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A flat and well-toned midsection is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. However, in some instances, these methods cannot achieve our goals. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will help you improve the shape and appearance of your abdomen.
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
An abdominoplasty is a highly versatile surgical procedure, with many options for the extensiveness of plastic surgery techniques. These are commonly referred to as mini tummy tuck, traditional tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck
This is the least invasive option for abdominal cosmetic surgery. As such, a mini tummy tuck cannot address as severe or widespread a problem area as the other techniques are able to. For people who have a lower belly “pooch” below their navel, or loose skin that’s exclusively in this area, a mini tummy tuck can be a great solution for enhancing the skin quality and providing a firmer, more toned appearance to the low abdomen.
However, for any concerns above the belly button, such as weakened or separated abdominal muscles, a better choice for surgery would be a more comprehensive tummy tuck.
Traditional Tummy Tucks
The classic tummy tuck procedure addresses excess fat, lax or excess skin, and even weak or separated stomach muscles. People who have been pregnant and gone through childbirth are typical tummy tuck patients, although it can be a great solution for men who are struggling to lose the last few pounds or tighten loose skin due to significant weight loss.
A traditional tummy tuck aims to remove excess skin, strengthen weak abdominal muscles, and overall create a more firm and tight abdominal area.
Extended Tummy Tuck
For people with sagging skin that extends around to the hips on either side of their abdomen, an extended tummy tuck is likely the best way to address all their concerns. Performed very similarly to a traditional tummy tuck, an extended abdominoplasty procedure produces tummy tuck results for not just a flat stomach, but for tightened love handles or loose skin on the flanks.
ANDRÉS SÁRRAGA MD FACS
DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Sárraga was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he spent most of his life. He decided at a very early age to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursue a career in the art of medicine and surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been featured in several publications including Aventura Magazine™ and Healthy Valley® Magazine where he has discussed procedures including Facial Rejuvenation and Breast Surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been awarded one of Castle Connolly’s top doctors in Miami for the last 5 years. He has also been featured with his friend and mentor Dr. Storch. Since Dr. Storch’s retirement, Dr. Sárraga now runs ARTIS Institute Plastic Surgery as a single practitioner.
MEET DR. SÁRRAGA
GOOD CANDIDATES FOR TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.
TUMMY TUCK CONSULTATION
During your confidential and private evaluation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Sarraga will carefully listen to your goals and objectives and carefully perform a physical exam. He will also discuss your options and advantages of the different types of tummy tuck in Miami.
During this time, you can ask any question you want, such as tummy tuck cost, the timeline for recovery, and whether another surgery, such as a body lift, would be more appropriate for you.
TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may be done in the Office Approved Surgical Facility or the hospital. Through a lower abdominal incision (made low in the pubic region to conceal it with underwear), the skin and excess fat are dissected all the way up to your upper abdomen and raised like a flap. Then Dr. Sarraga will usually tighten the abdominal wall to create a more shapely silhouette. Then the tissues are brought down and the excess skin and fat are trimmed.
The incision is closed and then the umbilicus (belly button) is brought back out and restructured. Drains are placed prior to final closure and a special long-lasting anesthetic is injected into the tissues for postoperative pain control.
Dr. Sarraga typically performs liposuction to the surrounding areas to help shape and contour the midsection. You will be asked to wear a supportive garment for a few months and should expect to have downtime for about one to two weeks.
TUMMY TUCK SURGERY IN MIAMI
There are so many benefits with this highly customizable tummy tuck procedure that patients all over Miami have enjoyed thanks to Dr. Sarraga’s skill and artistry. If you would like to learn more about a tummy tuck, contact our Aventura practice today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Sarraga.
“His staff is remarkable”
Dr. Sarraga did an excellent job with my nose. I was looking for a natural finish and a slimmer tip to my nose and he did just that! His staff is remarkable and he takes the time with you to listen. I highly recommend him!
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