Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX | Murillo Plastic Surgery
Are you looking to restore a firmer, flatter abdomen and reclaim confidence in your silhouette? At Murillo Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Murillo specializes in tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), a personalized and transformative procedure designed to remove excess skin and tighten weakened abdominal muscles that commonly develop after pregnancy, weight fluctuation, or aging. The results are a smoother, more sculpted midsection that looks natural and improves your overall quality of life.
Dr. Carlos Murillo leads our Houston-based practice with a reputation for surgical precision and compassionate care. Known for his personalized approach, Dr. Murillo tailors each abdominoplasty to the patient’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals, whether you are seeking subtle refinement or dramatic rejuvenation. Patients from all around Texas, including Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding areas, put their trust in Dr. Murillo to deliver beautiful, lasting results with an unwavering commitment to their safety, comfort, and aesthetic excellence.
To speak with our team or schedule a consultation, call (832) 582-8114 or reach out online. Patients facing active breast cancer are typically seen within 48 hours. Murillo Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from all across the greater Houston area, including The Woodlands, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, and Pearland. We also care for women traveling from out of state and abroad.
What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure designed to sculpt a smoother, firmer abdominal profile by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles.
This procedure is especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or age-related changes that leave behind loose skin, stubborn fat, or weakened abdominal muscles that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone. Beyond improving contours, a tummy tuck can restore core strength, reduce discomfort caused by separated muscles, and boost confidence in both clothing and swimwear. Many patients choose it as part of a post-pregnancy or post-weight-loss transformation, making it one of the most rewarding body contouring procedures available.
What Should You Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Murillo?
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, your journey toward a transformed midsection begins with expert guidance, personalized care, and a deep understanding of your goals. We know that choosing to undergo a tummy tuck is a meaningful decision, one that is rooted in the desire to restore confidence in your appearance. That’s why we prioritize timely consultation, often scheduling within one or two days of your initial call, so you can begin exploring your options immediately.
During your consultation, Dr. Murillo will take time to understand your desire for surgery. With his board-certification and extensive experience in body contouring procedures, Dr. Murillo will evaluate your anatomy, review your medical history, and determine the best surgical approach to help you achieve your desired results.
Here are a few things you can expect from your experience:
- Dedicated one-on-one time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations.
- Comprehensive medical evaluation, including assessment of abdominal skin, fat distribution, and muscle tone.
- Education on tummy tuck surgery, including what the procedure involves, recovery timelines, and how it compares to other body contouring options.
- A personalized treatment plan tailored to your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
- Supportive collaboration from our experienced staff to guide you through scheduling, finances, and post-operative care.
What Are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
Different tummy tuck techniques address different levels of skin laxity and abdominal contouring needs. During your consultation, Dr. Murillo will help you determine the appropriate approach for your anatomy.
- Mini Tummy Tuck: A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive option, focusing solely on the lower abdomen below the belly button. It’s ideal for patients with a small amount of excess skin or a stubborn lower belly bulge. The incision is shorter, recovery is often quicker, and the belly button remains in its original position.
- Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck: A full tummy tuck is the most commonly performed technique. It treats both the upper and lower abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, tightening or repairing the abdominal muscles, and repositioning the belly button for a natural appearance. This option is especially popular among women post-pregnancy or individuals who’ve experienced moderate weight loss.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: For those who have more extensive concerns, the extended tummy tuck goes a step further by addressing the abdomen, flanks, and hips. It’s often recommended for patients who’ve undergone significant weight loss and have loose skin across a wider range of areas. While the incision is longer, the results offer more comprehensive body contouring.
Houston Tummy Tuck: How It’s Done
Step 1: Designing the Incision
Dr. Murillo begins by carefully planning a low horizontal incision just above the pubic area, placed strategically so it can be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. This incision allows access to the underlying tissues while preserving surrounding structures.
Step 2: Removing Excess Skin and Fat
Through the incisions, Dr. Murillo removes loose, stretched skin and unwanted fat from the lower and sometimes upper abdomen. This step is especially beneficial for patients with skin laxity following pregnancy or weight loss.
Step 3: Muscle Repair
If the abdominal muscles have become separated in a condition known as diastasis recti, Dr. Murillo will gently bring them back together and secure them with sutures. This internal tightening helps restore core strength and creates a flatter, more toned appearance.
Step 4: Sculpting and Contouring
Dr. Murillo then smooths and re-drapes the remaining skin over the newly contoured abdomen. In many cases, the belly button is reoriented to maintain a natural look. Liposuction may also be used to refine the waistline and flanks, depending on the treatment plan agreed upon between you and Dr. Murillo.
Step 5: Closing with Care
The incisions are closed with meticulous attention to detail, often using layered sutures to support healing and minimize scarring. Dr. Murillo’s technique prioritizes both aesthetic outcome and long-term comfort.
Why Women Choose Murillo Plastic Surgery
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, we offer more than just technical skill. We offer a sanctuary of healing, compassion, and unwavering support for women facing some of life’s most difficult moments.
Dr. Carlos Murillo is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Associate Clinical Professor at University of Texas Houston, recognized across Texas and beyond for his expertise in complex breast reconstruction procedures. Dr. Murillo listens without rushing, explains without confusing, and empowers every woman to feel in control of her journey.
