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Body

Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")

Abdominoplasty, often called a "tummy tuck," is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Dr. Austin has been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under Dr. Austin's exceptional care.

The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven't responded well to diet and exercise. Older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can be helped. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. For this reason, women who plan to have children again are advised to delay abdominoplasty. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in that area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.

The procedure takes approximately two to five hours and most commonly is performed with general anesthesia. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months, but with a balanced diet and regular exercise results are long-lasting.

Abdominoplasty will leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it should be low enough for even a bikini to conceal it. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. Other, rare post-operative complications include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.

Dr. Austin will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and one around the navel. Skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Partial Abdominoplasty ("Mini-Tummy Tuck")

Partial abdominoplasty is similar to abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved (although it may be pulled into a different shape as skin is stretched).

» Contact us for more information on Abdominoplasty

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Body Lift/Body Contouring

Body contouring after weight loss surgery can help reduce excess skin and fat, and also restore tightness and elasticity to the skin. After major weight loss, certain areas of your body may sag and appear misshapen, masking the changes your weight loss has provided. These areas, such as the face, neck, arms, breast, abdomen, buttocks and thighs, can be improved through procedures that will lift and sculpt your new and improved body. Known as a body lift when combined together, you can pick and choose which procedures you would like to help achieve the look you desire.

Depending on where your most troubling problem areas are, Dr. Austin can perform an upper, mid, lower or total body lift. Most patients seek a lower body lift to correct sagging and folds in these problem areas.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can take three to seven hours depending on the type of lift desired. Dr. Austin usually treats the abdomen first, making a horizontal incision along the pubic area and then removing excess skin and fat. This is then repeated in other targeted areas such as the buttocks, thighs and upper arms. A body lift can also be combined with liposuction to receive optimal results.

A body lift is a major surgical procedure that requires a significant recovery time, including a short hospital stay and several weeks at home before returning to regular activities.

» Contact us for more information on a Body Lift

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