Body Contouring - FAQs about Liposuction, Tummy Tuck & More at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Liposuction
Q: Is liposuction effective?
A: The results from liposuction can be very effective and dramatic if performed for the right reason - to remove localized fat deposits that remain despite dieting and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.
Q: Is liposuction safe?
A: When surgery is done prudently and carefully the major risks are very low. There is an increased risk for problems when greater than 5 liters of fat are being removed. In this situation, it is strongly recommended to stay overnight for observation at an approved medical facility. Some of the risks posed by liposuction include asymmetries, contour irregularities, skin rippling, and the removal of too much or too little fat.
Q: How long are the incisions?
A: With standard tumescent liposuction they may be 1/4 - 3/8th inch each. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction uses incisions that can be slightly larger.
Q: How much pain will I experience following liposuction?
A: If the tumescent technique is used, there is surprisingly little discomfort even when many large areas are treated.
Q: How soon can I return to work following surgery?
A: If you don't have a physically strenuous job, you may return to work within a few days to a week following liposuction.
To find out more about liposuction, please visit the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Q: I have a lot of loose skin and stretch marks of my tummy since my pregnancy. No matter how much I work out, including doing sit-ups, I can't improve the appearance. Is a tummy tuck a good option for me?
A: A tummy tuck is the treatment for excess skin and lax muscles of the abdomen that are often a consequence of pregnancy or considerable weight loss. The procedure involves removing excess skin, redraping and recontouring what remains, and tightening the underlying muscle layer. The result is a tighter, more sculpted abdomen.
Q: Will I have drains in place following my tummy tuck? If so, for how long?
A: Most people will have one or two drains placed which may be left in for several days to a few weeks. They serve to "drain" fluid that may otherwise accumulate deep under the skin and fat until healing occurs.
Q: Should I take it easy and stay in bed for a few days after surgery?
A: You are encouraged to get up and walk around with assistance several times a day including the day of your tummy tuck surgery. This will help decrease the risk of developing postoperative medical problems including the formation of blood clots in the leg veins.
Q: I was told that I had an umbilical hernia from my pregnancies. Can this be treated at the same time as my tummy tuck?
A: An umbilical hernia is a weakness of the abdominal wall resulting in a bulge that can be particularly noticeable when sitting up or doing sit-ups. This can be easily treated at the same time as a tummy tuck.
For more information about a tummy tuck, you are invited to contact Dr. Turkeltaub at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery (Treatment of Gynecomastia)
Q: I feel very self-conscious about my breasts, which are large and feminine looking. How can they be treated?
A: Treatment of the enlarged male breasts can usually be accomplished by using liposuction with or without the direct removal of some residual breast tissue.
Q: Where are the incisions placed for the surgery?
A: The incisions can be placed around the lower part of the areola (colored portion around the nipple), in the armpit, or in the crease at the bottom of the breast. These usually heal well and can be fairly inconspicuous.
Q: What happens to the extra skin?
A: If you have good skin tone (elasticity), it will usually contract and contour to the underlying structures. In situations of massive breast enlargement or considerably droopy skin, excision of the excess skin may be warranted.
Q: How soon after surgery can I return to work?
A: Depending upon your job and the need for pain medication you may be able to return to work within a few days. If your job is physically strenuous then it may take a week or more.
If you have any further questions about liposuction, tummy tuck surgery or male breast reduction surgery, please contact Dr. Turkeltaub at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.