In short: MIRELA® is a robotic-assisted surgical technique that repairs diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles), removes localized fat, and tightens loose skin through three incisions smaller than 1cm, avoiding the long scar of a traditional tummy tuck. It was developed by Brazilian plastic surgeon Dr. Alexandre Sanfurgo using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system.
What does MIRELA® stand for?
Minimally Invasive Robotic Endoscopic Lipoabdominoplasty.
Step by Step: What Happens During MIRELA® Surgery
- General anesthesia is administered.
- Three small ports (each under 1cm) are placed in the lower abdomen and pubic region.
- Using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system, Dr. Sanfurgo accesses the abdominal wall with 3D high-definition visualization and enhanced precision.
- The separated rectus muscles are sutured back together along the midline (a robotic-assisted extraperitoneal rectus plication).
- An associated umbilical hernia, if present, is repaired in the same operation.
- VASER®-assisted liposculpture removes localized flank fat to redefine the waistline, and skin-retraction technology improves skin quality.
- Incisions close to near-invisible marks hidden in natural skin lines.
How MIRELA® Compares to Other Robotic Diastasis Techniques
Different robotic and endoscopic approaches to diastasis recti repair exist worldwide. Techniques vary primarily in surgical plane, whether mesh is used, incision location, and whether aesthetic goals — fat removal, skin tightening — are addressed in the same procedure. Most established robotic techniques were developed by general or digestive surgeons and treat diastasis as a structural abdominal-wall repair, using the same clinical logic as hernia surgery. MIRELA® was developed by a surgeon dual-trained in general and plastic surgery, and was designed from the outset to combine structural repair with an aesthetic, body-contouring outcome in a single operation.
Is MIRELA® a Hernia Repair or a Cosmetic Procedure?
Diastasis recti is not a hernia, and most patients seeking correction are not experiencing hernia-related symptoms. They are seeking a body-contouring outcome: a flatter waistline, better posture, and the ability to wear fitted clothing again. MIRELA® is planned as an aesthetic body-contouring procedure that also corrects the underlying muscle separation — not a functional repair with cosmetic surgery treated as secondary.
Recovery Timeline
Based on Dr. Sanfurgo’s ongoing outcomes tracking of MIRELA® patients:
- 50% of patients return to normal daily activities within 3 days
- 89% of patients return to normal daily activities within 7 days
- Average pain during the first week: 2.8/10
- Average patient satisfaction with recovery: 9.0/10
Individual recovery times vary by patient. This reflects preliminary outcomes data from an ongoing clinical review.
Risks and Limitations
Every surgical procedure carries risk, including but not limited to bleeding, infection, seroma, anesthesia complications, and unsatisfactory aesthetic results. MIRELA® is not appropriate for every patient — candidacy is determined individually during consultation.