An abdominoplasty, often called a “tummy tuck,” is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. Our well-practiced surgeons have been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our exceptional care.
In this guide, we review Best Tummy tuck in Austin tx, How much does a tummy tuck cost in Texas, What is the best kind of tummy tuck to get, and What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a 360 tummy tuck?
Best Tummy tuck in Austin tx
What Is Abdominoplasty?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. This procedure can also benefit older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Tummy tucks can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy.
Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to consider postponing this procedure until they are done having children.
We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, because skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
Click below to watch Dr. Walden on Austin’s KVUE on her “Looking Good and Living Well with Dr. Jennifer Walden” discussing Mommy Makeovers, which combines a breast augmentation and/or lift with tummy tuck:
Mommy Makeover Austin, Texas
Candidates for Tummy Tuck
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. This procedure can also benefit older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Tummy tucks can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to consider postponing this procedure until they are done having children.
We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, because skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results
We take the time during every preoperative consultation to learn what patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck, both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what you have to say and giving you a thorough physical examination, we’ll provide you with a completely customized treatment that takes into account your specific goals, rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure.
The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure
Tummy tucks take approximately two to five hours and are performed under general anesthesia. This procedure may be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the complexity of your surgery and our Dr. Walden’s recommendation.
Surgery involves two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel.
They will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached in a natural position. Lastly, our doctors will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.
Recovery After Tummy Tuck
After surgery, compression garments are worn and a temporary tube may be inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months. You should limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks, and may need to take off from work for up to a month. We will give you specific instructions for your individual recovery. Following these instructions can help speed up your recovery, and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.
Tummy Tuck Results
A tummy tuck leaves you with a flatter, more-toned abdominal area that fits the natural contours of your body. It can improve your appearance and confidence by helping you look and feel younger and slimmer. The results of this procedure are visible right away, and continue to improve. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. Scars will fade with time, leaving your stomach sleeker and more defined than ever before.

Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
Partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” is similar to the regular tummy tuck procedure, except it involves a shorter incision and the skin is lifted only to the navel, which does not have to be moved.
This procedure is ideal for patients who need just a little improvement in order to reach their desired results. You can discuss the differences between these procedures, as well as weigh their benefits and risks with our doctors, in order to decide which procedure is best for you.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Texas
Are you thinking about having a tummy tuck? If so, you’re probably considering how much the procedure is likely to cost. Since what you pay can be different depending on what kind of procedure you choose, as well as other factors, it’s helpful to look at how the cost of a tummy tuck breaks down.
Breaking Down the Costs of a Tummy Tuck
If you decide to have a tummy tuck, part of your surgical consultation will involve a discussion of the costs involved. You’ll also receive an itemized list of the different costs involved in your procedure, and you’ll be able to ask questions at your consultation. According to one consumer guide, the total cost of a tummy tuck, including all professional and facility fees and miscellaneous expenses, ranges from $7,475 to $17,650. The cost of the procedure commonly includes the following:
Your tummy tuck cost might also be different depending on how complicated your particular case is. In general, the more complicated a case is, the longer it’s likely to take, and the more it’s likely to cost. For instance, a standard tummy tuck removes excess skin above and below the belly button, whereas a mini tummy tuck only removes skin below the belly button, making it different in cost. An around-the-world or extended tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin from the back as well as the abdomen; this surgery takes longer and is more expensive.
Surgeon’s Fee
Your surgeon charges a fee for their time and expertise. How much they charge depends on several things, like
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck is $5,493.
Anesthetist’s Fee
The anesthetist for your surgery charges their own fee for their time and expertise. The amount they charge depends mostly on how long your procedure takes, as they typically charge on an hourly basis. You can also expect to pay a higher fee if your anesthetist is more experienced or highly-reputed. The anesthetist’s fee is charged on an hourly basis, with the total cost ranging from $400 to $1,800.
Facility Fee
The facility fee is a charge that covers all the others expenses of the tummy tuck procedure, including the equipment and disposable items used in the surgery, as well as other running costs of the office-based surgical facility. The amount you pay in facility fees depends largely on:
For a tummy tuck, the facility fee can range from around $1,200 for a simple tummy tuck performed in a surgeon’s clinic to $10,000 for a hospital-performed procedure with an overnight stay.
