(281) 242-1061
Tummy Tuck
in Houston, TX & Katy, TX
A Houston Tummy Tuck is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it's a transformative journey to a more sculpted, confident you.
Whether you're seeking to restore a smooth, toned abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss or simply aiming for a more defined midsection, Dr. Ravi Somayazula, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon renowned for his expertise in body contouring, offers a personalized approach to help you achieve your ideal results.
Dr. Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck, a state-of-the-art approach to abdominoplasty, prioritizes enhanced safety, a more comfortable recovery, and refined, natural-looking contours. This transformative procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens abdominal muscles to create a firmer, flatter silhouette.
At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on being a boutique practice where exceptional patient care meets unparalleled expertise. With our signature white-glove service, every detail of your journey is meticulously tailored to ensure your comfort, confidence, and satisfaction.
TUMMY TUCK PATIENT REVIEW
“From the beginning of my journey, Dr Ravi has guided me and provided me unending support and care. His protocol for pre and post surgery is foolproof!! I feel so renewed physically, emotionally and spiritually and I thank each and everyone at BodybyRavi. I am so thankful to have been blessed by Dr Ravi and the gift he brings to so many. THANK YOU Dr Ravi!!”
-Tummy Tuck Patient
of 86
Tummy Tuck Before & Afters
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and rejuvenates the midsection by removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Over time, factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, or genetics can cause the abdominal skin to stretch and lose elasticity, leaving many feeling self-conscious about their appearance. A tummy tuck helps restore a smoother, firmer, and more contoured stomach, giving you a refreshed and confident look.
Beyond just addressing loose skin, a tummy tuck also involves tightening the abdominal muscles, which often become weakened or separated due to pregnancy or weight gain. This enhances the contour of your waistline and improves core strength and posture, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Whether you’re seeking to eliminate a stubborn post-pregnancy pooch or redefine your midsection after a significant weight loss journey, a tummy tuck with Dr. Ravi is a transformative solution. His patient-focused care ensures that the procedure is tailored to your unique goals and anatomy, helping you achieve results that look and feel like the best version of yourself.
WHY CHOOSE DR. RAVI FOR A TUMMY TUCK?
Houston Tummy Tuck Specialist
Dr. Ravi Somayazula is a board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon located in Houston, TX. He specializes in body contouring procedures with a focus on delivering exceptional results and an unparalleled recovery experience.
Known for his SMART Tummy Tuck, Dr. Ravi expertly combines the alignment and tightening of separated abdominal muscles to create an internal corset, along with skin removal and targeted liposuction to contour the area and bring in the waist. This combination enhances the natural curves of the body, resulting in a beautifully sculpted, feminine "S" curve. The outcome is a firmer, flatter midsection with a youthful, flattering contour that enhances your shape and boosts your confidence.
With over 600 five-star Google reviews, Dr. Ravi’s reputation for excellence speaks for itself. His patient-centered approach ensures each treatment plan is thoughtfully customized to reflect an individual’s medical history, lifestyle, and unique goals. His warm, approachable demeanor and professional bedside manner foster an environment where patients can make well-informed decisions without pressure. Dr. Ravi prioritizes both achieving stunning, long-lasting results and ensuring a smooth recovery, with a dedicated focus on post-procedure pain management to ensure comfort throughout the healing process.
"The precision and surgical expertise required to achieve optimal tummy tuck results cannot be overstated. This procedure is far more than a simple excision of skin and fat; it demands a truly artistic touch. It is a sculptural art form where a deep understanding of anatomy is seamlessly paired with an inherent aesthetic vision to create breathtaking results. The transformative impact extends beyond the physical, fostering profound improvements in well-being, self-assurance, and confidence."
-Dr. Ravi Somayazula
Dr. Ravi’s Signature SMART Tummy Tuck
Redefining Abdominal Contouring
Dr. Ravi Somayazula’s extensive experience performing tummy tucks has allowed him to become a true expert in the field. Through years of dedication, he has perfected the art of the procedure. His commitment to continuous learning and refinement led to the development of the groundbreaking SMART Tummy Tuck, a revolutionary approach that combines cutting-edge techniques with his expert skill. This refined surgery enhances results and prioritizes patient safety and comfort, ensuring a smoother recovery process and a more manageable experience post-surgery.
