Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in San Antonio: Achieve a Tighter, Flatter Abdomen with Dr. Rokosz
For patients struggling with excess abdominal skin, weakened core muscles, or stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, an abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, can be a transformative solution.
At Texas Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jennifer Rokosz offers advanced abdominoplasty techniques to patients in the San Antonio area, carefully tailored to each individual’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re a mother hoping to restore your pre-pregnancy figure or someone who’s undergone significant weight loss, abdominoplasty can deliver the sculpted, toned results you’ve been working toward.
BODY CONTURING PROCEDURES
What is an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?
An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens separated or weakened abdominal muscles, especially common after pregnancy or major weight changes. During an abdominoplasty, Dr. Rokosz makes an incision low across the lower abdomen, typically from hip to hip, carefully removes excess skin and fat, repairs the underlying muscles, and repositions the belly button to match your new, natural shape. The result is a dramatically flatter, tighter abdominal profile — not just in clothing, but in how you feel and move.
Benefits of an Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits that go beyond improving your silhouette. Whether you are looking to complete your weight loss journey or restore your pre-pregnancy body, an abdominoplasty can deliver dramatic, confidence-boosting results.
Key benefits include:
Tighter, flatter abdominal contour by removing excess skin and fat
Repair of separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) for improved core strength and posture
Enhanced clothing fit, making it easier to wear form-flattering outfits or swimwear
Reduction of skin irritation or hygiene issues caused by excess skin folds
Boosted self-confidence and body satisfaction
Types of Abdominoplasty
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to abdominoplasty. Dr. Rokosz will recommend a technique based on your anatomy, the degree of correction needed, and your personal goals. Understanding the different types of abdominoplasty can help you make an informed decision.
Full Abdominoplasty
Ideal for patients with significant skin laxity. Involves a hip-to-hip incision, tightening the abdominal muscles, and repositioning of the navel.
Mini Abdominoplasty
Best for those with loose skin localized below the navel. Requires a smaller incision and no belly button repositioning.
Extended (Fleur-de-lis) Abdominoplasty
Often used after massive weight loss. Involves all aspects of a full tummy tuck but adds a vertical scar along the middle of your abdomen to fully remove excess skin from the sides.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty (360 Lift)
Often used after massive weight loss. This technique addresses skin excess around the entire waistline.
Am I a Good Candidate for an Abdominoplasty?
If you have been frustrated by a loose, protruding, or sagging abdomen that doesn’t improve with diet and exercise, you may be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck in San Antonio. Candidates typically have one or more of the following issues:
Have excess abdominal skin or fat that doesn’t respond to diet/exercise.
Experience muscle separation (diastasis recti) or weakness, often due to pregnancy.
Are at a stable weight, in good health, and a non-smoker.
Have completed your family, as future pregnancies can alter results.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and to understand that while a tummy tuck creates dramatic aesthetic changes, it is not a substitute for weight loss or a treatment for obesity. It will also not change your underlying bone structure. For women, it’s best to postpone surgery until after childbearing is complete, as future pregnancies can undo the results of the procedure.
Abdominoplasty Procedure Details
Before surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Rokosz to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and undergo a physical exam to determine the ideal surgical plan. An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours.
Depending on your needs, the surgery may involve:
Careful pre-operating markings
A horizontal incision along the pubic hairline and extending over the hips
Removal of excess skin and fat with possible liposuction of the sides
Tightening of underlying muscles
Repositioning of the belly button
One or two drains secured over the hips
Local anesthesia is injected throughout the surgical site to decrease post-operative pain
Sutures are placed internally to support healing and minimize scarring
You’ll leave surgery in a compression garment and return home the same day with full instructions for a smooth recovery. Dr. Rokosz prioritizes safety and clear communication at every stage.
Abdominoplasty Before & After Photos
This gallery shows the impressive transformation that’s possible through abdominoplasty,
Abdominoplasty Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck is manageable but requires patience and attention to your post-operative care. Here’s a general timeline:
Immediately after surgery
Patients will experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the abdomen. Ambulation is encouraged while flexed at the hips but other activities will be restricted. Patients may need assistance with mobility. Compression garments are worn to support healing and reduce fluid retention for at least 6 weeks.
