Breast
Breast
Augmentation (Enlargement)
Procedure:
Enhance the size of breasts using prosthetics called breast implants.
Inflatable implants filled with saline are most commonly used, but note that
silicone implants are once again available for use. You and
Dr. Vander Zee
will
discuss which type of implant to use.
Length: 1 to
2 hours.
Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side
Effects:
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast
sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Risks:
Lack of
implant permanence. Surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be
required to treat problems including: deflation; the formation of scar tissue
around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel
tight or hard; bleeding or infection. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of
nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent. Mammography requires a special
technique.
Recovery:
Back to work:
a few days, unless job requires strenuous physical activity such as lifting,
pushing or pulling. Physical contact with breasts: 3 to 4 weeks.
Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.
Duration of Results:
Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement.
Implant Shape - Mentor breast implants come in either round or contoured shapes. When contoured
implants are placed under the chest muscle, they may assume a round shape after
implantation. Together you and Dr. Vander Zee will select the option that is
best for you and which is most likely to achieve the result you desire.
Implant Surfaces - Breast implant shells have a smooth or textured surface. As a natural reaction
to any device placed in the body, scar tissue will form around the breast
implant surface, creating a capsule. In some women, the capsule can tighten and
squeeze the implant. This is called capsular contracture. Textured-surface
implants were designed to reduce the chance of capsular contracture. Some
information in the literature on small numbers of patients suggests that surface
texturing reduces the chance of severe capsular contracture, but clinical
information from studies of a large number of women with implants shows
no difference in the likelihood of developing capsular contracture with textured
implants compared to smooth-surfaced implants. You and Dr. Vander Zee will
discuss which option is right for you.
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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Procedure:
Raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning
remaining tissue and nipples.
Length: 1 to
3 hours.
Anesthesia:
Local with sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient, but sometimes inpatient.
Side
Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent
scars.
Risks:
Thick, wide
scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of
feeling in nipples or breast.
Recovery:
Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities: 1 month.
Fading of scars: several months to a year.
Duration of Results:
Variable. Gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause changes in
shape or new sagging. Results may last longer or be enhanced when breast
implants are inserted as part of the procedure.
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Breast Reduction
Breast
reduction surgery is used to decrease the size, volume and weight of a woman's
breasts.
Heavy, pendulous breasts can
cause severe back, neck and shoulder pain, along with shoulder grooving. Skin
irritation called intertringous dermatitis in the crease under the breast is
also common and can be very resistant to treatment, particularly in the warmer
months. The goal of breast reduction surgery is usually to reduce the breasts
to a size which is proportionate to the rest of the body.
The type of incision used
for breast reduction may vary, depending on the size and shape of your breasts
and amount of reduction that is desired. The Inverted “T”, No
Vertical Scar, and Free Nipple Graft techniques are the most commonly
performed breast reductions .
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Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Procedure:
Reduce enlarged, female-like breasts in men using liposuction and/or surgical
removal of excess glandular tissue. May sometimes be covered by medical
insurance.
Length: 1
hour or more.
Anesthesia:
General, local, or local IV sedation.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side
Effects:
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.
Risks:
Infection.
Fluid accumulation. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin.
Asymmetry (slight differences between the two sides). Pigmentation changes (may become permanent if exposed to sun).
Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove
additional tissue.
Recovery:
Back to work: 3 to 7 days. More strenuous activity: 2 to 3 weeks.
Swelling and bruising: 3 to 6 months.
Duration of Results:
Permanent.
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Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a
surgical procedure to rebuild the contour of the breast, along with the nipple
and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) if desired. Recent
advances in reconstructive techniques have given patients
more choices when it comes to breast reconstruction, including the option to
have breast reconstruction during the same operation in which the breast is
removed.
Immediate Reconstruction
Single-stage immediate reconstruction with a breast implant or an
expander/mammary implant. (See
adjustable tissue expander/breast implants).
Two-stage immediate reconstruction with a tissue expander, followed by delayed
reconstruction several months later with a breast implant.
Delayed Reconstruction
Single-stage delayed reconstruction with a breast implant (or an
expander/mammary implant. (See
adjustable tissue expander/breast implants).
Two-stage delayed reconstruction with a
tissue expander, followed several months later
by replacement with a breast implant.
Two
potential advantages to immediate reconstruction are that your breast
reconstruction starts at the time of your mastectomy and that there may be cost
savings in combining the mastectomy procedure with the first stage of the
reconstruction. However, your initial operative time and recuperative time may
be longer.
A
potential advantage to delayed reconstruction is that you can delay your
reconstruction decision and surgery until other treatments, such as radiation
therapy and chemotherapy, are complete. Delayed reconstruction may be advisable
if your surgeon anticipates healing problems with your mastectomy, or if you
just need more time to consider your options.
There are
medical, financial, and emotional considerations to be considered when choosing
immediate versus delayed reconstruction. You should discuss the pros and cons
of the options available in your individual case with your general surgeon,
plastic surgeon, and oncologist.
Your
surgeon will evaluate your existing chest tissue to determine if you have enough
tissue to accommodate the desired size of breast implant. If you choose a
breast implant that is too large for your tissue, the edges of the breast
implant may be visible through your skin or the implant may be more easily
felt. By choosing an implant that is too large for your tissue, you may
increase the risk of having surgical complications. Also, breast implants that
are excessive in size may increase the effects of gravity on your body, which
may cause your breasts to prematurely droop or sag.
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Nipple Correction (Inverted Nipple)
As many
as 2% of American women have at least one inverted nipple, yet still the subject
of nipple inversion is seldom discussed among friends or in the media. Usually
when people discuss breast enhancement, they are talking about enlarging,
reducing or lifting their breasts.
Nipples
are clearly an integral part of the breast. They play a role in appearance, in
sexuality, and in motherhood. For women who have inverted nipples, inversion
can affect their self-esteem and body image. While several different surgical
techniques have existed for inverted nipples, there is now a treatment that can
provide long-term results.
Most
cases of inverted nipples are congenital - in other words, people are just born
with them. However, some nipples become inverted after breastfeeding, when scar
tissue builds in the milk ducts. Nipples that become inverted after birth are
usually caused by one of three things: not enough skin at the base of the
nipple, constricted milk ducts, or scarring of the milk ducts due to
breastfeeding.
Types of
Inverted Nipples
There are three "grades" of inversion, which basically means three levels of
severity. While some nipples may only be inverted some of the time and "come
out" or become everted in response to cold or physical touch, others are more
severely inverted and never come out. Some women can breastfeed normally, while
others will never be able to breastfeed.
- Grade 1.
Nipples are inverted but can become everted manually (through stimulation)
or in response to cold temperature. They may remain everted for some time.
Milk ducts are usually not compromised and breastfeeding is possible. These
are sometimes called "shy nipples."
- Grade 2.
Nipples are inverted and are more difficult to evert. The eversion almost
never lasts and the nipple returns to the inverted state immediately.
Breast feeding may be possible, but this is not a sure thing.
- Grade 3.
Nipples are severely inverted and never evert. Milk ducts are often
constricted and breastfeeding is not possible. Women with Grade 3 inverted
nipples may also struggle with infections, rashes, or problems with nipple
hygiene.
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Face
Facelift
Procedure: Improves sagging
facial skin, jowls (hanging excess cheek tissues), and loose neck skin by removing excess fat,
tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women
over 40.
Length: Several hours.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Some patients may require short inpatient stay.
Side Effects: Temporary bruising,
swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For
men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is
repositioned.
Risks: Injury to the
nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may
be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring.
Asymmetry or change in hairline.
Recovery: Back to work: 10 to
14 days. More strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to
3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.
Duration of Results: Usually 5 to 10
years.
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Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)
Procedure: Minimize forehead
creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and
frown lines by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening
the forehead skin. May be done using the traditional technique, with an
incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline; or with
the use of an endoscope, which requires 3 to 5 short incisions.
Most often done on people over 40.
Length: 1 to 2 hours.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side Effects: Temporary swelling,
numbness, headaches, bruising. Traditional method: Possible
itching and hair loss.
Risks: Injury to facial
nerve, causing loss of motion, muscle weakness, or asymmetrical look.
Infection. Broad or excessive scarring.
Recovery:
Back to work:
7 to 10 days, usually sooner for endoscopic forehead lift. More
strenuous activity: several weeks. Full recovery from bruising:
2 to 3 weeks. Limit sun exposure for several months.
