Tummy Tuck

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Houston, The Woodlands, TX and Draper, UT

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue and reinforces underlying abdominal muscles, frequently after significant weight loss or childbirth. The goal of a tummy tuck is to create a smoother, flatter abdominal appearance and strengthen internal structures for a sleeker silhouette. ⁽¹⁾

Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Rukmini (Vinaya) Rednam has earned her reputation as a leading Texas surgeon and one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors of 2026 by providing transformative results through meticulous technique and personalized care. Her expertise covers a wide range of facial and body rejuvenations, especially for post-weight-loss patients who want to look as good as they feel.

To learn more about Dr. Rednam’s specialized approach to tummy tucks and how she can help you achieve life-changing results, call our offices at (713) 791-0700 or submit our online contact form.

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About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck restores a more youthful, toned abdominal contour. Aging, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations can cause the tissues around our midsection to lose elasticity and accumulate fat, while abdominal muscles can become overstretched and weak. Diet and exercise alone cannot address diastasis recti or the excess skin that no longer conforms smoothly to our frame. Dr. Rednam’s approach focuses on tightening the abdominal muscles and removing extra skin to create a smoother, firmer profile. She applies meticulous surgical techniques and includes the sculpting power of VASER liposuction to tailor each procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy for results that are both significant and natural-looking.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a more conservative approach designed for patients with minimal skin laxity or the presence of a small “pooch” at the lower abdomen. This procedure may not be ideal for patients with significant laxity above the belly button or extensive muscle damage. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure focuses on the area below the navel. It requires a smaller incision, making it an excellent solution for those who want to address localized concerns without the extent of a full abdominoplasty. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Rednam carefully examines each patient’s unique tissue distribution to determine if a mini tummy tuck will provide the desired level of correction.

Extended Tummy Tuck

For patients who have lost significant weight, this procedure offers a more comprehensive solution. An extended tummy tuck addresses excess tissue not only in the front of the abdomen but also along the flanks and lower back. ⁽³⁾ By extending the incision slightly further, Dr. Rednam can contour the hips and flanks, creating a cohesive and harmonious silhouette. This approach is ideal for patients who have severe skin laxity beyond the lower front of the abdomen.

Benefits

A tummy tuck provides both aesthetic and functional advantages that can contribute to a meaningful boost in self-confidence. Some benefits include:

Flatter Abdomen: The procedure removes stubborn fat and excess skin for a tighter, more toned appearance.
Muscle Repair: Dr. Rednam reinforces separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which can improve core stability and posture.
Reduced Stretch Marks: Dr. Rednam removes stretched-out skin along with the tell-tale signs of significant weight fluctuations, leaving behind smoother skin.
Improved Comfort: You will no longer face the physical discomfort of bulky, hanging tissue and a weak core.
Enhanced Silhouette: With a contoured waistline, you can enjoy a more balanced and refined figure.

Candidates

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are overall healthy individuals who have achieved a maintainable weight and wish to address excess skin and muscle weakness that diet and exercise alone cannot resolve. These potential patients should:

Hold a stable weight for at least six months prior to surgery.
Be non-smokers or willing to quit nicotine for an extended period of time before and after surgery.
Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
Be finished building their families, as subsequent pregnancies can negatively affect surgical results.
Be committed to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle post-surgery.

Personal Consultation

During this collaborative meeting with Dr. Rednam, she will review your medical history, including any pregnancies, prior surgeries, and weight loss milestones. She will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess your midsection’s skin elasticity, fat distribution, and muscle tone. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand the entire procedure and recovery process. Based on her assessment and your personal goals, Dr. Rednam will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and needs.

To get started and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Rednam, call our offices at (713) 791-0700 or contact us online.

Preparation

Dr. Rednam will provide you with a detailed set of instructions to help you prepare for a smooth procedure and recovery period. These directions may have you:

Refrain from using certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
Complete all necessary pre-operative lab work.
Schedule time off from work and physically active responsibilities.
Fill all necessary post-operative prescriptions.
Prepare a comfortable, well-stocked recovery space.
Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home from surgery and assist you for the first 24-48 hours.

