Complementary Procedures To Liposuction
- Abdominal Etching: When liposuction may not be enough, some women and men who are candidates for abdominal etching may want to discuss this procedure with their plastic surgeon. For those of you who are in shape with localized fat deposits that are exercise-resistant, etching may provide further definition and give you a flatter and tighter stomach. Performed at the same time as liposuction, this outpatient procedure takes about an hour. With local “twilight” anesthesia or general anesthesia, your surgeon makes small incisions in the belly button or natural abdominal creases. This delicate procedure removes excess fat and skin. Performed by a plastic surgeon, he/she uses a cannula to create grooves in the fat layers emphasizing a muscular appearance.
- Body Lift: Usually performed post weight-loss, this procedure shapes and tones the body. Areas lifted include the buttocks, back, thighs and usually the abdomen-area. Surgeons often recommend this procedure for people who wnat to get rid of excess skin after weight loss, to treat cellulite and fatty tissue that sags. Many post bariatric surgery patients opt for a body lift to further tighten the body and get a firmer look. Since this is an involved surgery and an intense one, your plastic surgeon can advise you if this is an appropriate procedure for your situation.
- Gastric Bypass: A solution discussed between you and your plastic surgeon, gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach allowing food to bypass a part of the small intestines. By reducing the amount of food you eat, hence the amount of calories - you will absorb less of the calories and fat from a diet. The ultimate goal of gastric bypass is rapid weight loss. There are different types of gastric bypass including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Though you should only consider this when your plastic surgeon advises you to, it’s commonly required that you haven’t been able to lose with with other treatments, have a BMI over 40, have been obese for five or more years and are between 18-65 years of age.
- Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia): Affecting many men, gynecomastia can be caused by genetics, or changes of hormones at birth, puberty or in a man’s older years. It is when breast gland tissue forms firmly in men and is about 1.5 inches across and under the nipple. It is present on one or both sides of a man’s chest and a side-effect for many men may be tender breasts. You may also notice your body changing from medications, diseases and alcohol use. However, many men suffer from something called pseudogynecomastia - in which you will start to notice fat forming on your chest so it appears you may have breasts. Differing from gynecomastia, the body has fat pockets forming in the chest as opposed to firm breast gland tissue developing.
- Post Weight Loss Surgery (Post Bariatric Surgery): If you have recently undergone a severe weight loss, are a post-op patient of bariatric surgery or perhaps been pregnant, your surgeon may discuss post bariatric surgery with you. Used as a contouring technique, a surgeon may perform body lift, tummy tuck or other body sculpting/contouring procedures to remove the leftover skin resulting from bariatric surgery or weight loss. For omen who were pregnant, you may notice your skin has diminished elasticity and as a result, have extra skin. This procedure can make your body immediately seem slimmer and more toned.
- Tummy Tuck: The abdominoplasty is a technique to tighten your abdominal muscles and rid of excess skin and fat in the abdomen region. Both men and women seek mini or full tummy tucks. This procedure usually involves liposuction to help achieve a better result and enhance one’s abs. Read more about tummy tucks (abodominoplasty) in our tummy tuck section.
- Spot Reduction: When your problem areas need more specific attention and won’t respond to exercise or weight loss, spot reduction may be considered. Your plastic surgeon will be able to advise on spot reduction surgery to reduce fat in that specific body area. The adipose tissue is extracted to create a leaner more defined look in the specific area of your body. Discuss the different techniques and types of spot reduction surgery you are eligible for with your plastic surgeon.