Body Contouring

The majority of people, both men and women, have problem areas on their bodies that they would like removed or adjusted. Whether it is flabby arms, a protruding abdomen, an expanded waist, or unshapely, hips, thighs, or buttocks, surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty and liposuction may be the answer.

Ideal candidates include men and women who are in good health, maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly, and have firm, elastic skin. Candidates should be of normal weight but have problem areas of excess fat that refuse to go away. Dr. Smith and the staff of Parkwest Plastic Surgery are well trained in the latest techniques of body contouring and can help the patient attain the desired appearance.

Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”)
Commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles, resulting in a firmer, tighter stomach and slimmer waist. Men and women who have experienced weight loss or women who have completed a pregnancy may have excess fat and
skin that may not respond to diet and exercise.

In a full abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed from the region between the ribs and pubic area. A partial or mini-abdominoplasty is less complicated in that excess fat and skin are removed only from the lower abdomen, below the navel.

Immediately after surgery, the patient is dressed in a supportive garment to reduce swelling and bruising. The abdomen will be swollen and may feel tight; however, any discomfort can be controlled with medication. Sutures and drainage tubes are removed 7-10 days later.

Most people return to work shortly after surgery; however, some may need 3-4 weeks of recovery. Temporary numbness above the incision is to be expected, as well as some minimal feelings of pain through the later post-operative period. A balanced diet and regular exercise help to maintain the results of the procedure.

Liposuction/Lipectomy
Another surgical procedure that Dr. Smith may recommend is liposuction. This procedure was introduced to the U.S. in 1982, and has been refined with much advancement in technology. The procedure removes fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, by inserting tube beneath the skin and suctioning out the fat cells.

Once fat cells are removed, the patient’s total number of fat cells is reduced, so ideally the patient will not regain the weight or fat that is lost during the procedure. This procedure can be performed on a specific area such as under the arms, or it can be done in several areas such as the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Although the incisions made during surgery are small, the procedure should be taken seriously. Small drainage tubes placed beneath the skin prevent fluid build up and special supportive garments help reduce swelling. Some pain, bleeding and temporary numbness is to be expected, but they fade with healing. Most patients to return to work within two weeks; however; strenuous activity should be avoided for at least a month following surgery.