Meet OurSurgical Team
Experience safety, support, and satisfaction in the hands of a highly experienced team. Our board-certified plastic surgeons work together to create exceptional results with compassion and care.
Request a Consultation
Synergy Plastic Surgery
11200 Menchaca Rd., Suite 201, Building 2
Austin, TX 78748
Phone: (512) 244-1439
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Synergy Plastic Surgery
3355 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 401, Building 4
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 284-8775
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Synergy Plastic Surgery
7700 Cat Hollow Dr., Ste. 103
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 244-1444
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Synergy Plastic Surgery
3503 Wild Cherry Dr., Building 16
Lakeway, TX 78738
Phone: (512) 518-4134
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tummy Tuck in Austin, TX
A firm, flat abdomen signifies health and fitness. But if you have loose skin, excess fat, or even stretch marks, what can you do? A tummy tuck by the body contouring specialists at Synergy Plastic Surgery can help your fitness and vitality shine through. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, including Dr. Ross Blagg, Dr. Aisha White, and Dr. Ankur Mehta, have extensive experience and personal integrity that attract tummy tuck patients from Austin, Texas, and the surrounding communities who want to feel safe, supported, and thrilled with their results.
People from the Austin metro area, including Round Rock, West Lake Hills, Lakeway, and throughout Texas, choose Synergy Plastic Surgery as their expert tummy tuck surgery provider.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, technically called abdominoplasty, improves the abdominal area by:
- Tightening lax, stretched out skin
- Repairing abdominal muscles that were separated during pregnancy (diastasis recti)
- Reshaping the bellybutton
- Sculpting the waistline
A clinical study found that in women, cosmetic abdominoplasty can significantly improve overall quality of life, body satisfaction, self-esteem, sexual functioning, and mental health.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Both women and men can be good candidates for tummy tuck surgery if they meet the following criteria:
- At a healthy, stable weight
- Not planning to become pregnant
- Non-smokers (or willing to stop before and after surgery)
Model
Discover Patient Financing
Don’t let the upfront cost put your dreams on pause! Many Synergy patients achieve their ideal look with the help of patient financing. Discover flexible repayment plans that fit your budget by visiting our Financing page.
Learn MoreYour Tummy Tuck Options
Dr. Lauren Crawford, Dr. Mahlon Kerr, and our other body contouring specialists offer a variety of tummy tuck techniques to meet a wide range of needs. Options include:
- Complete tummy tuck (also called a full tummy tuck) restores the appearance of the entire abdomen from the lower ribcage down to the pubic bone by addressing lax skin, stretched/separated abdominal muscles, and a misshapen bellybutton.
- Mini tummy tuck addresses the lower abdomen below the bellybutton.
- Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, which is most appropriate for post-bariatric plastic surgery patients, extends the complete tummy tuck with a vertical incision that runs from the pubic area to the bellybutton to the chest. This technique removes a significant amount of excess skin to tighten the hips and waistline.
- Extended tummy tuck (or belt lipectomy) continues the horizontal abdominoplasty incision around the waist, like a belt, over the upper buttocks to contour the waist and lift and tighten sagging outer hips and buttocks.
Regardless of technique, your surgeon will personalize your surgery to your unique needs and cosmetic goals.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Austin?
The cost of a tummy tuck depends on multiple factors, including the extent of your surgery (e.g., mini or full tummy tuck), whether you decide to combine it with other procedures, and fees for anesthesia and the use of the surgical facility. (Learn more in this blog post.) During your consultation, we will provide you with a written quote that outlines the cost of the surgical plan you and your surgeon create. Refer to our Pricing page for information. As you are planning for surgery financially, keep in mind that we offer patient financing options.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction Surgery
Determining whether you need a tummy tuck or liposuction depends on whether your concerns center around excess skin or excess fat. Here are some differences:
Liposuction is an excellent procedure for removing pockets of fat if you have good skin elasticity, meaning your skin will contract once the fat is removed.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin that has been stretched by weight gain or pregnancy and has lost elasticity. It also repairs stretched and separated abdominal muscles that can cause a tummy bulge.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Your surgeon can combine these procedures if you have both excess skin and fat.
