After a major accomplishment like having children or losing weight, excess skin around the midsection can remain—and severely hinder—your self-image.
The decision to seek a tummy tuck surgeon, or any plastic surgeon in Houston, to correct sagging or loose skin can cause a lot of anxiety if you aren’t sure what to look for.
Heights Plastic Surgery offers a highly educational process that puts our patients in the driver’s seat of their own care.

Abdominoplasty, also known as: tummy tuck \ ab-DOM-uh-no-pla-stee \
Plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, predominantly after significant weight loss or childbirth
Procedure options: traditional tummy tuck, circumferential tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, lower body lift, extended tummy tuck, lipoabdominoplasty
Addresses Sagging abdominal skin, Overstretched abdominal muscles, Skin elasticity
Procedure Time 2-3 hours
Eligibility Male & Female, Non-Smoker, 18+
Possible Side Effects Pain/soreness, Swelling, Bruising
Our customized approach to performing a Tummy Tuck allows us to achieve a smooth, contoured look for patients to perfectly complement their unique body structure.
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Abdominoplasty, popularly known as the Tummy Tuck, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that addresses the loose, sagging skin around a man or woman’s midsection. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks perform a Tummy Tuck to safely remove the excess skin and fat from the abdomen and address aesthetic concerns due to aging, heredity, pregnancy, or significant fluctuations in weight. This procedure can restore your appearance and repair weakened and separated muscles in the midsection.
We commonly combine abdominoplasty with liposuction and skin tightening techniques to help provide a harmonious shape of the trunk and a smaller waistline. This is important to planning our Tummy Tucks because our goal is to treat the entire front and back to create a smaller waistline. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks have welcomed hundreds of patients who wish to achieve smoother and firmer abdominal profiles through their expertise.

Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may use any of the following techniques to contour your body with a Tummy Tuck.
If you want to improve your upper and lower abdomen, the traditional or full Tummy Tuck repairs the problem area with a horizontal or U-shaped incision made from hip bone-to-hip bone and just over the pubic hairline. Then, excess skin is removed while abdominal muscles are tightened. Though it yields a longer scar than other surgical methods, a full Tummy Tuck gives you a flatter, smoother stomach. This results in increased comfort in pants and skirts, plus more flattering silhouettes in form-fitting clothes.
If your issue is limited to just a protruding or unflattering lower belly, a mini Tummy Tuck may be enough to address it. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will make one short incision beneath the panty line. Loose muscles in the lower abdomen are tightened, and excess skin is removed to flatten your abdominal wall. The mini Tummy Tuck is relatively quicker than the traditional procedure, requires a shorter recovery, and produces a flattering lower belly. Liposuction of the abdomen is commonly performed to sculpt and improve the overall results.
For patients who desire the removal of loose abdominal skin from a wider area, the extended procedure could be a better fit than the traditional technique. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks makes a longer incision that extends from the hip to the sides of the lower back and removes the patient’s excess skin. This technique is often recommended for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
This technique gets its name from the fact that the incision is made all around the waistline, spanning the entire lower body. The technique, also known as a lower body lift, is recommended by Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks to patients who have undergone extreme weight loss or have sagging of the outer thighs and buttocks that need to be addressed. The aim of the circumferential approach is to remove an abundance of excess fat and loose skin in problem areas such as the tummy, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Undergoing a Tummy Tuck can significantly enhance your quality of life by addressing various concerns and achieving aesthetic goals. Here are some benefits of this transformative procedure:




At Heights Plastic Surgery, ideal candidates for a Tummy Tuck experience the following concerns:
During your private consultation, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will clarify whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. The Tummy Tuck is usually the best option for people who want to get rid of excess skin and tighten the muscles in the midsection after already losing weight or giving birth.

With our interactive, state-of-the-art virtual consultation tool you can explore which procedure can best suit your individual needs and see the potential results of your plastic surgery procedure.

A Tummy Tuck is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about two to three hours to complete.
To begin, either an anesthetic or IV sedation will be administered to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then make a careful incision just above the pubic area to access the abdomen. After carefully removing excess fat and skin from the midsection, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will tighten the muscles in the abdomen, pull the skin tight, and trim away the excess tissue.

