Body Contouring Surgery

Liposuction
Liposuction is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits. The best candidates are of normal weight but have pockets of excess fat. Liposuction can be performed on the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, chin, neck, cheeks, and upper arms.

Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure generally takes from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the area and amount being suctioned. To begin the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision just large enough to allow the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite end of the cannula is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The surgeon manipulates the cannula deep within the fat layers under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.

Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. A woman may decide to have this procedure for a variety of reasons, including:

• To enhance her body contour if she feels her breast size is too small.
• To correct a reduction in breast size after pregnancy.
• To balance a difference in breast size.
• As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bust size by one or more bra cup sizes. While silicone gel-filled implants are available only to women participating in approved studies, saline-filled implants are available to breast augmentation patients. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.

The method of inserting and positioning the implant will depend on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendations. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. The implants are then centered beneath the nipples.

Breast Lift
Pregnancy, nursing and gravity affect a woman's breasts over time. The skin may lose its elasticity causing the breasts to lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. With a breast lift, however, a woman's breasts may be brought back to their original beauty.

The best breast lift results are experienced by women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the result may not last as long for women with larger breasts. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and normally takes from two to four hours. Techniques vary, but a common one involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Breast Reduction
Besides discomfort, women with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight. These can include neck and back pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems. A breast reduction procedure removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts making them smaller, lighter and firmer. The goal of breast reduction surgery is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of her body.

Breast reduction is usually performed as an inpatient procedure in a hospital with the surgery generally taking two to four hours. Techniques vary, but the most common one involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat and skin and then moves the nipple and areola into their new positions. He or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area. Such surgery usually requires an overnight hospital visit.

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is commonly performed when a woman has had a breast removed due to cancer or other diseases. With today's medical technology and advanced skill, surgeons can create breasts that come amazingly close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Often, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy) so the patient can wake up with a breast already in place.

Breast reconstruction usually involves more than one operation. There are many options available and the surgeon will discuss the one that he or she feels is best suited for the patient. The most common involves a tissue expander that is inserted following a mastectomy to prepare for reconstruction. The expander is gradually filled with saline through an integrated or separate tube to stretch the skin enough to accept an implant beneath the chest muscle. After surgery, the breast mound is restored. Other options include using the patient's own tissue. That involves taking tissue flaps from other parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen or buttocks.

Gynecomastia Correction
Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60% of men and gives them the appearance of having women-like breasts. The corrective procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts. In extreme cases, excess skin can be removed and will result in a flatter, firmer and more contoured chest. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and normally takes about 90 minutes. In a typical procedure, an incision is made through which the surgeon can cut away excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. In some instances, liposuction may be used as well.

Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, is a relatively new liposuction technique that uses sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat. It can be an effective tool for removing fat from fibrous body areas, such as male breasts or the back, or for removing larger volumes of fat in a single procedure. Healthy, normal-weight people with elastic skin and pockets of excess fat are good candidates for surgery. The procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis and generally takes longer than traditional liposuction.

The procedure begins as salt water containing local anesthesia and adrenaline is injected into the area to be treated. Then, a metal tube-like instrument, or cannula, connected to an ultrasound generator is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision. The ultrasonic energy causes the walls of the fat cells to break down allowing the fat to flow out of each cell. The liquefied fat combines with the injected fluid to create an emulsion that is removed from the body by vacuum pressure.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
This procedure is employed in patients who have lost abdominal skin and muscle tone. The muscles that run vertically down the length of the abdomen may be tightened and the excess skin and fat removed.

Graphic Images / Courtesy of The Amercian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons