Liposuction

Liposuction (also called liposculpture or lipoplasty) is a very common cosmetic procedure. In this technique, excess fat in certain body areas is removed from underneath the skin. The instrument used is a long metal tube called a cannula that is inserted through small, inconspicuously placed incisions. Because incisions are very small, recovery times are usually short, although specialized compression garments may be worn for several weeks to achieve the best possible contour.

Some useful modifications of liposuction are the tumescent technique, which decreases bruising and postoperative pain, and power-assisted liposuction (PAL), which may be useful when the fat is tough and resistant to removal. Often the techniques are used in combination to give the best possible outcome.

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is best utilized in patients that have achieved a near ideal body weight through diet and exercise but still have localized bulges or collections of fat that stand out from surrounding areas. For this reason liposuction is referred to as a "contouring" or a "sculpting" procedure. Common areas that typically respond well to liposuction are the abdomen, arms, hips, back, and outer thighs, to name a few.

After the fat is removed the skin will need to shrink down to the decreased dimensions. If the skin is loose or flabby or has multiple stretch marks, liposuction may not be the best choice because the skin may not tighten appropriately. In these situations, a skin-removing procure such as an abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, thigh lift or buttock lift may be more appropriate. (see below)

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Abdominal Liposuction

The abdomen is often the site of localized fat accumulation that may result in a bulge or prominence. Many patients are frustrated by their inability to correct this completely with diet and exercise. Liposuction will remove this fat from underneath the skin without leaving significant scars, resulting in an improved abdominal contour. Recovery times are minimized by this approach as well. However, the skin must have sufficient elasticity to tighten after the fat is removed. Patients with many stretch marks or generally loose or flabby skin may be better candidates for abdominoplasty.

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Arm Liposuction

In spite of exercise and attempts at firming and slimming, the upper arms may remain thicker than desired. Fat can be removed from this area by liposuction, using small, well hidden incisions, leading to a leaner, more shapely upper arm. If the skin is very loose or flabby, however, a brachioplasty (arm lift, below) may be a better choice of procedure.

Thigh Liposuction

A common area of fat accumulation is the upper lateral thighs, a condition often referred to as "saddlebags". If the skin tone is good, liposuction can yield excellent results in this area, reducing the bulge and leading to a much better appearance. Incisions are small and recovery time is modest.

Post-Bariatric Body Contouring

After bariatric or gastric bypass surgery, substantial weight loss can result in large amounts of stretched and inelastic skin that hangs loosely over the slimmer body. Post-bariatric plastic surgery can remove the excess skin and thus lift, tighten and contour sagging areas for a more attractive appearance. The patient may choose to treat the abdomen (abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, circumferential body lift), breasts (mastopexy, augmentation/mastopexy), arms (brachioplasty), thighs (medial and lateral thigh lifts), buttocks (buttock lift) or other areas.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)

After substantial weight loss or gain or merely as a result of skin elasticity loss, the skin in the upper arms may become loose and flabby. This loose skin, along with any underlying fat, may be removed with an upper arm lift. Sometimes liposuction is added to the arm lift in order to achieve the best possible results.

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Medial Thigh Lift

A medial thigh lift is done through an incision concealed in the groin area. Excess skin and fat is removed from the inner thighs and then the skin is pulled up to tighten the area. In some cases liposuction is included to obtain optimal contour.

Lateral Thigh Lift

A lateral thigh lift is done through incisions that are typically concealed in the panty line. Once again skin and fat is removed and the loose skin of the thigh is pulled up to tighten and recontour the side of the thigh and the hips.

Body Lift

A body lift, or belt lipectomy utilizes a continuous incision around the entire beltline. Through this incision, a tummy tuck is done as well as removal of excess skin and fat around the entire lower waistline including the lower back/buttock area. Abdomen, thighs, and buttocks are recontoured together. This extensive procedure requires an inpatient hospital stay.

Buttock Lift

Buttock lifts are done through incisions that are usually concealed in the panty line. A segment of skin and fat is removed from the posterior hip and lower back area, and sagging buttock skin is lifted and recontoured. This can be combined with the lateral thigh lift by combining the incisions.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects protruding labia minora(inner “lips”) of the female external genitalia. This is typically done for aesthetic reasons. The surgery involves a light general anesthetic and is done in an outpatient setting. Recovery is typically rapid although certain activities are restricted for the first month. To obtain further information please schedule a consultation with Dr. Restifo or his Physician Assistant, Gabrielle.