Pioneered in the 1990's by Brazilian surgeon Juarez M. Avelar, this procedure uses smaller incisions and combines abdominoplasty with tumescent liposuction.
In the Avelar technique, tumescent liposuction done under local anesthesia removes fat while keeping blood vessels intact. The fat removal is less traumatic and the surgery to remove excess skin is merely an incision, instead of a large flap as in the traditional technique.
Overall, there's less trauma and fewer chances of complications.
Most patients can return to normal life in one to two weeks instead of the month needed to recover from a traditional Tummy Tuck.
There are two kinds of Avelar LipoAbdominoplasty:
- Full Avelar - An incision is made around the navel and around the lower abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is left intact. Both the upper and lower abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed.
Mini Avelar - Here only the lower abdominal muscles are tightened. The skin is stretched downwards and repositioned, while liposuction removes excess fat from both the lower and upper abdomen. Hidden sutures are used to close a shorter cosmetic scar.
Advantages of the Avelar Tummy Tuck
Less stressful - it's an outpatient procedure that doesn't require an overnight stay.
- Tumescent liposuction is done under local anesthesia only.
- No drains are needed.
- Exercise may be resumed earlier, because the abdominal muscles may not need to be tightened.
- More fat can be removed with liposuction than in standard full abdominoplasty.