Dr. Ravi's SMART Tummy Tuck incorporates a precise combination of techniques designed to achieve the most exquisite, customized results for each patient.
Dr. Ravi's expert use of advanced methods, such as minimally invasive liposuction and musculo-aponeurotic resuspension, ensures minimal blood loss, reduces complications, and enhances overall aesthetic outcomes. With the use of Exparel injections into the abdominal wall, patients experience significantly improved pain control for up to 72 hours, making the recovery process more comfortable. Dr. Ravi also employs progressive tension sutures and an internal corset technique, which tightens the abdominal muscles and brings in the waist, creating a more defined "S" curve figure. These advanced techniques result in a flatter, more sculpted abdomen with a thinner, lower scar that remains discreetly hidden, ensuring a beautifully refined and long-lasting outcome.
Which Type of Tummy Tuck is Right for You?
Dr. Ravi tailors each tummy tuck procedure to suit your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Depending on factors such as the amount of lax skin, the presence of muscle separation, and your starting point, one of the following techniques may be recommended:
- Full Tummy Tuck: Dr. Ravi’s full tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat along with muscle repair. This comprehensive procedure involves an incision along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Dr. Ravi repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles to create a firmer abdominal wall. Excess skin is meticulously removed, and the remaining tissue is pulled taut for a flatter, smoother appearance. The belly button is also reshaped and repositioned to complement your results.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Ideal for those with minimal excess skin and no muscle separation, this technique requires a shorter, less noticeable incision above the pubic area, typically extending midway across the pelvic region. Unlike the full tummy tuck, this procedure does not require muscle repair and repositioning of the belly button, making this a less invasive option for targeted contouring.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: For individuals with more significant skin laxity, the extended tummy tuck provides enhanced results. This procedure involves a longer incision along the lower abdomen, extending further out than a full tummy tuck, to remove as much loose skin as possible and achieve a more contoured silhouette.
- Circumferential Body Lift: Designed for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, this transformative procedure addresses excess skin on the abdomen and around the entire midsection. The incision encircles the torso, allowing for the removal of loose skin and comprehensive reshaping to restore balance and definition.
Dr. Ravi recognizes that scarring is a common concern for many patients, which is why he employs precise techniques to minimize tension on the skin and promote healing into smooth, faint lines. While scars are a natural part of tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Ravi’s thoughtful incision placement and meticulous wound closure ensure they are discreetly positioned, allowing you to confidently wear low-cut clothing, including bikini bottoms.
Dr. Ravi’s commitment to optimal scar healing extends well beyond the operating room. His comprehensive scar management protocol includes the use of silicone scar sheeting and silicone scar creams to enhance healing. For patients seeking further refinement, advanced treatments such as microneedling or Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) may be recommended to improve the appearance of scars and achieve the best possible results.
Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, or Both?
Finding the Right Path to Your Ideal Contour
A common question among patients is whether liposuction alone can create a flatter, more toned abdomen. The answer depends on the root cause of the concern—whether it’s excess fat or loose skin and tissue. Liposuction is an excellent solution for removing unwanted fat, but if loose skin is also an issue, liposuction alone may actually accentuate the problem. In such cases, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is the ideal choice, as it removes both excess skin and residual fat to achieve a smoother, firmer midsection.
For those seeking comprehensive body contouring, Dr. Ravi combines a tummy tuck with liposuction at the upper abdomen and waist (or love handles) to deliver exceptional results. While a tummy tuck sculpts the lower abdomen, liposuction enhances the contours of the upper abdomen and sides, achieving a refined and harmonious silhouette.
How Can I Benefit From a Tummy Tuck?
