Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck Conveniently located to serve Houston and Montgomery County
Liposuction | Liposuction for Men | Brachioplasty | Tummy Tuck | Inner Thigh Lift | Body Lift | Procedures for Men | Mommy Makeovers
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a very popular and commonly performed form of cosmetic surgery for people who desire a flatter abdomen. Dr. Rivela, consistently voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” in The Woodlands by Woodlands Online, regularly performs abdominoplasty in The Woodlands and has a great deal of experience.
A tummy tuck flattens the abdomen by the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the muscles which comprise the abdominal wall. This procedure is wonderful for getting rid of excess abdominal skin and repairing muscle laxity which may follow childbirth, prior surgery or as a result of significant fluctuations in weight.
Your Consultation with Dr. Rivela
The success and safety of your abdominoplasty procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
- The options available in tummy tuck surgery
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Previous surgeries
Dr. Rivela may also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine and measure your body, including detailed measurements
- Take photographs for your medical record
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of body lift surgery and any risks or potential complications
Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery for more information on abdominoplasty and other possible cosmetic enhancements that you are considering and to schedule an in-depth consultation with Dr. Rivela. Let us help you achieve your desired look. Our caring staff is committed to helping you look and feel great.


View Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Gallery
Your Abominoplasty Procedure
Dr. Rivela performs a full abdominoplasty under a general or heavy anesthetic. The procedure takes 2-4 hours, depending on the individual patient. Typically, an abdominoplasty is performed in the surgery center, and an overnight stay in the surgery center may be required to control pain or due to the extent of the surgery.
Dr. Rivela will make a horizontal incision in the area immediately above the pubic bone, and the length and shape of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction. Excess skin is removed, and lax abdominal muscles are sutured together. The result is a smooth, tighter tummy. Liposuction may also be necessary in order to achieve the desired result. Additionally, a small incision around the navel will allow for re-positioning the belly button.
If you are physically healthy and your weight is stable, you may be considered a good candidate for a tummy tuck, provided your expectations are realistic regarding the outcome of your surgery.
Anesthesia: General
Location of operation: Hospital or surgery center
Length of surgery: 2-4 hours
Length of stay: Outpatient or can stay overnight if necessary.
Your Abdominoplasty Recovery
Discomfort After: May range from moderate to severe. The tighter Dr. Rivela makes your fascia, the greater your discomfort will be. Anticipate 3-14 days of prescription pain medication.
Swelling and Bruising: Any swelling you experience will peak in three days. Most swelling will improve within 2-4 weeks but may take six months to improve completely. As it resolves, it will linger in your lower abdomen above your scar line and may temporarily make this area look unnaturally full. Bruising does not usually occur, however, abdominal numbness should be expected and may last for six months or longer.
Bandages: Dressings are applied to your incision, and you’ll need to wear a removable compression garment that will minimize swelling while supporting your abdomen as you recover for up to nine weeks. The broad elastic band will provide extra comfort and support as you heal. Dr. Rivela may also place a temporary drain tube under the skin to drain any excess fluids that would otherwise collect around your incision.
Work: Typically patients can return to work after about two weeks, however, strenuous activity must be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Exercise: May be resumed in six weeks.
Driving: Driving may be resumed after you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
Final Result: Your scars will take approximately 3-12 months to fade and flatten. Your abdomen will immediately look better in most bathing suits than it did prior to surgery, but you may need to choose your swimwear carefully. If your scar is exposed while you are outdoors, you should protect it with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher for at least one year to prevent discoloration. You must also avoid tanning beds.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
What factors should be considered when selecting a tummy tuck surgeon?
Are there different types of abdominoplasty procedures?
What does a tummy tuck usually cost?
Can I finance the cost of an abdominoplasty?
How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?
What happens during the tummy tuck procedure?
What is the abdominoplasty recovery period like?
Are there risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
Are there side effects to abdominoplasty?
What are the benefits of tummy tuck surgery?
Does a male tummy tuck differ from a female tummy tuck?
Will I be able to maintain my figure after undergoing abdominoplasty surgery?
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re considering abdominoplasty in The Woodlands, there’s no better option than board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lucian Rivela. Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery today and schedule a consultation, where you will be able to discuss your goals in further detail.