Body contouring plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures
Below is a list of all the surgical procedures that we do. Click on the links to
learn more about each one.
Facial |
Breast |
Reconstructive |
Other procedures
Body contouring
Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery
procedure in the U.S. It is used to improve body contour by removing
excess fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can be performed on
almost any area of the body, including the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, neck,
ankles and chin. The popularity of liposuction attests to its effectiveness in
improving body contour. When performed safely, it is an important adjunct to
diet and exercise in having a fit and well-proportioned body.
Who can have liposuction? The best candidate for liposuction is someone
who is close to his or her desired weight who has localized fat deposits
resistant to diet and exercise. Unfortunately, it is not a treatment for
obesity. Multiple areas of fat can be treated at the same setting.
Is liposuction safe? Liposuction is extremely safe when performed by a
qualified surgeon in a well-equipped operating room.
How is the procedure performed? Liposuction can be performed under local or
general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery. First, one or more
incisions are made near the area to be treated. A solution containing local
anesthetic, saline, and adrenaline is then infused into the area. Next, the fat
cells are suctioned away permanently. Finally, the incisions are closed.
What is the normal post-operative course? A compression garment is placed at
the end of the procedure to reduce swelling. Pain is typically well controlled
with medication. Any swelling or bruising will subside over the first week or
two. The results will continue to improve over the following weeks as any
residual swelling subsides and the skin shrinks to fit the body's new contour.
Normal activities can be resumed after several weeks.
When can I expect to see an improvement? Patients will notice improvement in
body shape shortly after surgery. They typically report that clothes fit better,
and they have more confidence about their appearance.
The skinny on liposuction
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) -- Many patients complain of areas of excess
skin and fat in their lower abdomen that are resistant to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty surgery is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen and tighten
the waistline by directly excising excess fat and skin. A smooth, firm abdomen
and slim waistline is correlated with a healthy, fit appearance.
Abdominoplasty is best suited for patients who are in good health overall and
who have excess skin and fat in their abdomen. It is typically performed in
patients who are not candidates for liposuction alone. A person's weight should
be stable prior to undergoing the procedure. It can be performed in both men and
women.
There is a high rate of patient satisfaction following abdominoplasty. Many
patients are grateful for having a flat stomach, sometimes for the first time in
their lives. They find that a flatter, firmer abdomen makes clothes fit better
and boosts their self-confidence.
How is the procedure performed? Abdominoplasty is performed by making a
horizontal incision just above the pubis. The length of the incision varies
depending on the amount of excess skin to be removed. The excess skin and fat is
pulled down and excised. An incision may also be necessary around the navel. The
abdominal muscles are visualized through the incision and can be tightened to
improve the contour of the waistline. Liposuction can also be performed as an
adjunct to the procedure.
What can I expect after surgery? A tight fitting garment is worn
around the waist to reduce swelling. Drains may also be used for one week to
reduce swelling and bruising. Post-operative pain is well controlled by
analgesics. Most people can return to work within a week. Patients should
avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks following the procedure. The scars
fade with time and are well hidden.
Thigh lift -- The plastic surgery operation known as thigh lift, thighplasty or
excisional thigh lipectomy, is a procedure which addresses a range of problems
in the inner thighs, such as excess fat deposits, loose skin, weak muscles and
stretch marks. Thigh lift is a common plastic surgery operation for the removal of loose
skin after massive weight loss following successful bariatric surgery. It may
also form part of a body lift - a more complex plastic surgery procedure that
combines tummy tuck, thigh, and buttock lift. Thigh lifts may combine surgical
excision with lipoplasty.
In addition to the benefits of thigh lift surgery, make sure you understand
its limitations.
- Don't expect perfection.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Thigh lift can
reshape your body, but not your life.
- Know the thigh lift risks.
- Don't do it
on the cheap. Pay what it takes for safe thigh lift surgery.
How is the procedure done? Thigh lift is typically performed under general anesthesia as an
outpatient. The procedure lasts 1-3 hours. Before the operation, the
surgeon plans the operation by marking where the skin-incisions are to be made
for optimum body contouring effect. During the thigh lift procedure itself, an
incision is made in the groin crease at the junction of the thigh and groin to
access the excess tissue and skin. Closure of the skin is important to the
success of the operation in order to forestall scar migration downwards and
distortion of the vulva. During an outer thigh and thigh lift the surgical
incision is made from hip to hip across the top of the buttocks. The scars for
both thigh lift and thigh lift are covered by normal underwear or bathing suit.
What is recovery like? Even though you will experience some discomfort, you should start
walking as soon as possible to speed the recovery process. The surface stitches will be removed in
5 to 7 days. If a lower body
lift is also performed, it is recommended that gentle walking on a treadmill
begin in three to four weeks, with sutures being removed in 10 days to two
weeks. With both procedures, some patients return to work in 2 weeks following
surgery, while others take up to 4 weeks to recover. Post-surgery recovery often depends on the patient's pre-surgery health and
fitness level.
Brachioplasty (arm lift) -- This is a
surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper
arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. Plastic surgeons will
discuss brachioplasty with patients who want to tighten this skin and look as
good as they feel. In some cases your plastic surgeon may suggest that
liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess
fat in the upper arms.
Massive weight loss -- Gastric bypass surgery has helped many patients improve
their lives through successful weight loss. Unfortunately, a large amount of
lost weight often results in severe excesses of skin and fat throughout the
body. This extra tissue can be unsightly and may cause problems such as back and
neck pain. Poorly fitting clothing is also a common complaint.
Body reduction surgery can remove this extra tissue and restore better
proportions to a person's body. Extra skin and fat can be removed from the
abdomen, arms, thighs, back, breasts and neck. Patients are generally very happy
with their appearance after surgery and report that clothing fits better and
they are less self-conscious.
How much weight do I have to lose before considering surgery? In
general, patients should be at a stable weight for 3-6 months prior to
undertaking surgery.
Does insurance pay for this type of surgery? Insurance will sometimes cover
the costs of surgery. Approvals are usually on an individual basis. We will
advocate for coverage in cases where there are functional problems associated
with the excess skin.
Can all the procedures be done at one time? Because the risks associated with
surgery increase with surgical time, not all procedures can be done at one time.
Your doctor can discuss the safest way to achieve your goals.
How much time will I have to take off from work? The recovery period depends
on the specific surgery performed. Patients can resume normal activities usually
within a week following arm lifts and breast lifts. Abdominoplasties and thigh
lifts require an additional week or two of recuperation.
What do the scars look like after surgery? The scars from body reduction
surgery usually fade well with time and are well accepted by patients.
