Pregnancy, weight changes, and aging can leave behind loose skin, stretched muscles, and stubborn belly fat that no amount of exercise can fix. A tummy tuck—also called abdominoplasty—restores your core by tightening muscles, removing excess skin, and refining your waistline. With a focus on natural, proportionate results, Dr. Ryan Couvillion helps patients reclaim confidence in their midsection with advanced surgical techniques and compassionate care.
Houston’s Destination for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Couvillion offers highly personalized body contouring procedures that respect your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle. Whether you’re recovering from pregnancy or have achieved major weight loss, his goal is to help you feel at home in your body again.
- Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen
- Repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)
- Smooths and reshapes the waistline
- Often combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring
- Board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that flattens and firms the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal wall muscles. While it’s not a weight loss procedure, it offers a powerful solution for restoring core strength and improving midsection contour.
Types of tummy tuck procedures include:
- Full Tummy Tuck: Addresses the full abdominal area, often with muscle repair
- Extended Mini Tummy Tuck: One of Dr. Couvillion’s signature procedures where he is able to tighten the muscles all the way up to the breastbone through a c-section type incision.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: Includes flanks/love handles for more comprehensive shaping
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
- Restores a flatter, tighter abdomen
- Removes sagging skin and stubborn fat
- Repairs muscle separation for a stronger core
- Improves posture and abdominal tone
- Helps clothes fit more comfortably and confidently
Are You a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have loose or hanging skin around the abdomen
- Struggle with weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss
- Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Are in good general health and don’t plan future pregnancies
- Have realistic goals for surgery
Preparing for a Tummy Tuck
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Couvillion will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the best surgical plan for you. Pre-op steps may include:
- Stopping nicotine use 4–6 weeks before surgery
- Avoiding certain medications and supplements
- Scheduling enough time off work and support for early recovery
- Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
- Procedure Type: Outpatient or overnight surgery under general anesthesia
- Surgery Length: Typically 2–3 hours
- Incisions: Low horizontal incision hidden near the bikini line
- Muscle Repair: If needed, sutures will be used to tighten abdominal muscles
- Closure: Sutures layered for optimal healing and scar minimization
Recovery and Results After a Tummy Tuck
You’ll return home with a compression garment and detailed post-op care instructions. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and are removed within 1–2 weeks.
- Light activity within 5–7 days
- Return to work within 2 weeks (depending on job type)
- No strenuous activity or lifting for 4–6 weeks
- Final results emerge over 2–3 months as swelling subsides
- Scars continue to fade and improve over time
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
No, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. It’s ideal for contouring the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.
Will I have visible scars?
The incision is placed low on the abdomen to stay hidden under underwear or swimwear. Scars fade significantly with time and care.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes. Tummy tucks are often part of Mommy Makeovers or combined with Liposuction, Breast Augmentation, or Body Lifts for more comprehensive results.
How long will my blepharoplasty results last?
The results of an eyelid lift are long-lasting. Still, no procedure can stop the natural aging process, so you may desire a touch-up after a number of years.
How long do results last?
With stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, tummy tuck results can last many years—even decades.
What happens to my belly button?
In a full tummy tuck, the belly button is repositioned for a natural appearance. Dr. Couvillion takes extra time to create a hidden scar with a natural contour.
Feel Confident With Your Core
If you’re ready to feel more confident in your midsection, Dr. Couvillion can help you take the next step.
Dr Couvillion is extremely knowledgeable and took his time in explaining the procedure so that I can truly make the right decisions. He’s very friendly and has such a down to earth personality and cares for your well-being. Dolores have been extremely helpful and very attentive as well. His staff are always friendly and welcoming.
-Val