At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Dr. Ravi Somayazula's tummy tuck procedure can help both women and men achieve a smooth, taut abdomen and youthful figure. A life-changing procedure, an abdominoplasty can give patients the chance to once again wear their favorite clothing and swimsuits, feeling confident in their body. The ultimate reward from a tummy tuck is the increased self-esteem when the body is once again back to its glorious pre-pregnancy shape. Our Houston tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a highly rewarding procedure that removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. Women have been able to drop several dress sizes and have decreased unsightly bulging in clothes and swimwear.
Some of the key benefits of a SMART Tummy Tuck include:
- Smooth, toned, and firm abdomen
- Eliminated loose, sagging skin
- Removal of stubborn, unwanted fat
- Diminished visibility of stretch marks
- Stronger and tightened abdominal muscles
- A slimmer, more defined waistline
- Eliminating a C-section scar
- Feminine hourglass figure
- Improved self-confidence
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Ravi’s Tummy Tuck procedure is customized to each individual, delivering exceptional results for addressing a pooch or sagging abdominal skin.
Ideal candidates for the procedure:
- Are in good overall health
- Are within 10-15 pounds of their target weight
- Have a clear understanding of the procedure and maintain realistic expectations for the outcome
- Are non-smokers and free from nicotine use, as nicotine can hinder the healing process
For those who smoke, plan to become pregnant, or intend to lose a significant amount of weight, Dr. Ravi may recommend postponing the procedure to ensure optimal results and long-lasting satisfaction.
What to Expect at Your Consultation with Dr. Ravi?
Your consultation for a Tummy Tuck begins with meeting your Patient Care Coordinator, who serves as your personal liaison throughout your entire journey. This dedicated professional will guide you through each step, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable from start to finish. Afterward, you’ll meet with Dr. Ravi for a detailed consultation that typically lasts about one hour.
During your dedicated consultation with Dr. Ravi:
- Dr. Ravi will review your medical history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- He will discuss your aesthetic goals to understand your desired outcome.
- A thorough examination of your separated abdominal muscles and loose skin will be performed.
- Dr. Ravi will explain his specialized SMART Tummy Tuck techniques in detail.
- Before-and-after photos of recent patients will be shared to provide insight into potential results.
- All your questions will be addressed to ensure you feel informed and confident about the procedure.
If a Tummy Tuck is the right choice for you, Dr. Ravi will create a personalized treatment plan to achieve your desired results. In most cases, Dr. Ravi also suggests liposuction of the upper abdomen, waist, and flanks to ensure a beautifully contoured result, as a Tummy Tuck alone may not address excess fat in these areas.
For a more well-balanced midsection, Dr. Ravi may also recommend Liposuction 360, which includes liposuction of the back and bra rolls or even fat transfer to the buttocks (BBL). Depending on your goals, Dr. Ravi may recommend combining the procedure with a Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, or Breast Reduction as part of his Mommy Makeover procedure. With Dr. Ravi’s comprehensive approach, you can expect a treatment plan tailored to deliver the best overall results for a harmonious, balanced silhouette.
How Does Dr. Ravi Deliver a Safe and Effortless Surgical Experience?
At Dr. Ravi’s practice, your safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Approximately three weeks before your Tummy Tuck surgery, you will attend a comprehensive pre-operative appointment designed to ensure you are fully prepared for your transformative journey.
During this personalized visit, we will review every detail of your procedure, including pre-surgery guidelines, recovery instructions, and what to expect during each step of the process. You will also receive a meticulously curated surgical information packet to guide you through the experience.
As part of our commitment to seamless care, prescriptions for antibiotics, pain management, and anti-nausea medications will be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy. We will also take a series of professional "Before" photographs to document your journey, and all necessary consent forms will be completed at this time. Any required labs, medical clearances, or imaging will be carefully reviewed to ensure you are in optimal health for surgery. This appointment is an integral part of our dedication to providing a safe and luxurious surgical experience tailored exclusively to you.
