Category: Tummy Tuck Surgery

The Art and Science of a SMART Tummy Tuck

SMART Tummy TuckYour body is the only one you have; that’s why you should always treat it with the utmost care. That means not only keeping it physically healthy to the best of your abilities but also aesthetically healthy. And though there are plenty of ways to manage both, there are countless ways in which they can be hindered beyond your ability to address them with healthier lifestyle choices. One such hindrance is loose, excessive skin around the stomach, which can be treated easily with Body by Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck procedure.

What Makes the Tummy Tuck SMART?

As explained expertly by Dr. Ravi himself (you can view the video here), SMART isn’t just about the expertise and professionalism that he handles each and every SMART tummy tuck with. SMART is also an acronym for “Safe Muscular Aponeurotic Resuspension Technique.” Put simply, this means that it’s the same effective tummy tuck procedure you know and love, but with an increased focus on patient comfort and safety.

How the SMART Tummy Tuck Works

The artfully approached and scientifically devised design of Body by Ravi’s SMART Tummy Tuck procedure offers an experience that is a cut above other tummy tuck treatments you may find. As mentioned above, this is because it focuses on your safety and comfort while still achieving the same excellent results you’d expect from a professionally performed tummy tuck.

Higher Safety

First and foremost, SMART tummy tucks are made safer thanks to the unique fluids and numbing agents used during the procedure. Using these, bleeding can be minimized—making the process much simpler overall—and the wounds left over will be able to heal with little to no delay.

Less Discomfort

The unique combination of ingredients used in the anesthetics also provides a wonderful level of comfort both during and after the procedure, ensuring that the whole process is as easy and stress-free as possible.

Minimal Scarring

Thanks to those same fluids and numbing agents—as well as the delicate, safety-oriented nature of SMART tummy tucks—scarring can be minimized through simpler incisions and a promoted healing process.

SMART Tummy Tucks in Houston, TX

Don’t get just any tummy tuck—get a SMART Tummy Tuck from Dr. Ravi himself by reaching out to Body by Ravi today at 281-242-1061. With a convenient location in Houston, TX, you could be showing off your new body before you know it.

What Type of Tummy Tuck Do I Need?

tummy tuck Are you looking for a way to look and feel your best when it comes to your stomach and abs? If so, you should consider looking into how a tummy tuck could help you get the results that you’re looking for. Countless people all across the country have found that their tummy tucks have offered them an improved sense of physical well-being and self-confidence.

However, more than just one type of tummy tuck treatment exists. There are, in fact, three unique variations of tummy tucks—in addition to the standard procedure that is well-known and loved—that can help patients achieve their individual and specific needs.

The Standard Tuck

The standard, full tummy tuck revolves around using an incision along your lower abdomen. Through this incision, excess skin and fat can be removed before repairing and tightening your abdominal area. The standard tuck is an excellent option for those with a moderate amount of excess skin and abdominal concerns that they’d like to remove from their stomach.

The Mini Tuck

The mini tummy tuck follows a similar procedure as the standard tuck described above. However, during this procedure, the incision is far smaller and less noticeable, making it less invasive and less likely to create scarring. The trade-off is that these mini tucks are best for those with just a bit of excess skin and minimal concerns about the look and feel of their abdomen. 

The Extended Tuck

Taking a turn back in the other direction, there are also extended tummy tuck procedures that can be performed. As you can assume by the name, this procedure expands upon the standard tuck, offering a solution to larger areas and extents of excessive skin and abdominal concerns.

The Reverse Tuck

Finally, there are reverse tummy tucks. This procedure is conducted with an incision above the belly button, as opposed to the other tucks, which are handled through an incision along the lower abdomen. This makes them the preferred option for those looking to deal with loose, excess skin centered around the upper abdomen.

First-Class Tummy Tucks in Houston, TX

If any of the tummy tucks mentioned above sound like something you may be interested in, please feel free to contact Dr. Ravi Somayazula today at 281-242-1061. Located in Houston, TX, the Body by Ravi team proudly serves their surrounding areas.

What Patients Need To Know About Life After a Tummy Tuck

Those who have lost a significant amount of weight or have had one or more pregnancies may be experiencing loose or stretched skin and stubborn fat. A tummy tuck can repair the muscles in the abdomen and remove excess fat deposits to leave you feeling tight and toned. 

Tummy tuck results are meant to provide long-lasting results for patients. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and take care of your body following a tummy tuck procedure. 

How Can Weight Gain Affect a Tummy Tuck?