Miscellaneous Costs – Prescriptions and Garments
The facility fee covers all the expenses relating to the procedure itself, but it doesn’t cover the cost of the pre-operative stage or your recovery period. Miscellaneous tummy tuck costs include things like prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics and support or compression garments for wearing after the procedure. As well as this, your surgeon may order some pre-op medical tests. These can cost up to $500, depending on how many tests are ordered. The amount you pay for prescriptions depends on how many medications you’re prescribed. Most surgeons will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, but some will also prescribe additional medications such as anti-nausea drugs and sleep aids. Your insurance might cover part or all of the cost of medications, even if the procedure itself isn’t covered. Finally, there are compression garments. A well-made garment can cost up to $350. Your surgeon may be able to provide or suggest a less costly alternative, but it’s vital to buy and use a compression garment to ensure that you recover from your tummy tuck properly.

How Location Affects Tummy Tuck Cost
Where you live, or where you choose to have your procedure, can also affect how much your tummy tuck costs. There are two main reasons for this.
How to Pay for a Tummy Tuck
Most of the time, tummy tucks don’t qualify for insurance coverage, but in some situations the procedure is considered medically necessary. This is the case when excess abdominal skin causes problems like skin rashes and infections or when the weight of the excess skin causes back pain. North Texas Plastic Surgery offers a range of financing options, so if you need a little help to pay for the procedure you’ve been dreaming of, you can get it. Want to learn more about tummy tuck pricing through North Texas Plastic Surgery? Call today to schedule a free consultation, and get your questions answered!
What is the best kind of tummy tuck to get
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess tissue to slim down, tighten, and recontour the abdomen. It’s a common treatment for patients who are recovering from the physical strains of pregnancy, who have skin laxity (sagging) as a result of aging, and for those who wish to kick-start their body contouring journey. But, it may come as a surprise that there is no “one size fits all” tummy tuck procedure. In fact, doctors can choose a treatment type from a selection of abdominoplasty options that best fits their patient’s needs. With this in mind, it’s important for patients to find out what each tummy tuck procedure entails so they can work with their surgeon and make informed treatment decisions.
As one of the leading board-certified plastic surgeons in Ohio, Dr. Gregory M. Fedele specializes in cosmetic procedures for the body, breasts, face, and skin. At his Cleveland practice The Art of Plastic Surgery, he provides tummy tuck surgeries tailored to the individual goals of each of his patients, to reshape the abdomen and renew body confidence. Call Dr. Fedele’s office at (216) 464-1616 today to book your personal tummy tuck consultation, or send us an inquiry detailing the treatment you are interested in online using this simple form.
Before and After Photos
Regain Confidence and Contour
A bulging abdomen that has to be disguised with baggy clothing and shapewear is not ideal, nor is it a comfortable experience. But, it’s something that many men and women deal with on a daily basis. Waistbands can dig in and chafe, rolls can spill over our undergarments, and our overall self-confidence can take a hit if our body doesn’t look or feel the way we want it to. An abdominoplasty has been shown to improve patients’ overall quality of life, body satisfaction, sexual functioning, and self-esteem. (1) This surgery can not only help you start afresh and be a motivator for maintaining health and fitness, but also provides peace of mind for patients who were previously too embarrassed to show off their bodies in fitted clothing, swimwear, and undergarments. There are many reasons why patients seek abdominoplasty surgery. They can be broadly categorized as:
Different Types of Tummy Tuck
Your surgeon can adapt your abdominoplasty according to your physical attributes. But how do you know which one is right for you? You can discuss your goals with your surgeon and find out which version of this transformative body-contouring surgery would benefit you the most.

Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck involves the strategic placement of a horizontal incision between the upper pubic region (where underwear bands usually fall) and the belly button. This incision position limits scar prominence. The shape and length of the incision may vary depending on the amount of excess skin you have in your abdomen. This style of abdominoplasty also involves a second incision at the belly button to tighten and remove excess skin from the upper abdomen.
Studies show that muscle correction is integral to the creation of a flatter stomach. (2) The main muscle targeted in a tummy tuck procedure is the rectus abdominis, the large muscle either side of the linea alba (the central vertical line running down the middle of the abdomen). After pregnancy, the two halves of this muscle can separate to accommodate a growing fetus in a condition known as diastasis recti (literally “separated recti abdominis muscles”).Where necessary, your surgeon will pull the underlying abdominal muscles together, and remove pockets of fat in the upper and lower abdomen with liposuction to provide a slimmer, smoother contour.
