Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a mixture of saline solution, lidocaine and epinephrine into areas of the body where fat is to be removed. The swollen, liquid filled tissues become firm and easy to control. The excess fat is then sucked out of the body through a stainless tube, called the cannula.

Because the patient remains awake during the procedure, the surgeon may ask him/her to move to better sculpting positions, helping to improve results.

Liposuction may be performed on one, or several areas of the body. It can also be performed in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures.

The procedure is popular for both men and women.

Surgery Length: 45 mins – 4 hours
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia
Hospital Stay: —
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: 5-7 days
Procedure Cost: —

What Tumescent Liposuction Can Do

Tumescent liposuction, like other liposuction techniques, slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately enhancing your self-image.

Tumescent liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:

• Thighs
• Hips and buttocks
• Abdomen and waist
• Upper arms
• Back
• Inner knee
• Chest area
• Cheeks, chin and neck

The best results are obtained in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, good skin elasticity, and fat is not excessive.

What it won’t do: All liposuction techniques are designed for removing localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise, not as a substitute for weight loss. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite or loose saggy skin.

Best Candidates for Tumescent Liposuction

Ideal candidates for liposuction are:

• Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

Is Tumescent Liposuction Right for Me?

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits – located anywhere on your body – that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Tumescent liposuction may offer a quicker recovery period compared with traditional liposuction.

Preparing for Tumescent Liposuction

The success and safety of your liposuction procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your liposuction
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Tumescent liposuction may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your liposuction procedure involves general anesthesia, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery

Tumescent Liposuction Surgery Overview

Anesthesia

The anesthesia is administered using the super wet technique. This involves injecting a mixture of saline solution, lidocaine and epinephrine into the fatty deposits. The swollen tissues make it much easier for the surgeon to control, break down the fat and re-sculpt the body.

The Incision

Like traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction fat removal is carried out using a cannula, a thin stainless steel suction tube.

The cannula may be inserted into several different incisions in the body. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula.

Liposuction Surgery Results

Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. This usually takes around 10 – 30 days.

Improvements will continue for up to one year.

With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.

Special note: Tumescent liposuction can be repeated. There is a limit to the amount of fat which can be removed during any one session of tumescent liposuction. In some instances the patient may want to have more removed at another time. If someone has several areas to treat, sometimes it is better to treat them at separate times.

Will There be Scars?

There will be small scars from the incisions made to insert the cannula. These will vary in number depending on how sites fat is removed from. The scars are usually very inconspicuous and measure around

Tumescent Liposuction Surgery Recovery

With tumescent liposuction there is less bleeding and post operative swelling. This allows most patients to get back on the feet again the next day.

You will be given a compression garment or elastic bandages to cover the surgical site and compress the skin to your new body contours.

While some may be back on their feet the next day, it will take around 5-7 days for you to feel fully functional. You should also refrain from strenuous activity for at least two weeks.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Tumescent Liposuction Surgery

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Although tumescent liposuction patients typically see fewer skin irregularities, less bleeding, and reduced bruising, the possible risks are similar to those of the traditional liposuction procedure. These risks include:

• Uneven contours
• Rippling or loose skin
• Skin or nerve damage
• Irregular pigmentation
• Infection
• Fat clots
• Blood clots
• Excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
• Unfavorable scarring
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration or swelling
• Asymmetry
• Pain, which may persist
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
• Poor wound healing
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your liposuction procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Tumescent Liposuction Terms and Definitions

• Breast reduction: Also known as reduction mammaplasty, reduction of breast size by surgery.
• Cannula: A thin, hollow tube used during liposuction to loosen excess fat.
• Facelift: A surgical procedure, also known as rhytidectomy, to reduce sagging of the mid-face, jowls and neck.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Lipoplasty: Another term for liposuction. Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Suction lipectomy: Another term for liposuction.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
• Tumescent or super-wet liposuction: Involves an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.
• Tummy tuck: A surgical procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.

A specially-designed suction device is then used to gently remove the liquefied fat, while preserving the surrounding connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

The procedure is popular for both men and women.