Procedure

Dr. Rednam performs your tummy tuck as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort. She starts by making a discreet horizontal incision along the upper pubic area where a scar can hide easily. For extended tummy tucks, the incision may wrap around the flanks. She then carefully lifts the skin and fat layer, uses liposuction to eradicate stubborn pockets of fat, tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles with permanent sutures, and trims away excess skin.

Finally, she redrapes the remaining skin for a smooth, tension-free closure. You will rest briefly in a recovery suite before returning home.

Recovery

Dedicated rest is essential during the first one to two weeks of recovery. During this time, it is normal to experience swelling, tenderness, bruising, and general discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You must wear a compression garment to support healing tissues and minimize swelling. While rest is paramount, Dr. Rednam encourages gentle walking as early as possible to promote circulation. You must avoid heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous activity for at least six weeks, or until Dr. Rednam clears you to start integrating more movement.

You will attend post-operative check-ups so Dr. Rednam can monitor your progress and provide you with aftercare support and instructions to guide you through your recovery.

Results

While initial changes to your abdominal profile will be visible right away, the full, refined results will develop over several months. These include:

Refined Contour: A significantly flatter, smoother, and more sculpted abdominal appearance.
Functional Strength: Enhanced core stability and posture resulting from Dr. Rednam’s careful muscle wall repair technique.
Heightened Confidence: A boost in self-esteem and increased physical comfort in varied attire.

Alongside a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, these transformative results can last for many years.

Corresponding Procedures

Many patients choose to pair their tummy tuck with additional body contouring treatments to achieve a more comprehensive transformation. Dr. Rednam can help you explore options that align with your goals during your personal consultation. Some popular options include:

Liposuction

Liposuction allows Dr. Rednam to remove stubborn, localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. When combined with a tummy tuck, it allows for more precise body sculpting, particularly in the flanks and waist, providing a more balanced and contoured overall silhouette. It can also address other areas of the body that have held onto persistent fat, including the arms and bra line.

Fleur-de-Lis extension

A vertical incision may be recommended with your abdominoplasty if your skin excess is significant in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The incision corresponds with the mid abdomen contouring and is placed to enhance and effectively treat the waistline and in individuals who require this additional incision.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes excess, sagging skin and tightens underlying tissue in the upper legs, common after significant weight loss. Pairing this with a tummy tuck brings balance to the lower body, creating a smooth, cohesive transition from the abdomen down to the thighs.

Breast Lift

A breast lift raises and reshapes the breast mound by removing excess skin and tightening tissues to create a more youthful, balanced contour. Often, this procedure will work in tandem with a tummy tuck and liposuction as part of a mommy makeover to restore a woman’s energetic figure after childbirth, significant weight loss, or simply when she wants a full body rejuvenation.

Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Houston

The cost of your tummy tuck will depend on the complexity of Dr. Rednam’s surgical technique, the extent of your procedure, whether or not you choose to include any corresponding treatment(s), and other factors. During your personal consultation, Dr. Rednam will provide you with a thorough cost estimate that reflects the details of your custom treatment plan. Qualified patients may also discuss financing options to help make treatment more accessible.

To learn more about tummy tucks and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Rednam, call (713) 791-0700 or submit our online contact form.

FAQ

How do I know if I need a standard, mini, or extended tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck addresses mild to moderate skin laxity localized at the lower abdomen, where an extended tummy tuck is typically reserved for individuals with significant laxity and muscle separation above and below the abdomen, and extending posteriorly. During your consultation, Dr. Rednam will perform a thorough physical exam to determine which type of procedure is necessary to fully address your concerns and provide lasting results.

How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

The results are virtually permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight. Significant future weight gain or pregnancies can negatively impact your aesthetic results.

Can a tummy tuck help with back pain?

Yes, many patients report improved posture and relief from lower back pain, as the procedure tightens the core muscles that support the spine.

Will a tummy tuck leave noticeable scars?

While all surgical incisions leave a scar, Dr. Rednam places them strategically below the waistline to ensure they hide beneath clothing. They will continue to fade over time.

References

Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
Greminger RF. The mini-abdominoplasty. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 1987;79(3):356-365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2950538/
Shestak KC. The extended abdominoplasty. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2014;41(4):705-713. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25283456/