Body Sculpting

liposuction | abdominoplasty

Liposuction

Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant or noticeable results in certain people. For many, the answer is liposuction, a surgical procedure which extracts fat from specific areas of the body. Following the procedure, patients can expect a slimmer, more shapely figure.

Before and After Click To Enlarge	Before and After Click To Enlarge	Before and After Click To Enlarge

The Surgery
The surgeon begins by inserting a cannula (a slim, hollow tube) into tiny stab incisions near the area to be recontoured. The cannula is moved through the layers of tissue and extracts the necessary fat. Once the fat and tissue have been removed, the surgeon stitches the incision and trims away excess skin. Several techniques exist. The super-wet technique injects fluid into the patient's body, roughly the same amount as the fat to be extracted. This is known as tumescence. In UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty), a specially designed cannula liquefies the fat and suctions it away. Except in the most extreme cases, procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will suggest the most appropriate form of anesthesia (epidural block, intravenous sedation or a local or general anesthesia).

Liposuction patient shown before surgery with bulging hips, thighs and buttocks.	Short incisions are made through the skin to introduce the instrument that will remove fat in the shaded areas. A similar technique may be used to remove localized fat deposits from other areas of the body.
A long, hollow tube with an opening at one end is inserted. At the tube's opposite end, a vacuum pressure unit suctions off fat. Ultrasonic energy sometimes may be used to liquefy fat before it is removed.	The postoperative patient with slimmed lower body contour.

After the Surgery
Following surgery, an elastic bandage or garment is applied in order to reduce swelling and keep the skin in place. In complex procedures, patients should be monitored closely to make sure no complications occur. Patients return to work after several days.

Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Less severe risks include a numbing of the skin and moderate changes in skin pigmentation. It is extremely important to choose a physician who has proper and extensive training, with state-of-the-art facilities and a good standing in their field. If you smoke, your surgeon will advise that you stop both two weeks prior to and following surgery. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care. You can return to full exercise within three weeks.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Click To Enlarge	Before and After Click To Enlarge

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that extracts surplus fat and tissue from the abdominal region. It is especially helpful for women with loose skin after pregnancy. Following abdominoplasty, patients can expect a flatter, more contoured and visually satisfying abdomen.

The Surgery
Patients considering a tummy tuck can choose either a complete or partial procedure. There are three considerations: skin excess, fat excess, and abdominal wall weakness. A full abdominoplasty begins with an incision above the pubic area that extends between the hipbones. The surgeon then makes a second incision to separate the navel from the underlying tissue. Next, the skin is separated and pulled up to the level of the ribs. The surgeon pulls the abdominal muscles together and stitches them into position. This is a key component. The navel is then relocated in the pulled down skin and stitched into place. The surgeon replaces the skin (excess skin is trimmed) and sutures the original incisions. A complete tummy tuck takes between two and three hours and may or may not be outpatient based.

In abdominoplasty, an incision is usually made across the pubic area and around the navel. Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall.	To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures.
Abdominal skin is drawn downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.	The postoperative patient shown with resultant scars.

Alternative Procedures
If fat deposits are limited to the region below the navel, you may only need a partial abdominoplasty (mini-tummy tuck). In this procedure, a smaller incision is made, leaving the navel in place. The surgeon stretches the flap of skin down, removes excess fat and tissue, and stitches the flap back into place. The partial procedure lasts one to two hours and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

After Surgery
Immediately following surgery, the incisions are dressed with bandages to keep the skin in place. A tube may be inserted to drain any excess fluid that has collected. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, although your doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. Stitches dissolve on their own. The specifics of each procedure, as well as duration of hospitalization and type of anesthesia (general or local), will vary among individuals.

Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but include infection, bleeding, and blood clotting. In the event of a postoperative infection, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Blood clotting is best avoided by moderate exercise, which strengthens muscles and maintains blood circulation. Scars are more visible in the first six months, but gradually flattens and becomes virtually undetectable within a year. To avoid excessive scarring and poor healing, smokers are advised to stop at least two weeks prior to and following the procedure. Patients typically return to work within two weeks. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complications, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.

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