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Body Procedures
Body contouring procedures are available for addressing difficult to target areas and improve the silhouette.
Oftentimes people find themselves with areas of their body that no amount of lifestyle change can address. Changes due to aging, significant weight loss, or pregnancy can lead to loose, sagging skin that may interfere with the fit of clothing, affecting self-confidence and in some cases causing physical discomfort. There are a number of procedures available that aim to reshape body contour and provide a more balanced, proportionate form.
Abdominoplasty
Also known as a tummy Tuck, this is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat of the abdomen and restore a smoother, flatter stomach area. Separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) may be repaired, tightening the underlying muscle layer. After removal of the excess tissue, the skin of the upper abdominal is pulled down and new opening is created for the belly button. The incision line is placed in the low abdomen at a level generally hidden by clothing and swimwear. The length of the incision may span from hip to hip or be shorter in length, depending on the amount and location of tissue to be removed.
"Mini" Abdominoplasty
In some select patients a “mini” abdominoplasty may be beneficial. This procedure uses a smaller incision and targets only the skin of the low abdomen. The upper abdomen is unchanged and the belly button remains in its original position. Candidates for this procedure are generally at their ideal body weight and have excess skin only below the navel.
Mommy Makeover
“Mommy makeover” is a term that is applied to a combination of procedures that target changes to the body as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. The experience of motherhood is fundamentally life changing, however the resulting physical changes can sometimes leave a woman feeling like a stranger in her own body. Most often a mommy makeover includes addressing loose abdominal skin and/or repairing separation of the abdominal wall muscles, as well a breast lift or augmentation to restore breast shape and volume. The choice of procedures is tailored to each woman’s specific areas of concern, with the ultimate goal of helping each patient restore or improve her natural silhouette and regain confidence in her body.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that utilizes a canula (a thin, hollow tube) and suction to remove fatty tissue from specific areas and improve body contour. Common areas that may benefit from sculpting via liposuction include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, or under the chin. Treated areas are first injected with a dilute solution containing an anesthetic, and then accessed through small, inconspicuously placed incisions. Liposuction is not used to treat obesity, but rather targets areas that are not affected by a healthy diet and lifestyle alone.
Brachioplasty
A brachioplasty, or arm lift, is a procedure that removes excess skin and/or fat deposits from the upper arm, sculpting the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. Arms may develop loose, sagging skin due to age, genetics, or significant weight loss. Exercise and strength training are important to improve muscle tone and definition, but unfortunately will not tighten this excess, drooping skin. During arm lift surgery, an incision is made along the inside or outer arm, or occasionally in the axilla depending on the amount and location of tissue. Excess skin and fat deposits are removed and the underlying fascia is tightened to provide support, improving the contour of the upper arm.
Thigh Lift
Thigh lift surgery aims to reshape the thighs by removing excess skin and underlying fat. This procedure is common in patients who have had significant weight loss, as the skin in the thigh area often has become stretched and loose. This excessive skin can interfere with the fit of clothing or cause significant chafing and discomfort that can impede physical activity and exercise. Depending on the location and extent of tissue, incisions may be placed in the groin, around the hip, or occasionally down the inseam. In some patients this procedure may be combined with a lower body lift, or belt lipectomy, to address additional loose skin in the buttocks and abdomen and provide a smoother contour for the entire lower body.
