from other states and countries.
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Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Dr. Patronella’s True Form Tummy Tuck® will contour, enhance, and sculpt the abdomen to counter the effects of aging, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations.
This surgical procedure is ideal for men and women looking for results that go far beyond the cookie-cutter, unnatural outcome that traditional techniques often produce.
Candidates for abdominoplasty include individuals with sagging abdominal skin due to aging, women with stretched skin or muscle separation (diastasis recti) post-pregnancy, and patients who have lost substantial weight and are left with loose, excess skin.
Ideal candidates will be non-smokers in good overall health with realistic expectations.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Tummy Tuck?
Some of the most dramatic abdominoplasty results enjoyed by patients are:
- A flatter, firmer abdomen
- Improved posture due to tightened abdominal muscles
- Elimination of loose, sagging skin
- Improved body contour and confidence
- Correction of ventral hernias or diastasis recti
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The True Form Tummy Tuck® Difference
Natural Indentations
A beautiful, natural stomach has curves and divots, and the same goes for a well-done tummy tuck. Dr. Patronella’s technique uses internal sutures to accentuate the upper and lower abdomen and create defined, sculpted, and natural-looking contours.
Smooth Transitions
Attentive and precise suturing at the incision line allows for a smooth transition between the lower abdomen and pubic area. This creates a consistent, natural-looking result without the telltale pulling of traditional tummy tuck techniques.
Attractive Navel
Weight gain or pregnancy can alter the shape of your navel. A deep inward contour is made using internal suturing to reattach the belly button to the underlying muscle. Thus, a natural and youthful-looking navel is restored.
No Drains Needed
Dr. Patronella employs the progressive suture technique in his True Form Tummy Tuck®. By placing internal sutures, Dr. Patronella eliminates the spaces where fluid would collect in a traditional abdominoplasty. This eliminates the need for post-surgical drains that would otherwise be present for up to three weeks.
“The True Form technique was born from my intense drive to produce results that appear authentic, seamless, and elegant.”
Preparing for Abdominoplasty
The first step of any tummy tuck is a consultation to determine your candidacy. During your initial consultation, Dr. Patronella will perform an exam, listen to your concerns, and recommend a personalized surgical plan. This includes deciding the type of tummy tuck best suited to your needs and reviewing medical history and medications.
Dr. Patronella will then provide clear pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for a smooth surgical experience. Pre-operative guidelines can include completing necessary lab work, discontinuing certain medications, and arranging for childcare if needed.
Procedure Videos
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Dr. Patronella customizes each True Form Tummy Tuck®, but the following steps are usually included:
During your procedure:
Administering Anesthesia: Tummy tuck surgery is most often performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Making the Incisions: A horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen, approximately six centimeters above the top of the vulva, hidden within the bikini line.
Tissue Separation: The abdominal skin and tissue are separated from the underlying muscles and fat.
Fat Removal: Excess lateral and medial fat is removed to create definition (particularly along the stomach’s midline and the mons pubis area). Dr. Patronella frequently performs liposuction in conjunction with the tummy tuck to reduce fat in the flanks and waist to improve the overall contour, fine-tune the area around the incision, and achieve a smooth transition between the upper and lower abdomen.
Core Muscle Tightening: Separated or weakened abdominal muscles are brought together, using progressive tension sutures to define abdominal contours. These are internal stitches that create natural-looking indentations and an internal corset effect that tightens the core and supports better posture.
Skin Trimming and Stretch Mark Removal: Excess skin is carefully measured and trimmed to allow for a smooth, tension-free incision line. Stretch marks may be removed if they are located in the areas of excised skin, particularly below the belly button.
New Navel Placement: Dr. Patronella places great emphasis on recreating an aesthetically pleasing navel during the procedure. The belly button is recreated using fixation sutures (to allow for the indentation of the navel). Umbilical hernias can be repaired during this step.
Closing the Incisions: Dr. Patronella uses a layered suturing technique when closing the incisions, eliminating spaces where fluid tends to collect after traditional abdominoplasty. This drainless approach also minimizes tension on the skin and promotes optimal healing, resulting in less noticeable scars.
