The Gill Center for Plastic Surgery & Dermatology
121 Vision Park Boulevard, Suite 100
Shenandoah, TX 77384
Phone: (281) 853-5308
Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tummy Tuck
Dr. Paul Gill specializes in tummy tuck surgery in The Woodlands, TX, serving Conroe, Cypress, Spring, and Tomball, using advanced techniques that set his results apart from other plastic surgeons. Dr. Gill often performs extended tummy tucks combined with liposuction to create a narrower waist than what can be accomplished with a traditional tummy tuck. Additionally, he uses a special technique to create a natural-looking bellybutton that enhances your results.
Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost Near Houston, TX?
The cost of a tummy tuck in The Woodlands, Conroe, and Spring, TX, depends on several factors, including the extent of the surgery performed. The total price includes fees for Dr. Gill and a board-certified anesthesiologist, the cost of prescription medications, and other fees. We can help patients get financing for the procedure to spread out payments. Keep in mind that a surgeon’s training and experience performing tummy tuck surgery, rather than cost, should be the most important factor when choosing a plastic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck Techniques
In general, there are 3 types of tummy tuck procedures:
Traditional Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck surgery begins with Dr. Gill making a horizontal incision stretching from hip to hip just above the pubic area so it can be easily concealed by underwear or swimsuit bottoms. There is also an incision around the belly button to release the overlying skin. After making the incisions, he carefully lifts the skin and tightens and repairs abdominal muscles if they’ve been separated during pregnancy. After completing that, he removes excess skin. Because a full tummy tuck includes re-positioning the belly button, Dr. Gill creates one that looks much more natural than the circle or vertical lines that some patients see after a tummy tuck with other plastic surgeons.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Patients whose concerns are limited to the area of the abdomen below the belly button may be better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Although men and women who get this surgery still benefit from abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and lower on the abdomen than that used for a traditional tummy tuck.
Extended Tummy Tuck
Dr. Gill actually performs this procedure more often than the traditional tummy tuck. The extended tummy tuck includes making an incision similar to the one used for a traditional tummy tuck, but it also includes the flanks. Dr. Gill also combines liposuction of the upper and lower back with removing excess skin on the flanks to narrow the waist around the body. This results in comprehensive body contouring that a traditional tummy tuck can’t provide.
What Happens to the Bellybutton During a Tummy Tuck?
Both traditional and extended tummy tuck procedures involve repositioning the belly button. Most of the top plastic surgeons who perform tummy tucks develop a unique method for this element of the procedure. Dr. Gill uses a special flap technique that pulls the belly button down and gives it a much more natural look.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Tummy tucks and liposuction are both body contouring procedures that can improve the appearance of the abdomen. Some patients benefit from one or the other; most benefit from a combination of the two. Learn more in this blog post.
Liposuction Alone
If belly fat is the only concern, liposuction may be enough to provide the desired results.
Tummy Tuck Alone
If abdominal skin and muscles need tightening without fat removal, a tummy tuck can restore firm, smooth contours on its own.
Combination Tummy Tuck & Liposuction
After significant weight loss or pregnancy, many patients have lax skin, stretched muscles, and areas of excess fat and require a combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck.
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This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Can My Tummy Tuck Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Women who get tummy tucks after having children often combine their procedures with cosmetic breast surgery, such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, as part of a mommy makeover.
Drs. Paul & Anita Gill
Combining the science of plastic surgery and dermatology with the art of aesthetic procedures, Dr. Paul Gill and Dr. Anita Gill use their experience and expertise to create attractive results in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
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How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery
We provide tummy tuck patients with specific pre-operative instructions that include information such as when to stop taking certain medications and what to wear on the day of surgery. It’s also important that smokers quit several weeks before the surgery because smoking increases the risk of complications and can lengthen the recovery process.
There are also steps you can take to prepare at home:
- Arrange for child care, especially if you have small children at home. You won’t be able to lift toddlers during the initial stage of your recovery.
- Prepare a “nest’ where you will rest most of the time. Make sure you have access to any devices, books, or other materials that you enjoy.
- Stock the refrigerator with prepared meals that can be heated up so your caregiver doesn’t feel overwhelmed with chores.
We also recommend filling prescriptions prior to the surgery so they’re on hand immediately.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Dr. Gill typically performs abdominoplasty as outpatient surgery. He tailors the technique based on each patient’s needs. Some elements are common to all tummy tuck procedures, and Dr. Gill explains to each patient what will be involved in their surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck?
Even though each patient’s recovery is unique, it takes most patients at least 2 weeks before resuming their normal daily routines (not including exercise). Patients wear specialized compression garments for several weeks following surgery to minimize swelling and discomfort and shorten the recovery period. It’s very important to get plenty of rest during the initial recovery period, although we recommend taking brief walks around the house to ensure good circulation and reduce the risk of complications. You can read more about what to expect during tummy tuck recovery in our blog post.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies between patients but generally proceeds along the following timeline:
Day of surgery: Return home in the care of an adult. The abdomen will feel tight and sore.
7 to 10 days: Discontinue pain medication.
2 weeks: Standing upright becomes more comfortable. Drain tubes removed. Resume nonstrenuous work and activities. Bruising fades.
3 to 4 weeks: OK to stop wearing compression garments (if cleared by Dr. Gill).
6 weeks: Resume strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
6 months: Achieve final results. (Swelling may not be fully dissipated.)
6 to 12+ months: Scars fade and flatten.
We will provide you with detailed post-op instructions for minimizing discomfort and the risk of complications after surgery. We encourage you to contact the practice with any questions or concerns about the healing process.
Reviews
“Hands down the best experience! I went to multiple consultations before deciding which doctor I wanted to go with for a breast augmentation, and after I visited Dr. Paul Gill, I knew he was the doctor I would choose! He is very knowledgeable and professional, and his staff is so friendly and so sweet.”
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*Real Patients
Get a Flatter Abdomen
Women and men looking for the best tummy tuck surgeon in The Woodlands often choose Dr. Gill. He’s a double board-certified plastic surgeon with experience, training, and bedside manner that sets him apart from most other surgeons. Request a consultation using the online form to meet privately with Dr. Gill or call our office at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
You can get pregnant after undergoing tummy tuck surgery, but you might need additional cosmetic surgery after having another baby. Dr. Gill recommends that patients wait until they’re no longer planning to get pregnant before scheduling abdominoplasty.
Is tummy tuck surgery safe?
Tummy tuck surgery has an excellent safety record but involves the risks associated with any elective surgical procedure. It is major surgery and should be performed only by board-certified plastic surgeons.
Will abdominoplasty get rid of my stretch marks?
A tummy tuck may remove some stretch marks, depending on where they’re located. Most of the skin that’s removed is below the bellybutton, so stretch marks there will be erased. Stretch marks above the bellybutton likely will remain.
How many dress sizes will I lose after my procedure?
Even though tummy tuck surgery isn’t a weight loss procedure, most women see their dress size shrink a bit after recovering from the procedure. Patients often experience a reduction of 2 to 3 dress sizes.
*Fees include package pricing (surgeon fee, operating room, general anesthesia, follow ups, garments). We offer multiple financing options available. Refer to our website. Some 0% interest rates. $500 non-refundbale deposit secures your surgery date. Remaining balance due 2 weeks before surgery. 5% cash discount on surgeon fees (cash/check/money order)
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