One of the most common complaints from our patients is about the loose skin around the abdomen. This is particularly an issue for women who’ve had children or those who’ve experienced significant weight loss. If you are considering a tummy tuck, you may be a candidate for a less invasive procedure called the Avelar Tummy Tuck, a mini tummy tuck combined with liposuction.
Dr. Smith’s technique is unique from other cosmetic doctors in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She combines Tickle Liposuction with the mini tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Smith is a skin specialist with the ability to deliver the best possible results with the least amount of healing and recovery.
Mini Tummy Tuck Overview
Dr. Smith offers the Avelar Tummy Tuck, a mini tummy tuck procedure named for its creator, Dr. Juarez Avelar of Brazil. Dr. Smith has put her own spin on the Avelar technique, combining Tickle Lipo with Tummy Tuck to achieve better results compared to a traditional tummy tuck.
Benefits of Avelar Tummy Tuck
There are several reasons why the Avelar Tummy Tuck may be a better choice than a traditional abdominoplasty:
- Dr. Smith performs the mini tummy tuck “Awake”, so no general anesthesia is needed.
- Dr. Smith will make a much smaller incision for the mini tummy tuck procedure compared to a traditional abdominoplasty.
- Dr. Smith starts with Tickle Lipo to thin the abdominal wall, accelerating healing and achieving a more contoured shape.
How Does It Work
Depending on your specific condition and goals, Dr. Smith will make an incision in the area to be treated. A mini tummy tuck targets only the lower abdomen and the incision is much smaller, leaving the belly button intact. Dr. Smith is a skin specialist and will make sure the scar is as short and unobtrusive as possible.
First, Dr. Smith will use Tickle Lipo to remove excess fat and thin the abdominal wall. Excess skin will be trimmed away and the incision will be closed with fine surgical sutures.
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery
After a brief recovery, you’ll be able to leave our office. The recovery after a mini tummy tuck is relatively short, with most patients returning to work in 5 to 7 days. It is normal to experience some pain immediately following the procedure, which will subside within 2 to 3 days. There will be a noticeable scar at the incision site, which will fade over time (most patients have a white, hairline scar after complete healing).
The results from the mini tummy tuck are immediate and will continue to improve in the following three to six months.
Mini Tummy Tuck Pricing
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, the cost of an Avelar mini tummy tuck varies from one patient to another. Many things go into the cost of the abdominoplasty including the body condition and goals of the patient. Other factors that go into the cost of a tummy tuck are the size and location of the treatment area.
Dr. Smith offers competitive pricing in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area for our tummy tuck procedures. We also offer interest-free financing through CareCredit to help you afford your tummy tuck surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
Both the tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck address the issue of loose or sagging skin in the lower abdomen. The goal is to achieve a tighter, flatter stomach. A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients whose problem area is below the belly button in the lower abdomen. The incision with a mini tummy tuck is much smaller and less noticeable, concealed in the bikini line.
What is an Avelar tummy tuck?
The Avelar tummy tuck is named after Dr. Juarez Avelar, the Brazilian cosmetic physician who created the technique. Dr. Avelar pioneered the combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty to create this innovative procedure.
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata, MN, Dr. Leslie Smith uses the combination of Tickle Lipo and tummy tuck to achieve incredible results.
What does the scar look like with a mini tummy tuck?
The scar with a mini tummy tuck is small and concealed in the bikini line. The scar will be noticeable in the first few months following the surgery, but eventually, it will fade and be less noticeable. Most patients have a thin, white scar after full recovery.
What is the advantage of having liposuction with abdominoplasty?
By removing unwanted fat with liposuction, patients see much tighter, more defined results. Another benefit is that the Avelar technique is that it is less invasive, meaning quicker recovery and less post-op pain.
Pro-Nox
Patients that are hesitant to schedule surgical procedures due to concerns about the medications prescribed for these treatments now have another option that helps them avoid some potential side-effects. Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics offers Pro-Nox, an analgesic delivery system that reduces both discomfort and anxiety before and during your surgical procedure. The best part: you get to control how much or how little you need.
Traditionally known as laughing gas, Pro-Nox is a specially designed system that takes effect quickly and eliminates some of the side effects of oral medications like Ativan, including drowsiness, dizziness, and tiredness. Because the effects of Pro-Nox wear off within minutes once you no longer need it, patients that choose Pro-Nox have the added benefit of being able to drive themselves home from their procedure if they choose. There is a small fee to use Pro-Nox before our surgical procedures, so let us know during your consultation if you would prefer this option.