Body Contouring Questions and Answers-Little Rock, Arkansas
Body Contouring in Little Rock, AR
Abdominoplasty
What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and liposuction?
Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin to reduce after pregnancy or weight loss. Although extra fat may be removed during an abdominoplasty, the goal is to improve the contours of the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles. Liposuction targets only excess fat around the stomach, waist, thighs and back. Skin tone, age and goals determine what procedure is best for you.
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Does an abdominoplasty remove stretch marks?
Some stretch marks on the skin will be removed during the surgery. Others will be repositioned to a lower position on the abdomen, and others will be unaffected. So yes, depending on where your stretch marks are located, they could be totally removed.
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Will I have a scar after my tummy tuck? What will it look like?
Any time you make an incision into the skin it will be replaced with a scar. An abdominoplasty is no different. However, I place my incisions low on the abdomen so that it is concealed by most underwear and swimsuits. In fact, women with a prior c-section scars will have only one scar after surgery as the abdominoplasty incision will be even lower than the c-section scar.
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Is an Abdominoplasty painful?
As with any surgery you can expect there to be some pain and discomfort. Everyone has a different pain tolerance. I use a pain pump that I insert into the center of your stomach during your surgery. This pain pump slowly infuses a non-narcotic medication constantly for 72 hours post-operatively. Discomfort from your abdominoplasty during and after surgery can be controlled with the pain pump as well as oral medication.
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How long is the recovery from an Abominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a major surgery, and you should count on taking one week off off from work for recovery and two weeks off in some cases. You should start getting back to normal after about four weeks, and after six weeks you should be able to resume all your normal activities. Your only restriction will be that you can not lift more than 10 pound for the first six weeks.
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Liposuction
I am at my goal weight but I still feel like I have to stubborn fat around my waist. Will liposuction help?
Yes. The best candidates for liposuction are within their ideal weight range and have excess fat in localized areas with good skin tone. Firm elastic skin produces a better result. Loose, drooping skin will not reshape to your body's new contours after liposuction. Some patients with poor skin tone are prepared to accept post-op skin irregularities as their goals are simply to fit clothing better. Other procedures, which leave scars, are available to remove excess skin for those who wish tighter skin. Liposuction is not intended to be a substitute for weight loss.
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How long does it take to recover from Liposuction?
Most people are able to return to work within a few days Some minor, temporary swelling or bruising may be experienced; however, these side effects are typically minimal due. Full results typically develop over the next few months.
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Does liposuction treat cellulite?
Although liposuction may diminish the appearance of cellulite for a few patients, liposuction is not a cellulite treatment. Cellulite is mostly caused by fibrous bands that pull on the skin from below, rather than by fat, which is why liposuction isn't typically effective for treating it.
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How much fat can be removed by liposuction?
At most, liposuction may safely remove 6 to 8 pounds of fat. Patients who want more fat removed may schedule multiple liposuction procedures to reduce the risk of complications. A patient who is significantly overweight or obese can consider lap band or gastric sleeve surgery, followed by post bariactric weight loss cosmetic surgery.
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Are the results permanent?
The fat cells removed by liposuction are permanently eliminated, but remaining fat cells can still expand. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and good nutritional choices will enjoy the results for years.
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Post Weight Loss Surgery
Am I candidate for surgery after significant weight loss?
The most successful outcomes from body contouring surgery are achieved when these important criteria are met: One, your weight has been stable for at least six months and no other weight loss is expected. Two,you are in good health and your protein levels are within normal range and you are not anemic. Three, you do not smoke. Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body contouring can accomplish are also good candidates for body contouring procedures.
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Is this procedure covered by health insurance?
Like all cosmetic procedures, body contouring surgery after significant weight loss are not typically covered by health insurance. You can contact our office and ask to speak with Christy, who can explain the cost of the procedures. Under some instances insurance will cover or partially cover post bariactric skin removal surgery.
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What can I expect during and after post weight loss surgery? How long is recovery?
Post-weight loss body contouring cosmetic surgery usually requires multiple procedures with many incisions. I typically start with the areas that bother you. After your surgery, treated areas will probably be sore and swollen. You will need to wear compression garments to minimize swelling and promote contour. You should be ready to return to light activity, including work, after about 1 to 2 weeks, and resume more all activities, including exercise, after about at 6 weeks. The improvements from body contouring plastic surgery will be immediately noticeable through your new slimmer and trimmer shape. Once recovery is complete, most patients enjoy a tighter body contour, greater comfort in clothes, and enhanced self-esteem.
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Brazilian Butt Lift
How popular is the Brazilian butt lift procedure?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS,) the butt lift procedure in 2008 has grown by 1068 percent compared to the number performed in 1992. I see more and more women coming in each month opting for this procedure.
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Am I a candidate for the Brazilian butt lift procedure?
If you desire to be more curvaceous with more projection and are willing to adhere to a postoperative protocol you may be a candidate for the Brazilian Butt Lift. However, you must have enough donor fat in two to three areas of your body in order to be a candidate. I believe the Brazilian butt lift using fat transfer techniques is safer for the patient. If you smoke, I will advise you to quit. Smoking is not only unhealthy for you but it also decreases the amount of fat survival.
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What is recovery like after a Brazilian Butt lift?
Following the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, you must not sit directly on your buttocks for two weeks. Most people can return to work in just a few days, provided you do minimum amount of sitting. You must wear a special body garment, specifically designed for the the Brazilian Butt Lift, to control swelling for two weeks. There may be a small amount of swelling for up to three months. You should be able to resume all normal activities by four weeks afterward the procedure.
We will be happy to answer other questions you may have contact us today.
