Rediscover the silhouette you thought was lost to time or life's transitions. Dr. De La Cruz combines the precision of a classical sculptor with advanced 4D VASER technology to deliver a tummy tuck procedure that looks as natural as it feels.
The journey to a flat, toned midsection often encounters hurdles that diet and exercise simply cannot overcome. Whether you are navigating the physical changes that follow pregnancy or celebrating a significant weight loss milestone, the presence of loose skin, separated abdominal muscles, and excess fat can feel like a barrier to your final transformation. At our Houston practice, we view tummy tuck surgery not just as a way to address excess skin, but as an opportunity to artistically sculpt your entire abdominal region.
By choosing De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, you are choosing a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in high-definition techniques. Dr. De La Cruz goes beyond a standard full tummy tuck by incorporating VASER Lipo360 and his signature umbilical reconstruction to ensure your results are beautifully proportional. We invite you to schedule an initial consultation to discuss how this personalized surgical procedure can bring your "sexy back."
Removes excess skin and fat while repairing separated abdominal muscles
Specializing in 4D VASER Hi-Definition Liposculpture, "Celtic-Cross" belly button reconstruction, and Renuvion skin tightening
Typically, a 5-hour surgical procedure under general anesthesia
Initial healing process takes 2-4 weeks; overnight monitoring is standard for safety
Dramatic improvement in abdominal contour with long-lasting, athletic definition
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Also known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin, creating a flatter abdominal contour for patients with stubborn areas of fat that have not responded to traditional diet and exercise. This effective procedure tones the abdomen and gives the overall appearance of a slimmer figure that patients will be proud to show off. As one of the popular cosmetic procedures here in The Woodlands & Houston, a tummy tuck procedure can restore a sensual body profile with a flatter abdomen after a weight loss procedure or after pregnancy, when one’s abdomen has developed some loosening of skin and produced a lot of stretch marks.
Dr. De La Cruz specializes in several advanced tummy tuck techniques, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals. These include the less invasive “mini tummy tuck” as well as the use of VASER high-definition liposuction for precision sculpting.
For most patients, abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. During the abdominoplasty procedure, an incision is made across the lower abdomen and around the belly button. Through these incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat and tissue from the targeted area and pull the muscles closer together before stitching them in place to create a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.
Once the abdominal walls have been strengthened and repositioned, the skin flap is pulled down, stretched, and cut for the new naval fixture. The belly button is reattached, and all incisions are closed using a suture that dissolves with time. Dr. De La Cruz, a Houston Plastic Surgeon who developed the “Celtic-Cross Technique” for umbilical reconstruction (creation of a “belly button”), creates a heart-shaped belly button that looks natural and aesthetically pleasing.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty takes five hours to perform under general anesthesia. Additional procedures, such as liposuction, may be added to produce the best result suited to your body habitus. Dr. De La Cruz typically combines the procedure with VASER Liposculpture and Renuvion/J-Plasma to achieve optimal results. He will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on the amount of fat to be removed, as well as your age and overall health.
A mini-abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, is similar to an abdominoplasty, but involves shorter incisions and an overall less invasive procedure, which is ideal for patients with fat localized in the lower abdomen. Many patients choose this procedure to benefit from less scarring and shorter recovery times.
The 4D High-Definition Abdominoplasty involves a combination of the high-definition liposuction and abdominoplasty procedures. This abdominoplasty procedure produces a significant change in the outcome after surgery. It involves high-definition VASER liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back with fat transfer to the hip area. The abdomen is also liposculpted prior to the removal and excision of the excess skin.
Key Procedure Difference of the Hi-Def Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is the gold standard for correcting structural changes in the abdominal area that are unresponsive to weight loss. The primary condition addressed is skin laxity, in which sagging skin or stretch marks have lost elasticity and no longer adhere to the body's frame. This is often accompanied by diastasis recti, a common condition after pregnancy where the vertical abdominal muscles remain separated, causing a persistent "pooch" or bulge.
Additionally, this cosmetic surgery removes excess fat and skin resulting from significant weight gain or loss. By surgically removing this tissue and tightening the underlying abdominal wall, Dr. De La Cruz can address stubborn deposits in both the upper and lower abdomen. The result is a total restoration of the abdominal contour that reflects your true health and vitality.
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which focuses solely on flattening, our 4D High-Definition approach provides a truly athletic look. By using VASER liposuction to etch the natural lines of the abdominal muscles, Dr. De La Cruz ensures your midsection doesn't just look "done"—it looks fit. This high-definition sculpting honors your anatomy, creating an hourglass shape for women or a powerful, muscular profile for men.
Beyond the mirror, the benefits are deeply physical. Tightening your abdominal muscles provides essential core support, which can improve your posture and alleviate lower back strain caused by muscle separation. Emotionally, removing extra skin that serves as a reminder of past struggles helps patients step into their future with renewed self-assurance.
