Pioneered in the 1990’s by a Brazilian surgeon, Dr. Juarez M. Avelar, the Avelar tummy tuck is essentially a combined liposuction-abdominoplasty that allows for the removal of excess fat and skin without large-scale cutting. By using liposuction to remove fat and keeping blood vessels intact, this Lake Oswego tummy tuck method removes excess skin through a carefully-placed incision, rather than a large flap. With a healthy blood supply the incision normally heals very well, avoiding the risk of flap necrosis that can be as high as 30% in traditional surgery.
Avelar tummy tuck surgery enables Dr. Lopez, a cosmetic surgeon in Lake Oswego, to remove as much or even more fat than with traditional surgery. She uses the tumescent liposuction technique, which infuses liquid and anesthetic into the area. Patients experience good results, less pain, and fewer complications overall. Most are able to go back to work in one to two weeks.
If you have unanswered questions about tummy tucks, or would like to schedule a consultation at Dr. Lopez cosmetic surgery office, call our office at 503-353-0888 today.
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Before and After Photos
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck in Lake Oswego
During your initial consultation, Dr. Lopez will explain the procedure in detail, perform a complete physical, and evaluate your medical history. She also will determine the amount of fat deposits in your abdominal region, carefully assess your skin tone, discuss anesthesia options, and review costs involved. Dr. Lopez will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.
In the weeks before your surgery, you should avoid overexposure to sun, especially on your abdomen, and should continue with your regular diet. Extreme sun exposure or beginning a stringent diet both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, Dr. Lopez will postpone your surgery. If you smoke, Dr. Lopez requires you to quit two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after surgery.
Dr. Lopez offers avelar tummy tucks as well as traditional tummy tuck in Lake Oswego. All abdominoplasty surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, so you need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you out around the house for a day or two if needed.
Understanding the Avelar Procedures
A mini Avelar tummy tuck involves stretching down the abdominal skin, removing the excess, and stitching the skin back into place. The lower abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed. Liposuction is employed to remove the excess fat from the lower and upper abdomen, and platelet-rich protein is sprayed on the incision to accelerate the healing and improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar. No drains are placed. The procedure takes two to three hours. Compression stockings are given to the patients to wear for two weeks. These will decrease the risks of blood clots.
The skin is not cut from its attachments up to the ribcage, leading to less pain and wound complications.
A full Avelar tummy tuck is done the same way except a larger portion of skin is taken off. An incision is made around the navel and around the lower abdomen. A new skin incision is made for the navel. The upper and lower abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed. A dressing will be placed and a compression garment must be worn for two to three weeks. Compression stockings also must be worn for several weeks.
Recovery and Care Following Cosmetic Surgery
For the first few days after the tummy tuck, your abdomen will be swollen and you are likely to feel some discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Dr. Lopez will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressing. You should start walking as soon as possible. The stitches placed on the incision are absorbable but some of the deeper stitches that protrude through the skin will be removed in two to three weeks. A support garment will be worn over the incision.
It may take several weeks or a month to feel like your old self. Patients who begin the surgery in top physical condition, with strong abdominal muscles, recover fastest. Most patients can return to work in one to two weeks. Moderate exercise can help reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect to take nine months before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. Abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
In most cases, the results of abdominoplasty are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.