BODY
CONTOURING
Although we all try to create the body we desire through diet and exercise, because of genetic factors and age, we are sometimes unable to achieve our goals. The many techniques available for body contouring can now make positive changes possible.
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is a very common procedure for fat removal. Modern liposuction involves instillation of fluid into the fatty tissues to be removed, the tumescent technique. This allows more fat to be removed safely with little bruising. Through a few tiny incisions, fat is suctioned away. Standard liposuction uses a vacuum device, whereas, ultrasonic liposuction generates ultrasonic energy which liquefies the fat prior to removal. Some devices use laser energy to liquefy the fat. The important part of the process is the removal of fat and the technique utilized is dependent on the surgeon’s preference; the ultimate outcome is the same.
Liposuction is very useful when the elasticity and quality of the skin is good. Patients with a significant amount of excess skin may require other procedures such as abdominoplasty, thigh lift or brachioplasty to remove skin (see below). Liposuction is commonly performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, ankles and neck. Liposuction is also used as a contouring technique during other procedures such as facelift, abdominoplasty and thigh lift.
ABDOMINOPLASTY
OR TUMMY TUCK
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles. This technique is often used to correct problems after pregnancy. For those patients with excess skin and muscle weakness below the belly button, a mini-abdominoplasty may be adequate.
MEDIAL
THIGH LIFT
The inner thighs often become loose with age or weight loss. The medial (inner) thigh lift is performed when there is a large amount of excess skin in the inner thighs. The incision is placed in the natural inner thigh crease.
BRACHIOPLASTY
OR UPPER ARM LIFT
This procedure removes skin from the upper arms when there is a large amount of excess. It results in a vertical scar from the armpit to elbow. Sometimes smaller incisions can be employed in the armpit if the skin excess is less severe.
LOWER
BODY LIFT
The lower body lift removes excess skin from the lower body circumferentially and is reserved for patients with large amounts of excess skin.
