A flat, svelte appearance is restored to a flabby tummy The contour and confidence to wear form-fitting clothes, jeans, and swimwear Excess loose skin is removed for a smooth, firm look Underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened to diminish bulging A slimmer waist is more defined as a result of muscle tightening and the removal of loose skin A natural, youthful look is returned to a belly button that is distorted or drooping Stretch marks and C-section scars below the belly button can often be removed or improved

Tummy Tuck Houston

Weight loss, pregnancy, and genetics are all factors that can cause the tummy to develop loose, sagging skin and a bulging appearance. Though exercise can provide limited toning benefits, no amount of exercise or dieting can restore firmness to loose skin or repair muscles that have been stretched and separated as a result of pregnancy.

Before & After

Henry Mentz

You can restore a flat, smooth appearance to the abdomen by Houston triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Henry Mentz. Using a combination of techniques from a full, modified (mini), or extended tummy tuck with abdominal liposuction to meet the patient’s needs, Dr. Mentz can improve the appearance of the waist, giving them the flat stomach and narrow waist they've always wanted. These monumental changes in the torso can have a big impact on a patient’s life.

Inspired by their new look and a greater sense of self-confidence, many of Dr. Mentz’ tummy tuck patients implement positive lifestyle habits like regular exercise to further enhance the way they look and feel. Many patients include a tummy tuck as part of their mommy makeover plan to get their pre-baby body back by eliminating unhealthy visceral fat, unattractive stretch marks, and their stubborn belly pooch .

A pioneer with years of experience in tummy tuck plastic surgery in the Houston area, Dr. Mentz helps his patient achieve their desired waistline and appearance.

Men and women who don't have a lot of excess fat, but want to achieve six-pack abs can consider Abdominal Etching®, invented by Dr. Mentz.

Surgical Technique

In most cases, an incision is made near the pubic hair line that stretches from hip bone to hip bone. For optimal concealment, this incision is placed beneath the bikini line, so that the resulting scar is well-hidden by swimwear and undergarments. The weakened underlying muscles are repaired and tightened with persistent sutures, and excess skin is removed. A second incision is often made around the navel to tighten loose skin above it; the navel is then repositioned through a hole that is made in the newly firm skin. Incisions are closed with stitches that are removed 7-10 days later. A tummy tuck procedure is generally 2-5 hours in length, and is performed under general anesthesia.

Dr. Mentz has pioneered two advances in the abdominoplasty procedure to make recovery both safer and more comfortable for his patients. The first is Exparel, a medication applied into the closure site while patients are under anesthesia that provides pain control for 72 hours after surgery. Studies have shown that patients who received Exparel take fewer pain relievers and gain back their range of motion sooner, leading to a quicker recovery. Patients used to compare the discomfort of tummy tuck surgery to a C-section, but this advancement in pain management makes for a much speedier recovery. As one of the pioneer users, Dr. Mentz will be giving the landmark presentation on Exparel in the spring of 2013 at the ASAPS convention.

The second innovation for the tummy tuck makes recovery more convenient by eliminating the external drain attached to patients after surgery. Dr. Mentz does this by using progressive tension sutures, a surgical technique which provides complete closure of internal tissue layers. This method has proven to reduce pain and recovery time. By reducing irritation and inflammation, this innovative technique eliminates fluid drainage and the need for an external drain.

Love Him and His Work. I appreciate the extra effort and precautions to ensure a successful surgery with a positive outcome and recovery.

Recovery

You will probably feel sore for 2-4 weeks following tummy tuck surgery. Most patients are able to return to work in 2 weeks and resume exercise in 6 weeks. The results of a tummy tuck procedure are typically long-lasting, provided that a stable weight is maintained. Following tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Mentz generally recommends an overnight stay where you will be cared for by our highly-trained registered nursing staff. If you live within 20 miles of our facility, Dr. Mentz will offer a visit to your home by a plastic surgery nurse who is trained to assist you with your recovery. A plastic surgery nurse can also be sent to patients within 20 miles of our office to monitor your recovery, change your dressings, assist with your medication, provide Dr. Mentz with an update on your condition, and answer your questions.

FAQ

Surgical Facility?

Dr. Mentz performs tummy tuck surgery at his private AAAASF-certified SurgiCentre facility in Houston, Texas, where you will be carefully monitored and cared for by a board-certified anesthesiologist and Dr. Mentz’s highly trained surgical staff.

Combining Surgeries?

Tummy tuck surgery is often combined with other procedures to enhance the body’s appearance such as breast enhancement surgery, liposuction, and/or other body contouring procedures restore shape and proportion to sagging thighs, buttocks and arms.

Potential Results?

A flat, svelte appearance is restored to a flabby tummy
The contour and confidence to wear form-fitting clothes, jeans, and swimwear
Excess loose skin is removed for a smooth, firm look
Underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened to diminish bulging
A slimmer waist is more defined as a result of muscle tightening and the removal of loose skin
A natural, youthful look is returned to a belly button that is distorted or drooping
Stretch marks and C-section scars below the belly button can often be removed or improved

Improved Recovery?

To reduce swelling and provide stability, you will be fitted with an elastic garment that is placed around your abdomen following surgery. Dr. Mentz may also place small drain tubes under your skin to reduce the accumulation of fluid.