BODY CONTOURING AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Body contouring is suggested after major weight loss when there are unwanted amounts of excess skin which hang or sags. The skin and tissues often lack elasticity and cannot conform to the reduced body size. The areas that may be improved with surgical procedures include upper arms, breasts, abdominal area- this may extend around the sides and into the lower back area, buttocks, and thighs. Surgical body contouring helps to shape and tone the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. The result is a smoother contour and more natural appearance to the body.
The procedures necessary to achieve your goals will be discussed during the consultation as well as the timing of these procedures to complete the final phase of your total weight loss experience. Before you decide to undergo body contouring surgery we encourage you to be stabilized in your weight loss.
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction body sculpting (or suction-assisted lipectomy) has become one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. Minimal scarring and outstanding results have made it the preferred method for removing fat from the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, as well as areas of the face, neck, and arms. Liposuction is not an alternative to weight reduction but can be very effective in removing fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise programs.
Suction-assisted lipectomy is performed by Dr. Chase in an outpatient surgery center. A narrow tube (cannula) is inserted into a small incision made in an inconspicuous place to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum. Liposuction can eliminate the excess inches; it is effective and efficient. You will be asked to wear a compression garment while you recover to assist the body in reshaping. Most people are able to do normal activities within a week or two and can resume full aerobic activities by 4 to 6 weeks after liposuction.
TUMMY TUCK
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall creating a silhouette that is smoother and firmer. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit and loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where it can return to normal.
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and the navel. Incision size is determined by the degree of correction needed. When a correction is isolated to the area below the belly button a mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision may be recommended. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to enhance the final result.
MOMMY MAKEOVER
Once a woman has completed her family she may decide she needs to rejuvenate her body. We offer a combination of procedures to help restore and correct the areas of concern. The breasts and abdomen are the most common areas that women would like to see improvement. A combination of breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction can be performed together or in separate stages.
We will try to accomplish these “Mommy Makeovers” to help women feel better about their bodies after the changes from childbirth and nursing. Please feel free to discuss these and other concerns with Dr. Chase.
