BODY CONTOURING

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is the most common procedure for flattening the stomach and is ideal for women who have stretched muscles and skin after pregnancy, or for women who have lost a large amount of weight. Adominoplasty, commonly know as the “tummy tuck,” removes excess skin from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall.

This procedure can be performed in 1 to 3 hours as an outpatient. Dr Mentz may recommend other procedures along with the abdminoplasty, such as liposuction, to remove excess fat deposits and help create a more desirable body contour. Those who plan to loose a great deal of weight or plan to have future pregnancies should most likely postpone having a tummy tuck until afterwards. The surgery does leave a permanent scar, but it can be hidden below the bikini line.

A trained plastic surgery nurse that can visit your home during your recovery may be offered by your physician. Recovery usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Arms

Brachioplasty is the formal name for the correction of sagging on the arms. In the past, large incisions were required to remove excess skin and fat, but now advances in technique and technology has allowed for excellent contouring for most patients without such drastic measures. The cannula is the tool used to suction fat from the areas where a more sculpted contour is desired. Afterwards, quality of the skin is unchanged and though there may be some swelling and bruising, all side effects will diminish within 3 to 5 weeks.

Ankles, Calves & Knees

The removal of unwanted fat from the ankle, calf, and knee area is one of the latest liposuction techniques. A small incision is made in the skin just large enough to accommodate a small hollow tube called a cannula and excess fat is suctioned from select areas of the body to produce a more desired contour. Afterwards, the patient isfitted with a medical compression stocking that must be worn for two weeks. The procedure can be performed as outpatient under general anesthesia and you can expect to return to work within 5-7 days.

Fat in Hips, Waist, Thighs & Buttocks

Fatty deposits in the hip, waist, and thigh area can be one of the most difficult problems to solve, since these areas generally do not respond well to diet and exercise. To correct this, a small incision is made in the skin just large enough to accommodate a small hollow tube called a cannula so that fat can be suctioned from select areas to create a more desirable contour.

Whether you choose a major liposuction to remove 10-25 lbs., or a more conservative reduction, it is very important to select a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon for your procedure. Areas in the buttocks area are especially sensitive to liposuction and at times, regardless of the amount of fatty deposits that are removed, occasionally have the tendency to sag. In order to prevent this effect, Dr Mentz can use a contouring procedure to stabilize and reduce the size of the buttocks.

Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia and will take 1-3 hours, depending on the amount of fat that is being removed and also the area that is being treated. All sutures are removed in one week and patients can return to work in 5 to 7 days. Normal athletic activities can be resumed in about three weeks following the surgery. The time range of complete recovery depends upon the extent of your particular surgery. Your surgeon may offer a trained nurse that will make home visits to aid in your recovery.

Tumescent Technique

To achieve the most desired results, the tumescent technique is still the most commonly used method for contouring areas such as the waist, hips, and buttocks. This technique works by injecting controlled amounts of a special fluid under the skin that causes the fat to swell such that it is easier to remove and blood loss is limited. Because blood loss is minimal, any bruising is minor. The fluid that is injected makes the area to be treated numb and other medication is added such that post-operative pain is reduced for 18 to 24 hours after surgery. After surgery, a compression garment, or girdle, is put on the patient that is to be worn the majority of the next 6 weeks.

It is important to remember that you should choose a board certified plastic surgeon with experience who is affiliated with accredited hospitals and surgery centers, to perform your liposuction procedure.

Ultrasonic Technique

A new method, called Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction, or UAL, is now being used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction techniques to decrease blood loss, inflict less bruising and to cause better retraction of tissue. UAL works by melting the fat cells and allowing the remains to be suctioned away. Because of this, the surgeon has to use less force, decreasing the amount of trauma to the surrounding tissue.

This technique is very convenient to both the patient and the surgeon but there is still a risk of burning the skin. To get the most desired outcome and to avoid burning the skin, it is recommended that UAL be combined with tumescent liposuction. It is very important to remember to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who is affiliated with accredited hospitals and surgery centers, to perform your liposuction procedure.

Cellulite

Cellulite is a hormonally-induced condition, typically found in the lower body of women, giving particular areas such as the thighs the texture of an “orange peel.” There are now new techniques and special instruments that can be used gently massage and lift specific areas of the body. Receiving treatment also has other advantages such as the connective tissue is stretched and rejuvenated, resulting in better circulation, skin retraction and skin tone.

Patients whom choose to have 1 to 2 treatments a week will begin to see results in about 4 to 6 weeks and at times actual loss of inches is seen. Each treatment lasts about thirty minutes and a maintenance program can be developed to assist you in maintaining your look once you have acheived your desired improvement.