Body work is both a rejuvenative and shaping process depending on a patients age and body habits. In younger patients it often involves liposuction to shape areas out of proportion to the surrounding areas of fat. Occasionally, it includes lipostructure or gluteal contouring to build up and add to the natural curves of a woman’s body. As our patients age, tucks and lifts become more commonly requested. Whether due to having children that results in laxity of the abdominal tissues (1/2 of "mommy make overs" – the other being breast lift) or extensive weight loss, a tummy tuck, body lift or arm lift can help reveal natural curves and shapes.
Drs. Chang & Vander KolkLearn more about our procedures for:
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Body Lifts
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
- Gluteal Contouring (Implants & Fat Injections)
- Liposuction
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Contouring the abdomen can be done in a variety of ways that must be tailored to each patient's situation. Factors that influence the treatment options include age, weight, history of weight loss, previous or planned abdominal and GYN procedures, muscle shape, fat distribution and laxity of skin.
Typically a tummy tuck encompasses removal of lax skin and stretch marks, movement of the belly button, removal of fat and tightening of the muscle and fascia. However, each patient is evaluated to determine if one or all of the components listed above need to be part of the surgical plan.
Analysis – Excess skin, fat and muscle laxity
Treatment – Abdominoplasty
See Drs. Chang, Vander Kolk and Collins’ before and after pictures for abdominoplasty.
Body Lifts
While body lifts were common in the era before liposuction, they have become more common as people work to lose weight or have weight loss (bariatric) surgery. As patients lost more and more weight, they were left with an extensive amount of loose hanging skin. Body lifts, including circumferential abdomen and back contouring (belt lipectomy) lateral thigh thigh lift and medial thigh lift are procedures that target the area of lax, hanging skin and some of the surrounding laxity. While the incisions are long and healing is slow, these procedures can help the patient complete their journey of weight loss and body shaping that make them feel comfortable about their body and its shape. Many find renewed enjoyment in their ability to wear a bathing suit or shorts in public once again.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Unsightly fat and loose skin keeps many patients from wearing short sleeves shirts or bathing suits. An arm lift or brachioplasty, removes the hanging, loose skin of the inner aspect of the upper arms. While a long incision is used to remove this skin (as opposed to small incisions to remove fat in patients with good skin tone), it can usually be hidden from view by placing it on the inner aspect of the upper part of the arm.
Analysis – Excess skin and a small amount of excess fat.
Treatment – Brachioplasty.
See Drs. Chang, Vander Kolk and Collins' before and after pictures for brachioplasty.
Gluteal Contouring (Implants & Fat Injections)
In the past, Plastic Surgeons only had liposuction to contour and shape the buttock region. This meant taking away fat that resulted in a reduction in size and not always an improvement in shape. Now with gluteal implants and fat injections (often combined with limited liposuction), a more optimal shape of the gluteal region can be accomplished.
Analysis – Flat upper gluteal (buttock) region.
Treatment – Lower back liposuction and gluteal augmentation (implant placement).
See Drs. Chang, Vander Kolk and Collins' before and after pictures for gluteal contouring.
Liposuction
Currently the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the US, it encompasses treatment of fat in the face, arms, chest, abdomen, buttock and legs from thigh to ankle. In the procedure, small incisions are used to introduce a cannula or long hollow tube instrument that uses suction and shearing forces to remove fat to shape and contour various areas of the body. Ideally, the patient is close to their chosen body weight because liposuction is best used to treat areas of fat that are out of proportion to the surrounding areas of the body.
Analysis – Excess fat of the abdomen, flanks, medial and lateral thighs.
Treatment – Liposuction removal of nearly 5 pounds of fat.
See Drs. Chang, Vander Kolk and Collins' before and after pictures for liposuction.
Please Call for an appointment: 410.332.9700