Tummy Tuck in Conroe, TX

During the procedure, you will either be sedated or under general anesthesia. Additionally, a local anesthetic may be used to further manage pain in the area.
Following the procedure, there may be moderate pain in the abdomen. This can be managed using pain medication. Additionally, swelling in the area is normal. Most patients find the discomfort easy to handle when following recovery instructions correctly. However, if the pain becomes too significant, you can contact our office for additional care.

Liposuction may be an alternative to a tummy tuck for some patients. Lipo is a less-invasive procedure that involves removing small fat deposits from the mid-section. It is typically considered to have a smaller impact and maybe less permanent. However, as it is less invasive, there are fewer risks of complications and less recovery time.

Dr. Michael Streitmann will discuss all possible procedures with you during your consultation. He can help you to make an informed decision about what plastic surgery options are right for you.

You’ll notice results from your abdominoplasty procedure right away. As with any form of surgery, there may be minor swelling, discoloration, and discomfort. It may take a week or two before you can enjoy the complete results in the mirror.

Many aspects of abdominoplasty surgery are permanent. For example, excess skin that has been removed will not grow back. Remember, though: It will still be possible for the body to develop and store unneeded abdominal fat. Exercise and diet assist in maintaining results. Most patients notice the following benefits:

• A flatter, tighter abdomen and narrower waist
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
• Elimination of stretch marks due to a tightening of the skin

Some patients prefer to combine a tummy tuck with other forms of plastic surgery such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty (cosmetic nose surgery). Combination surgeries allow patients to achieve their desired results with fewer sessions and reduced overall recovery time. You can discuss this option with the surgeon to see if it is a good choice for your situation.

Most procedures are performed at our offices. We have two locations, one in Houston and one in Conroe. Additionally, Dr. Michael J Streitmann MD is affiliated with HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center should a hospital surgical suite be necessary.

There is a scar after an abdominoplasty. However, the size and visibility of the scar can vary between patients, with some having only a subtle mark. By following medical best practices and good follow-up care, we can minimize the scar.

With help from a surgical expert, the appearance of scars is minimized. Scars will be found on the lower abdomen, where incisions are made to access the underlying muscle. Scars vary in length, but the goal of successful surgery is to minimize their length and depth. Most patients find they are “swimsuit-ready” within two months or so; however, everyone is different.

Scars of any type generally fade over time and may become almost impossible to see. If you are concerned about scarring, bear in mind that a number of treatments can help you eliminate scars.

The Mayo Clinic identifies several risks associated with tummy tucks:

• Fluid Beneath the Skin: Fluid can accumulate under the skin following the surgery. This is managed using drainage tubes that may be left in place after the procedure. The fluid can also be drained by the doctor.
• Poor Healing: Wounds heal differently and sometimes they don’t heal well. The incision site may separate. This is uncommon if following the recovery instructions.
• Infection: All surgeries carry a risk of infection. This is managed with antibiotics during and after the surgery.
• Excess Scaring: Some scaring is expected from abdominoplasty. However, in rare cases, this may be more significant than expected.
• Tissue Damage: Fatty tissue that has not been removed may be damaged. Smoking increases this risk. In rare cases, this may require a surgical touch-up to correct.
• Changed Sensitivity: The procedure may affect the sensitivity of the abdomen and rarely the upper thighs. This may be slight numbness or reduced sensation. It is usually not permanent.

All surgeries have a risk of bleeding. Additionally, if general anesthesia is used, there is a risk of an adverse reaction.

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure. Thus, it is not usually covered by insurance. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the specifics of the patient’s need. We can discuss pricing during your consultation.

The results of a tummy tuck are permanent. However, they may be impacted or even revered by weight gain. If you expect to gain or lose significant weight or plan to get pregnant in the future, it may be preferable to wait before having an abdominoplasty.

“Medically necessary” is a term used by insurance firms to determine which kinds of procedures can be covered. Unfortunately, a tummy tuck procedure is never considered medically necessary by these standards – because it is never intended to treat any disease.

A tummy tuck procedure can improve your quality of life by giving you a more toned, firm and flat abdominal area. It is a great way for people to tone up or to enhance the benefit from any recent weight loss. However, it is not covered by standard insurance.

Tummy Tuck recovery and healing time greatly varies depending on your age, level of fitness and other health factors. Most people will be able to return to sedentary work in just a few days. Several months may pass before you are completely healed, but discomfort is minimal after the first few weeks.

As with any surgery, you should expect some downtime. The length depends on the specifics of the procedure, so get information directly from your doctor. Most patients are able to return to driving within a few days but should avoid bending and lifting for at least two weeks. Vigorous exercise may not be possible for two months or more. Do not drive if you are still taking prescription pain relievers.

Diet and exercise are both essential parts of maintaining a healthy look after any procedure. Your tummy tuck does not change the way your body stores or distributes fat. However, it can help by strengthening the abdominal muscles, which often weaken over time.

Not everyone decides to drastically change his or her health habits after a procedure, and this is fine. Results can remain noticeable for months or even years depending on your habits, metabolism, and other factors. The best and longest-lasting results typically require exercise.

It is true that a number of “bargain” procedures are available in countries with very low medical standards. The odds of complications, including severe scarring, infection and even death, are dramatically higher in these countries than they are when using a skilled surgeon in the United States.