Avelar Abdominoplasty 

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

Tummy Tuck

An Avelar abdominoplasty, also called an Avelar tummy tuck, is a procedure that utilizes both tummy tuck and liposuction techniques without the use of large incisions or surgical drains. This less invasive form of the tummy tuck only requires skin removal, while the liposuction portion of the procedure removes fat through a suction device called a cannula. Another advantage to consider is that surgeons do not need to move the navel; instead, the navel stays in its natural position. 

If you feel that you may benefit from the cosmetic results of a tummy tuck but are concerned about the extensive techniques applied, an Avelar tummy tuck may be what you need to achieve your desired contours. This unique form of the procedure is offered here at Aesthetic Laser Center, a practice led by the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Quita Lopez. As a cosmetic surgeon and medspa treatment specialist, Dr. Lopez ensures that her patients receive quality, personalized care while also implementing the latest surgical research. 

To find out if you may be an ideal candidate for this procedure, call her practice near Portland, OR at (503) 567-8056, or inquire about a consultation through her online contact form. A member of her staff will reach out to you to schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. 

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What Makes the Avelar Tummy Tuck Different? 

In general, surgeons perform tummy tucks to remove lax skin that has accumulated around the abdomen due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the aging process. Beginning at around middle age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin begin to degrade, resulting in skin that is unable to recoil nicely against the body. (1) As fat redistributes to this area, it’s more likely to protrude and cause unwanted bulging. For a standard tummy tuck, surgeons make one long incision from hip to hip and create a large skin flap. This technique gives them access to the underlying fat, allowing them to remove unwanted pockets and suture the abdominal muscles if needed. Although it can be highly effective, it often requires patients to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. Though Dr. Lopez still performs standard tummy tucks, it’s typically much more well-suited for those who require more drastic changes. 

Dr. Juarez M. Avelar introduced the Avelar tummy tuck as an effective alternative to traditional tummy tucks. He sought to help patients achieve a flatter, more attractive midsection without subjecting them to the same complication risks. There are a few key differences that make the Avelar method a much safer option: 

  • Patients only have to wear a compression garment for 2 to 3 weeks. 
  • There are less invasive incisions. 
  • It can remove the same amount of skin and fat as a traditional tummy tuck. 
  • The Avelar method involves fat removal via liposuction, not surgical excision. 
  • There is no need for surgical drains during recovery. 
  • Cauterization is not required during surgery. 
  • There is much better blood vessel preservation, allowing for better blood flow that promotes quality scar healing. 
  • Lymph vessels (structures that maintain proper fluid balance in the body and fight infections) are better preserved, reducing the likelihood of seroma formation– an accumulation of fluid in one area under the skin. (2)  

Candidates for the Avelar Tummy Tuck 

Ideal candidates for any type of abdominoplasty should be in good health without any underlying conditions that could pose complications during the procedure or recovery. Those with diabetes should have their blood sugar levels well-regulated before considering this surgery. Although patients should be non-smoking individuals, Dr. Lopez will consider those who are willing to quit for a few weeks to optimize their results and decrease their risk of healing complications. All in all, if you have realistic expectations for the procedure and would like both fat-sculpting and skin-tightening benefits, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Lopez to discuss the details of the Avelar tummy tuck. 

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation with Dr. Lopez, she will closely examine the degree of your skin laxity and determine how much subcutaneous fat is present in your abdomen. She will conduct a complete physical exam that includes reviewing your medical history and what you have tried so far to lose excess weight. She will take the time to speak with you about your body contouring goals and determine if a traditional or Avelar tummy tuck is right for you. Dr. Lopez prioritizes patient education and will ensure that you have all of your questions answered concerning the preparation, procedure, or recovery process. To get started today, call her office in Lake Oswego, OR, near Portland, at (503) 567-8056 or request a consultation online. 

