Tummy Tuck in Dallas, TX
Reclaim Your Waistline
Pregnancy, weight loss, and age can all change the way your midsection looks and feels, sometimes leaving behind loose skin, weakened muscles, or stubborn fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to restore a smoother, firmer abdominal contour and rebuild core support from the inside out.
At Kelling Plastic Surgery, we approach tummy tuck surgery with precision and restraint. The goal isn’t to dramatically change your body—it’s to help you feel more comfortable and confident in it. Whether your concern is loose skin, a separated abdominal wall (diastasis recti), or a persistent lower belly “pouch,” Dr. Kelling takes the time to understand your anatomy and deliver results that feel naturally sculpted.
A Flatter Abdomen. A More Confident You.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that flattens and firms the midsection by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. It’s often chosen by women after pregnancy or post-weight loss when the abdominal wall has stretched or weakened and the skin no longer contracts on its own.
Dr. Kelling tailors every tummy tuck to the patient’s needs, whether that’s a full tummy tuck (addressing the area above and below the belly button) or a mini tummy tuck (for patients with less excess skin, but could still benefit from muscle repair). In some cases, liposuction is performed at the same time to refine surrounding areas such as the flanks or upper abdomen.
A Targeted Approach to Structural Support
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia at a certified surgical facility. A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen, strategically placed to be concealed by most undergarments or swimwear. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, the abdominal muscles are brought back together and tightened, and the belly button is repositioned for a natural result.
Dr. Kelling uses layered, internal suturing techniques to minimize tension on the skin and promote smooth healing. Depending on the extent of your procedure, surgery typically takes 3-4 hours and can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Dr. Kelling often encourages his patients to stay at the surgical facility for one night to ensure that they are up and moving shortly after surgery with the help of a well-trained nursing professional.
Comprehensive Contouring
A tummy tuck is focused on the lower and mid-abdomen, but its effects can subtly enhance your overall waistline and posture. When paired with liposuction, a tummy tuck can also improve the:
This combination creates a more seamless, contoured result that complements your natural proportions.
Stronger Core, Smoother Shape
Stronger Core Support - Repairing stretched or separated abdominal muscles can improve posture, core strength, and even reduce back discomfort in some patients.
Smoother, Firmer Contour - A tummy tuck removes loose, hanging skin and tightens the underlying structure, creating a smoother, more youthful shape—especially in clothing and swimwear.
Confidence in Your Own Skin - Whether you’re reclaiming your body after pregnancy or finishing a weight loss journey, the results of a tummy tuck often go beyond the physical. Many patients feel more confident, more comfortable, and more like themselves.
Tailored Care for Real-Life Confidence
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you:
During your consultation, Dr. Kelling will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine whether a tummy tuck—or a different body contouring procedure—is the best path forward.
Ongoing Guidance and Support
Most patients return to light activities within 2–3 weeks, though full recovery may take several weeks longer. A compression garment is worn to support healing, minimize swelling, and help shape your result.
You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and core exercises for about 6 weeks. We’ll guide you through each phase of your recovery with regular follow-up and detailed aftercare. Discomfort is typically well managed with medication and improves significantly within the first few days of surgery.
While the initial results are visible early, swelling will continue to subside over several months. Scar placement is carefully planned and often fades significantly with time and proper care.
Where Function Meets Aesthetics
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your abdominal contour after surgery. However, final results take shape gradually as swelling decreases—typically around the 2–3 month mark—and will continue to refine over the next 6 months.
For many patients, a tummy tuck offers a sense of completion, whether after pregnancy, weight loss, or years of trying to “fix” the area through non-surgical means. With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, results can be long-lasting, providing better comfort and confidence in your body.
Refined Contours Start With the Right Approach
Dr. Kelling brings a deep understanding of aesthetic balance and surgical detail to every procedure, ensuring your result is smooth, subtle, and personally tailored. As a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his calm presence, direct communication, and thoughtful technique, Dr. Kelling performs every surgery with meticulous attention to detail. Our practice emphasizes safety, honesty, and refinement, and you’ll feel that at every step.
Schedule your consultation today to learn if a tummy tuck is right for you.
Tummy tuck pricing depends on the extent of the procedure, whether liposuction is included, and other individual factors. After your consultation with Dr. Kelling, you will receive a personalized quote. Our team will walk you through your options with complete transparency. We accept several financing options, helping you plan your procedure in a way that makes sense for your budget.
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. It’s designed to remove loose skin and repair the abdominal wall, not reduce body weight. That said, patients often notice their clothes fit better and their midsection looks more proportioned after surgery.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction removes fat but does not address loose skin or muscle laxity. In many cases, the two are performed together for more comprehensive contouring.
Yes, you can become pregnant after a tummy tuck. It won’t affect your ability to carry a pregnancy. However, future pregnancies can stretch the skin and muscles again, which may compromise your results. For this reason, many patients choose to wait until after they’ve finished having children.
The scar typically runs low across the abdomen, from hip to hip, and is placed so it can be concealed by most underwear or swimwear. Dr. Kelling uses careful closure techniques to promote smooth healing, and we provide post-operative guidance to help your scar fade over time.
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, especially when combined with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The skin and muscle repair will not "reverse," but weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can affect the outcome.
