Aging, weight fluctuations, genetics, and previous pregnancies can contribute to an abdominal appearance that is less than ideal. Even individuals at their goal weight can struggle with sagging belly skin and stubborn fat deposits. Many patients are unable to attain the toned tummy they desire through diet and exercise alone despite vigorous and dedicated efforts. Tummy tuck surgery, also known as “abdominoplasty,” produces a slimmer, flatter midsection with improved muscle tone. Dr. Constantino Mendieta performs this body contouring procedure to restore the abdomen to a more youthful and appealing contour, helping patients revive their confidence and physique.
What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed on men and women to:
- Eliminate sagging skin
- Remove unwanted fatty deposits
- Tighten abdominal muscles
Am I the Right Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Slimming and toning the abdomen is the number one priority (and frustration) of many men and women. Everyone wants sculpted contours, whether they want to look good at the beach or poolside or want their clothes to fit a little better.
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck can relate to some or all of the following concerns:
- Abdomen tone that is unresponsive to exercise and diet
- Tummy pooch after pregnancy
- Stretched skin
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Belly button with poor positioning
- Excess fat
- Weakened or separated abdominal muscles
Are you a candidate for a tummy tuck? Call Dr. Mendieta at 305-860-0717 to set up a consultation.
before and after
World-class skill in cosmetic facial surgery, breast surgery, butt augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, body sculpting, and versed in all aspects of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
What is Discussed During My Tummy Tuck Consultation?
A consultation with Dr. Mendieta is essential to a successful tummy tuck.
During this meeting, Dr. Mendieta will:
- Discuss your desired outcomes
- Evaluate your skin and muscle laxity
- Take measurements and photos
- Discuss preparation details for your procedure
- Suggest combination treatments, if necessary
What Are My Tummy Tuck Options?
Depending on the extent of correction required, tummy tuck surgery can last between two and four hours. During the procedure, the underlying structures of the midsection are adjusted through a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen. The shape and length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess tissue to be removed. Dr. Mendieta offers four tummy tuck techniques and liposuction to meet his patient’s unique needs and goals.
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Mini Tummy Tuck
The incision created during mini tummy tuck surgery is placed below the bikini line. Through this opening, excess skin can be removed, and lower abdominal muscles can be repaired. This technique is appropriate for patients with minimal cosmetic concerns that fall below the navel.
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Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck involves creating an incision that extends from hip to hip. Through this incision, excess tissue can be removed, and muscles can be repaired. A secondary incision around the navel may be necessary to achieve optimal results. This technique is appropriate for patients with moderate to severe skin laxity and muscle weakness.
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Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a more comprehensive approach to abdominal enhancement. The incision created during this procedure extends from the side of one thigh, around the hip and along the bikini line, and around to the other thigh. This technique is appropriate for patients who desire improvement to the hips and thighs as well as to their abdomen.
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Circumferential Tummy Tuck
As the name suggests, a circumferential tummy tuck involves creating an incision that encircles the entire midsection, through which excess tissue can be removed. Circumferential tummy tuck surgery, also known as a “body lift,” improves the appearance of the entire midsection, including the buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back. This technique is appropriate for patients who have experienced significant weight loss, which has resulted in severe skin laxity and excess fat folds.
If you have any questions, please contact our practice online or call 305-860-0717.
Schedule an AppointmentHow Should I Prepare for My Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Mendieta will provide you with all the necessary information to make sure you are well-prepared on the day of your tummy tuck. Following his pre and postoperative instructions will ensure your surgery and recovery process runs smoothly.
Before your tummy tuck, you should:
- Quit smoking for six to eight weeks, as this can complicate the recovery process
- Plan to have a family member drive you home after the procedure
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the day of your surgery
- Bring the proper identification and paperwork to ensure there are no issues at check-in
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Can I Combine My Tummy Tuck With Other Procedures?