Preparation

In the weeks leading up to your tummy tuck, you should avoid exposing your abdomen to the sun since UV rays can damage and weaken your skin. You should be mindful of following a normal, healthy diet so you will be as healthy as possible before your surgery. If you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after to get your blood circulation working optimally. If you regularly take blood-thinning medications or supplements, Dr. Lopez will require that you stop taking them to prevent excess, unwanted bleeding or bruising.

Since it is an outpatient procedure, she will recommend that you arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home. Finally, you should pick up any medications Dr. Lopez prescribes and stock up on doctor-approved over-the-counter medications. You also may want to pick up an ice pack to relieve soreness during your recovery and have some easy-to-prepare meals that won’t require you to exert yourself during the first few days. 

Avelar Tummy Tuck Procedure Steps 

Dr. Lopez will mark your abdomen and gain a better understanding of your unique proportions and where to make the incision. She will first administer tumescent fluid just under the skin to prepare the fat deposit for removal, constrict blood vessels, and numb the area. With an instrument called a cannula, Dr. Lopez will use the incision to gain access to the fat layer and suction the unwanted fat. Cannulas used for the body are only 2 to 4.6 mm in diameter, so any resulting scar will be extremely insignificant and fade relatively quickly. (3) The next portion of the procedure involves skin removal and redraping. Depending on how much lax skin there is, Dr. Lopez may need to make an extra incision immediately surrounding the navel to keep the navel in the correct position. If the abdominal muscles are weak, she may place sutures to tighten them, restoring their strength. After closing the skin incision, she will apply a platelet-rich spray with growth factors to help the incision heal faster and minimize scar tissue. Although there isn’t a need for surgical drains, Dr. Lopez will apply a compression garment to your midsection to reduce swelling. The entire procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours. 

Mini Avelar Tummy Tuck 

The mini version of the Avelar tummy tuck does not require as much skin removal and an incision around the navel is not necessary. Patients with a small pooch of excess skin on the lower half of the midsection benefit most from this variation of the procedure. 

Recovery and Results 

Avelar Tummy Tuck

Recovery from this procedure is typically less intense than a standard tummy tuck due to the difference in surgical techniques. Immediately afterward, you will have swelling, soreness, and bruising, but you can significantly reduce discomfort with your prescribed medications. As soon as you feel capable, you should walk around for brief periods to promote better blood circulation. 

Dr. Lopez will provide you with further instructions regarding bathing and surgical dressings. After about 1 to 2 weeks, you will likely be well enough to go back to work, so long as it’s not physically demanding. For the next 2 to 3 weeks, you will have to wear your prescribed compression garment to reduce swelling and allow your incision to heal without unnecessary tension. You will also need to wear compression stockings for a few weeks to prevent blood clots. You should only resume working out once you feel comfortable enough to do so and have Dr. Lopez’s approval. 

Your scars may appear more inflamed during the first few months of recovery, but they will gradually settle down around 9 months after your procedure. The main scar will be low enough to hide beneath a bathing suit or underwear.

Cost of an Avelar Tummy Tuck in Portland

The cost of your tummy tuck will depend on your anesthesia needs, the extent of your surgery, follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and other surgical fees. Dr. Lopez will review these factors with you to provide you with an estimate of the total cost. 

As a surgeon who strives to be understanding and accommodating to her patients, Dr. Lopez offers financing options for those interested in making affordable payments. To get a more comprehensive idea of this aspect of your treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lopez at her office in Lake Oswego. Call (503) 567-8056, and a member of our team will be happy to help arrange your meeting. 

To learn more about other procedures offered at Aesthetic Laser Center, please take a look through our blog. 

References

  1. Rousseaux I, Robson S. Body Contouring and Skin Tightening Using a Unique Novel Multisource Radiofrequency Energy Delivery Method. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(4):24-29. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404777/ 
  2. Avelar J. Abdominoplasty without panniculus undermining and resection: Analysis and 3-year follow-up of 97 consecutive cases. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2002;22(1):16-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/maj.2002.121961 
  3. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024