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Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on February 20th, 2026
Tummy Tuck Success Story Series by Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD in Houston, TX | Case Study #1333
This is part of our series featuring real patient transformations at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery. Each case study provides an in-depth look at actual procedures, recovery experiences, and results from Houston patients who’ve undergone tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Sam M. Sukkar.
The problem wasn’t the number on the scale. At 33, Sarah* maintained a healthy 125 pounds through consistent exercise and careful nutrition. But when she looked in the mirror, she saw a body that didn’t reflect her efforts, a persistent abdominal bulge that no amount of planks or clean eating could eliminate, coupled with deflated breasts that had lost their youthful fullness.
She’d done everything “right,” yet her body told a different story. What finally pushed her to seek help wasn’t frustration alone, it was watching several close friends transform their post-pregnancy bodies through mommy makeover surgery with a Houston plastic surgeon. Their results weren’t just visible; they were life-changing.
*The patient’s name was changed to protect their privacy. All medical details and photographic before and after results are from actual Patient Case #1333. Individual results may vary based on body type, surgical approach, and adherence to post-operative instructions.
Sarah* came to my Houston office with a common concern among women who maintain their fitness: stubborn abdominal laxity that resisted every intervention. At 5’2″ and 125 pounds, she represented what many consider an “ideal” weight for her frame. Yet her body composition told a more complex story, one that tummy tuck surgery was specifically designed to address.
Her primary concerns centered on two distinct areas. Her abdomen protruded despite her petite frame and disciplined lifestyle, creating a silhouette that felt disproportionate to her overall fitness level. Simultaneously, her breasts had lost volume and projection, leaving her with an A-cup that she described as “deflated.” The combination affected not just how clothes fit, but her fundamental confidence in her appearance.
What made Sarah’s* consultation particularly meaningful was her preparation. She’d witnessed multiple friends undergo mommy makeover transformations with our practice, giving her realistic expectations about both the process and potential outcomes. This network of successful patients provided her with firsthand accounts of recovery, results, and the emotional impact of comprehensive body contouring.
During our initial consultation, Sarah* expressed three primary concerns that many patients share when considering combined procedures:
Recovery complexity: Would addressing both her breasts and abdomen simultaneously create an overwhelming recovery experience? She worried about managing post-operative care for two distinct surgical sites while maintaining her daily responsibilities.
Scarring considerations: As a petite woman with fair skin, she wanted to understand exactly where incisions would be placed and how visible scarring might be long-term, particularly for the tummy tuck component.
Result longevity: Having invested time researching the procedures, Sarah* wanted assurance that her results would endure, especially if she decided to have children in the future.
We addressed each concern methodically. The recovery from combined procedures, while demanding the first two weeks, actually offers advantages, one healing period rather than two separate recoveries. Regarding scarring, I explained my precise closure techniques and the strategic placement of incisions along natural body contours. For longevity, I emphasized that while future pregnancies would affect abdominal results, the breast augmentation component would remain largely stable, and many patients successfully maintain their tummy tuck results with weight management.
Sarah’s* transformation required a precisely calibrated approach that addressed both her volume concerns and structural abdominal issues. Her surgery combined two complementary procedures:
1. Abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck)
2. Breast Augmentation with Moderate Plus Profile Implants
This combination addressed Sarah’s* dual concerns simultaneously, restoring breast volume from an A-cup to a proportionate C-cup while creating a taut, contoured abdominal profile. The integrated approach meant one anesthesia session, one recovery period, and comprehensive body transformation in a single surgical experience.
For a woman of Sarah’s* proportions, petite frame, already at healthy weight, but with localized concerns, the surgical strategy required careful calibration. Simply removing abdominal tissue wouldn’t address the underlying structural weakness causing her persistent bulge. Similarly, breast augmentation alone wouldn’t resolve the deflated appearance without proper implant selection for her chest dimensions.
The full abdominoplasty was necessary rather than a mini tummy tuck because her concerns extended above the belly button, and she had muscle separation that required comprehensive repair. The 385cc implant size represented the optimal balance for her frame, large enough to achieve her desired C-cup result without overwhelming her 5’2″ stature or appearing disproportionate to her newly contoured abdomen.