Meet OurSurgical Team
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Complete Tummy Tuck
We typically perform complete tummy tucks. However, if you have only a small amount of excess skin, a mini tummy tuck can be an excellent option.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
While both rejuvenate the abdominal contours, these procedures have distinct differences, including:
Incisions
Mini tummy tuck: A single short horizontal incision on the lower abdomen that is similar to a C-section incision.
Complete tummy tuck: Two incisions: one runs horizontally from hip to hip, and another encircles the bellybutton.
How It Works
Mini tummy tuck:
- Removes a relatively small amount of loose abdominal skin below the bellybutton.
- Revises a C-section scar (if desired).
- Doesn’t tighten the abdominal muscles or reshape the bellybutton.
Complete tummy tuck:
- Removes lax abdominal skin above and below the bellybutton.
- Repairs stretched and separated abdominal muscles.
- Reshapes the bellybutton.
- Revises a C-section scar (if desired).
Recovery Milestones
Mini tummy tuck:
- Downtime: 1 to 2 weeks
- Discomfort: Less intense than full tummy tuck because abdominal muscles are not repaired.
- Resume strenuous exercise: 6 weeks
Complete tummy tuck:
- Downtime: 2 to 3 weeks
- Discomfort: Moderate pain for the first few days and cannot stand upright for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Resume strenuous exercise: 6 weeks
Full Tummy Tuck vs. Fleur-de-Lis (FDL) Tummy Tuck
A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck removes significantly more skin than a full tummy tuck. Unlike a full tummy tuck that tightens skin in one direction only, the FDL tummy tuck tightens skin both vertically and horizontally. In addition to the low incision for the full tummy tuck, the FDL tummy tuck includes a vertical incision that runs from the pubic bone up the midline to the breast bone, traversing the bellybutton. Both techniques can include abdominal muscle repair. Patients are often impressed with the dramatic effect an FDL tummy tuck has on reshaping their hips and waist.
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
Combining Your Tummy Tuck Surgery With Other Procedures
Many patients combine tummy tuck surgery with other procedures. Women who have had one or more children combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction and breast enhancement surgery, such as breast augmentation or a breast lift for a Mommy Makeover. The surgery can provide a comprehensive transformation for women who have concerns about both their breasts and their abdomens.
CoolSculpting®
Enjoy a slimmer figure without surgery, anesthesia, or recovery time. Freeze unwanted fat on your abdomen, thighs, chin, and more with nonsurgical CoolSculpting.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Our surgeons perform tummy tuck surgery in our private, state-of-the-art surgery center as an outpatient procedure. Our doctors use general anesthesia so you will sleep through the surgery. This procedure provides comprehensive improvements with an incision that typically spans from hip to hip but can usually be concealed by underwear or swimsuits. The surgeon removes excess skin, repairs abdominal muscles, and repositions the bellybutton. In addition, the surgeon may use liposuction to sculpt the abdomen, hips, and thighs, if desired.
Tummy Tuck Videos
Worth the Drive
Just a short drive on I-35, Synergy Plastic Surgery is your destination for aesthetic excellence. From North San Antonio and New Braunfels to Georgetown, patients travel to our Austin-area locations to benefit from our 5 board-certified plastic surgeons' world-class expertise. Trust our team to provide the results you want and the care you deserve.
Plan Your VisitYour Tummy Tuck Recovery Guide
Tummy tuck recovery is typically 2 to 3 weeks. Here’s a little more about what to expect as you recuperate:
- Incision care: Your incision will begin healing within the first 48 hours, but it may take 6 to 8 weeks for the wound to heal completely enough that you can safely submerge it in water. Throughout the healing process, make sure to keep your incisions clean and dry, following any specific instructions your surgeon gives you.
- Drains: You may have drains placed to prevent fluid from building up in your abdomen as you heal. You will need to empty and clean these drains regularly until your surgeon removes your drains in our office.
- Compression garments: It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising, peaking around day 3 and mostly resolving after 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to wear the provided compression garment day and night for 4 to 6 weeks to minimize this swelling and encourage a shapely result.
- Sleeping: It’s best to sleep in a reclined position for the first couple of weeks after your tummy tuck to minimize swelling, prevent strain on your incisions, and make it easier for you to get up and down. You can either sleep in a recliner or propped up on pillows in bed.
- Standing upright: You will not be able to stand completely upright for the first 2 to 3 weeks as your body adjusts to your taut new skin and muscles.
- Walking: We encourage you to move around carefully as soon as possible after your surgery, either the evening of it or the day after. Light walking around the house promotes good circulation and enhances the healing process.
- Exercise: Most patients are ready to resume light activity within 10 to 15 days (the timeline may be slightly faster following a mini tummy tuck); however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks following any tummy tuck surgery.
- Scars: Once your incisions have healed, keep your scars out of the sun or covered in SPF to prevent them from darkening. It may take up to a year for your incision to soften and fade from raised and red to smooth and faint.
- Final results: It may take up to a year to achieve a firm, flat abdomen as swelling fully dissipates and the scars mature.
You will receive detailed post-operative instructions that will help you recover as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications. If you have any questions about your recovery, please contact our office.
Our Convenient Locations Serving Austin
Wherever you are in Austin, Synergy Plastic Surgery isn't far away. With multiple strategically placed locations, exceptional aesthetic services have never been more accessible.
Synergy Plastic SurgeryAustin
11200 Menchaca Rd.Suite 201, Building 2Austin, TX 78748
Synergy Plastic SurgeryWest Lake Hills
3355 Bee Caves Rd.Suite 401, Building 4West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Synergy Plastic SurgeryRound Rock
7700 Cat Hollow Dr.Ste. 103Round Rock, TX 78681
Synergy Plastic SurgeryLakeway
3503 Wild Cherry Dr.Building 16Lakeway, TX 78738
Common Tummy Tuck Questions
How long does a tummy tuck last?
When performed by experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons, tummy tuck surgery results last indefinitely. The results will last the longest if you lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Significant weight changes can compromise the results, as the abdominal skin will lose its elasticity.
Will a tummy tuck fix diastasis recti?
If you have a complete tummy tuck, it will include repair of abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti). Mini tummy tucks do not involve muscle repair.
Can an abdominoplasty remove some of my stretch marks?
Yes, if you have a complete abdominoplasty. It removes the skin below the bellybutton and any stretch marks along with it.
How painful is abdominoplasty?
During the initial recovery period, prescription medication typically manages discomfort. By closely following post-op instructions, you can also minimize pain during the recovery.
How long after tummy tuck surgery can I stand up straight?
Tightened abdominal muscles and skin take about 2 to 3 weeks to relax and allow patients to resume standing completely upright.
Will my tummy tuck scar be noticeable?
Every surgical procedure leaves a scar. Tummy tuck scars are typically low enough to be covered by underwear and swimsuits. Initially, the tummy tuck scar is raised and pink; over the course of several months, it gradually recedes, and the color fades to more closely match your surrounding skin tone.
What happens if I become pregnant after a tummy tuck?
While safe, pregnancy after a tummy tuck will likely compromise the results of your surgery. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and the surrounding muscles, which can bring back the very things your tummy tuck procedure corrects. For this reason, we strongly recommend that patients delay tummy tuck surgery until they are finished having children.
Will I get a new bellybutton with tummy tuck surgery?
Your bellybutton is attached to your abdomen via a stalk, and it will remain there after surgery. However, the surrounding skin will look different. During the surgery, we make a circular incision around the bellybutton to free it from the skin. After pulling your abdominal skin tight, your surgeon creates a new opening for your bellybutton to poke through. We close this incision with great care to create a natural-looking appearance, concealing the scar along the inner edge of the bellybutton.
To meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons , request a consultation using the online form, or call our Austin, Round Rock, or West Lake Hills office at (512) 244-1439.