Body Procedures

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Liposuction

Liposuction is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat deposits that are to diet and exercise resistant. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce unsightly fat deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.

Liposuction is considered to eliminate fat from any of the following areas:
• Chin and Neck
• Back
• Upper Arms
• Stomach and Waistline
• Hips and Buttocks
• Love handles (Flanks)
• Thighs and Knees
• To create a better proportioned silhouette.
• To enhance the overall result at the time of other cosmetic procedures like breast surgery, tummy tucks, or gynecomastia treatment.

Techniques for body contouring with liposuction vary, and include traditional suction-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, Vaser liposuction and laser or “smart” lipo. The modality used will vary depending on each patient’s need, however the age of the patient, the quality and density of fat as well as the quality of the patient’s skin, their elasticity, stretch marks and other scars, will impact the final treatment plan.

Generally, the procedure length is 1 to 2 hours or more. Typically liposuction is performed as an outpatient surgery, however larger volume lipo in excess of approximately 4 liters should be considered for inpatient overnight observation. Tumescent technique, where an infusion of saline solution with local anesthetic is first used before treatment, is helpful to reduce post-operative bruising, swelling and discomfort. After liposuction, the excess fat is now eliminated and the skin must gradually shrink, tighten and redrape to the new smaller contour of the body.

The post-operative instructions call for rest and compression garments to assist in supporting the skin and minimizing bruising and swelling. Commonly, people are back to work within 3-5 days; strenuous activity and exercise, usually after 3-4 weeks. Pain is treated with oral medication and complications are rare, although patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following directions given by the surgeon after the operation.

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Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a surgical removal of excess skin and fat deposits from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdominal muscles into a tighter alignment. This body enhancement procedure is designed for both men and women who wish to have a dramatically flatter and tighter stomach. It is also helpful in repairing the vertical separation of abdominal muscles which can occur following pregnancy, abdominal surgery, or after weight loss.

A tummy tuck is helpful
• To improve the contour of the abdomen when it is exercise and diet resistant.
• To tighten excessively loose skin after pregnancy or weight loss.
• To restore tight alignment of abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss.
• To remove damaged scarred skin or stretch marks of the lower abdomen.

An abdominoplasty procedure will vary considerably depending on the amount of skin laxity and fat deposits present. Techniques involve a low curved incision across the lower abdomen. The length of this incision will vary depending on each patient’s needs. A short incision is used in a “mini tummy-tuck” and typically hides behind a bathing suit. A standard abdominoplasty incision runs from hip to hip. Other variations include bilateral extensions or a circumferential “body-lift,” most commonly used after massive weight loss. Once you have been properly assessed by your physician, your specific surgical goals can then be discussed to maximize your result, while minimizing your incisions when possible. Once the incision is made, the muscles exposed beneath are tightened and the excess skin and fat is removed. Sometimes liposuction is used to further contour the result. Finally the incision is closed and the navel is repositioned in an anatomically correct, elevated and more youthful position.

Generally, the procedure length is 2 to 3 hours, and performed either as an outpatient basis if a “mini,” otherwise an overnight stay is recommended. The post-operative instructions call for rest and waist flexion for 2-3 days to avoid excessive pulling. Most patients are fully upright by day 3-4. Commonly, people are back to work within 14 days for younger patients with smaller incisions, otherwise a 3-4 week recovery is common; strenuous activity and exercise, usually after 6 weeks. Pain is treated with oral medication as well as an optional ambulatory “pain medication pump” that can be worn discretely beneath clothing for the first 3-5 days. An abdominal binder is also worn for approximately 2-4 weeks for added support and compression to minimize swelling. The striking results obtained with an abdominoplasty will be further enhanced with proper exercise and diet after your surgery.

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Arm Lift / Brachioplasty

Sometimes simply dieting or exercise, or even adding a weight regimen in not enough to overcome upper arm skin that is permanently overstretched or damaged. Skin that hangs and “flaps” with every arm movement is often unresponsive to even the most aggressive gym routines. A brachioplasty or “arm lift” is a surgical procedure whereby the contour of the upper arm in enhanced by surgically redraping the skin more smoothly and tightly. It eliminates redundant excess skin and restores a more youthful, healthier appearance.

An arm lift is used
• To restore a healthier contour to the upper arm.
• To eliminate excess “flapping” skin beneath the arms.
• To remove damaged skin resulting from weight loss or age, unresponsive to exercise or diet.

