By: Quita Lopez, MD

I see many patients who express interest in one of the variations on the general tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, such as a “mini tummy tuck.” Although these alternative procedures may be a good option for some people, there’s another tummy tuck procedure I offer at my practice that may work even better than these other alternatives, a procedure that offers many benefits to my patients in Fresno and Visalia: the Avelar tummy tuck. I thought I’d share some of those benefits in this post.

What Is the Avelar Tummy Tuck?

Created in the 1990s by Dr. Juarez M. Avelar, a Brazilian surgeon, the Avelar tummy tuck combines abdominoplasty with tumescent liposuction. The technique requires less cutting, although it still removes the excess skin that is usually addressed during a tummy tuck. Combined with the removal of drooping skin, tumescent liposuction is used to safely and effectively eliminate excess fat.

Why the Avelar Tummy Tuck?

There are several benefits to the Avelar procedure that I have seen with my Fresno and Visalia tummy tuck patients.

The Avelar technique reduces the risk of flap necrosis and other complications.

In some cases, more fat can be removed than with a traditional tummy tuck.

Many patients experience less pain and a faster recovery with the Avelar technique.

Deciding between liposuctionm, mini abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty or Avelar tummy tuck can be confusing. The only way to truly know what is best for you is to meet with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.