To understand how substantial weight gain or pregnancy can negatively affect the results of your tummy tuck, you must understand how they affect the body. When your body gains significant weight, whether due to pregnancy or otherwise, this can weaken the abdominal muscles, stretch the skin, and increase the size of fat cells. A tummy tuck involves:

  • Removing loose excess skin.
  • Repairing the stomach muscles.
  • Performing liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits if needed. 

By gaining a substantial amount of weight after a tummy tuck through unhealthy practices, you are essentially repeating the damage done to your body before your tummy tuck. This can undo the results of your tummy tuck. 

What Should Life After a Tummy Tuck Look Like?

To continue to enjoy the results of your tummy tuck, you will have to make some life changes. A healthy diet and regular exercise will be important to maintaining your results if you have not already before your procedure. You will not be able to partake in strenuous exercise for at least six weeks, but you can start with daily walks and low-intensity yoga to get started. 

For your diet, try to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. A healthy diet is the key to ensuring you maintain your results and feel good. 

The key is to keep a stable weight to avoid any significant fluctuations. That is not to say that you have to be strict and unable to enjoy yourself. As a rule of thumb, try not to exceed 15 pounds of weight gain. 

Learn More About Life After a Tummy Tuck

For expert advice on what to expect after a tummy tuck and how to maintain your results, speak with a professional at Body by Ravi. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi can provide you with the best advice and ensure you are fully informed. Contact Body by Ravi today at 281-242-1061, or visit their website. 

Tips for Tummy Tuck Recovery

Now that you’ve had a tummy tuck, you may wonder, “What’s next?” Most people will see results within two to three months. Recovery is most important during this period. Following a few tips during recovery will aid in how well your results show and reduce the potential for health risks. Continue reading to learn our tips for tummy tuck recovery. 

How Can I Have a Healthy Tummy Tuck Recovery?

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Your abdominal muscles will be sore as they adjust. You’ll experience bruising and swelling as your body heals. You can help your body adjust and heal by avoiding strenuous workouts, such as weightlifting and long-distance running. Some light activities, such as going up and down stairs and short jogs, may be permissible after two weeks (14 days). 

Listen to Your Body

If your procedure is performed at Body By Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, then your plastic surgeon will inject Exparel into you during the operation. Exparel is widely used for post-op pain management. It is a non-opioid pain relief that has long-lasting effects. We also use a multimodal approach to reduce narcotic use during your recovery.

Although our pain relief methods have many benefits, we do not recommend ignoring how your body feels nor the doctor’s instructions. Sometimes, you may feel well enough to perform certain (prohibited) activities. Don’t. You may complicate your results. Moreover, if you feel unwell, you should speak with your doctor immediately.

Attend In-Office Follow-ups

Dr. Ravi strongly suggests attending two in-office follow-up appointments within the first two weeks of your tummy tuck. The purpose of these appointments is to monitor your recovery and health. Each person is unique and results will vary, so Dr. Ravi also wants to address any questions you may have about the recovery process. He can also provide tailored recommendations.

Drink Water

Try to drink 64 ounces of water daily. Staying hydrated will help your organs function properly, so your recovery can be fast. Staying hydrated also helps your body flush toxins, which makes the recovery process run more smoothly. Not to mention, staying hydrated helps you to eat less and lose weight.



Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon Near Me

Do you have questions about recovering from a tummy tuck performed by Dr. Ravi? Are you interested in scheduling an appointment after learning about our unique approach to a smooth recovery process? We encourage you to contact us at 281-242-1061. Our practice is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Do I Need Liposuction Or A Tummy Tuck?

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are both designed to improve the shape of the body. In some instances, both procedures are necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. In others, only one is needed to produce desirable results.

Dr. Ravi Somayazula is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience. During your initial consultation, he will carefully examine the areas you would like to improve to help you determine if tummy tuck, liposuction, or both will be best for your specific needs.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) removes loose and sagging skin from the body’s midsection. During full tummy tuck surgery, abdominal muscles are pulled together as well. This helps to highlight the natural contours of the waist. It also corrects diastasis recti, an issue that can lead to herniation, back pain, and diminished core strength.

Dr. Ravi offers both full and mini tummy tuck options. While both can produce remarkable results, neither is ideal for every need. Use the contact form on this page to schedule your consultation and learn which one is right for you.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from the body. Dr. Ravi uses VASER High-Def Liposuction, which allows for more thorough fat removal from the arms, chest/breasts, buttocks, and thighs. Liposuction is also commonly used on the abdomen.

