Ipanema Tummy Tuck

Though a tummy tuck combined with liposuction is a popular way to tone and trim the abdomen, many would-be patients are apprehensive about the potential associated risks and recovery time. At Cosmetique, we’re dedicated to enhancing the patient experience, which is why we’ve come up with a new solution to an old problem.

In 2007, Dr. Gotkin traveled to the south of Brazil and performed Smartlipo laser-assisted liposuction and a tummy tuck on a woman who had traveled from Rio de Janeiro for her surgery. That procedure was the beginning of the development of a tummy tuck that proved to be safer and with a much more comfortable recovery than a conventional tummy tuck. The procedure, appropriately christened the Ipanema Tummy Tuck, is now one of our most popular body contouring enhancements.  It is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips and flanks and to restore the definition of weakened abdominal muscles and sculpt a new, slimmer waistline.

Who Can Benefit From an Ipanema Tummy Tuck?

The Ipanema Tummy Tuck is a safer, less invasive procedure with all of the cosmetic benefits of a conventional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). You may want to consider this procedure if:

• You have excess skin around your midsection
• You have stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise
• You have loose, lax abdominal muscles – often from pregnancy or fluctuations in weight
• You are at a healthy weight for your height

The Ipanema Tummy Tuck preserves many internal structures typically sacrificed in a conventional tummy tuck, which means less risk and less recovery. As a general rule, the best candidates for this procedure are also healthy and have realistic expectations.

The best way to find out if the Ipanema Tummy Tuck is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gotkin at Cosmetique. Following a physical exam and a discussion of your cosmetic goals, he will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for surgery.

What to Expect During Your Ipanema Tummy Tuck

The surgery usually takes placed in our office-based, AAAASF-accredited ambulatory surgery facility.  Prior to surgery, our anesthesiologist will place you under general anesthesia or twilight sedation to ensure your comfort. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Gotkin begins the procedure with Smartlipo of the abdomen; if indicated, he will also include treatment of your hips and flanks.  The Smartlipo laser fiber is like a strand of uncooked angel hair pasta.  The laser energy of Smartlipo melts the fat, converts it into a liquefied state and, therefore, much less suction is required to remove it.  More suction, more trauma to the tissues.  Less suction, less trauma and an easier recovery.  Smartlipo also has the benefit of very small instrumentation (cannulas that are 1-2 millimeters in diameter) thereby reducing incision size and the trauma of surgery.

The lower abdominal incision is made just above your pubic bone. Through this incision, Dr. Gotkin will tighten the underlying abdominal muscles and remodel or remove underlying tissue and fat.  There will also be an incision around your belly-button.  He will then re-drape and trim away excess skin. All incisions will then be closed with stitches.

After Your Ipanema Tummy Tuck

Your recovery will depend on the extent of your procedure, but you can expect a quicker, faster recovery than traditional abdominoplasty surgery would offer. It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling during recovery. However, the laser energy used during surgery coagulates small blood vessels leading to less bleeding during the procedure and less bruising afterward.  We will provide you with a compression garment to wear for about 4 weeks; you will feel more comfortable in the support of the garment and it helps to minimize swelling and to facilitate healing.

You may experience some pain during recovery, but many patients do not require narcotics for pain relief after an Ipanema Tummy Tuck, just acetaminophen. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and other normal routines about a week after surgery. You should avoid rigorous exercise and heavy lifting for about 6-8 weeks. It will take time for your body to heal and for your abdomen to settle into its new position. Final results will become gradually visible over the course of several months.

Understanding the Risks of Ipanema Tummy Tuck

All cosmetic procedures, including the Ipanema Tummy Tuck, have risks. We will discuss all potential complications and side effects with you in advance of surgery. If you are in good health, a non-smoker and close to your normal weight for your height, your risks are further minimized.

For More Information

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve the Quality of LIfe