In my 25+ years performing body contouring procedures, I’ve found that patients like Sarah*, those who maintain fitness but struggle with specific anatomical concerns, often achieve the most dramatic transformations. Her healthy baseline meant excellent tissue quality, strong healing capacity, and a foundation that would showcase surgical refinements beautifully. The strategic combination of procedures allowed us to create balanced, proportionate results that honored her natural body structure.
Sarah* left our accredited surgical facility with detailed care instructions for managing both surgical sites. The initial 72 hours presented the most significant discomfort, tightness across her abdomen and soreness in her chest. She followed a strict medication schedule, alternating prescribed pain management with anti-inflammatory medication as directed.
Movement during this phase required deliberate strategy. The abdominal component meant walking slightly bent forward to avoid tension on the incision line, while the breast augmentation necessitated limited arm elevation. She slept in a recliner, which provided optimal positioning for both areas, supporting her upper body while maintaining the slight bend that protected her tummy tuck repair.
The reality of combined procedure recovery is straightforward: the first week demands patience, adherence to restrictions, and acceptance of temporary limitations. Sarah* couldn’t lift anything heavier than a coffee cup, needed assistance with basic tasks, and required compression garments for her abdomen while wearing a surgical bra for breast support.
Critical Recovery Rules:
By week two, Sarah* noticed substantial improvement in her comfort level. The abdominal drains were removed at her 10-day follow-up appointment, significantly increasing her mobility and comfort. She transitioned from prescription pain medication to over-the-counter options, and the initial tightness across her abdomen evolved into a sensation she described as “deep muscle soreness”, present but manageable.
Her breast implants began settling into their final position during this phase, with the initial high placement gradually softening. She continued wearing her compression garment during the day but was cleared to remove it at night, providing welcome relief. Recovery milestones came steadily, showering independently, dressing without assistance, and resuming light household activities.
Sarah* reached a significant milestone at her one-month post-operative visit: clearance to resume most normal activities. She returned to work (with restrictions against heavy lifting), drove comfortably, and noticed her energy levels approaching baseline. The most visible change during this period was reduction of swelling, her abdomen’s definition became increasingly apparent, and her breast shape continued refining.
Final Results Phase: Months 2-3
At her three-month follow-up, Sarah’s* transformation was complete. Her weight had stabilized at 124 pounds, just one pound less than her pre-operative weight, but her body composition had fundamentally changed. The persistent abdominal bulge was gone, replaced by a smooth, contoured profile. Her breasts had settled into a natural C-cup that complemented her petite frame perfectly.
The combination of tummy tuck and breast augmentation had created the balanced silhouette she’d sought, one that finally reflected the effort she invested in maintaining her health and fitness.
Cup Size: A → C (with 385cc implants placed bilaterally)
Abdominal Contour: Eliminated persistent bulge through muscle repair and skin removal
Scar Healing: Low horizontal incision well-concealed below bikini line; breast scars hidden in natural fold
Overall Satisfaction: High, results aligned with pre-operative goals discussed during consultation
Sarah’s* outcome extended beyond measurable changes. She reported renewed confidence in fitted clothing, comfort in swimwear for the first time in years, and validation that her decision to address both concerns simultaneously was correct. The comprehensive approach delivered results that individual procedures performed separately couldn’t have achieved, balanced proportions that created overall harmony in her appearance.
Several factors contributed to Sarah’s* outstanding outcome:
Optimal candidacy: Her healthy weight, non-smoker status, and realistic expectations created an ideal foundation for surgical success. Patients who maintain fitness demonstrate excellent tissue quality and healing capacity.
Strategic procedure combination: Addressing both volume loss (breasts) and structural concerns (abdomen) simultaneously created proportionate results. The breast augmentation balanced her newly contoured torso, preventing the “top-heavy” or “bottom-heavy” appearance that can result from addressing only one area.
Precise implant selection: The 385cc size represented careful calculation for her 5’2″ frame, large enough to achieve desired fullness without overwhelming her petite stature or creating disproportion with her abdomen.
Comprehensive muscle repair: Sarah’s* persistent bulge wasn’t excess fat but weakened abdominal wall structure. The full abdominoplasty with muscle plication addressed the underlying anatomical issue rather than just removing surface tissue.