Duration of Results: Usually 5 to 10
years.
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Eyelid
Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure: Correct drooping
upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat,
skin, and muscle. Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance
if it is done to correct visual field defects.
Length:
1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia: Usually local
with sedation or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness,
burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for
first few weeks.
Risks:
Temporary blurred
or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the
eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing
or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent).
Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness
(extremely rare).
Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3
days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or
more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising
and swelling gone: several weeks.
Duration of Results:
Several years.
Sometimes permanent.
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Nasal
Surgery
Procedure:
Reshape nose by
reducing or increasing size, removing hump, changing shape of tip or
bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and
upper lip. May also relieve some breathing problems. (May be covered by
insurance.)
Length:
1 to 2 hours or
more.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side Effects: Temporary swelling,
bruising around eyes or nose, and headaches. Some bleeding and stiffness.
Risks: Infection. Small
burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots. Incomplete
improvement, requiring additional surgery.
Recovery: Back to work: 1 to
2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid
hitting nose or sunburn: 8 weeks. Final appearance: 1 year or
more.
Duration of Results: Permanent.
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Facial
Implants
Procedure:
Change the basic
shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build
up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jawline.
Length:
30 minutes to 2
hours.
Anesthesia:
Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Occasionally overnight hospital stay.
Side Effects:
Temporary
discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness and/or stiffness. In jaw
surgery, inability to open mouth fully for several weeks.
Risks:
Shifting or
imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, requiring a
second operation or removal. Excess tightening and hardening of scar
tissue around an artificial implant ("capsular contracture"), causing
unnatural shape.
Recovery: Back to work: about
1 week. Normal appearance: 2 to 4 weeks. Activity that could jar or bump
face: 6 weeks or more.
Duration of Results: Permanent.
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Ear
Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure:
Set prominent ears
back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often
done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (Occasionally
covered by insurance.)
Length:
2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia:
Young children:
usually general. Older children or adults: general or local, with
sedation.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness.
Risks:
Infection of
cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained.
Mismatched or artificial- looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion,
requiring repeat surgery.
Recovery:
Back to work or
school:
5 to 7 days.
Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months.
Duration of Results:
Usually permanent.
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Laser
Resurfacing
Procedure:
Smooth the face and
smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2)
laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around
the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented
areas.
Length: A few minutes to 1
hour. May require more than 1 session.
Anesthesia:
Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient,
unless combined with other surgical procedures that require
hospitalization.
Side Effects:
Temporary swelling,
discomfort. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sun sensitivity. Increased
sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for
up to 6 months.
Risks:
Burns or injuries
caused by laser heat. Scarring. Abnormal changes in skin color. Flare-up
of viral infections ("cold sores") and other infections (rare).
Recovery:
Back to work: 2
weeks. More strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness:
6 months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6-12
months.
Duration of Results:
Long-lasting, but
does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin
ages.
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Cool
Touch Laser has come to the rescue for premature signs of aging. A
non-invasive treatment designed specifically to be gentle while effectively
combating the appearance of aging skin, Cool Touch Laser treatments are
performed on an out-patient basis so that you can promote your skin's health and
vitality while not experiencing any downtime or painful procedures.
Cool
Touchâ Laser at a Glance
Treatment For: Acne, wrinkles
Expected Result: Smoother, more
youthful skin
Treatment Time: Less than an hour
with follow-up visits
Recovery: Full recovery in
minutes
For Best Result: Repeat procedure in
maintenance program How Does Cool Touchâ Laser Work?
The Cool
Touch Laser uses a revolutionary process that stimulates the production of
collagen underneath your skin. Cool Touch Laser treatments encourage the
collagen and elastic fibers to tighten, resulting in vibrant, more
youthful-looking skin. The Cool Touch
Laser includes a cooling spray applied
before the skin receives laser treatment, protecting your skin and sensitive
nerve endings. A computer-controlled hand piece allows the treatment to be
precise and gentle.
What Does Cool Touchâ Laser Treat?