After these steps, the remaining skin is draped over the abdomen before being trimmed. During this process, your surgeon relocates the navel to a natural position on the abdomen. Finally, the area is sutured closed and the patient gains a firmer abdomen, narrower waist, and more congruent silhouette.
Full Tummy Tuck Snapshot:
Mini Tummy Tuck
Despite its name, the mini tummy tuck is still major cosmetic surgery. Many of the steps in a mini tummy tuck are identical to a full abdominoplasty. The main difference, however, is the length of the incision made, and the percentage of the abdomen addressed. In a mini tummy tuck, only a 4-8 inch long incision is made, compared to around 12 inches for a full tummy tuck.
The mini tummy tuck is also used for patients who are satisfied with their upper abdomen aesthetic since this surgery only addresses excess tissue and fat deposits below the navel. Elements of muscle repair, liposuction, and skin augmentation remain, but the focus is the rejuvenation of the area between the navel and the pubic area. The mini tummy tuck is convenient for many patients because fewer areas are targeted, and the procedure itself is shorter. This means the recovery period after this form of treatment is reduced.
Mini Tummy Tuck Snapshot:
Dr. Fedele has advanced plastic surgery training, which includes both tummy tuck procedures. Get in contact with us today to book a personal consultation to discuss which abdominoplasty option is right for you. Call (216) 464-1616 or fill out an online form for more details.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can reimagine your abdominal contour and help you regain your confidence! The benefits of this type of surgery include:
Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Patients with moderate to severe skin laxity and excess fat in the abdomen can be good candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure. Men and women who require both above and below the navel to be addressed may benefit most from a full tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is a great choice for patients who only want to focus on their lower abdominal aesthetic. Abdominoplasty may not be a good fit if you have any of the following conditions:
Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a tendency to bleed or bruise very easily, and morbid obesity should seek a different form of treatment to reach their desired goals. (3)
Personal Consultation
At your personal consultation, Dr. Fedele can address your aesthetic concerns. You will be asked to provide a brief medical history and discuss your aesthetic goals. He will examine your abdomen, noting your current contour, excess skin, and fatty areas. After this assessment, he can suggest either a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck based on your circumstances. If you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty, he will schedule your surgery date. Here’s some information on what to expect from your initial consultation.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck Procedure in Cleveland, OH
Whichever tummy tuck option you undergo with Dr. Fedele, its cost will vary depending on your situation and the complexity of the procedure. For financing information, patient reviews, and a list of commonly asked questions – including transparent pricing estimates, please see our website.
What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a 360 tummy tuck
Losing a substantial amount of weight is not only an impressive accomplishment, but it also can significantly reduce your risk of disease. Of course, depending on where those pockets of fat are located, everyone’s body responds differently to weight loss—some will lose significant amounts of fat from the abdomen. In contrast, others tend to lose more from the buttocks and thighs.
Unfortunately, despite your successful weight loss achievement, you may find yourself disappointed by an excessive amount of loose, droopy flesh and skin now left hanging. Not only can this negatively affect your appearance, but it also affects your quality of life and self-confidence.
There are two cosmetic procedures double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Venkata Erella recommends for addressing these pockets of fat across regions of the body that do not respond to any amount of diet and exercise:
Are you curious about the differences between the procedures? Let’s take a more detailed look at the similarities and differences between the two surgical procedures.
What is a 360 Body Lift?
A 360 body lift from Aspira Plastic Surgery in Austin, TX, is recommended to those who not only need to remove body fat but also would like to tighten loose skin around the abdominal area—sides or lower back—buttocks or thighs.
Aging, genetics, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations can all result in poor tissue elasticity and sagging of skin, both of which can be difficult to conceal. A 360 body lift (also known as a circumferential tummy tuck or lower body lift) is designed to shape and contour your body, resolve poor skin elasticity, and provide a boost of self-confidence.
What’s Involved in a 360 Body Lift?
During a 360 body lift, under general anesthesia, Dr. Erella removes excess tissue and fat and lifts and tightens the sagging skin. In the process, the procedure can also tighten up abdominal muscles, giving the patient a flatter, more fit-looking abdomen.
The procedure can be performed during one visit or in stages, depending on the specific plan suggested by Dr. Erella. The results from a 360 body lift are visible almost immediately and will look best once the patient has fully recovered.