Everything You Need To Know About a Tummy Tuck

tummy tuck before and afterPhoto Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. Paul Fortes

Paul F. Fortes, M.D., double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, is an artist and a leading aesthetic plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas. Dr. Fortes sees patients in two beautiful facilities in Memorial/ Town and Country and Galleria/River Oaks District in Houston. He is an owner of ACPS Spa and Rejuvenation Center, also in the two Houston locations, as well as ACPS The SurgiCenter, an AAAASF-certified state of the art four-operating room facility located in Memorial/Town and Country. Haute Beauty sits down with Dr. Paul Fortes to learn more about the Tummy Tuck procedure. 

HB: What is an Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck" is the most common plastic surgery procedure used for men and women to flatten the stomach.

HB: How does an Abdominoplasty work?

During abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.  

AbdominoplastyPhoto Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. Paul Fortes

HB: Who is the best candidate for this procedure?

Women whose stomach muscles have become stretched after pregnancy or who have lost a large amount of weight are candidates for the tummy tuck procedure. Men who find the “spare tire” difficult to reduce also find relief from this procedure. 

HB: What does recovery look like?

Abdominoplasty is generally performed in one to two hours, with a recovery period of about one to two weeks. Abdominoplasty does result in a permanent scar, I can hide the scar below the bikini line. During your visit to our office in Houston I will discuss the many techniques for body contouring with you to determine your ideal solution.  

HB: What is the cost of an Abdominoplasty?

The average cost for a tummy tuck can start at $8,500-$15,000.