The Cool
Touch Laser was created to combat premature signs of aging in a non-invasive
manner, prolonging the skin's youthful appearance and postponing a patient's
need for more aggressive treatments. The Cool Touch laser is very suitable for
minimizing lines around the eyes and mouth, softening the appearance of
depressed and hypertrophic scars, and unlike other lasers, is approved for all
skin types.
What Are Cool Touchâ Laser Treatments Like?
Cool
Touch Laser treatments are gentle and non-invasive so that patients can quickly
resume normal activities. Cool Touch Laser treatments are performed on an
out-patient basis. Patients come back for subsequent treatments every 4 to 6
weeks initially and then every 8 to 12 weeks when in the maintenance program.
Patients typically see results after the third visit.
During
treatment, a cooling spray is applied to the skin before the laser treatment (a
series of rapid-pulse beams) is directed to the area. Patients report very
little discomfort and healing is quick.
What Can Go Wrong?
Cool
Touch Laser treatments are non-invasive, minimizing risks associated with other
facial rejuvenation methods. All elective procedures have the possibility of
complications such as infection, blistering, scarring, temporary loss of
sensation or pigmentation changes. Tell us if you have a history of cold sores,
have recently had a cold sore, or if you have a tendency to scar unusually.
Laser skin resurfacing carries a risk of cold sores for people who have a
history of fever blisters or herpes simplex. Acne can breakout after
resurfacing. This is treatable with antibiotics. Milia (very small superficial
cysts) may appear. These can be removed. Finally, the use of antibiotic
ointments may cause contact dermatitis to appear following the treatment.
What Should I expect from Cool Touchâ Laser
Treatment?
The Cool
Touch Laser allows a gentle, in-office treatment that provides on-going
improvement in your skin while not interrupting your normal life. Treatments are
minimally painful and healing time is short due to the procedure's non-invasive
nature. You will see gradual improvements as the collagen underneath your skin
begins and continues to rebuild itself with each subsequent visit. Your skin
will look more vibrant, healthy and youthful.
A unique
type of laser energy is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment
area. A cooling mist protects and cools the epidermis, the skin’s surface
layer. Photons of laser energy pass through the epidermis and are absorbed in
the layers of the skin where collagen is produced. This triggers a repair
mechanism, and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural
collagen. Results are achieved from the inside out. Patients have a high degree of
satisfaction with their results. There is improvement of skin tone and texture
and lines become less visible.
Average
number of treatments is 3 to 5 performed over a period of 2 to 4 months. There
is no down time. You can apply your makeup immediately after treatment.
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Chemical Peel (TCA or Glycolic Acid)
Procedure: Restore wrinkled,
blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a
chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. Works best on fair,
thin skin with superficial wrinkles.
Length:
20 to 40 minutes for full
face. Anesthesia:
None. Ice
is applied after treatment for comfort.
In/Outpatient: Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness; acute sensitivity to sun.
Risks:
Tiny whiteheads
(temporary); infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever
blisters, cold sores.
Recovery:
Redness and
peeling. Formation of new skin in 5 to 10 days.
Duration of Results:
Variable.
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Diamond Peelâ
Dermabrasion
Procedure:
Mechanical
exfoliation of the top layers of skin using a machine which directs
a stream of
special crystals at the skin while suction removes the
crystals and other impurities from the skin and pores. Softens sharp
edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine
wrinkles, especially around the mouth.
Length:
A few minutes to 1
hour. May require more than 1 session.
Anesthesia: None.
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary tingling,
burning, itching, swelling and redness.
Risks:
Tiny whiteheads (temporary); infection;
flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters or cold sores.
Recovery:
Back to work:
Immediately. Avoid sun exposure for approximately a week
without sunscreen. Fading of redness: A few minutes to a
couple of days. Apply makeup: Immediately.
Duration of Results:
Permanent, although
new wrinkles or blemishes may still form.
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Injectable
Fillers
Collagen/Fat Injection
Procedure:
Plump up creased,
furrowed, or sunken facial skin; add fullness to the lips. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin.
Length:
15 minutes to 1 hour
per session.
Anesthesia:
Collagen: usually
none; local may be included with the injection. Fat: local.
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary stinging,
throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess
fullness. Risks:
Collagen: allergic
reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible
triggering of connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases. (A skin test is
required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy
exists.) Both: Contour irregularities, infection.
