


Before & After Photos

Tummy Tuck in Miami, FL

Sometimes exercise is not enough to tighten loose abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy or massive weight loss. If the skin around your tummy is loose and sagging, then a tummy tuck may be the best way to achieve a flatter, tighter midsection.

The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat are removed in order to improve a protruding abdomen and create a firmer, flatter appearance. For some individuals, particularly after pregnancy, the abdominal muscles have stretched and these can be tightened during surgery as well. Abdominoplasty is also very effective for those who have lost significant weight but are left with loose or sagging skin, as well as older patients with decreased skin elasticity.

Dr. Polo will evaluate your situation during consultation at Polo Plastic Surgery of Miami to help you determine whether or not a tummy tuck is your best option. Liposuction may be recommended as a complimentary procedure to enhance the results of a tummy tuck. The goal is to have a smooth, flat tummy that blends with the rest of the body.

Understanding Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia here in our Miami facility, Sunset Surgicenter. Sunset Surgicenter is a fully equipped surgery facility accredited by the American Association of Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). Mini abdominoplasties can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia. The procedure takes anywhere from two to five hours to complete depending on the technique and the degree of correction needed.

There are four types of tummy tucks, and Dr. Polo will explain each procedure and help you determine the surgery that is right for you:

Standard Abdominoplasty - tightens all of the abdominal wall skin (standard scar)
Mini Abdominoplasty - tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar)
Extended Abdominoplasty - tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back)
Lipoabdominoplasty – combines the mini tummy tuck with liposuction of the entire abdomen

The incision for a standard tummy tuck generally runs between the hipbones just above the pubic area. A second incision is typically made around the navel so that it may be moved to a new location. For a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel incision is usually not needed. For the extended tummy tuck, the incision may extend to the back of the hips. Working through the incision, Dr. Polo may tighten the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and reposition the navel. For lipoabdominoplasty, Dr. Polo combines the mini tummy tuck with liposuction of the entire abdomen to optimally sculpt the abdomen and tighten excess skin below the belly button.

The Tummy Tuck Recovery

Since abdominoplasty is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures, one to three days of skilled nursing care is usually indicated. Patients can expect some degree of swelling and bruising which can last anywhere from several weeks to months. Discomfort and pain may also occur which can be controlled with medication. Patients will need to wear a support garment or abdominal binder for a period of time. Light activity is comfortable in 10 to 20 days, but heavier activity will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks. Many patients find that they can return to work after two to four weeks.

The specific risks and the suitability of abdominoplasty can be determined only during your consultation with Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Polo. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk, but major complications are unusual.

View before and after Tummy Tuck photos here.

Miami Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy Tuck in Miami, FL