Meticulous recovery adherence: Sarah* followed every post-operative instruction precisely, compression garment wear, movement restrictions, wound care protocols. This discipline directly contributed to her smooth healing and optimal scarring.
Informed decision-making: Having friends who’d undergone similar procedures provided Sarah* with realistic expectations. She understood the recovery demands, temporary limitations, and timeline for final results, eliminating surprises that can derail patient satisfaction.
Can tummy tuck and breast augmentation be performed together safely?
Yes, and in fact, combining these procedures offers distinct advantages for appropriate candidates. Performing abdominoplasty and breast augmentation simultaneously means one anesthesia session, one recovery period, and coordinated results. In my Houston practice, I’ve performed thousands of combined procedures with excellent safety profiles when patients are properly selected. The key is comprehensive pre-operative assessment, appropriate surgical technique, and patients like Sarah* who are healthy, non-smoking, and prepared for the recovery demands. This approach is precisely why mommy makeover surgery has become one of the most requested combination procedures.
Why would someone at a healthy weight need a tummy tuck?
Weight alone doesn’t determine candidacy for abdominoplasty. Sarah’s* case perfectly illustrates this, at 125 pounds and 5’2″, she was proportionate, yet still had concerns that no amount of exercise could address. Abdominal muscle separation, skin laxity, and localized fat deposits can persist regardless of overall weight. The tummy tuck procedure addresses structural issues, repairing weakened or separated muscles and removing excess skin that diet and exercise simply cannot correct. For women like Sarah*, the procedure isn’t about weight loss but body contouring and restoring abdominal wall integrity.
How long before final results are visible with combined procedures?
Combined procedures follow a staged revelation of results. Breast implants settle into their final position over 3-6 months, with the most dramatic changes occurring in the first three months. Abdominal results emerge as swelling resolves, initial contour is visible within weeks, but final definition appears at 3-6 months post-operatively. Sarah’s* six-month photos represent near-final results, though subtle refinement can continue for up to a year. The timeline requires patience, but as Sarah* discovered, the comprehensive transformation is worth the wait. Understanding this progression helps patients like those exploring affordable tummy tuck options set realistic expectations for their own journeys.
Sarah* walked into my Houston office carrying frustration, a healthy body that didn’t reflect her discipline, effort, and self-care. Six months later, she walked out with results that finally aligned her external appearance with her internal identity. Her friends’ transformations had shown her what was possible; her own journey proved it was achievable.
Your concerns might differ from Sarah’s*. Perhaps you’re struggling with excess skin after significant weight loss, dealing with abdominal changes after multiple pregnancies, or frustrated that exercise alone won’t address separated muscles. Maybe you’re considering a single procedure rather than a combination, or you’re wondering if financing options can make your transformation accessible.
But the fundamental truth remains: You deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own body. Your body deserves the same dedication you give to fitness and health. If stubborn abdominal concerns are affecting your quality of life, transformation is possible.
Schedule Your Personalized Consultation here, or call us today at (281) 940-1535 and take the first step toward your own transformation journey!
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Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, FACS is a highly respected Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Texas, known for his expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As the founder of The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Sukkar has set a new standard for excellence, performing over 20,000 procedures with a focus on delivering natural, refined results.
Dr. Sukkar earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1992 after graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. He then completed an intensive General Surgery Residency at the University of Texas Hermann Hospital before being selected for a highly competitive Plastic Surgery Fellowship at Northwestern University in Chicago, one of the most prestigious training programs in the country.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Sukkar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery (HSPS). His dedication to innovation and continuing education has solidified his reputation as a leading expert in aesthetic surgery, specializing in breast surgery, body contouring, facial procedures, and non-invasive treatments.
Dr. Sukkar’s expertise has been recognized by Houston Magazine, naming him one of Houston’s “Top Docs for Women,” and he has been featured among RealSelf’s America’s Top Doctors. Committed to his patients, he prioritizes personalized care, ensuring every individual feels informed, comfortable, and confident in their aesthetic journey.
Contact Dr. Sukkar today to schedule a consultation, visit DrSukkar.com to learn more, or call us directly at (281) 940-1535.
Cover Image Illustration by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery.
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