Duration of Results:
Variable; a few
months to 1 year
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Restylane®
Restylane is made from a natural
substance found in our bodies. It is well suited to plump thin lips or to fill
in facial creases such as nasolabial folds. It may also be appropriate for some
surface wrinkles and concave scars. The fullness achieved from Restylane may
last six months or longer.
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Hylaform®
Hylaform
is used to replenish the dermal volume loss that allows wrinkles to form. It is
also used to enhance lips and fill in acne scars. Because it is minimally
modified, Hylaform has a low incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and
requires no skin testing prior to treatment. The chemically stabilized
hyaluronic acid found in Hylaform can remain in the dermis for up 6 to 12
months. This is longer than the collagen-based dermal fillers. Over
time, Hylaform gradually breaks down and is naturally reabsorbed by your body.
Therefore,
Dr. Vander Zee
may recommend touch-up treatments two or three times a
year to maintain optimal correction.
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Radiesseâ
Radiesse
is a non-surgical, cosmetic procedure that supplements your skin's own depleted
collagen to smooth out deep facial wrinkles or creases and to minimize indented scars. It
is injected just below the surface of the skin and is particularly effective
at smoothing out the deep wrinkles or creases that appear as folds between the nose
and mouth or on the sides of the nose. Radiesse contains the same compounds
found in human bones and teeth, so there is almost no risk of allergic reaction. Radiesse is a safe and proven alternative to bovine collagen injections and
solid facial implants. Results may last from several months to several years.
This is a
non-surgical alternative for certain patients in need of nose
reshaping.
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Botoxâ
The
cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®,
is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown
lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that
cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Studies have also suggested that Botox® is effective in relieving migraine
headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
 
Many doctors proclaim themselves in advertisements to be
experts in cosmetic skin procedure. THE FACT IS, any doctor can
call themselves an expert in cosmetic skin procedures such as Botox and skin lasers after attending only a weekend seminar or two.
However, a weekend seminar is no substitute for the extensive training and
experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some of
these procedures involve the use of potent paralyzing agents and technology
which, if misused, can cause permanent scarring to your face. Even doctors with
the proper training and credentials cannot guarantee a 100% successful outcome.
Not only should you check for your doctor’s proper training, but also ask about
their experience or lack thereof in these treatments. Before you consider
choosing a doctor for a cosmetic skin treatment, injection, or procedure for
YOUR face, ask yourself: IS THIS THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF MY DOCTOR’S TRAINING AND
EXPERIENCE? After all, it is your face.
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Body
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Procedure: Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening
muscles of abdominal wall.
Length: 2 to 5 hours.
Anesthesia: General, or local with sedation.
In/Outpatient: Either, depending on individual circumstances and extent of
surgery.
Side Effects: Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin,
bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Risks: Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor
healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a
second operation.
Recovery: Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity:
4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to
2 years. Inability to lift, push
or pull or do strenuous activity for extended period of time. Must
wear compression garments for several weeks.
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Liposuction
Procedure:
Improve body shape
by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum
device. Can be performed with the tumescent technique, in which
fat cells are infused with solution containing saline and a
local anesthetic before liposuction begins. This reduces post-operative bruising
and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include chin, cheeks,
neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees,
calves, ankles.
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas,
ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new
technique in which a ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to "liquefy"
the fat before it is suctioned.
Length:
1 to 2 hours or
more. UAL: 20-40 percent longer than traditional liposuction.
Anesthesia:
Local, epidural, or
general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay.
Side Effects:
Temporary bruising,
swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation. Tumescent:
Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger
incisions for cannula.
Risks:
Asymmetry. Rippling
or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin injury. Fluid
retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL:
thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.
Recovery: Back to work: 1 to
2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from
swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique
or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling.
Duration of Results:
Permanent, with
sensible diet and exercise
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Body
Contour Surgery
Surgical
body contouring following major weight loss improves the shape and tone of the
underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, removing excess sagging fat
and skin.
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Brachioplasty
Corrects
sagging of the upper arms.
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Lower
Body Lifts
Corrects sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, groin, and outer thighs.
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Medial Thigh Lifts
Corrects sagging of the inner, outer, and mid thigh.
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