A brachioplasty procedure will usually involve an incision that varies depending on the patient’s needs. If minimal skin excess is present, a limited transverse incision is made at the top of the axilla. If more skin needs to be redraped, the incision will then extend further along the inside of the arm. The surgical plan is made well in advance in discussion with your surgeon and your personal goals.

Generally, the procedure length is about 1-2 hours depending of the length of the incision and performed as either an outpatient or inpatient procedure, for patient comfort. The post-operative instructions call for limited upper arm weight bearing and bandage compression wraps to minimize swelling. Commonly people are back to work in 3-7 days; more strenuous activity and exercise, usually after 2-3 weeks. Pain is treated with oral medication. Complications are rare however skin healing and scar care should be reviewed with your surgeon to minimize potential problems after the operation.

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Thigh Lift / Thighplasty

Sometimes dieting or exercise are not enough to overcome thigh skin that is permanently overstretched or damaged. Skin that hangs loosely on the thigh and gathers especially on the inner thigh, is often unresponsive to aggressive work-outs. A thighplasty or “thigh lift” is a surgical procedure whereby the contour of the thigh, especially the inner thigh is tightened and lifted to a more smooth and youthful appearance. A thigh lift is used

To restore a healthier contour to the thigh.
• To eliminate excessive gathering skin on the inner thigh.
• To remove damaged skin resulting from weight loss or age, unresponsive to exercise or diet.

A thighplasty procedure will usually involve an incision that varies depending on the patient’s needs. If minimal skin excess is present, a limited transverse incision is made at the groin and leg crease of the thigh. If more skin needs to be redraped, the incision will then extend further along the inside of the inner thigh. The surgical plan is made well in advance in discussion with your surgeon and your personal goals.

Generally, the procedure length is about 2-3 hours depending of the length of the incision and performed as either an outpatient or inpatient procedure, for patient comfort. The post-operative instructions call for limited activity and rest with a lower body compressive girdle or garment to reduce swelling. Commonly people are back to work in 7 days; more strenuous activity and exercise, usually after 3 -4 weeks. Pain is treated with oral medication. Complications are rare however skin healing and scar care should be reviewed with your surgeon to minimize potential problems after the operation.

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Body Lift / Circumferential Abdominoplasty

A circumferential abdominoplasty or “body lift” is an advanced extension of a traditional abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck.” Excess skin and fat deposits from the abdomen and waist line are removed from the front and back, wrapping around the “love handles” to the lower back. In these cases, the tissue excess is a circumferential problem that wraps around the entire person, and is best treated as a body lift. The standard muscle realignment and tightening that is performed with a traditional “tummy tuck” is also performed at the same time.

This body enhancement procedure is designed for both men and women who wish to have a dramatically flatter and tighter stomach as well as recontour the entire circumference of their waist line and buttock.

Circumferential abdominoplasty or body lift is used
• To improve the contour of the abdomen when it is exercise and diet resistant.
• To tighten excessively loose skin after massive weight loss around the entire waistline.
• To restore tight alignment of abdominal muscles.
• To remove damaged scarred skin or stretch marks of the lower abdomen, flanks, and lower back.

An circumferential abdominoplasty procedure will vary considerably depending on the amount of skin laxity and fat deposits present. However the technique involves a low curved incision across the lower abdomen. The length of this incision then continues and extends around the waistline to meet posteriorly above the buttock. Once you have been properly assessed by your physician as a candidate for this type of recontouring, your specific surgical goals can then be discussed to maximize your result. Sometimes liposuction is used to further contour the result. Finally the incision is closed and the navel is repositioned in an anatomically correct, elevated and more youthful position.

Generally, the procedure length is 4-5 hours and performed as an inpatient procedure with an overnight stay recommend. The post-operative instructions call for rest and waist flexion for 2-3 days to avoid excessive pulling. Most patients are fully upright by day 3-4. Commonly, people are back to work within 14 -21 days for younger patients, otherwise a 4-6 week recovery is common; strenuous activity and exercise, usually after 6 weeks. Pain is treated with oral medication as well as an optional ambulatory “pain medication pump” that can be worn discretely beneath clothing for the first 3-5 days. An abdominal binder is also worn for approximately 2-4 weeks for added support and compression to minimize swelling. The striking results obtained with a circumferential “body lift” abdominoplasty will be further enhanced with proper exercise and diet after your surgery.

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