Surgery Length: 30 mins – 1 hour
Anesthesia: Local, General Anesthesia, or Intravenous Sedation
Hospital Stay: —
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: 1 – 4 days
Procedure Cost: —

What VASER Liposuction Can Do

VASER liposuction produces smooth, predictable results with a fast recovery period. VASER liposuction may be performed on many areas of the body including:

• Arms
• Hips
• Chest
• Breasts
• Knees
• Ankles
• Waist
• Stomach
• Chin
• Back
• Buttocks
• Neck
• Thighs

VASER Liposuction can also be performed on multiple body areas at one time.

What it won’t do: VASER liposuction is not intended for excessive weight loss.

Best Candidates for VASER Liposuction

Ideal candidates for VASER liposuction are:

• Healthy individuals with stubborn local deposits
• Those who are not morbidly obese
• Those with firm, elastic skin will see the best results
• Non-smokers
• Those who do not suffer from heart problems, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure
• Those with firm skin
• Those who are not on medications such wafarin, aspirin or any anticoagulants
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

Is VASER Liposuction Right for Me?

If you are frustrated by the resistance of certain body areas to diet and exercise, VASER liposuction can provide a solution.

VASER liposuction is an especially good choice for the treatment of specific areas won’t lose fat even for healthy people who work out. Genetics are often the cause of double chins, or “muffin tops” around the waist, and VASER liposuction is a perfect procedure to slim and contour those areas.

Preparing for VASER Liposuction

Prior to VASER liposuction you will be require to have a consultation with your surgeon. During your consultation, you should be very open about your medical history and existing medical conditions. List all of the medications, vitamins and herbs you are taking (even if you don’t think they’re important).

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get a medical evaluation
• Adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. VASER liposuction can be performed in-office while the patient is awake, or in a surgery center or hospital under local anesthesia (awake), IV sedation, or general anesthesia.

If your VASER liposuction is performed using anesthesia, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following the procedure.

VASER Liposuction Surgery Overview

Tumescent Fluid Infusion

To begin the procedure, the physician will inject what is known as tumescent fluid into the treatment area. Tumescent fluid is a mixture of saline solution, lidocaine and epinephrine. The solution helps expand the tissue layer, while the lidocaine numbs the area, and the epinephrine works by shrinking the blood vessels. This will not only help to control bleeding during the procedure, but will help to minimize bruising during your recovery.

Emulsification of Fatty Tissue

Once the physician has injected the tumescent fluid, they will insert a small probe that emits ultrasonic energy. The energy travels in high-frequency waves that are dispersed evenly from all sides of the probe.

This energy causes the VASER probe to vibrate, selectively breaking apart the fatty tissue on contact. The ultrasonic energy actually works by emulsifying, or liquefying the fatty tissue. As the energy is targeted only toward fat, the surrounding connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves are preserved.

Removal of Fatty Tissue

After the physician has emulsified the fatty tissue in the treatment area, the fat is removed from the body using a gentle suction device or massage. This specialized suction device removes the liquefied fat while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues. The VASER liposuction technique preserves these important tissues to promote an enhanced patient experience.

VASER Liposuction Surgery Results

You should begin to see results within the first few weeks. Your results will continue to improve with time as the tissues in the treatment area heal. You skin will begin retract to give you a smooth, natural-looking result with final results apparent between 3 and 6 months.

Because of the non surgical nature of VASER liposuction there is typically less damage, pain, and needed recovery time compare to traditional liposuction.

Will There be Scars?

Usually there will be only two small incisions used for the insertion of the cannula. These scars are typically less than 4 – 10mm long.

VASER Liposuction Surgery Recovery

After the operation you will be given anti-biotic cover to dress the incisions. Most patients are able to go back to work within days after their VASER liposuction procedure, however you should stay away from strenuous activity for at least two weeks.

After the two week mark, you will be required to visit the doctor for a check-up.

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of VASER Liposuction Surgery

The risks of VASER liposuction are very similar to other liposuction procedure risks.

Because VASER liposuction minimizes damage to other body tissues, patients typically experience less pain and fewer side effects than with other forms of liposuction.

Possible risks of liposuction include:

• Uneven contours
• Rippling or loose skin
• Skin or nerve damage
• Irregular pigmentation
• Infection
• Fat clots
• Blood clots
• Excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
• Unfavorable scarring
• Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique
• Lidocaine toxicity
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Change in skin sensation
• Asymmetry

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your VASER liposuction procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

VASER Liposuction Terms and Definitions

• VASER: Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.
• Cannula : Tube used to loosen fat.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Lipoplasty: Another term for liposuction. Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Suction lipectomy: Another term for liposuction.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
• Tumescent or super-wet liposuction: Involves an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.
• Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty: Uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.