The first step for your Tummy Tuck in Houston is meeting with your physician for your personalized consultation. We’ll take time to understand your concerns and goals, go over your medical history, and carefully assess your stomach area, as well as your overall body type and skin condition.
The Houston Tummy Tuck surgeons, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, work together on every case to give you their expert advice you on the ideal option for you: traditional Tummy Tuck, circumferential Tummy Tuck, mini Tummy Tuck, lower body lift, extended Tummy Tuck, or lipoabdominoplasty. We will put together a completely personalized treatment program which can also include non-surgical procedures to help you achieve naturally beautiful results.
We believe informed decisions lead to the most successful outcomes. Our consultations provide a comprehensive overview of your options, tailored to your unique goals, recovery timeframe, and financial considerations. We will thoroughly discuss the benefits and potential risks of each procedure to ensure you feel empowered to make the choice that best aligns with your individual needs.
We understand the importance of scheduling flexibility for your Tummy Tuck. We will work with you to find a date and time for your abdominoplasty that best suits your needs. The procedure itself will be done in our state-of-the-art, on-site surgical center, ensuring your comfort and privacy. You can expect a recovery period of around two to three weeks.
Our comprehensive pre-operative instructions will ensure you are ready for your Houston Tummy Tuck. Upon arrival at our facility, our staff will warmly greet you and guide you to our modern surgical suite. We will then provide a final, detailed overview of the procedure to address any questions you may have and ensure your comfort.
A board-certified plastic surgeon will oversee your entire Tummy Tuck procedure, meticulously performing each step according to your personalized surgical plan. To ensure a smooth recovery, you should arrange for transportation home in advance, as driving yourself is not possible post-surgery.
Following your abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) procedure, our team will schedule a series of follow-up appointments with you. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your healing progress, ensuring optimal results, and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Heights Plastic Surgery, headed by Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, specializes in helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals through Tummy Tuck procedures. We use state-of-the-art techniques and cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results. We prioritize creating a comfortable environment and exceptional patient experience, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey.

At Heights Plastic Surgery, we elevate your experience by bringing highly focused specialists together under one roof. Your aesthetic goals are guided by a team of board-certified plastic surgeons who have collectively published over 60 peer-reviewed medical papers and lectured around the world.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cara Downey (who has been featured in Vogue) blends deep clinical knowledge with a vital female perspective to deliver elegant, beautifully natural-looking outcomes. Dr. Jamal Bullocks is a board-certified plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgery expert who pairs extensive research with international leadership, bringing absolute precision to every procedure. Dr. Megan Swonke is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, whose unique background allows her to focus deeply on balance and harmony for the face and neck.
Our private, in-house surgery center offers the highest levels of safety, comfort, and privacy, and our comprehensive skin and wellness care ensures your aesthetic journey is entirely seamless. When you choose Heights Plastic Surgery, you are giving yourself the highest caliber of collaborative care from trusted experts who elevate beauty and empower confidence.




The cost of a Tummy Tuck in Houston usually falls in the range of $8,000 to $12,000 on average. The final amount you pay for the procedure will be based on factors such as the fee charged by your surgeon, where the procedure is performed, and any additional medical expenses that may arise.
We accept all major credit cards and cash payments. Additionally, we offer financing options through CareCredit®. Keep in mind that Tummy Tuck surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance plans.
For recovery after a Tummy Tuck in Houston patients will typically have some initial pain, bruising, soreness, and swelling, which can be managed by medication and the use of a compression garment. Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks will provide personalized recovery guidance. In two to three weeks, most patients can return to light daily activities, with strenuous exercise restricted for six to eight weeks. While significant improvement is visible in one to three months, ongoing swelling may subside over the next several months. Final results are best maintained with a healthy diet and exercise. Our surgeons also have expertise in performing revision surgery for anyone who has had a previous Tummy Tuck and is in need of additional body contouring.
Yes, a Tummy Tuck can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring and rejuvenation. Common combination procedures include liposuction to further sculpt the body and breast augmentation or lift for enhanced overall symmetry and proportion.
While Tummy Tucks are generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, as with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. These may include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in sensation. However, by carefully following pre-operative and post-operative instructions and choosing a skilled surgeon, these risks can be minimized.
While a Tummy Tuck can provide long-lasting results, it’s essential to understand that the aging process and lifestyle factors can affect the outcome over time. Maintaining a regular exercise routine, a healthy diet, and stable weight can help preserve the results for years to come.
While it is possible to become pregnant after a Tummy Tuck, it’s generally recommended to postpone the procedure until you have completed your family. Pregnancy following a Tummy Tuck can potentially undo the results of the surgery, necessitating further procedures to restore your desired aesthetic outcome. It’s best to discuss your future plans for pregnancy with your plastic surgeon during your consultation to ensure the timing is appropriate for your goals.
Heights Plastic Surgery Membership Plans
When skin maintenance and aesthetics-inspired wellness protocols become part of your regular routine, your body stays nourished, collagen production stays active, and you feel refreshed, day in and day out. Our Heights Plastic Surgery membership offerings remove the guesswork of your next visit, making it easy to stay true to your plan while enjoying preferred pricing on treatments.
The Diamond Club membership includes one clinical treatment each month (such as a Hydrafacial, chemical peel, or IPL photofacial), plus an exclusive 10% discount on surgical cases and additional medical spa services.
The Essex Society membership provides a personalized approach to longevity, offering comprehensive baseline lab panels, monthly body composition tracking, complimentary wellness injections, and tiered savings on peptide regimens and medspa treatments.