Liposuction
Are you at, or near, your ideal weight, but have localized areas of fat that simply don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise? Then liposuction may be an appropriate solution for you.
Liposuction is designed to treat localized areas of fat on the body, face or neck that are out of proportion to the rest of the body, and is performed by liquefying the fat in the surgical area. This can be done using the “tumescent” or “super wet” technique, the ultrasound technique, or a combination of the two. Once the fat is broken down, a small suction tube called a “cannula” removes the fat.
Liposuction should not be intended as a substitute for dieting and exercise, and it will not dramatically tighten the skin or improve “cellulite.”
The areas women most commonly have treated are the inner/outer thighs, hips, abdomen and occasionally the knees, calves and ankles. Men more commonly have the abdomen, “love handles” and occasionally the chest treated by liposuction. One popular procedure among both men and women, however, is liposuction of the neck. This technique quickly improves the “double chin.”
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also called “abdominoplasty,” treats excess loose or sagging abdominal skin, fat and the separation or weakening of abdominal muscles that commonly occur after pregnancy, substantial weight loss, a C-section or hysterectomy. If you’re in relatively good shape, or slightly overweight but have redundant, loose abdominal skin either with or without excess fat, a tummy tuck may be the solution for you.
Abdominoplasty is performed by making a horizontal incision just within or above the pubic area, but below the underwear line. The abdominal wall muscle and lax abdominal skin are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are “trimmed away” in the process. The length of the incision depends on how much excess skin and fat need to be removed. An abdominoplasty requires a small additional incision around the belly button.
The mini tummy tuck generally requires no belly button scar and a shortened scar just above the pubic area. Sometimes a mini tummy tuck, combined with liposuction, is all that is needed to improve the appearance of your abdomen.
Careful examination and discussion with one our physicians is critical to understanding your needs, goals and ensuring you’ll receive the best possible results.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, also called “brachioplasty,” is a body contouring procedure used to treat the exceedingly droopy or hanging skin of the upper arms most commonly found in individuals who have lost a considerable amount of weight.
While an arm lift can significantly improve the appearance of the arm, this procedure will create a scar that typically runs along the inside of the arm from the armpit, or “axilla,” to the elbow. The incision may stop short of the elbow depending on how much extra skin needs to be removed.
Liposuction of the arm, which leaves a minimal scar, may be an alternative to treat an arm that does not have excessive skin laxity.
Thigh Lift
Belt Dermolipectomy
Mommy Makeover
A “Mommy Makeover” refers to a number of procedures designed to help women restore their figure after childbirth. The term risks trivializing this important issue for many women but, nevertheless, is pervasive and warrants clarification. The procedures address changes that occur to a woman’s breasts, abdomen, hips, and occasionally thighs. Breast procedures vary according to the problem but can include a breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy) or combination to restore shape and volume. Occasionally a breast lift with reduction of breast tissue is necessary.
The abdomen may need a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with repair to the core abdominal wall muscles or often only a mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty) with a small amount of skin excess overlying a C-section scar. The mother’s figure can further be restored if needed with liposuction to the abdomen, hips, and occasionally outer and inner thighs. Often a nonsurgical body contouring procedure such as CoolSculpting can be an appropriate adjunct to the overall treatment plan.
Our physicians feel that any Mommy Makeover should also incorporate a healthy lifestyle plan including skin care, nutrition, and exercise.