Waking Up in the Recovery Area: You will be groggy and probably won’t be in any significant discomfort due to the lingering effects of anesthesia. You will be monitored to ensure your overall well-being and provided with aftercare instructions before being discharged and driven home.
Photo Gallery
It is important to Dr. Patronella that patients know he will scrutinize the quality of their results and is ready to offer his expertise to improve them, if possible. Seeing the results of his efforts is deeply gratifying, fulfilling a personal need that is part of his character.
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What Is Recovery Like for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Most patients can expect approximately two weeks of downtime. You will be instructed to take short, gentle walks shortly after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and support healing.
As no drains are used in this technique, you will not have to worry about cleaning, emptying, or measuring your drains.
Most patients can resume light activity between one and two weeks after their surgery and full exercise in four to six weeks, with Dr. Patronella’s approval.
Recovery times vary by individual and procedure type, but patients can commonly expect:
- 10 to 14 days off work or regular activities.
- 4 to 6 weeks before resuming exercise.
- Isolated abdominal exercise (sit-ups, crunches, etc.) is not allowed until a full 12 weeks from the date of surgery has been reached. Light weightlifting can proceed with caution, avoiding any abdominal straining
until the full 12-week mark. - Swelling and bruising for a few weeks.
- Full results are visible in 3 to 6 months. Dr. Patronella’s team provides detailed recovery instructions and support throughout the healing process.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results?
Once all of the swelling has subsided, the full extent of your transformation is revealed. Most of the swelling resolves within three months; however, some residual swelling may be present (or reappear) for six months or more.
The results of your True Form Tummy Tuck® are long-lasting, barring significant weight gain or pregnancy. Most patients are inspired to incorporate positive dietary and physical fitness habits into their lifestyle, which helps maintain their tummy tuck results and strengthens their inner vitality and confidence.
Videos and Articles
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Tummy Tuck FAQs
How much weight can I expect to lose from a tummy tuck?
Tummy tucks are not designed to be a weight loss procedure, but patients can lose up to 10 pounds of skin and fat. The main goal is to improve contour and proportions rather than significantly reduce body weight.
Is a tummy tuck procedure painful?
Swelling and tenderness are expected but manageable with prescribed medications. Most patients describe this discomfort as moderate and typically find it improves after the first few days to a week.
Will I have scarring after my tummy tuck?
Dr. Patronella takes great care to position the incision as low as possible so that the resulting scar can be easily concealed by bathing suits and undergarments.
To help reduce the visibility of scarring, Dr. Patronella developed a Scar Therapy Program that utilizes a combination of products over a 6 to 12-month time period. In addition, avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen whenever the scar may be visible. The tummy tuck scar will fade over the following 12–24 months.
Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Existing stretch marks below the navel can be eliminated when the excess skin is removed. Those outside the treated area may remain but may be less noticeable.
Should I get a tummy tuck or liposuction?
Tummy tuck surgery is ideal for removing loose, excess skin and tightening muscles. Liposuction only removes fat. During a True Form Tummy Tuck®, Dr. Patronella uses liposuction to fine-tune contours, and some patients choose to combine liposuction with their tummy tuck for optimal results.
When can I return to work?
Most patients return to light-duty work after 10 to 14 days, depending on the type of job and personal recovery progress.
What happens if I get pregnant after having my tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty does not interfere with conception. However, when patients become pregnant following a tummy tuck, it can compromise the results by stretching the tightened skin and repaired muscles. It’s best to wait until you’re done having children before undergoing the procedure.
When can I exercise after a True Form Tummy Tuck®?
While you are required to get out of bed for leisurely walks starting the day after your tummy tuck, you must avoid more vigorous exercises.
Many tummy tuck patients return to strenuous activities after four to six weeks, but this varies based on the individual. You should consult with Dr. Patronella before resuming any exercise.
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Dr. Patronella Plastic Surgery
Houston’s Premier Cosmetic Surgeon
Serving Houston, Texas and Worldwide Patients
12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77024
