Body Sculpting

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 - fate that has not responded to diet and exercise.Local anesthesia with or without sedation may be used and the procedure can take anywhere from one to three 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 power-assisted liposuction (PAL). 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 undesired fat and suctioning it out. Tumescent liposuction and super-wet liposuction use fluid injection, which facilitates fat removal, reduces blood loss, provides local anesthesia during and after surgery, and helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

Risks are uncommon when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon but may include infection, delayed healing, fat clots or blood clots, shock, fluid accumulation that must be drained and unfavorable drug or anesthesia reactions.

After surgery, compression garments and antibiotics may be utilized to facilitate the healing process. Patients are encouraged to walk as soon as possible and many return to work within a few days, although strenuous activity should be avoided for about two weeks. Improvement starts immediately, final results are not achieved for many months as the overlying skin adjusts to the new contours. Scars are small and inconspicuous. Liposuction can yield dramatic results, but is not a substitute for weight loss.

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) tightens the muscles of the abdominal walls and removes excess skin and fat to create a flatter contour of the abdomen. This procedure is popular with mothers who have passed their childbearing years and is not recommended for women who plan to get pregnant in the future. Also, men and women who have undergone bariatric (weight loss) surgery commonly request tummy tuck surgery. Anyone who has difficulty reducing abdominal fat and increasing muscle tone despite exercise is a good candidate for this surgery.

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia and begins with an incision along the bikini-line and lifting of skin and fat. Once the abdominal muscles have been tightened, the excess skin and fat are removed. Supplemental liposuction can be used to contour flanks ("muffin tops") and other problem areas. The patient is fitted with an abdominal binder and usually kept one night in the hospital.

The procedure is moderately invasive and typically requires two weeks of recovery before returning to work and another week before strenuous exercise. Patients are also advised to wear the compression garment fitted at the end of surgery as much as possible for three weeks to reduce swelling and provide comfortable support.

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