Surgery Length: 3 – 6 Hours
Anesthesia: Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay: —
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: Initial swelling subsides 7 – 10 days.
Procedure Cost: —

What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Do?

A tummy tuck can correct a loose and sagging skin around the abdomen, often caused by:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Significant fluctuations in weight
• Heredity
• Prior surgery

What it won’t do: A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery include those who are:

• Physically healthy and at a stable weight
• Have realistic expectations
• Non-smokers
• Bothered by the appearance of their stomach.

Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Right for Me?

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. A tummy tuck is a good idea if you:

• You have realistic goals about the surgery
• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoking

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery

The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Tummy tuck surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient of ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your abdominoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Overview

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

The Incision

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary.

Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Closing The Incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.

Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile. However previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck.

Will There be Scars?

In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated into the new scar.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery

The decision to have tummy tuck surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of tummy tuck surgery include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Nerve damage
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Suboptimal aesthetic result

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your tummy tuck procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Terms and Definitions

• Abdominoplasty: A surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.
• Diastasis: Condition in which abdominal muscles have separated.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.

Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug is injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
• Tummy tuck: A surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.

There are two types of thigh lift surgery, the inner – or medial – thigh lift and the outer thigh lift. Inner thigh lifts involves a less invasive procedure resulting in less scarring, the recovery period after undergoing an inner thigh lift maybe also be significantly shorter.

Surgery Length: 3 – 6 Hours
Anesthesia: Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay: —
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: Initial swelling subsides 7 – 10 days.
Procedure Cost: —

What Does Thigh Lift Surgery Do?

This surgery reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.

What it won’t do: Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended.

Best Candidates for Thigh Lift Surgery

Ideal candidates for thigh lift include:

• People whose weight is relatively stable
• Individuals with excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what thigh lift surgery can accomplish
• Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness

Is Thigh Lift Surgery Right for Me?

Thigh lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. A thigh lift is a good option for you if:

• You have realistic goals about the surgery
• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoking

Preparing for Thigh Surgery

The success and safety of your thigh lift procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your thigh lift
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Thigh lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient of ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your thigh lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Thigh Lift Surgery Overview

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

The Incision

Incision patterns vary based on the area or areas to be treated, degree of correction and patient and surgeon preference.

Inner, or medial thigh lift: One common technique used for a thigh lift places incisions in the groin, extending downward wrapping around the back of the thigh. The underlying tissue matrix will be reshaped and tightened, and skin will be reduced and redraped resulting in more proportionate and smoother body contours.

You may qualify for a minimal incision medial thigh lift which involves an incision only in the groin area. Your surgeon will determine what’s appropriate.

Outer thigh lift: Improving the contours of the outer thigh may require an incision extending from the groin around the hip.

Through these incisions your plastic surgeon will tighten tissues for a smoother, better-toned lower body contour.

Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits. However, incisions may be extensive.

Closing The Incisions

Deep support sutures within underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours. Sutures close the skin incisions.

Thigh Lift Surgery Results

The smoother tighter contouring that result from a thigh lift are apparent almost immediately, although initially obscured by some swelling and bruising.

You may be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks following your procedure to minimize swelling and support the tissues as they heal.

Following a thigh lift, skin quality is dramatically improved both in appearance and feel, and the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness.

Will There be Scars?

Your plastic surgeon will make incisions in areas that are hidden by the natural shape of your body. There may be some scarring depending on the extent of your thigh lift, but over time, these will fade and become almost invisible.

Thigh Lift Surgery Recovery

When your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal.

One or more small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Thigh Lift Surgery

The decision to have thigh surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will fulfill your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of thigh lift surgery include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Pain, which may persist
• Unsatisfactory results such as highly visible surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities, bunching and rippling in the skin near the suture lines or at the ends of the incisions
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your thigh lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Thigh Lift Surgery Terms and Definitions

• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Medial thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the inner thigh.
• Outer thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the outer and mid-thigh.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, breast reduction or a tummy tuck.

The procedure is popular for both men and women.

Surgery Length: 30 Minutes – 4 Hours
Anesthesia: Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay: —
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: 5 – 10 Days
Procedure Cost: —

What Liposuction Can Do

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:

• Thighs
• Hips and buttocks
• Abdomen and waist
• Upper arms
• Back
• Inner knee
• Chest area
• Cheeks, chin and neck
• Calves and ankles

What it won’t do: Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks, or loose saggy skin.

