Tummy Tuck

This technique is appropriate for most abdominoplasty patients who need repair of the abdominal structure above and below the naval. The incision will run from hipbone to hipbone above the pubic area but low enough to be hidden by a bikini bottom.  A second incision frees surrounding skin and tissue. In most cases, Dr. Cambeiro will reinforce the abdominal wall with sutures.

The entire procedure lasts from two to five hours, depending on the amount of correction needed. It is usually an outpatient procedure and is performed under general anesthesia (by a board-certified anesthesiologist). After the incisions are made, the skin is pulled back, exposing the abdominal wall and the vertical abdominal muscles. Dr. Cambeiro will then tighten the muscles, securing them with sutures to produce a firm abdomen and thinner waistline. He may use liposuction to remove excess fat. He will stretch the skin to lay nicely over the new abdominal contour, then remove any excess skin if necessary. The belly button will also be repositioned. Often, drains are placed to allow any excess fluid to escape during recovery. Lastly, he sutures the incision; some sutures will dissolve, and others will need to be removed during your follow-up appointment.

Dr. Cambeiro uses a mini tummy tuck for patients who don’t require as much correction in implementing a shorter incision. The procedure addresses loose skin and fat beneath the belly button without moving its location. The scar from the mini tummy tuck can be compared to that from a C-section.

This technique, also known as abdominal dermolipectomy, is a modified version of abdominoplasty. It addresses overhanging skin below the belly button. The operation is mostly performed to improve personal hygiene, prevent infections, and alleviate pain. For many patients, it is a medical necessity and, therefore, often covered by medical insurance.

Reverse abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that can lift and tighten excess skin from the stomach. Unlike the traditional tummy tuck, which excises skin from the lower stomach, the reverse tummy tuck only removes skin from the upper abdomen. During a reverse tummy tuck, Dr. Cabeiro uses an inframammary incision below the breasts, leaving the scars well hidden within the breast crease. The technique can easily be combined with other body sculpting procedures, such as a breast lift, using the same incision, for optimal results.