One of the most praised benefits of choosing Dr. De La Cruz is the appearance of the new belly button. Using his proprietary technique, he creates a natural-looking, heart-shaped umbilicus with hidden scars. This meticulous attention to detail ensures you can feel confident in a swimsuit or low-rise styles without a telltale tummy-tuck scar.
An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone with loose or sagging abdominal skin caused by abnormal relaxation of the abdominal wall muscles, commonly after multiple pregnancies or prior surgery in the area.
Another good candidate is someone with excess fat and loose skin who has not responded to diet and exercise. It is important for patients to maintain realistic expectations for this procedure and to understand that abdominoplasty is not intended for substantial weight loss; it is for patients close to their ideal weight who have areas of stubborn abdominal fat. Pregnancy or substantial weight loss after treatment can result in stretched, sagging skin, so patients are encouraged to postpone surgery until after these events.
Recovery from a high-definition tummy tuck procedure is a journey that requires patience and professional oversight. Because Dr. De La Cruz prioritizes patient safety, most patients will stay overnight in our accredited facility to monitor fluid balance and comfort. You will wake up with a medical-grade compression garment in place to support your newly tightened abdominal muscles and minimize swelling at the incision site.
In the first week, you will focus on light movement and proper wound healing. While you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for six weeks, most patients can return to sedentary work within 14 days. We provide a comprehensive recovery roadmap that includes guidance on managing drainage tubes (if used) and scar care protocols to ensure your results heal discreetly within the swimsuit line.
Your tummy tuck results will be visible almost immediately, though the true "wow" factor emerges as swelling subsides over the first few months. You will notice a significantly flatter abdomen, a narrowed waist, and a toned appearance that matches your ideal body weight. These improvements are designed to be permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
While the surgery removes excess fat and skin, significant weight gain or future pregnancies can alter the structural results. For this reason, we recommend that patients reach their goal weight and complete their family planning before the procedure. When these conditions are met, your new abdominal contour can last a lifetime, giving you the freedom to embrace every moment with confidence.
Choosing a plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck is a decision that impacts your confidence for years to come. Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz is not only double board-certified but is also an internationally recognized teacher of advanced body-contouring techniques. His unique background as a classical sculptor allows him to see the body’s potential in three and four dimensions, ensuring that your results are natural, proportional, and balanced.
Our practice is built on a foundation of uncompromising safety. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, every detail is overseen by a team that treats surgery as a commitment to your well-being. With our state-of-the-art facility and compassionate, surgeon-led care, we provide a high-end experience that matches the elite quality of our surgical results.
A full tummy tuck addresses the abdominal area from the pubic hairline to just below the ribs. An extended tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, as it uses a longer incision that allows Dr. De La Cruz to tighten the skin and underlying tissue along the flanks and lower back.
Dr. De La Cruz is highly skilled at placing the incision as low as possible, typically well within the swimsuit line, so it is hidden by underwear or bikini bottoms. Over time, and with proper care during the healing process, the scar will fade significantly.
Absolutely. Many of our patients choose to combine their abdominoplasty with a breast augmentation or breast lift as part of a comprehensive Mommy Makeover. This enables a total-body transformation with a single recovery period.
A mini tummy tuck is best for patients with a small amount of loose skin and fat localized to the lower abdomen, below the belly button. It involves a shorter incision and does not require moving the belly button. During your initial consultation, we will determine if your abdominal muscles require tightening above the navel, which would necessitate a full procedure.
Safety is our top priority. We review your full medical history and may require clearance for conditions like heart disease or diabetes. We also look for a stable body mass index to ensure you are at an ideal weight for optimal aesthetic outcomes and safe wound healing.
During your initial consultation, be prepared to discuss your goals, any previous weight loss history, and your expectations. Dr. De La Cruz will perform a physical exam of your abdominal region and explain the surgical plan that best fits your anatomy.
The results of an abdominoplasty are visible right away and will continue to improve over time. Patients can achieve a flatter, more toned abdominal area that complements the body's natural contours. Many patients look and feel younger and slimmer, and benefit from improved self-confidence.
With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. It is important to be aware that becoming pregnant or gaining or losing a substantial amount of weight may affect the results of this procedure and require additional surgery to recreate the results.
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with abdominoplasty, including incisional scars, asymmetry, loss of sensation, skin loss, “dog ears,” fluid accumulation, blood clots, and other risks. We aim to deliver the safest, most effective results so patients can achieve their goals without worrying about complications.
Mini-Abdominoplasty: Removes the lower abdominal wall skin only with no manipulation of the umbilicus or belly button (shortest scar).
Modified Abdominoplasty: Ideal for patients who require repair of just the muscle walls or abdominal skin
Standard Abdominoplasty: Involves tightening of the abdominal wall skin and muscles with a standard scar.
Extended Abdominoplasty: Tightens the abdomen as well as the flanks (sides), resulting in the longest scar that extends onto the lower back.
4D High-Definition Abdominoplasty: An abdominoplasty procedure that incorporates the principles of Hi-definition liposculpture.