A native Texan who speaks Spanish as his first language, Dr. Murillo understands the importance of clear, respectful communication. He and his team are proud to serve a multicultural community with fluency in Spanish, and we’re expanding services in Vietnamese and Arabic to meet the growing need among international and non-English-speaking patients.
Women from all over Texas, across the U.S., and overseas come to us because we offer something rare in medicine: expert care delivered with kindness, efficiency, and genuine human connection.
At Murillo Plastic Surgery, breast reconstruction is a cornerstone of what we do. We’re honored to help women heal not just physically, but emotionally, so that they can reclaim their confidence, femininity, and strength.
Carlos Murillo, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Global & Multicultural Support – We welcome patients from all backgrounds and provide care in multiple languages with culturally sensitive communication.
Personalized Communication – Same-day email responses and attentive guidance from Dr. Murillo and the team keep you informed and reassured.
Efficiency & Professionalism – Immediate consultations and treatments are available, with thorough planning and patient education every step of the way.
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Expertise – From aesthetic enhancements to breast cancer reconstruction, we tailor every treatment to your unique needs and goals.
Patient-Centered Philosophy – To us, you’re more than a patient—you’re a person whose needs we value. Our goal is to help you look your best, feel your best, and thrive.
Ideal Candidates for Houston Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck candidates are typically individuals who struggle with excess abdominal skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. These concerns often arise after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or natural aging.
Ideal candidates should be at a stable weight that they’ve been able to maintain for some time. They should also be in good overall health, with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with their recovery. Non-smokers, or those willing to quit before surgery and during recovery, are especially important, as smoking can impair recovery and compromise results.
Candidates should also have realistic expectations and understand that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss, but rather a contouring procedure designed to enhance body shape and confidence.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Tummy Tuck at Murillo Plastic Surgery
On the day of your tummy tuck, you’ll arrive at our tranquil surgical suite, where sweeping views of the Texas Medical Center set the tone for a calm and confident experience. Designed to feel more like a boutique wellness retreat, our space offers privacy, serenity, and a sense of ease from the moment you walk in.
First, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our dedicated patient coordinator, who will guide you through final check-in and pre-operative preparations. Once you’re settled, Dr. Murillo will meet with you to review your customized surgical plan, answer any last-minute questions, and make precise markings on your abdomen to guide the procedure with technical accuracy and artistic vision.
During the preparation, Dr. Murillo will explain where incisions will be placed, how excess skin and fat will be removed, and how your abdominal muscles will be repaired. He’ll also explain the type of sutures and dressings to support your healing and minimize scars.
When everything is ready, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia, allowing you to rest peacefully through the procedure. A tummy tuck typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction.
After surgery, you’ll be transferred to a private recovery suite where our attentive nursing team will monitor you closely. Your comfort, safety, and dignity are our highest priorities as you begin your healing journey.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery after a tummy tuck is a gradual, restorative process designed to support your healing and comfort every step of the way. Most patients return home the same day, though some patients may stay overnight depending on the extent of the procedure and individual needs. Surgical drains are often placed near the incision site to help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling in the early stages of recovery.
Before leaving the surgical suite, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage your drains, and safely navigate your first few days at home. It’s normal for your abdomen to feel tight and sore initially, but discomfort is well-managed with prescribed medication. Within a few days, most patients are able to begin gentle movements, such as walking short distances, which helps promote circulation and healing.
Over the following weeks, swelling will gradually diminish, and your energy will begin to return. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks, but you can resume light daily tasks as you feel ready. Full recovery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your overall health and the complexity of your surgery.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation at Murillo Plastic Surgery
Ready to take the next step toward a more confident, sculpted you? Contact Murillo Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation for tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Carlos Murillo. Conveniently located in the heart of Houston, our practice proudly serves patients from across the Greater Houston area and beyond. Whether you’re seeking post-pregnancy restoration or refining your shape after weight loss, we’re here to guide you with expert care and genuine compassion.
Call us at (832) 582-8114 or complete our online consultation form to begin your journey toward renewed confidence, comfort, and beautifully natural results.
Tummy Tuck FAQS— Houston, TX
How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
The procedure typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional contouring techniques are used.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
Most patients return home the same day and begin gentle movement within a few days. Swelling and tightness are common initially, but full recovery usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Murillo provides detailed aftercare instructions and close follow-ups to support healing.
Will a tummy tuck help me lose weight?
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. It’s designed to contour the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening muscles. Patients should be near their goal weight before surgery.
Will there be visible scarring?
Yes, tummy tuck incisions typically leave a scar along the lower abdomen, usually hidden below the bikini line. Dr. Murillo uses advanced techniques to minimize and strategically place incisions for the most discreet results.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction or breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover. Dr. Murillo will help you determine the safest and most effective combination for your goals.
Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
Tummy tuck surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, financing options may be available to make your procedure more accessible.
How long do tummy tuck results last?
Results are long-lasting, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect outcomes, so it’s best to undergo surgery when you’re at a stable point in your life.