Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a procedure performed to tighten the abdominal skin. Laxity commonly develops after childbirth or weight loss. Abdominoplasty involves three parts: removal of loose abdominal tissue, plication or tightening of rectus diastasis (separated midline abdominal muscles), and transposition of the umbilicus (moving the belly button to accommodate moving the abdominal skin lower). Tummy tuck typically considered cosmetic and not covered by medical insurance. An incision is made from hip to hip but is at the level of the pubic hairline making it easy to conceal beneath a bikini bottom. The procedure only takes a couple of hours in an ambulator surgery center and can sometimes be combined with other procedures such as breast augmentation.
Panniculectomy
Panniculectomy is sometimes confused with abdominoplasty but only involves the removal of abdominal tissue, the pannus, that hangs over the waistline. Like the abdominoplasty, an incision from hip to hip is required. On occasion, insurance may help cover the cost of a panniculectomy.
Post Bariatric Surgery
Post bariatric surgery refers to surgery after bariatric surgery and massive weight loss. Typical procedures include breast reduction, mastopexy, abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, brachioplasty, and thighplasty. Not all bariatric surgery is the same. For instance, the Lap Band procedure doesn’t create the malabsorption that gastric bypass surgery does. Not only is the lap band procedure less effective than gastric bypass in sustained weight loss, it doesn’t create the malabsorption that gastric bypass surgery does. Therefore, Lap Band patients tend not to be malnourished. It’s important that the post bariatric patient be in good health and able to tolerate a diet that provides about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight in protein.
Occasionally, medical insurance can help cover some or all of the cost of the procedure.
Weight loss is the first step in revealing the new you. Post bariatric surgery can help complete the journey!
Mastopexy
Mastopexy, commonly called a breast lift, is performed to lift a breast that has suffered the effects of gravity. Like breast reductions, there are many techniques a plastic surgeon may use to create a breast lift. Dr. Newman uses a technique that creates a scar similar to the vertical scar breast reduction that requires an incision around the areola with a vertical extension to the inframammary fold. Similar to the vertical scar breast reduction technique, this eliminates the need for the large incision along the inframammary fold. It is sometimes challenging for a patient to know whether they need a mastopexy, breast reduction, or simply a breast augmentation to accomplish their desired goal. A consultation with your personal plastic surgeon can help you decide if a mastopexy is indicated for you.
Liposuction
Liposuction is available to remove mild to moderate fat deposits in the body. While there are many vogue descriptions of liposuction such as SlimLipo, VASER, and Smart Lipo, traditional liposuction remains the gold standard by which all others are compared. VASER utilizes the latest of the best technology to date to liquify fat and remove it in the least traumatic fashion possible. VASER can be done under local anesthesia in the office setting while you are awake saving thousands of dollars and the risk of general anesthesia. Liposuction can be used to sculpt stubborn areas or to catapult you in your personal transformation. Many body builders and exercise enthusiast seek VASER to address areas that simply don’t correct with exercise. Finally, VASER can be used to carve that ripped abdomen and obique muscles you’ve always wanted. For more information on the various types of liposuctoin available:
Learn More
Vaser® LipoSelection
VASER LipoSelection utilizes ultrasonic technology that liquifies fat allowing removal by suction cannulas. Because VASER utilizes ultrasound technology, it is selective for fat which is easily liquified by ultrasound sparing blood vessels and other sensitive structures such as the skin. This same ultrasound energy stimulates the skin to contract resulting in tighter skin after liposuction. The procedure can be done in as little as 90 minutes while you are awake using local anesthesia. Because the technique is safer than traditional liposuction, there has been a surge of primary care physicians offering the procedure after taking weekend courses. Weekend courses are no substitute for the training a surgeon receives during an accredited residency in plastic surgery. Ask your potential liposuction surgeon if he or she is in fact a residency trained plastic surgeon.
