MILA — Robotic Lipoabdominoplasty in Uberlândia, Brazil
A technique that combines minimally invasive correction of abdominal diastasis with a plastic surgery stage, in a single procedure.
MILA — Robotic Lipoabdominoplasty
MILA is a minimally invasive lipoabdominoplasty technique that combines endoscopic correction of abdominal diastasis (robotic or video-laparoscopic, depending on the case) with a liposuction and skin-care stage performed by plastic surgery.
The minimally invasive access to the abdominal musculature aims to reduce incision length compared to traditional abdominoplasty, but not every patient with diastasis is a candidate for this approach — indication depends on assessment of skin, musculature and fat distribution in each case.
Because it involves two distinct surgical stages, indication for the combined technique is always the result of a joint assessment between plastic surgery and digestive system surgery.
How the procedure is performed
Diastasis correction is performed endoscopically — robotically or via video-laparoscopy, depending on the case — by a digestive system surgeon specialized in this approach, such as Dr. Solon Gonçalves (CRM-MG 79366, RQE 60355), a digestive system surgeon in Uberlândia, Brazil.
In the same procedure, the plastic surgery stage addresses liposuction and, when indicated, complementary skin-retraction technologies.
The entire surgery is performed under a single anesthesia and a single recovery period, avoiding the need for two separate hospital stays and two separate recoveries.
How the joint evaluation works
Indication for a combined surgery is always a clinical decision, made through joint assessment between plastic surgery and digestive system surgery — never a commercial offer or a fixed package.
It is usually considered when the patient has diastasis associated with localized excess fat and skin with good retraction quality, allowing both issues to be safely treated in the same procedure.
It is not indicated for every case: markedly loose skin, very extensive diastasis, or clinical conditions that increase the risk of longer surgery may instead call for the conventional staged approach — this assessment is always individual.
Because it combines two surgical stages, combined surgery involves a longer surgical and anesthesia time than each procedure alone, which can increase risks related to prolonged anesthesia — which is why thorough pre-operative clinical screening, including cardiology evaluation when indicated, is a mandatory part of the process.
From evaluation to returning to activities
Joint evaluation
Consultations with both plastic surgery and digestive system surgery, to assess whether the combined technique is indicated for the case.
Pre-operative exams
Laboratory tests and cardiology evaluation, given the longer surgical time of a combined procedure.
Surgery
Endoscopic diastasis correction followed by the plastic surgery stage, under a single anesthesia, in a hospital setting.
Immediate post-op
Hospital admission for observation, with follow-up from both teams during initial recovery.
Return to activities
Gradual resumption of daily activities and, later, physical exercise, always according to individualized medical guidance.
Common questions about MILA — Robotic Lipoabdominoplasty
How long does the surgery take?
Because it combines two stages, the surgery is usually longer than abdominoplasty or liposuction alone, varying with complexity — the estimated time is discussed at the joint evaluation.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A single anesthesia is used for both stages of the procedure, defined by the anesthesiology team based on total surgical time and the patient's health profile.
Is hospitalization required?
Yes — because it involves a longer surgical time, hospital admission is generally necessary, with duration assessed according to each case's progress.
Is recovery painful?
Post-operative discomfort combines features of both surgical stages and is controlled with prescribed analgesia — intensity is individual.
Are drains necessary?
This is assessed according to the extent of each surgical stage and usually follows the same pattern as abdominoplasty combined with liposuction.
What about scarring?
The minimally invasive approach to diastasis aims to reduce incision length compared to traditional abdominoplasty; additional incisions may still be needed for the liposuction stage, depending on the surgical plan.
How long do I need to wear the compression garment?
Use is indicated for several weeks after surgery, supporting recovery from both stages — the exact period is defined post-operatively.
How much time off work is needed?
As a combined surgery, time off tends to be similar to or slightly longer than that of abdominoplasty alone — usually 2 to 4 weeks, assessed individually.
When can I go back to exercising?
It follows a schedule similar to abdominoplasty combined with liposuction, with gradual clearance per medical guidance, generally between 6 and 8 weeks for higher-impact activities.
What are the risks of combined surgery?
In addition to the risks described for abdominoplasty and liposuction alone (seroma, hematoma, infection, sensitivity changes, poor scarring), combining two stages under a single anesthesia can increase risks related to prolonged surgical and anesthesia time, including thromboembolism — which is why pre-operative clinical screening is rigorous.
Who is not a candidate for the combined technique?
Markedly loose skin, very extensive diastasis, or clinical conditions that increase the risk of longer surgery may call for the conventional staged approach instead. This decision is always made through joint assessment between the specialists involved.
Where the surgery takes place
Rua Rafael Marino Neto, 600 - Jardim Karaíba, Uberlândia - MG, 38411-186, Brazil
Healme Clinic · UMC Complex — 4th floor
Content reviewed by Dr. Lorena Gidrão de Queiroz — CRM-MG 85769, RQE 71258 (Plastic Surgery). Member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. Last reviewed: September 2026.