The Miami Tummy Tuck℠ — The Real "Mini" Tummy Tuck
Looking for a mini tummy tuck? Do you know what a mini tummy tuck is?
The name, of course, implies an operation that is somehow less invasive than the regular tummy tuck. But is it? Have you ever actually seen anyone who has had the procedure? What was the difference? Was the scar shorter? Did the patient report that they had a marvelous “mini” recovery? You know all the things that doctors promise you because they know that is what you want to hear: a shorter scar, less pain, less recovery time, equal or better results and yes, of course, less cost.
Let us explain the difference between reality and marketing:
A true mini tuck is almost only appropriate when:
- The patient is fairly thin and has retained her waistline, with minimal bulging in the lower abdomen.
- The amount of excess skin is minimal and therefore can be removed by a shorter scar.
- The upper abdomen has no skin laxity and requires only minor liposuction.
Is this you? If not, then this is not the procedure for you.
The problem is that some doctors will tell you they will perform a “mini” tummy tuck but will end up having to do a traditional tummy tuck because a “mini” just won’t solve the problem. We understand a patient’s desire to keep the scar as short as possible, but performing the wrong operation and getting a poor result just to minimize a scar is not the solution. This is why we have developed the Miami Tummy Tuck, which will deliver a superior result in any patient while keeping the scar as short as possible. We believe the Miami Tummy Tuck is the real “mini” tuck because for any given patient our scar will always be shorter than the traditional technique.
The Miami Tummy Tuck℠ — Why Ours Is the Best
A Better Tummy Tuck by a Top Plastic Surgeon
For nearly 20 years now, Dr. Vazquez has been performing and perfecting an advanced form of the tummy tuck first described as a High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty and most recently referred to as a lipoabdominoplasty. Through his own extensive experience, Dr. Vazquez has refined this technique into a unique procedure that he calls The Miami Tummy Tuck℠, which is a procedure that few plastic surgeons are familiar with. This technique concentrates on creating a tight, contoured waistline, shaping the upper abdomen and sides by liposuction and maintaining a shorter scar than the traditional technique still employed by the majority of surgeons today. By relying on accurate liposuction and limiting the amount of surgical cutting and lifting of tissues, the procedure is safer and more effective.
This operation greatly decreases the two most common complications of the procedure, which are the collection of fluid (called a seroma) and injury to the blood supply of the lower part of the abdominal wall, which can produce tissue loss and result in wound healing problems. As a result of less fluid collection, a drain, if used at all, will be removed within 24 hours. This is in stark contrast to the traditional tummy tuck in which bothersome drains are required and usually left in for up to two weeks!
Compare The Miami Tummy Tuck vs. Traditional Tummy Tuck
See Why Our Tummy Tuck is Superior
The Miami Tummy Tuck is simply the smarter way to lose the fat and excess skin, while adding beautiful, natural curves and accentuating your body. This is an advanced procedure only an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Bernabe Vazquez can do!
For the thinner patient who does not require a lot of associated liposuction and who is the classic candidate for the traditional tummy tuck, The Miami Tummy Tuck will still provide a superior result by creating a better waistline with a shorter scar. For the heavier patient with a poorly defined waistline, this method is the only procedure that will deliver the maximum improvement that she deserves. Dr. Vazquez will explain during the consultation exactly where to expect improvement and the approximate length and placement of your shorter scar.
Patients who have undergone significant weight loss, whether by dieting or a gastric bypass procedure, often develop an excess of loose abdominal skin that cannot be adequately corrected with a standard abdominoplasty procedure. This procedure will also benefit these patients and can be combined with more extensive procedures that lift the outer thighs and buttocks, in a procedure called Lower Body Lift.
Good Candidates for The Miami Tummy Tuck
An ideal candidate for This procedure is a person who:
- Is healthy
- Is at a healthy weight
- Has maintained a stable weight for several months
- Is bothered by excess skin on their stomach from past pregnancy
- Wants to get rid of loose skin left over from significant weight loss
- Has localized areas of excess fat in the abdomen
- Has stretched stomach skin due to aging or other factors
- Is not planning to get pregnant in the near future
Recovering from the Procedure
After surgery, patients will recover at our office for a short time before returning home; they will need someone to drive them home and stay with them for the first night while the patient rests as much as possible. It is normal to experience swelling in the abdomen, which will last for several weeks post-surgery. Discomfort and a certain amount of pain are also common for the first couple of days, and pain medication will be prescribed by Dr. Vazquez in order to help the patient feel more comfortable. Dr. Vazquez will schedule regular follow-up appointments to check the progress of healing and to determine when the patient is able to return to work and exercise. In general, patients are able to return to work after two weeks and to exercise after six to eight weeks.
Tummy Tuck Results
Though the results of a tummy tuck procedure are not immediately apparent, you can expect to see a more contoured stomach after two weeks, especially as the swelling from surgery disappears. The final results are noticeable between three to six months post-surgery, with gradual improvements seen in the months preceding.
Results will last many years if the patient maintains healthy diet and exercise habits, a stable weight and does not get pregnant. Weight fluctuations and pregnancy after a tummy tuck will stretch out the abdominal skin and loosen the stomach muscles, undoing the effects of the procedure.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What are the risks and complications of tummy tuck surgery?
The risks related to tummy tuck surgery are bleeding and/or swelling in the abdomen, fluid collecting underneath the skin, infection, lumps under the skin and edges of the skin at the incision point that are not healing back together. These complications are rare but should be checked by your doctor immediately if present.
Does this procedure remove stretch marks?
Most stretch marks on the lower abdomen (below the belly button) are removed by a tummy tuck. Stretch marks on the upper abdomen may not be removed, but will be moved lower.
I’m considering a tummy tuck but I’m overweight. Should I lose weight before having the surgery?
It is recommended that those who are considering tummy tuck surgery be close to a healthy weight for their build, as any weight fluctuations after surgery will undo the results of a tummy tuck. For this reason, patients with a BMI greater than 30 should try to lose the excess weight before surgery, and the new weight should be maintained for several months before having the procedure.
Do You Have Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Are you looking to boost your self-confidence by flattening your stomach? Dr. Bernabe Vazquez can discuss your tummy tuck options with you and help you determine which one will meet your needs during a personal consultation. He can also answer your questions and provide you with educational tools — including videos, photos and literature — to further explain the procedure. To schedule your free, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Vazquez, call (305) 858-8222.