Week 1-3
Swelling and bruising improve. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities by 2 weeks. Drains, if present, are removed. Patients who have lost massive amounts of weight are at higher risk of fluid accumulation and the drains may need to stay in place longer than 3 weeks.
Week 4-6
Increased mobility but no lifting, pushing, or pulling greater than 10lbs.
Week 6+
Final results become more visible. Any activity restrictions are lifted. Compression garments may be discontinued if swelling has resolved.
Month 3+
Patients are typically full recovered but will continue to heal up to one year.
Rokosz will provide detailed instructions for wound care, pain management, activity restrictions, and scar care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Scars After an Abdominoplasty
Scarring is an expected part of an abdominoplasty, but Dr. Rokosz takes great care to position incisions in discreet areas that can be easily concealed under underwear or swimwear. The typical scar is a low horizontal line extending from hip to hip, placed just above the pubic area. Dr. Rokosz can often incorporate or revise existing cesarean scars into the new incision line. Patients undergoing an extended or circumferential tummy tuck may have additional vertical or around-the-body scars necessary for more comprehensive skin removal.
While scars are permanent, they tend to fade significantly over time with proper care. Dr. Rokosz provides detailed scar care instructions, which may include silicone treatments, topical products, and sun protection to improve scar appearance.
Tummy Tuck Cost in San Antonio
The tummy tuck cost in San Antonio varies depending on the surgical technique used, the amount of excess tissue removed, and whether abdominal muscle repair is needed. On average, pricing includes:
Surgeon’s fees
Anesthesia and facility fees
Post-operative garments and medications
Because each patient’s needs are unique, a personalized quote will be provided after your consultation. While an abdominoplasty is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance, we offer financing options to help make treatment more accessible.
Abdominoplasty Risks and Considerations
Like all surgical procedures, an abdominoplasty carries potential risks, which include:
Infection or bleeding at the incision site
Prolonged swelling or fluid accumulation
Abnormal scarring or delayed wound healing
Numbness or changes in skin sensation
Blood clots in the legs that may break free and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). This is a rare but life-threatening complication. Dr. Rokosz will discussed your risk factors and provide you with a plan to decrease this risk.
While complications are rare, it’s important to follow your post-operative instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rokosz reduces your risk significantly. Her meticulous technique, attention to detail, and experience with complex abdominoplasty cases help ensure safe procedures and pleasing outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Rokosz for your Tummy Tuck?
As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Rokosz brings both surgical precision and an artistic eye to every abdominoplasty. Her priority is on achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results while prioritizing safety and patient comfort. With meticulous attention to detail, she helps patients feel empowered and confident in their skin again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, tightens weakened muscles, and improves the overall contour of the midsection.
Ideal candidates are healthy adults with loose abdominal skin or separated muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Candidates should have a stable weight and realistic expectations.
Options include full tummy tuck (hip-to-hip incision), mini tummy tuck (smaller incision, limited to lower abdomen), extended or circumferential tummy tuck for more comprehensive contouring. Dr. Rokosz customizes the procedure based on patient needs.
Recovery involves swelling, bruising, and limited activity for several weeks. Wearing compression garments, following post-operative instructions, and attending follow-up visits help ensure optimal healing.
A tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin and tightening muscles; liposuction targets fat removal without addressing muscle laxity or loose skin. These procedures can sometimes be combined for enhanced results.
Scars are typically placed low on the abdomen, discreetly hidden under underwear or swimwear. Over time, scars fade significantly with proper care as advised by Dr. Rokosz.
Dr. Rokosz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in tummy tuck techniques, dedicated to natural, safe results tailored to each patient’s unique body and goals.
A mommy makeover typically combines tummy tuck with breast procedures to address post-pregnancy changes. Dr. Rokosz creates personalized mommy makeover plans for comprehensive restoration.
While pregnancy is possible after a tummy tuck, it’s recommended to complete childbearing first to maintain optimal results. Dr. Rokosz discusses family planning during consultation.
A 360 tummy tuck (circumferential abdominoplasty) addresses the entire torso, including back and flanks, for patients who need comprehensive contouring, often after massive weight loss.
Patient Testimonials
