Beauty Tips for the Holidays from a few of our plastic surgeons

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Body Procedures

Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to remove localized areas of fat from the body through a small thin tube called a cannula. The fat from the targeted area is suctioned from the body through this tube to help patients achieve a slim and balanced appearance.

While the conventional liposuction procedure was effective in removing excessive fat deposits, it was a painful procedure that involved suctioning out large areas of solid fat. New technology has allowed for different techniques that improve the accuracy and reduce the pain associated with this procedure. Today, liposuction is usually performed via the tumescent technique or with the help of ultrasound imaging or a laser. These new technologies have transformed liposuction into a much safer and less invasive procedure.

Candidates for Liposuction

The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health and maintains a healthy lifestyle, but has one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations, and remember that liposuction cannot be used as a means for major weight loss. It is instead used to remove localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight loss methods.

Liposuction can be used to treat localized fat deposits within the:

Thighs
Abdomen
Arms
Back
Hips

Buttocks
Chest
Face
Calves
Ankles

This procedure may be performed alone, or can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or tummy tuck, to achieve maximum results.

Procedure

There are several different techniques currently available for patients seeking liposuction treatment. New technologies have improved the accuracy of this procedure for both patient and doctor, and allow patients to achieve their desired results through a much less invasive procedure. Liposuction is performed through a tumescent technique, and may also include the assistance of ultrasound imaging or laser energy.

Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Your doctor will make several tiny incisions and inject a local anesthetic into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. The cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat. No stitches are needed after liposuction since the incisions are small enough to heal on their own.

In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the targeted fat before it is removed, allowing for an easier and less painful removal. The laser may also be used to tighten skin in the treated area after fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before it is removed for a smoother removal process.

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Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")

Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a very popular surgery in America. Tummy tucks help to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Our doctors have been performing abdominoplasties with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our doctors' exceptional care.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. We can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.

Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

Customized Treatment for Optimal Cosmetic Results

We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty takes approximately two to five hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. He or she will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. He or she will stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural position. Finally, he or she will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.

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If you are interested in learning more about our Body Procedure, call 800-469-1511 today to schedule an appointment.