Body Contouring Options - Liposuction, Tummy Tuck Surgery & More for Glendale, Scottsdale, and the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area
Liposuction
Liposuction is among the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today. It involves removal of unwanted fat by suctioning. Ideally, it is used as a sculpturing procedure to remove localized areas of fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and should not be used for widespread fat removal. Common areas of treatment for women include the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, hips, knees and neck. In men, the usual areas are the abdomen, love handles, breasts and neck.
Dr. Turkeltaub offers his patients a variety of liposuction techniques which can be selectively used depending upon a variety of factors. More than one technique is often employed during surgery. The most advanced is Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction which utilizes ultrasound waves to disrupt the fat and allow for easier and more even fat removal. This approach can provide an increased margin of safety for many areas. Its use can also lead to superior results with more thorough and even fat removal than could be obtained in the past with standard liposuction alone.
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting fluid containing an anesthetic and vasoconstrictor into the fat prior to beginning liposuction. This approach minimizes blood loss during surgery and results in decreased discomfort and bruising postoperatively. It is always used with the Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction technique.
Most plastic surgeons perform liposuction under general anesthesia because it is far more comfortable this way. Unless very large amounts of fat are removed, the procedure is usually done as an outpatient. A compressive garment is worn for a period of time postoperatively. There is surprisingly little discomfort, in general, when using the tumescent technique.
Is liposuction safe? Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks that should be discussed and considered. However, when performed carefully, liposuction is very safe and effective and can lead to dramatic and rewarding results.
For a liposuction consultation, visit us in Scottsdale or Glendale.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Tummy Tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is the procedure used to treat a lax, protruding abdomen with extra skin that may even hang down. Pregnancy and weight loss are the most common causes of a loose, flabby abdomen. Unfortunately, exercise does not eliminate these problems. Instead a tummy tuck may be the answer. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower portions of the abdomen with some generalized tightening. The muscles and the surrounding tissues are also tightened to yield a flatter, firmer, and often more narrow figure. The belly button is preserved.
The typical incision for a tummy tuck is placed along the pubis and extends out to the sides above the groin. It can incorporate a previous C-section scar and be designed to fit within a bikini line.
If the laxity of the abdomen is localized to below the belly button, a mini- tummy tuck may be the appropriate procedure. This is a less extensive procedure with less discomfort, shorter downtime, and a smaller incision than with the standard tummy tuck. If the abdomen has excess fat without loose skin or a lax protruding underlying muscle layer then liposuction may be the appropriate procedure. This can be determined at the time of consultation.
A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia either as an outpatient or as an overnight stay at an outpatient facility. A binder (firm elastic garment) is placed around the abdomen to provide support and comfort. This may be worn for a few weeks.
Pain medication and a muscle relaxant are generally needed for the postoperative discomfort experienced during the first several days. Certain activities are restricted for several weeks following tummy tuck surgery but long term there are no limitations.
The ultimate outcome of this surgery can be quite dramatic and pleasing.
For more information about tummy tuck surgery, residents of Scottsdale, Glendale and the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area are invited to contact our practice today.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery (Treatment of Gynecomastia)
Many men with enlarged breasts (Gynecomastia) feel quite self-conscious. Their feminine-looking breasts can be quite distressing and lead to lowered self-esteem. The onset of gynecomastia usually occurs during puberty but can also occur later in life.
Liposuction , especially the Ultrasonic Assisted technique, is a very effective treatment for most instances of enlarged male breasts. Occasionally, direct excision of some breast tissue may be necessary.
The incision for male breast reduction surgery is placed around the lower half of the nipple but can also be placed in the crease at the bottom of the breast or in the armpit. The length may be as small as 3/8 inch. A more extensive procedure with additional incisions is warranted if the breasts are extremely enlarged or associated with drooping and marked skin excess.
Male breast reduction surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Patients may wear a compressive garment for a week or more to help decrease swelling, bruising and discomfort. The discomfort is usually fairly mild and well controlled with oral pain medication.
The results of treatment can be quite dramatic both physically and psychologically.
To find out more about male breast reduction through liposuction, visit our office in Scottsdale or Glendale today.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An Arm Lift is the procedure that addresses loose hanging skin of the upper arms. The most common causes of this problem are marked weight loss and aging. Surgery involves both a longitudinal and circumferential excision of excess skin to obtain a more normal contour. The incision is T-shaped in configuration, extending from the armpit to the elbow. No matter how well the scar heals, it will always be present and noticeable. Therefore, this procedure would be best reserved for situations of significant excess skin of the upper arm.
If the upper arms contain a considerable amount of fat but there is good skin tone, liposuction may be an appropriate treatment. This would involve using only one or two small incisions for access to remove the fat.
Thigh Lift
A Thigh Lift is the procedure that can treat lax and excess skin of the thighs. An inner thigh lift addresses the loose skin of the inner thigh whereas the outer thigh lift will tighten the skin of the outer thighs and hips. These procedures can be performed individually or together and often are combined with other skin tightening procedures such as a tummy tuck, belt lipectomy or buttock lift.
Discomfort can be significant for the first several days after surgery. There are limitations for a variety of vigorous activities for four to eight weeks. Though the ultimate scars in general are not fine line in nature, the improvements obtained from these procedures can be quite dramatic and gratifying.
Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country. Multiple medical problems are associated with it including diabetes, hypertension, headaches, and arthritis. Many people realize the untoward health hazards of being obese and have sought to lose the excess weight. Some accomplish weight loss by diet and exercise whereas others are aided by surgery including gastric bypass, stapling or banding.
Following significant weight loss, they are faced with a new issue - loose, sagging skin that seems to be everywhere. The breasts in women are usually deflated, elongated, and with little projection. Men may have markedly loose, drooping breast skin as well. Abdominal skin can cascade down in layers covering the pubic area. Upper arm skin may hang down like "bat wings". The thigh skin is often extremely loose and redundant and can create both functional and hygienic issues including problems washing, skin breakdown, rashes, fungal infections and foul odors.
There are numerous solutions available depending on several factors. Treatment of the breasts in women usually entails a breast lift as well as implants. The approach for men would be a breast reduction. For laxity of the trunk, there are a variety of procedures that can be considered including extended tummy tucks, thigh and buttock lifts, and a circumferential treatment with a "belt lipectomy". The skin of the upper arms can be tightened and contoured with arm lifts. Facial laxity can be addressed with face lifts, forehead lifts, and eyelid surgery.
Depending on the areas to be corrected, staged procedures may be indicated. For example, a belt lipectomy and tummy tuck can be performed during the first session. Several months later a breast lift with enlargement and arm lift can be undertaken.
Treatments should be individualized for each patient. Dr. Turkeltaub will precisely evaluate your particular situation and discuss with you in great detail the recommended procedures and courses of action.
For more information about body contouring following weight loss or other procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, visit our Scottsdale or Glendale office. We serve patients in the entire Greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
