Abdominoplasty

Conveniently located to serve Houston and Sugar Land, TX

Frustrated by loose abdominal skin or a belly “pouch”? Daisy A. Ayim, MD, FAACS, at Ayim Surgical Arts, specializes in the abdominoplasty procedure for patients in Houston and Sugar Land, TX. Achieve a smooth, firm, and contoured midsection with an expert tummy tuck tailored just for you. Learn more about the procedure here.

What Is Lipoabdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery designed to reshape your stomach. The tummy tuck surgery accomplishes two main objectives:

Removes excess, stretched skin and fat below the belly button
Tightens weak or separated abdominal muscles

Fixing the muscle is key to getting a flat and firm result. Dr. Ayim often performs a lipoabdominoplasty procedure, which includes liposuction to shape the waist and flanks for a complete look.

This procedure can be used to correct conditions such as Diastasis Recti, which is commonly seen in women after pregnancy.

Who Is a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

Many people who have undergone drastic weight loss end up with drooping excess skin as a result. Many women find themselves in the same situation after pregnancy. These are often the ideal candidates for abdominoplasty.

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure if you:

Have loose or hanging abdominal skin
Notice stretched or separated abdominal muscles
Have realistic expectations for your results
Want to improve the appearance of your abdomen by addressing excess skin, fat, and sagging muscle tissue
Are healthy and at a steady weight
Are a non-smoker (or are willing to quit)

To determine whether you are a good candidate, you will meet with Dr. Ayim for a consultation before a surgery date can be set.

What to Expect During Your Consultation and Tummy Tuck Procedure

Consultation and planning

During your abdominoplasty consultation, Dr. Ayim will listen to your goals and check your abdomen. She will use this time to create a personal surgical plan, explaining if a traditional abdominoplasty surgery or a comprehensive lipoabdominoplasty technique is right for you.

The surgery

At the start of the lipoabdominoplasty procedure, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered.

Liposuction is performed using a cannula (a thin tube with a sharp end). For the lipoabdominoplasty procedure, Dr. Ayim makes an incision low on the abdomen where it can be hidden by most underwear and swimwear. Excess skin is removed, drooping muscles are tightened, the remaining skin is pulled, the belly button is placed in a new position, and incisions are closed with sutures.

Adding liposuction helps create a smooth shape for your hips and sides. For those seeking non-surgical fat reduction, we also offer information on treatments like BodyTite for targeted fat reduction.

Procedure duration and safety measures

Tummy tuck surgery usually takes two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Safety protocols are followed carefully throughout the procedure.

Recovery Timeline and Expected Tummy Tuck Results

Lipoabdominoplasty generally does not require drains or post-operative care and offers a quicker recovery time compared to traditional tummy tucks. You will need to wear a garment for up to six weeks to facilitate healing.

Most patients can return to a desk job or light activity within 10-14 days; however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for six to eight weeks. If you are preparing for your procedure, make sure you read our guide on How to Prepare for Your Body Contouring Procedure in Houston.

Here are a few recovery tips to remember:

Walk gently – Taking short, slow walks helps with blood flow and healing.
Keep your core supported – Always wear your support garment exactly as Dr. Ayim says.
Prepare your home – Gather essentials like pillows, medications, and reading materials and keep them close by before your surgery.

Your new, flatter, and firmer abdomen will become fully clear as the swelling goes down over the next few months.

“Dr Ayim is great and very nice person. She is so confident and perfect. Her nature is lovely and I will definitely refer her to anyone!”

Benefits of Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck is more than a cosmetic enhancement. It helps restore core strength and improve abdominal tone. Benefits include:

A flatter, tighter stomach, often removing the “pouch” that diet and exercise couldn’t change
Removal of loose or sagging skin
Improved muscle support following pregnancy or weight loss
A smoother transition from waist to hips

This surgery provides lasting results for many patients when combined with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

What a tummy tuck treats: beyond cosmetic improvement

While most people focus on how they will look, a tummy tuck also fixes physical problems. The procedure permanently corrects the muscle separation by tightening and restoring the core muscles. It can sometimes lead to better posture and may help with lower back pain caused by a weak core.

How Much Does Abdominoplasty Cost?

Many factors affect the overall cost of a tummy tuck. The total procedure time, the amount of excess tissue removed, the type of anesthesia used, and the techniques employed all contribute to the final price of abdominoplasty.

Explore financing options for your tummy tuck to help plan your treatment comfortably.

Before and After Tummy Tuck Results: See the Transformation

See how patients at Ayim Surgical Arts have achieved smoother, firmer contours with abdominoplasty.

View before and after tummy tuck photos to see real transformations.

Why Choose Ayim Surgical Arts for Abdominoplasty in Houston & Sugar Land?

When choosing a tummy tuck surgeon near Houston or Sugar Land, TX, you should pick a professional with specialized knowledge. Daisy A. Ayim, MD, FAACS, stands out because she has two sets of training: she is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who also trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN).

This background is helpful for abdominoplasty patients, especially those who have had children. Her OB/GYN training provides her with a strong understanding of the physical changes that pregnancy causes, specifically to the abdominal wall and muscles. This better understanding enables her to perform a more precise and comprehensive muscle repair, resulting in improved aesthetic and long-term outcomes.

Choosing Ayim Surgical Arts means selecting a surgeon who truly knows the body she is reshaping. Learn more about our advanced body contouring procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have a scar?

Yes, a scar is necessary for this abdominoplasty surgery, but Dr. Ayim places the incision low on your body, where it can be easily hidden under most clothing. With proper care, the scar will fade and become less noticeable over time.

Is this a way to lose weight?

No, an abdominoplasty is for shaping the body. It works well when you are close to your goal weight, and you should not rely on it as a weight-loss method.

What if I want a bigger change?

If you are also worried about breast changes after pregnancy, we might talk about a mommy makeover, which often puts a tummy tuck together with a breast lift or augmentation. This combination addresses multiple areas in one surgery.

Can a tummy tuck get rid of my stretch marks?

The tummy tuck procedure removes the skin below the belly button, so any stretch marks located on that lower section of skin will be removed. However, stretch marks above the belly button or on your sides will remain.

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen (above and below the belly button) and includes muscle repair to fix a separated core. A mini tummy tuck utilizes a shorter incision and addresses only the area below the belly button, typically for less severe skin laxity.

Book Your Abdominoplasty Consultation Today

Don’t let loose skin and a weak core hold you back from feeling your best. Take the step today to achieve the flat, firm midsection you want. Consult Daisy A. Ayim, MD, FAACS, of Ayim Surgical Arts, serving Houston and Sugar Land, TX. Contact our office today and set up a consultation with Dr. Ayim to achieve effective abdominal contouring.