Tummy tuck surgery can be performed alongside other body contouring procedures to produce optimal results.
Liposuction
Most tummy tuck surgeries are combined with liposuction to achieve the best body contouring results. Liposuction is a fat removal procedure that utilizes a cannula to suction localized fat from targeted areas of the body. This technique is appropriate for patients with pockets of fat that obscure their body contours and do not respond to diet and exercise. Many patients combine these treatments because a tummy tuck cannot address the fat that surrounds the abdomen. In this way, liposuction can be an essential tool for contouring and refining those last touches that sculpt your physique.
Body Lift
The stomach region may not be the only area affected by aging, pregnancy, genetics, or substantial weight loss. Body lift surgery is a highly successful option for patients seeking to correct overhanging folds of skin throughout the lower body. Dr. Mendieta’s years of thorough experience and unyielding passion for finding solutions for his patients are some of the many reasons he is sure to find the right solution.
Miami Makeover
Many mothers who may wish to improve the appearance of their abdomen may also benefit from a Miami Makeover. This combination procedure package typically includes the Brazilian Butt Lift, liposuction surgery, breast enhancement, and tummy tuck surgery.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
You can expect to have some bruising and swelling following your tummy tuck surgery. A compression garment will be applied to reduce swelling and bruising and to help support the abdomen as it adapts to its new shape. Small tubes may be placed under the skin temporarily to drain any excess fluid that may collect. Most patients can return to work about one or two weeks after surgery, although strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to prevent postoperative complications.
Dr. Mendieta will provide a prescription for pain medication as needed, as it is not always necessary for all patients. In your follow up appointments, Dr. Mendieta will assess your recovery and level of discomfort to see whether you should be incorporating more rest or increased exercises to prevent inflammation.
Exercise
You can resume light activity such as walking or aerobics after three weeks, and aggressive workouts may be resumed after six weeks of recovery. During your tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Mendieta will provide you with a detailed recovery timeline explaining when you can continue your usual exercise routine.
Diet
Eating a vitamin and nutrient-enriched diet following your tummy tuck will not only speed the tissue repair in this area but reduce inflammation and provide an overall healthy environment.
What Are Tummy Tuck Results Like?
You will notice an immediate difference in how your midsection looks following tummy tuck surgery. Your results will continue to improve over the next few months as the swelling subsides. The effects produced by tummy tuck surgery are considered generally permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and have no pregnancies after the procedure.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
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How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of tummy tuck surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of correction, techniques used, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and geographical location. The exact cost of your personalized tummy tuck will be determined during your private consultation. However, there are some wonderful financing options available.
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What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
Complications that result from tummy tuck surgery are rare. However, some of the common risks associated with any cosmetic surgical procedure include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Impaired healing
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
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Will I have scarring after my tummy tuck procedure?
Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery can expect some scarring; however, Dr. Mendieta is careful to place all surgical incisions in discrete areas of the body so that they may be easily concealed with clothing and bathing suits. Additionally, any scars are likely to fade over time.
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Will I have scarring after my tummy tuck procedure?
Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery can expect some scarring; however, Dr. Mendieta is careful to place all surgical incisions in discreet areas of the body so that they may be easily concealed with clothing and bathing suits. Additionally, any scars are likely to fade over time.
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What type of anesthesia is used during a tummy tuck procedure?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. For your safety, you also want to ensure you are working with a board-certified anesthesiologist, regardless of the type of anesthesia chosen.
Request a Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Mendieta
When you’re ready to move forward with getting a tummy tuck or some other type of plastic surgery procedure, call Dr. Mendieta and his team at 4Beauty Aesthetic Institute for Plastic Surgery at (305) 860-0717. You may also contact us online or simply fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will get in touch.
Non surgical cosmetic treatments are also available at our Med Spa in Miami, including facials, chemical peels, non surgical eye lifts, non surgical rhinoplasty, skin tightening, tattoo removal and more.
The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
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