Mini Tummy Tuck Before & After Case 19

This 41 year-old mother of three desired improvement of her abdomen and her sides. She wanted to reverse the stretched skin and lower abdominal “pooch” she developed from her pregnancies.   She also had a “muffin top” cause by stubborn pockets of fat on her sides. Because she did not know if she was a candidate for a tummy tuck or liposuction she sought out Melbourne and Orlando FL plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Diaz.

During her visit with Dr. Diaz, she explained her goals which was to improve her abdomen while minimizing her scars. After a thorough examination, Dr. Diaz presented her options including a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, and liposuction. After addressing all of her concerns, both Dr. Diaz and this patient decided that her best option was to perform a mini-tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks. 

Because she selected a mini tummy tuck, her recovery was quicker and with less discomfort. Liposuction was also performed in the flanks using the SAFELipo® technique. Dr. Diaz is Melbourne FL’s first plastic surgeon to use this innovative technique to address problems areas of fat. SAFELipo®  was first originated by Dr. Simeon Wall of Shrevesport, LA.  SAFELipo® reshapes areas of fat by combining the effects of liposuction, fat shifitng, and fat grafting. Ultrasound energy or lasers are not used which helps minimize thermal damage to the skin layer.

SAFE-Lip® is short for fat Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization:

  Separation – fat cells are emulsified and separated without generating heat which helps protect delicate essential blood vessels, soft tissue, and skin.

 Aspiration – the mobilized fat cells are gingerly removed through suction.

 Fat Equalization – When indicated a thin layer of fat cells are grafted thereby helping equalize contour irregularities.

As with all surgical procedures SAFELipo® carries risk, which Dr. Diaz reviews with his patients during the preoperative consultation. 

She recovered well from her procedure. She wore a compression garment which added in controlling swelling. She is very pleased not only with her improved “muffin top” but with the discreteness of her scars.