“Have you thought about buying new pants? Many of our patients find they need to after a tummy tuck!”
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to achieve a slimmer, more contoured abdomen. By reducing excess skin and fat, the procedure significantly reshapes the waistline. Most of our patients need to replace their pants and dresses with smaller sizes after surgery.
If you’re above your ideal weight, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. We offer a comprehensive nutritional guidance program to help you prepare for surgery.
Key Facts About Tummy Tuck Surgery
The ideal waist-to-hip ratio for women is 70%. Traditional abdominoplasty is no longer used due to its poor aesthetic results. Creating a natural-looking belly button is a priority, as it’s the only visible mark outside a bikini. Liposuction is often performed on the upper abdomen, flanks, and chest area during the same procedure to enhance body contour.
Who Is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
This procedure is ideal for patients with separation of abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), excess fat or skin above or below the navel, and loss of waistline curvature.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Body Contouring Tummy Tuck
This is the most popular type of tummy tuck at our Rio de Janeiro clinic.
The procedure begins with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the upper abdomen, flanks, and the sides of the chest. This creates a 70% waist-to-hip proportion. Fat grafting can also be used to enhance the hips if needed.
Next, we address the skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. A key focus is on reshaping the belly button with precise suturing to ensure a natural appearance, as it will be the only visible mark outside a bikini.
Many of our patients report renewed self-confidence and often return to wearing bikinis or exposing their abdomen for the first time in years.
High-Definition Tummy Tuck (HD Abdominoplasty)
This option includes all the steps of the body contouring tummy tuck, with additional contouring to create vertical lines that mimic defined abdominal muscles.
This approach is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and patients with strong underlying muscles, as they produce the best results. Nutritional and physical preparation before surgery are highly recommended to maximize outcomes.
Tummy Tuck with Fat Grafting
This is an advanced version of the HD tummy tuck, which involves grafting fat into specific muscles like the rectus abdominis and external obliques to create a thicker, more muscular appearance.
This option is best suited for patients seeking a bold, athletic look. The fat can also be used to enhance other areas of the body, such as facial lines or volume loss.
Nutritional Guidance for Optimal Results
Our licensed nutritionist helps patients prepare for surgery and recovery by focusing on reducing body fat, building muscle mass, improving skin elasticity by boosting collagen, reducing inflammation, and enhancing recovery.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Our team provides a comprehensive recovery plan to ensure a smooth healing process.
Day of Discharge: Our nurse and physiotherapist will assist you in the hospital the day after surgery. Physiotherapy includes lymphatic drainage, laser/LED therapy, and guidance to manage swelling and bruising.
Patients must maintain a curved posture for up to 15 days to avoid tension on the scar. Light activities can resume after 30 days, and intense exercise is permitted after 60 days.
We provide each patient with detailed pre- and post-operative care guides to help them achieve their best possible results.
Final Results
The final results of a tummy tuck are typically visible six months after surgery. During this time, lymphatic drainage performed by a qualified professional is essential to reduce swelling and prevent fibrosis.
Dr. Alexandre Charão sees patients in Rio de Janeiro and Petrópolis. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
