Tummy Tuck

The procedure is performed under anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel pain during the surgery itself. However, afterward, soreness, tightness, and swelling are common. These symptoms can be controlled with prescribed pain medication and proper post-operative care. Many patients describe the sensation as deep muscle soreness, similar to an intense workout, which improves significantly within the first two weeks. If followed properly, Dr. Rivera’s guidelines should help alleviate most discomfort and lead to an easy recovery process.

Typically, patients will have an initial consultation, pre-operative appointment, surgery, and multiple follow-up visits to monitor healing. Dr. Rivera schedules these post-operative visits at key intervals, usually within the first week, at the one-month mark, and then periodically over the next several months. These follow-ups allow him to assess results, ensure proper healing, and address any concerns.

Dr. Rivera’s approach ensures that each patient receives attentive, personalized care throughout their entire surgical journey.

Scarring is inevitable in a tummy tuck, but Dr. Rivera ensures that incisions are discreet and placed low.. The primary incision is typically positioned low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area, allowing it to be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear. With proper care, including silicone treatments, scar massage, and sun protection, scars fade significantly over time. Many patients find that their scar becomes a thin, flat line within a year, blending naturally with the surrounding skin.

Dr. Rivera advises patients to ease into physical activity gradually to allow for proper healing. Light movement, such as short walks, is encouraged within the first few days to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications, but moderate activities, like low-impact cardio, can be resumed around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. More intense exercises, including weightlifting and core workouts, should be avoided for at least 8 to 12 weeks to prevent strain on the abdominal muscles.

Yes, common combinations with tummy tucks include liposuction for further body contouring, breast augmentation or a lift as part of a Mommy Makeover, or even non-surgical skin tightening treatments. Combining procedures can be both time-efficient and cost-effective, as it consolidates recovery periods and maximizes aesthetic results. However, patient safety remains the top priority, and Dr. Rivera carefully evaluates whether a combination approach is suitable based on overall health and surgical goals.

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck carries some risks, though these are minimized when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rivera. Potential risks include infection, poor wound healing, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in skin sensation, and blood clots. Patients can further minimize complications by following all recovery guidelines, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery. Dr. Rivera prioritizes patient safety and carefully assesses each candidate to ensure they are in good health before proceeding with the procedure.

Finding the right plastic surgeon is crucial to achieving safe, natural-looking results. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures, particularly tummy tucks. Dr. Carlos Rivera-Serrano stands out in Miami Beach for his double board certification and advanced training across multiple continents. Beyond credentials, patients should review before-and-after photos, read patient testimonials, and schedule a consultation to assess the surgeon’s approach and communication style. Dr. Rivera’s boutique practice offers personalized care, ensuring each patient feels confident and supported throughout their transformation.

A tummy tuck (also known as dermolipectomy) has many variations, depending on the patient’s needs. A classic version involves removing the extra skin and the need to free up your belly button to reposition it. On the other hand, some patients may benefit from the creation of a new belly button (called neoumbilicoplasty), which can be done during or after surgery.

• A mini tummy tuck involves removing excess skin in the lower abdomen more conservatively without repositioning the belly button. This operation is good for people with only a small amount of residual skin or who want a smaller operation and quicker recovery.
• A classic tummy tuck is not typically performed in conjunction with liposuction, but it can be performed at the same time if needed. In this case, the procedure is called a Lipoadbominoplasty. Some patients greatly benefit from the addition of liposuction to thin out the upper abdomen and reshape the waist.
• Like a classic tummy tuck, patients may also benefit from creating a new belly button, which can be done during surgery or weeks after as a staged approach. A personal consultation will determine what is best for you.

Recovery after a tummy tuck is very specific. Drains may or may not be used (“no drain tummy tuck”) but are always used in cases where liposuction is carried out. They typically stay in place for 5-7 days. A compression garment is almost always used after surgery. For the first week, you must stand and walk with your torso bent forward to decrease tension and then progressively straighten up. Therefore, recovery from surgery is at least 2-3 weeks before mild to moderate activity can be resumed, although vigorous exercise should only be resumed after 6 weeks.

You have excess skin and stretch marks in your abdomen. The shape of your abdomen has been affected by pregnancy or significant weight loss. You feel that your protruding abdomen is unattractive. You are bothered by your bulging abdomen, and your self-confidence may improve from these procedures.

While a tummy tuck does remove excess fat, it is not a substitute for weight loss or an exercise program. The procedure cannot correct all stretch marks, although most may be removed if they are located on the areas of excess abdominal skin that will be removed.

Even though the outcomes of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive results can be significantly diminished by fluctuations in your weight. Hence, patients who are planning for weight loss or women considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone surgery.