Body Procedures
Liposuction (Lipoplasty / Suction Lipectomy)
The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S. today, liposuction sculpts the body by removing undesirable fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks, neck and upper arms that have not responded to diet and exercise. Local anesthesia or general anesthesia may be used and the procedure may last anywhere from one to five hours depending on the amount of fat being removed.
There are several different methods surgeons use when performing liposuction, including tumescent liposuction, the super-wet technique, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). In all types, a tiny incision is made in as inconspicuous a place as possible. A cannula (small tube) is inserted and moved back-and-forth beneath the skin, breaking up the fat layer and suctioning it out. Tumescent liposuction and super-wet liposuction use fluid injection, which facilitates fat removal, reduces blood loss, provides anesthesia during and after surgery, and helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery. UAL liquefies fat with ultrasonic energy and is highly precise.
Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles.
The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. Older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can be helped. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. For this reason, women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure, since abdominal skin typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and can be performed with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months, but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long-lasting.
Abdominoplasty will leave a scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure.
Buttock/Outer Thigh Lift
As we get older, our buttock and thighs may begin to droop and sag like other areas of the body, such as the breasts and stomach. Stubborn pockets of localized fat may develop as well, which do not go away despite traditional weight loss attempts such as diet and exercise. Fortunately, like these other areas, there are surgical options available for reversing these changes and restoring a tighter, firmer and more youthful appearance to the buttock and outer thigh area.
These cosmetic procedures can be performed alone, or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as part of a body lift or with a gluteal augmentation. When combined with other procedures, patients can achieve maximum aesthetic results and enjoy a younger and more refreshed appearance overall.
Buttock Lift/Augmentation
If you want to re-shape your buttocks and have discovered that they do not respond to diet or exercise, buttock augmentation may be the solution you've been looking for. A buttock augmentation or buttock lift contours the buttocks and compensates for low amounts of fat in the area. Women and men who enlarge their bottoms can enjoy a more voluptuous and perky profile.
A buttock lift can be done by lifting the buttock, sculpting it with liposuction, enlarging it with implants or fat, or any combination of the three. The type of surgery performed will depend on the new look you desire. Buttock surgeries take into consideration the size, shape and skin quality of your buttock, as well as the qualities that you desire after surgery. A lift is most often recommended after a large amount of weight loss, when there may be loose or excess skin.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
After substantial weight loss, weight gain or simply from the effects of aging, skin on the upper arms can become inelastic, loose and flabby. Arm lifts, also known as brachioplasty, remove that excess skin and fat. Patients who have significant amounts of fat may want to consider combining the procedure with liposuction.
Mommy Makeovers
Motherhood can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a woman's life. Watching your children grow and nurturing them each step of the way is a fascinating journey, but also a tough one. Being a mom often means completely devoting yourself to your family to ensure their health and happiness at all times. But moms can sometimes devote themselves so completely that they may lose their own identities and feelings of self-importance.
There's no denying that motherhood takes its toll on our bodies. From the lingering effects of childbirth to the stress and worry we put on it each day, a woman's body changes as she matures into motherhood. But there's no reason why we can't restore our bodies back to how they were before children. Cosmetic procedures are safer and easier than ever before, and even designed to improve upon the natural changes of a mother's body.
Mommy Makeovers are specially designed cosmetic procedures that can help you feel youthful and renewed after maternity, without long and painful recovery times. We know that family comes first, but it's important for mommies to feel as good about themselves as they do about their growing families. A Mommy Makeover is a simple step that can help you and your family feel so much more confident about each exciting and challenging day.
