Pontiac Doctors

Is the Muscles Tightened in a Tummy Tuck Using the Avelar Method?

Is the Avelar method the same as lipo-assisted adominoplasty? After having six children, I was not able to get all the fat removed from my tummy. So I want to be sure that I'm choosing the best method for removing it.

The Avelar Abdominoplasty refers to a technique for tummy tucks that was developed in the 1990's by a Brazilian plastic surgeon. I have had the pleasure of seeing him present his techniques, watch him perform surgery, and have been very impressed with his results.

If the surgeon performing the technique strictly follows Dr. Avelar's method, then yes, there will be muscle tightening stitches placed. However, since I personally do not perform the procedure, nor do I know the surgeon performing your surgery, I guess that I cannot really promise you that this extra step of muscle tightening will occur, especially since the placement of these tightening stitches is a bit more difficult using his technique, and usually requires a special set of instruments that he has developed specifically for this issue.

It would probably be best to have an open discussion with the surgeon to specifically discuss the procedure and how it is planned to be performed for you.

Raj K. Gupta, MD

Pontiac Plastic Surgeon

Will Insurance Pay for Hernia Surgery with Tummy Tuck?

I have hernias in the abdominal muscles. Is it reasonable to have a plastic surgeon perform the surgery and also do a Tummy Tuck at the same time? Since the hernia surgery is medically needed, would insurance pay for part of the costs?

Often times they will pay for the portion of the procedure that involves the hernia repair, but rarely will they pay for a cosmetic procedure, or any of the operating rooom, anesthesia fees that would not normally be associated with the hernia repair (i.e. the cosmetic procedures).

In my experience, the savings gained by having insurance companies cover a portion of the procedure have been modest at best, and as always, your usual deductibles, co-pays and other isues will still apply.

Raj K. Gupta, MD

Pontiac Plastic Surgeon

Pain, Fluid Pockets Normal Months After Liposuction?

I'm two months post-op liposuction on upper/lower abs, flanks, saddle bags, banana roll....when I exercise and do any kind of jumping motion, it feels like I have water balloons in my lower back that bounce up and down. It's really uncomfortable.

While some residual swelling and pain can persist for several months after liposuction, fluid pockets are relatively rare. I personally have had fluid collections in the form of a seroma occasionally form after liposuction, but with appropriate treatment they have resolved.

Raj K. Gupta, MD

Pontiac Plastic Surgeon