Miami, Florida

Awake Tummy Tuck

Introduction

Introduction to an Awake Tummy Tuck Alternative

Experience a sleeker, more sculpted waistline—without going under general anesthesia! At Rivera Plastic Surgery in Miami Beach, FL, an awake tummy tuck lets you stay comfortable and aware while Dr. Carlos Rivera expertly removes excess skin and stubborn fat for a tighter, more defined midsection. With minimal downtime and a quicker recovery, this innovative procedure is perfect for refining your shape, whether you’re bouncing back after pregnancy or looking to enhance your contours. Since the procedure is not performed under general anesthesia, it can even be safely done on individuals with high BMIs.

What is an Awake Tummy Tuck or a Tummy Tuck without General Anesthesia?

An awake tummy tuck is a revolutionary approach to body contouring that allows patients to undergo the procedure without being fully under general anesthesia. Instead, local anesthesia is used to numb the area while patients remain awake and relaxed throughout the process.

A light-skinned woman with long blonde hair wears a black one-piece swimsuit with crisscross lacing. She is in a sunlit outdoor setting, arms raised towards a white slatted roof, with a blurred beach background. The lighting highlights her figure, creating a summer portrait. - Awake Tummy Tuck in Miami Beach, FL

What Are the Benefits of an Awake Tummy Tuck?

An awake tummy tuck offers a much quicker recovery time, as patients can often return home the same day. Since anesthesia is not required during the procedure, the risk associated with it is also minimized. An awake tummy tuck also allows you to feel more in control and aware of your progress, ensuring a smoother and more reassuring experience.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Awake Tummy Tuck?

An awake tummy tuck is a great option for individuals who are looking for a less invasive approach to body contouring but still want to achieve excellent results. This procedure is particularly well-suited for those in good overall health with specific concerns like excess skin, stubborn abdominal fat, or weakened muscles. If you’ve had significant weight loss or pregnancy and are looking to tighten your abdomen without the extended recovery time of traditional surgery, the awake tummy tuck may be right for you. Those who prefer to avoid general anesthesia and are comfortable being awake during surgery tend to find this technique to be a good fit. Dr. Rivera in Miami Beach will evaluate your health and goals during a consultation to determine if this procedure is the right solution for you. This procedure accomplishes goals similar to those of a traditional tummy tuck, except for muscle plication or diastasis repair.

What’s the first step?

The first step toward an awake tummy tuck is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rivera at Rivera Plastic Surgery. During this, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and ask any questions while Dr. Rivera carefully assesses your abdominal area and evaluates your skin elasticity. This personalized consultation is key in developing a tailored plan to achieve the best results, and it allows Dr. Rivera to address any concerns about the procedure, recovery, and your expected outcomes. From there, you’ll be on your way to achieving a more sculpted, toned midsection!

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What to Expect on the Day of Awake Tummy Tuck Surgery

During an awake tummy tuck, Dr. Rivera precisely sculpts the abdomen while you remain comfortably numbed with local anesthesia. Excess skin in the lower abdomen is then removed to create a firmer contour. Liposuction is performed to refine the waistline and enhance overall shape if necessary.

Throughout the procedure, you’ll be awake and able to communicate, though you won’t feel any pain. Dr. Rivera uses meticulous techniques to ensure natural-looking results, repositioning and securing the skin for a flatter, more toned appearance. Once your desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed.

Awake Tummy Tuck Recovery

Recovery from an awake tummy tuck is smoother than a traditional tummy tuck since local anesthesia eliminates the grogginess and side effects associated with general anesthesia. Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected in the first few days, but discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients can walk and move around the same day, promoting healthy circulation and a faster recovery.

A compression garment will be worn to support healing, minimize swelling, and help shape the abdomen. While light activities can be resumed within a few days, heavy lifting should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Dr. Rivera will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments, ensuring optimal healing and beautiful, natural-looking results. The final outcome becomes more visible as swelling subsides, revealing a flatter, more contoured midsection.

How Much Does an Awake Tummy Tuck Cost in Miami Beach, FL?

cost

The cost of an awake tummy tuck in Miami Beach, FL, ranges from $6,000 to $15,000. Since every patient’s needs and goals are unique, Dr. Rivera will provide a personalized quote during your consultation after assessing your body and discussing the scope of your surgery. Our practice also offers financing options to help make this transformative procedure more accessible.

Why Choose Dr. Rivera? What Sets Us Apart?

We are specialists and have the know-how. Dr. Carlos Rivera is an accomplished plastic surgeon who combines precision with artistry to help his patients achieve their aesthetic goals. With specialized training in ENT and plastic surgery, he has honed his skills through advanced fellowships in Taiwan and Belgium, which have allowed him to refine his techniques and develop a unique, personalized approach to every procedure.

Before establishing his practice in Miami, Dr. Rivera spent several years in the Midwest, where he gained extensive experience performing thousands of procedures and perfected his ability to deliver natural, harmonious results. As a double-board-certified surgeon and former university professor, Dr. Rivera is committed to staying at the forefront of plastic surgery and bringing innovation and education to his work.

Dr. Rivera is affiliated with leading medical organizations, including the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His reputation for excellence and attention to detail makes him a trusted name in Miami’s plastic surgery community.

Awake Tummy Tuck FAQ’S

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Patient Reviews

4.79 – 103 Reviews

  • Dr Rivera is an excellent surgeon

    Dr Rivera is an excellent surgeon. Very professional and great chair side manner. I was extremely pleased with my experience and procedures and I will recommend Dr Rivera Always!!!!

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    J.P., Google

  • I cannot recommend Dr. Rivera enough

    I cannot recommend Dr. Rivera enough. I had such a good experience at his practice and I appreciate how kind and knowledgeable he was.

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    L.B., Google

  • as soon I meet Dr Rivera I knew he was the best

    I had a great experience. I visited 4 surgeons between Miami and Ft Lauderdale; some very senior and well known, but as soon I meet Dr Rivera I knew he was the best. Dr Rivera listened, was patient and gave me several options for treatment. He is exceptionally talented and trained, ans has great manners. I was impressed with his resume, superior to pretty much any plastic surgeon I’ve meet. The procedure went very well. I obtained the results I wanted. His staff is top notch. Absolute recommendations. He is a Rockstar!

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    Anonymous, RealSelf

Schedule a Consultation

Are you excited to show off a flatter, more sculpted you? Scheduling your consultation with Dr. Rivera in Miami Beach is the first step to making it happen! This is your chance to dive into everything an awake tummy tuck can do for you—plus, Dr. Rivera will answer all your questions and help you map out a personalized plan to achieve your dream look. Ready to get started? Reach out today, and let’s take that first step toward a more confident, toned version of you!

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