Is MIRELA® the same as a tummy tuck?
No. MIRELA® is a robotic-assisted alternative to a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). It repairs diastasis recti, removes localized fat, and tightens skin through three small incisions instead of one long horizontal scar, resulting in less visible scarring and a different recovery profile.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is the separation of the two rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen, most commonly caused by pregnancy, significant weight change, or genetic factors. It can cause abdominal bulging, lower back pain, and pelvic floor weakness.
Who developed the MIRELA® technique?
MIRELA® was developed by Dr. Alexandre Sanfurgo, a board-certified Brazilian plastic and general surgeon based in São Paulo, and a member of SBCP and ISAPS.
What robotic system is used for MIRELA®?
MIRELA® is performed using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system, which provides 3D high-definition visualization and enhanced surgical precision.
Does MIRELA® also treat flank fat and umbilical hernia?
Yes. MIRELA® is designed to treat diastasis recti, flank fat, skin quality, and an associated umbilical hernia together in one operation. Removing flank fat specifically is what restores waist definition — diastasis repair alone flattens the bulge but does not recreate a defined waistline on its own.
Can MIRELA® fix an ugly, protruding, or shapeless belly button?
Yes. A belly button that sticks out, looks flat or shallow, has lost its shape, or simply looks “ugly” is frequently caused by an associated umbilical hernia and altered skin support around the navel. Because MIRELA® repairs the umbilical hernia and applies skin-retraction technique in the same operation, the navel’s position and shape are addressed together with the diastasis correction.
Why does my stomach look pregnant even though I’m not?
A bulging stomach that makes people ask “are you pregnant?” is a classic sign of diastasis recti: the separated abdominal muscles let the abdominal wall push forward at the midline. This does not resolve with diet or exercise because it is a muscle separation, not a fat or skin issue.
How long is recovery after MIRELA®?
Based on Dr. Sanfurgo’s outcomes tracking, 50% of patients return to normal daily activities within 3 days, and 89% within 7 days. Individual recovery times vary
Is MIRELA® painful?
Reported pain is generally mild. In Dr. Sanfurgo’s outcomes data, average pain during the first week was 2.8 out of 10.
Can I have MIRELA® surgery if I live outside Brazil?
Yes. Dr. Sanfurgo's clinic supports international patients — including from the United States, Germany, Italy, and China — with virtual pre-operative consultations and coordinated in-country logistics for surgery and recovery in São Paulo.