Body surgery

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck,” is designed to correct a protruding abdomen resulting from weak abdominal muscles, weight gain or pregnancy. Excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles typically don’t respond to exercise. In this procedure, the abdominal wall muscles are tightened and excess fatty tissue and skin are removed to improve the body contour. The goal is a narrower, flatter abdomen. It can be done in combination with liposuction to further define areas such as the flanks, hips and lower back. An abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss.

The surgery takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia and involves an incision that goes from one hip to the other. There is fair amount of discomfort associated with a tummy tuck and many patients elect to have a pain pump placed to deliver local anesthetic to the surgical site for the first few days following surgery. This, in combination with oral pain medications and muscle relaxants, is most effective for post operative pain control. Drains are placed and left in for one week. Recovery time is 1-2 weeks but patients need to refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for one month.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes undesirable, subcutaneous fat in isolated areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. These areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen, knees, ankles, face, neck, and arms.  Liposuction is most successful in people with good skin tone who are near normal weight but have localized fatty deposits. It is not a treatment for obesity.  It is intended to produce a more flattering figure by improving contours and proportions.

The procedure involves multiple small incisions through which a cannula or hollow tube is inserted.  This tube is used to break up and remove the fat beneath the skin.  Several areas can be suctioned at one operative setting although your surgeon may limit the amount that can be removed safely at one time.  Postoperatively patients will be significantly bruised and swollen and this will likely last several weeks.  A compression garment is worn for several weeks to minimize fluid accumulation and facilitate skin settling.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a procedure to remove excess fat and skin of the upper arm.  Loose, sagging skin is often the result of aging or dramatic weight fluctuation such as after gastric bypass surgery.  In some cases, this extra skin is merely the result of natural aging or one’s genetic makeup.

The procedure is done under general anesthesia.  It can incorporate liposuction as well as skin removal.  The incision is somewhat conspicuous as it extends from the armpit region to the elbow.  Patients are advised to wear a compression garment after surgery and avoid strenuous upper body activity.

Thigh Lift

Dramatic weight loss is the usual cause of extensive redundancy of skin in the inner thigh area.   This skin is often flabby and dimpled in appearance.   A thigh lift removes this loose skin creating a tighter and more attractive thigh.

This procedure uses incisions that parallel the groin crease. The thigh lift is usually performed on the inner surface of the thighs but can include the outer thigh area and buttock if indicated.  It is performed under general anesthesia and requires wearing a compression garment in the weeks after surgery.

Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss

Significant weight loss or gastric bypass surgery can leave excess skin.  A circumferential body lift can eliminate this skin redundancy and improve contours in the abdomen, buttock, thighs and back.  The surgery involves removal of the excess skin rolls to leave an area smoother and flatter.

A body lift is performed under general anesthesia and involves rather lengthy scars to address all areas adequately.  Skin removal from the abdomen will tighten and flatten this area.  By positioning the patient from side to side, additional skin removal from the sides and back will lift the outer thighs and buttock and eliminate back rolls.  Depending on the length and extent of the surgery, your surgeon may recommend one or two nights of overnight recovery in a hospital or nursing care facility.  Many patients who undergo a body lift procedure will elect to undergo arm, thigh and breast lifts as well to more specifically address those areas.

Fat Transfer

Skin irregularities including wrinkles and depressed scars can sometimes be addressed with fat transfer.  This can help to soften these depressions and make them less noticeable. 

The procedure involves collecting fat from one area of the body and reinjecting it into another area to correct a defect.  Patients typically require some sedation for comfort during the procedure.  A fat transfer can be done alone but can also be done in conjunction with other surgeries, particularly facelift or eyelid surgery, to correct any associated wrinkles or depressions, such as the nasolabial lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth.