 San Diegoplastic surgery -
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre patientsBody contouring surgery encompasses a number of different procedures - all designed to improve the appearance of your "body" (excluding face and neck procedures). These procedures have "stood the test of time" and many cosmetic patients have benefited from and enjoyed the results of these surgical procedures. To start we'll give you a brief description of some body contouring procedures: Liposuction Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat and thereby changes body contours. It has been the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure for many years. Liposuction can be performed on the legs, thighs, buttocks, back, abdomen, upper arms, neck, breasts, etc. The development and use of small suction cannulae has helped improve results and surface contours. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but can do much to sculpt your body especially when you are near your ideal body weight. Zeltiq™ Fat ReductionZeltiq (pronounced Zel 'teek) Aesthetics, founded in 2005, is a science-based medical device company dedicated to the development of non-invasive procedures for the reduction of unwanted fat tissue. The Zeltiq approach utilizes a patented method called Cryolipolysis™ (the use of precisely controlled cooling to remove fat) that is designed to target only fat cells and not harm the skin or other tissue. Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty Tummy tucks tighten loose abdominal or flank skin and often also tighten abdominal muscles. The usual tummy tuck requires a scar from one hip bone to the other. Extended tummy tucks can extend around to the back and tighten abdominal, flank and even back skin. For minor problems, the scar can be shorter. As much as possible the surgeon tries to place the incision lines where they can be hidden by underwear. Upper Arm Lift Arm lifts are a good procedure for patients with excess or sagging upper arm skin. The operation usually requires a scar extending from the inner elbow area up into the arm pit area (axilla). While this scar is placed in the least noticeable place on the upper arm, it will always be visible. If you only have a small amount of upper arm sagginess, occasionally, a scar within the axilla only can be a solution. Buttock Lift Saggy buttocks can be lifted, usually with an incision above the buttock area. A scar under the buttock crease can be used to tighten buttock skin, but does not achieve a "lift". Often a buttock lift is incorporated with other lower torso procedures such as a tummy tuck. Thigh Lift Tightening and lifting lax thigh skin requires scars usually extending from the front groin crease and around the inner upper thigh to the buttocks. The scars are in a very personal area and tend to widen over time because of the weight of the thigh skin. Sometimes the scar is placed horizontally on the inner thigh. In spite of scarring "issues", thigh lifts can be a good solution to saggy thigh skin. Body Lift Procedures The most common patient wanting a "body lift" has lost a large amount of weight from dieting or gastric bypass. Most often the skin does not shrink, even with exercise so a surgical solution is necessary. In one or more operations, two or more of the above body contouring procedures can be combined to address the areas of concern. These are large operations that requiring careful planning. A discussion with your surgeon about realistic expectations and the possible need for secondary surgeries is important. Male Chest Reduction Male gynecomastia (large male breasts) is a condition that usually relates to genetic body anatomy although it can be related to hormonal issues. Most often liposuction can address this concern but in some cases the only solution is a surgical one. In gynecomastia surgery the excess breast tissue is excised (removed) using small incisions either around the areola or in the crease under the breast area. Complete Body Contouring Procedure List: This overview of procedures provides only a small amount of information on body contouring surgery. Please click on the procedures that interest you for more details and information. |