Best Candidates for Liposuction

Ideal candidates for liposuction are:

• Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits – located anywhere on your body – that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you.

Preparing for Liposuction

The success and safety of your liposuction procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your liposuction
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Liposuction may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery

Liposuction Surgery Overview

Liposuction Surgery Techniques

There are three common variations to the procedure:

• Traditional liposuction is surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits
• The tumescent or super-wet technique requires an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat
• Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

The Incision

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.

First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.

The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

Liposuction Surgery Results

Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside.

It may take several months for this swelling to fully dissipate. But as it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.

A special note: Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed when large amounts – usually more than 5 liters of fat – are suctioned.

Will There be Scars?

There will be small scars, however the incisions generally made to perform liposuction are very inconspicuous.

Liposuction Surgery Recovery

Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These help to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours.

In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

The recovery period for most patients who have undergone liposuction is relatively quick, ranging between 5 – 10 days.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Liposuction Surgery

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of liposuction include:

• Uneven contours
• Rippling or loose skin
• Skin or nerve damage
• Irregular pigmentation
• Infection
• Fat clots
• Blood clots
• Excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
• Unfavorable scarring
• Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration or swelling
• Asymmetry
• Pain, which may persist
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
• Poor wound healing
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your liposuction procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Liposuction Terms and Definitions

• Breast reduction: Also known as reduction mammaplasty, reduction of breast size by surgery.
• Cannula: A thin, hollow tube used during liposuction to loosen excess fat.
• Facelift: A surgical procedure, also known as rhytidectomy, to reduce sagging of the mid-face, jowls and neck.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.

Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

• Lipoplasty: Another term for liposuction. Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Suction lipectomy: Another term for liposuction.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

Tumescent or super-wet liposuction: Involves an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.

• Tummy tuck: A surgical procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.
• Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty: Uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.

Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia Surgery is a procedure to reduce enlarged breasts in men normally associated with Gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

• Excess localized fat
• Excess glandular tissue development
• A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
• Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Surgery Length: 2 – 4 Hours
Anesthesia: Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay: 2-3 nights
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: 4-6 weeks for swelling to completely heal.
Procedure Cost: —

Best Candidates for a Breast Reduction Surgery For Men

Ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery include:

• Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers and non-drug users
• Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for Me?

Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

This procedure is a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
• You have realistic expectations
• Your breast development has stabilized
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large

Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery

The success and safety of your gynecomastia procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient/ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Gynecomastia Surgery Overview

Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Liposuction

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.

This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Excision

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.

Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

Gynecomatisa Results

The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases.

However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications.

Will There be Scars?

Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions. While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of breast reduction surgery.

The scars that remain after the incisions heal depend on the technique used. Generally, there are two scar types. The first is a vertical scar which starts under the nipple/areola region and continues down to the base of the breast. In addition, there also is a scar running around the edge of the areola. The second type is the anchor shaped scar. Like the first type, this version also has a vertical line from the nipple/areola to the base of the breast as well as a scar around the edge of the areola. However, with this second design, there is also a scar in the fold under the breast, often running along the full width of the breast.

All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach.

Gynecomatisa Recovery

After surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

Remember, it’s very important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, another surgery may be necessary:

• To perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts
• To treat any complications that may occur

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Gynecomatisa Surgery

The decision to have gynecomastia surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of gynecomastia surgery include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent
• If liposuction is used, additional risks include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, irregular pigmentation, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
• Anesthesia risks
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
• Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
• Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• Breast asymmetry
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Pain, which may persist
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your breast reduction procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Breast Reduction Surgery For Men Procedure Terms and Definitions

• Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
• Bilateral gynecomastia: A condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men affecting both breasts.
• Endocrine system: A group of glands that make hormones which help to control activities in your body such as reproduction, metabolism, growth and development. Testing of your endocrine system may be done to look for signs of diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, hypertension and obesity.
• Excision: To remove the skin.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Reduction mammaplasty: The surgical removal of breast tissue to reduce the size of breasts.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
• Unilateral gynecomastia: A condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men affecting just one breast.

There are generally three types of body lift surgeries – the lower body lift, or beltlipectomy; upper body lift or torsoplasty; and full/total body lift, a combination of the two.