Four Weeks Before Surgery: It is essential to discontinue smoking, vaping, and the use of any nicotine products, including e-cigarettes. Nicotine significantly reduces circulation, which can delay healing and increase the risk of serious complications. To promote optimal recovery, we strongly recommend refraining from nicotine use for at least four weeks after surgery.
Two Weeks Before Surgery: Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen. These substances can thin the blood and increase the risk of unexpected bleeding during and after your procedure.
Two Weeks Before Surgery: Discontinue the use of herbs and dietary supplements, as these can interfere with your body’s natural healing process. Your safety and recovery are our utmost priorities, and this step is essential to ensuring the best possible outcome.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
What Makes Dr. Ravi’s Tummy Tuck Truly Transformative?
Dr. Ravi performs his tummy tuck procedure at his luxurious, fully accredited surgical facility in Houston, where patient safety, comfort, and exceptional results are the highest priorities. The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
The surgery typically takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of correction and the customized technique designed for your unique needs. Dr. Ravi takes a personalized approach, beginning with a carefully placed, low transverse incision discreetly positioned along the pubic line, extending from hip to hip. Through this incision, he removes excess skin and fatty tissue, expertly tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer, more sculpted core. In some cases, liposuction may be incorporated to further refine the contours of the abdomen and achieve a smoother, more harmonious result.
To enhance your comfort during recovery, Dr. Ravi injects Exparel, a long-acting anesthetic, into the abdominal wall. This innovative pain management technique provides improved pain control for up to 72 hours after surgery, allowing for a smoother and more comfortable healing process.
For patients requiring reshaping or repositioning of the belly button, Dr. Ravi dedicates extra time and precision to ensure it appears as natural and aesthetically pleasing as possible, seamlessly complementing your newly contoured abdomen.
Once the desired transformation is achieved, Dr. Ravi meticulously closes the incisions with sutures and applies advanced scar tape to promote optimal healing and minimize the appearance of scars. To further support your recovery, a surgical garment is placed to reduce swelling and encourage proper healing, helping you transition comfortably into your rejuvenated silhouette.
Experience a Smoother Recovery with Dr. Ravi’s Enhanced Pain Protocol
Dr. Ravi’s innovative pain management protocol combines non-narcotic medications with Exparel, a long-lasting local anesthetic, to provide up to 72 hours of exceptional relief after procedures like tummy tucks and circumferential body lifts. The benefits of this advanced approach include:
- Reduced Dependence on Narcotics: Many patients can greatly minimize or even avoid narcotic pain medications, leading to fewer side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and constipation.
- Increased Mobility: With effective pain management, you’ll feel more at ease moving around sooner, which helps lower the risk of complications like blood clots and promotes faster healing.
- Quicker Return to Daily Life: Our approach accelerates recovery, allowing you to return to work and daily life more quickly and comfortably—ideal for those with busy schedules.
- Greater Comfort and Peace of Mind: Effective pain control lets you focus on recovery and enjoy your results without stress or discomfort.
Getting Back to Your Best Self After a Tummy Tuck
Recovering from a tummy tuck is a journey, and at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. While recovery typically takes one to two weeks, every individual heals differently. Most patients feel ready to return to work within 10 to 14 days, though some may take a little longer to resume their full routine. Strenuous activities, including lifting more than 5 lbs, should be avoided for six weeks to ensure optimal healing.
In the initial days, you can expect some mild to moderate discomfort, along with swelling and bruising. Dr. Ravi takes every measure to support your healing, including carefully applied dressings, a compression garment to minimize swelling, and the use of drain tubes to prevent fluid buildup. During your consultation and post-operative visits, Dr. Ravi will provide detailed instructions for drain care, and these are typically removed at the one-week appointment. For the first several days after surgery, it’s important to have a responsible adult available to assist you.
To ensure your recovery progresses smoothly, Dr. Ravi schedules your initial in-office follow-up one week after surgery. These appointments continue at regular intervals over the next year to monitor your long-term healing. Dr. Ravi and his dedicated staff are always available to answer questions or address concerns, offering you peace of mind throughout the process.
While some redness and swelling subside within a few weeks, residual swelling may take six months or longer to fully resolve. Over time, you’ll notice your skin becoming tighter, smoother, and more contoured. The final results—a flatter, more sculpted abdomen—will emerge as your body continues to heal.
To help you achieve the best possible outcome, Dr. Ravi will recommend tailored medications and treatments designed to enhance your results. At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we combine expertise, care, and attention to detail to ensure your tummy tuck recovery is as seamless and luxurious as the transformation itself.
Tummy Tuck Results
The results of a tummy tuck can be life-changing, offering a smoother, flatter, and more contoured midsection. While you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your abdomen’s shape and profile following surgery, it’s important to remember that final results take time to fully develop. Initial swelling and bruising are normal and will gradually subside over several weeks, with most patients seeing significant improvements within the first three months. For the majority of patients, the final results are typically visible around six months to a year as the body fully heals and scars begin to fade.
When performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Ravi, the results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting. By maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy your newly contoured midsection for years to come. It's worth noting that while the procedure effectively removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal area, future weight fluctuations or pregnancies can impact the results, so it’s often best to wait until you’re done growing your family before undergoing the surgery.
A tummy tuck isn’t just about the physical transformation—it’s about the confidence that comes with looking and feeling your best. With Dr. Ravi’s meticulous approach and patient-focused care, you can rest assured knowing your results will be beautifully natural and uniquely tailored to your body and goals.
Discover the Art of Dr. Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck
Dr. Ravi Somayazula is widely regarded as one of Houston’s top plastic surgeons, attracting patients locally and from across the country who seek his expertise in abdominoplasty and body contouring. Renowned for his patient-focused approach, Dr. Ravi tailors each procedure to the unique needs and goals of every individual, ensuring an exceptional and personalized experience.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want to learn if it’s the right choice for you, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. Contact our Houston-area office at 281-500-8427 or complete our online Contact Us form. Our dedicated patient coordinator is ready to assist you with any questions and help you take the first step toward achieving your ideal body.
TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
Frequently Asked Questions
Wearing the compression garment as instructed is extremely important for maximizing results and minimizing complications. The compression garment reduces swelling and prevents a seroma, or fluid pocket, from accumulating. The garments should be worn around the clock for a minimum of eight six weeks and removed only for showering. It is also important to wear the specific compression garments recommended by our office, as they work better than other surgical garments on the market.
Dr. Ravi will typically place one to two small drains after the abdominoplasty procedure. The drains help reduce post-op swelling by removing the naturally occurring fluid in the neatest manner possible. Drains are normally removed at the one-week follow-up appointment. Removal of the drains is very simple and pain-free.
For optimal body contouring results, an abdominoplasty can be combined with a variety of additional surgeries. Based on patient need, Dr. Ravi can perform liposuction of the abdomen and waist during his tummy tuck. For further contouring, back and bra roll liposuction may be added as part of Liposuction 360 for complete trunk contouring. Additionally, the fat removal during liposuction can be used towards a fat transfer in the buttock, also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). During the consultation, Dr. Ravi will review the pros and cons of combining surgical procedures, determining the best procedure(s) for your needs. Many women will decide to have a Mommy Makeover procedure, which typically is a tummy tuck along with a breast procedure, such as a Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, or Breast Reduction.
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Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Dr. Ravi Somayazula and Dr. Swapna Gopathi, are Board-Certified Physicians, while using who use a patient-centered approach and spend as much time as needed to make each patient feel special and respected—not just another person walking through the door. As a team, a one-of-a-kind treatment plan is created to address concerns from head to toe with the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques, including: Breast Augmentation (Implants), Tummy Tucks, Liposuction, Mommy Makeovers, miraDry®, Botox®, Dermal Fillers, and AVÉLI ® Cellulite treatment. Working side-by-side, Dr. Ravi and Dr. Gopathi strive to create a long-lasting relationship with each patient, meeting any new aesthetic needs as they arise. Together, the staff at Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics take each patient step-by-step through their cosmetic journey to achieve the desired aesthetic results.