VASER Lipo is designed to maximize fat extraction while reducing bleeding, infection, and trauma risks. In addition, it offers a reduced recovery period and predictably pleasing results. During your initial consultation, Dr. Ravi can provide additional details about this advanced technique to help you determine if it’s right for you.
Infographic: Liposuction or tummy tuck

Combining Procedures

When there is excess skin around the belly and waist, chances are there’s a little bit of extra fat as well. Dr. Ravi commonly combines liposuction with tummy tuck surgery to fully sculpt and contour the midsection of the body. This is particularly common during procedures such as post-weight-loss surgery or mommy makeover, procedures which may also include additional body and breast options.

To learn if a single procedure or combination will more effectively help you reach your goals, please call Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at 281-242-1061 and schedule a consultation today. We serve Houston and all surrounding areas of Texas.

Why Dr. Ravi’s Smart Tummy Tuck Includes VASER Liposuction

04/08/22

During tummy tuck surgery, fat that has proven difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise is removed from the abdominal area, allowing the underlying structure to be more fully defined. The removal of stubborn fat deposits is often necessary for proper sculpting during tummy tuck surgery and traditional liposuction is certainly an effective way to achieve this goal.

But it’s not the most effective way. Continue reading Why Dr. Ravi’s Smart Tummy Tuck Includes VASER Liposuction

Dr. Ravi’s Summer Body Transformation Guide

03/23/2022

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your body, now is a great time to take action. It can take several weeks or even a few months for results from non-surgical options to fully materialize. It may take a similar amount of time to fully recover from surgical options. If you are ready to transform your body for the better, give us a call today to schedule a consultation and let us help you look and feel your very best just in time for the summer. Continue reading Dr. Ravi’s Summer Body Transformation Guide

Five Procedures You Can Have as Part of Your Mommy Makeover

09/09/2021

Mommy makeover surgery is designed to address those areas most commonly impacted by pregnancy and nursing. Because pregnancy can have different effects on different women, it is important that each Mommy Makeover procedure be customized to meet the specific needs of the individual.  Also keep in mind that you do not have to have been pregnant or nursing to have a Mommy Makeover, any person who had more than one body area they are working on qualifies for a Mommy Makeover.

When you choose Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics for your procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi Somayazula, will take time to understand your desires and fully assess your areas of concern before recommending which procedures will be most suitable for your needs.

Combining Procedures

While each mommy makeover surgery is customized, some procedures are more common than others. Five of the most common are:

  • Breast Augmentation. This procedure uses implants to restore volume to the breasts. Dr. Ravi also offers Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation for women who would prefer to avoid implants.
  • Breast Lift. This procedure addresses sagging breast tissue and nipple displacement, helping to restore a perky and ideally positioned breast mound. This can be performed with or without breast implants.
  • Liposuction. With liposuction, Dr. Ravi can remove stubborn deposits of fat from the thighs, hips, low back, abdomen, arms, and other areas holding weight from pregnancy. We offer the latest liposuction technique, including VASER liposuction to meet the specific needs of each individual
  • Abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck surgery is used to eliminate excess skin around the belly. It can also be used to trim the waist and reattach abdominal muscles that have become separated due to pregnancy
  • Arm Lift. Brachioplasty removes sagging skin and excess fat from the underside of the arm, helping to restore both form and comfort to the upper arms

In addition to these procedures, some Mommy Makeover surgeries can include other body procedures such as a Thigh Lift to remove excess skin from the upper legs, a Brazilian Buttock Lift to improve symmetry and restore volume in the buttocks, Labiaplasty for improved comfort in the vaginal area, and more.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Each Mommy Makeover is unique. The best way to learn which procedures can help you reach your goals is through a one-on-one consultation at our comfortable Houston office. Please call Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at 281-242-1061 to schedule your consultation today.

Four Reasons Dr. Ravi Always Recommends Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck for Best Results

08/20/2021

Tummy tuck surgery is designed to remove bulky and sagging skin from the midsection of the body. In some instances, a tummy tuck may be used to reattach abdominal muscles that have separated due to pregnancy or weight gain. The procedure may also be useful in the reduction of stretch marks. Tummy tuck does not address excess fat in and around the belly. Continue reading Four Reasons Dr. Ravi Always Recommends Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck for Best Results

Which Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?

6/15/2020

Having children is one of the most rewarding aspects of life, but it comes with changes that may neither encourage confidence nor feel particularly comfortable. Many of those changes may even prove resistant to diet and exercise, leaving many women to wonder if any solutions exist. Enter the Mommy Makeover, a procedure designed to address the physical changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. Continue reading Which Procedures Are Included in a Mommy Makeover?