What is a Lower Body Lift?

A lower body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a procedure performed to contour the thighs, hips, buttocks. The procedure can also help to treat cellulite. Many patients choose to combine lower body lift surgery with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a mid body lift.

What is an Upper Body Lift?

An upper body lift, or torsoplasty procedure is performed to remove fat and surplus skin from the arms, breasts and abdomen. In an upper body lift, the arms are treated with an arm lift and the breasts are contoured with a breast lift. These two surgeries can be performed separately or during a mid or lower body lift.

Body lift procedures can be performed to:

• Reduce excess sagging skin that droops downward
• Tighten and smooth the underlying supportive tissue that defines the shape of the upper arm
• Reduce localized pockets of fat in the upper arm region

Surgery Length: —
Anesthesia: Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia
Hospital Stay: 2-3 nights
Stay in Thailand: —
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
Procedure Cost: —

What a Body Lift Can Do

The body lift procedure is used to remove excess or sagging skin, and recontour more youthful looking curves.

Lower-body lifts can be used to reshape:

• Buttocks, that may be low, flat or shaped unevenly
• Groin that may sag into the inner thigh
• Thigh, including the inner, outer, or posterior thigh, or circumferentially

Upper body lifts can be used to reshape:

• Upper/under arms with excess skin
• Breast that have sagged after childbirth or weight loss
• Abdomin with excess or saggy skin

What it won’t do – Body lift procedures do not focus on the removal of fat, for this you should consider liposuction. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and body lift techniques may be recommended.

Best Candidates for a Body Lift

The best candidate for a body lift should a non-smoking adult who had maintained a stable weight for a minimum of three months – preferably six months to a year. They should be participating in a healthy exercise and dietary program.

Candidates who have had previous gastric bypass or lap-band procedures should wait at least one year after weight loss surgery so that the common health problems associated with obesity have had time to improve.

Ideal candidates for body lift surgery include:

• Individuals with significant soft tissue looseness in one or multiple body areas
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish
• Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness

Is a Body Lift Right for Me?

If you desire a firmer, more youthful-looking body contour, then a surgical body lift may help achieve your goals. It improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin.

Before you decide to undergo body lift surgery, your weight must be relatively stable. Women considering future pregnancies should postpone an abdominal body lift since pregnancy may diminish the results.

Preparing for a Body Lift

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your body contouring surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Body lift surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

Note: If your body lift is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Body Lift Surgery Overview

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

The Incision

Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.

A complete lower body lift treats the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs in one procedure. A circumferential incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues. An upper body lift will treat the upper arms, breast and possibly the abdominal areas.

A combination of liposuction and surgical body lifts may be necessary to achieve an improved contour. Deep support sutures within underlying tissues help to form the newly shaped contours.

Closing the Incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives or tapes close the skin incisions. If necessary, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Body Lift Results

The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. It may take as long as one to two years for the final results to fully develop.

Body Lift Recovery

Body lift is a major surgical procedure and requires significant recovery time. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to three nights.

Pain and discomfort are first managed with intravenous or intramuscular medications, and later with oral pain medication. A specific dietary plan may be encouraged.

Your post-surgery activities will likely be restricted until you have adequately recovered. This could include no exercise and no lifting of five pounds or more. Walking is encouraged after surgery; however, further exercise is not recommended until sufficient healing has occurred.

Most people require four to six weeks’ recovery before returning to normal activities, and generally from six to eight weeks before exercising. There cannot be any pressure placed on the treated area.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• When will they be removed?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

When You Return Home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary. Be careful

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Possible Risks of Body Lift Surgery

The decision to have a body lift is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of body lift surgery include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Note: It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your body lift procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Body Lift Procedure Terms and Definitions

• Abdominoplasty: A surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.
• Belt Lipectomy: Collective medical term for a lower-body lift.
• Circumferential incision: A surgical incision around the body to remove the “belt” of excess skin and fat and additional incisions that may resemble a bikini bottom pattern.
• Circumferential thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the outer and mid-thigh.
• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.

Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Lower body lift: Surgical procedure to correct sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thighs.
• Macerated skin: Excess skin that hangs and becomes wet or infected underneath.
• Medial thigh lift: A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the inner thigh.
• Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.
• Tummy tuck: A surgical procedure to correct the apron of excess skin hanging over your abdomen.