Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Abdominoplasty at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery removes excess abdominal skin and fat and repairs diastasis recti for a flatter, tighter midsection. Mini and full tummy tuck techniques performed by ABPS board-certified surgeons including Dr. Carpin, who specialises in body contouring. Frequently combined with liposuction of the flanks as part of mommy makeover procedures. Recovery approximately two to four weeks.

Abdominoplasty at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery corrects abdominal laxity that cannot be resolved by diet and exercise — most commonly the result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or skin changes associated with ageing. Dr. Kimberly Carpin, whose specialisation in breast and body surgery and international aesthetic fellowship inform her approach to body contouring, performs many of the practice's tummy tuck procedures, often as part of comprehensive mommy makeover combinations alongside breast procedures. Dr. Clayton Moliver's three decades of Houston practice adds deep experience in abdominoplasty planning and technique selection. The mini abdominoplasty is appropriate for patients with skin laxity confined to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus: a shorter horizontal scar in the lower bikini line is used to excise the excess lower skin and fat, tighten the lower abdominal fascia, and improve the lower contour without repositioning the umbilicus. This procedure involves less recovery and a shorter scar than full abdominoplasty and is well-suited to patients with a maintained upper abdominal skin tone and localised lower pouch. Full abdominoplasty is the definitive treatment for patients with skin excess spanning the full abdominal wall from the costal margins to the mons pubis: a wide lower ellipse of skin and fat is excised, the rectus abdominis muscles are repaired in the midline (diastasis recti repair) to restore core integrity and recreate a narrowed waist, and the umbilicus is repositioned through a newly created opening in the elevated flap. Lipo-abdominoplasty — performing liposuction of the flanks, upper abdomen, and waist simultaneously with the standard tuck — produces more comprehensive three-dimensional contouring. Mommy makeover procedures at HPRS combine abdominoplasty with breast augmentation, lift, or reduction in a single anaesthetic session, addressing the full complement of post-pregnancy body changes at once and minimising total recovery time compared to staged procedures. Houston market range for full tummy tuck: $8,500–$15,000; consultation required.