January is in full swing, but it is not too late to set a New Year’s resolution for 2017. Allow us to suggest a new and improved body that you can enjoy through this year and many more through a variety of options. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of procedures and treatments to re-sculpt your body and a few lifestyle tips to keep that new body in check over the long term.
Surgical Body Contouring Options
For the most dramatic body contouring results, a surgical procedure is your best choice. Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery offers two different procedures that can help you improve your body profile, liposuction and a tummy tuck.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a less invasive surgical procedure for body contouring that focuses on specific areas of the body where enhancement is needed. The procedure is designed to remove focal areas of fat that have not responded to your diet and exercise efforts. Liposuction can improve many areas, but the most common include:
- Abdomen and midsection
- Hips and flanks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper and lower back
- Buttocks
- Chin/Neck
- Cheeks/Jowls
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, using either local or general anesthesia depending on the individual patient, treatment area and amount of fat to be removed. The procedure involves placement a narrow tube, called a cannula, directly into the fatty deposits via a small puncture site. The cannula loosens and removes fat with suction.
Recovery from liposuction is often shorter than other types of surgical body contouring. There is some bruising and swelling after treatment and some patients take an oral pain medication for the first few days to keep them comfortable as healing takes place. Most of our patients are back to regular activities within about one week.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a more extensive surgical procedure that alters the look of the entire midsection. This procedure is a good choice for men and women who are unhappy with the shape and appearance of the abdomen due to a stubborn bulge, loose skin, isolated fat deposits, or a combination of all the above. This procedure can also be helpful for women who have found that their abdominal muscles have separated after pregnancy, leaving them with a looser abdomen than they had before children.
A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia, but can still be done on an outpatient basis in most cases. An incision is made from hipbone to hipbone just underneath the panty line. Through this incision, Dr. Andrews tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess tissue and skin to restore the shapely contour that has been lost with time or pregnancy. Liposuction is often performed during the tummy tuck to further enhance the results.
Recovery from a tummy tuck takes longer than when liposuction is performed alone. Most patients spend at least three weeks resting and healing before they return to regular activities. A full schedule, including exercise and other strenuous activity, may not be resumed for up to two months for many patient. However, the results of the tummy tuck are both dramatic and permanent as long as a healthy weight is maintained after the procedure.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Sculpting and Slimming
Not every patient that comes to Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery for body contouring will require a surgical procedure to achieve their desired results. Those in need of mild to moderate correction may benefit from a non-surgical procedure that produces their desired results without anesthesia or downtime. One of the most effective non-surgical body sculpting procedures available today, and the one currently offered at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, is CoolSculpting.
What is CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting is an innovative treatment that uses a technique known as cryolipolysis or controlled cooling to destroy small areas of fat that are not responding to your diet and exercise efforts. The colder temperatures are delivered directly to the fat cells via an applicator placed on the surface of the skin. The applicator never penetrates the skin and the cooling is able to reach the fat cells without damaging surrounding skin or tissue. Fat cells are destroyed and eliminated by the body’s natural processes over time.
CoolSculpting can be used on any of the following treatment areas:
- Abdomen and waistline
- Hips, flanks and buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Upper and lower back
- Chin/submental area
About the CoolSculpting Procedure
A CoolSculpting treatment session typically takes about one hour to complete and does not involve the use of any anesthesia. Patients may feel some cold sensations as the device first begins to work, but they adapt to that colder temperature quickly. Most of our patients are able to relax, read or watch videos while the procedure is performed.
After treatment, you can return to your regular activities right away. There may be some mild redness or soreness in the treatment area after the procedure, but these side effects are rarely enough to keep you from work or other tasks. The results of CoolSculpting appear over time as the treated fat cells are eliminated by the lymphatic system. Once those results are achieved, which can take up to six months to be fully realized, they will be permanent as long as a healthy weight is maintained after your treatment.
Keeping Your New Shape
Maintaining positive results after body contouring will take some commitment on your part, but you will likely find greater motivation to do so when you see how your new shape looks great and fits into smaller clothing sizes. A healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein will be a good first step. Daily exercise, whether it is a regular walk, jog or time at the gym will also help to keep your new shape in shape.
Make 2017 the year you get the body you have been craving. With the right body contouring procedure and a few healthy habits, this year can be your healthiest and most beautiful yet. To learn more about any of our body contouring procedures, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery today at 855-338-0261.
