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Article provided by: Cosmetic Surgery Institute
Mind…Body…and Soul:
More and more women are choosing surgical options to reverse the unwanted effects of childbearing and age. At Cosmetic Surgery Institute, there are three main procedures that make up the mommy makeover:
Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty):
Breast augmentation (enlargement) is a surgical procedure that is used to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts, or breasts that have decreased in size or fullness following childbirth. It is accomplished by placing an implant behind each breast. To do this, an incision is made in one of three possible locations. The incision can be placed (1) in the crease under the breast (2) around the areola (the darker area of skin surrounding the nipple), or (3) in the armpit. Each of these incisions may have specific advantages or disadvantages. The final decision on which incision is used should be reached after a discussion with your physician.
The implants currently used for cosmetic breast enlargement are almost always salt water (saline) filled implants. The silicone gel implants are usually reserved for women having breast reconstruction after cancer. They may also be used in women having secondary or unusual breast enlargement surgery. The implants can be placed either directly under the breast tissue on top of the chest muscles, or underneath both the breast tissue and chest muscles. Again, there are pros and cons to each of these and you should discuss the different methods with your surgeon.
The shape of the implant is another option women have today in breast enlargement. Recent design changes have allowed the introduction of "high profile" breast implants. Viewed from the side, these implants have a greater projection and can take up and tighten excess breast tissue. Depending on which type is used, different shapes of the new breast can be obtained. Again, talk with your plastic surgeon to see if the anatomically shaped implants will give you the more natural look you desire.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):
Different surgical procedures allow one to change the contour and shape of the breasts, abdomen, and other parts of the body. These body contouring procedures include liposculpture with micro tumescent liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation and others. The success of these procedures depends in great part on your age, general health, and the shape, size, and skin quality of the area to be treated. Often a combination of procedures will be used to alter one particular area. For example: micro tumescent liposuction and abdominoplasty will often be used together to re-contour the abdomen and waist area.
Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to get rid of excess skin and fat in the tummy area (tummy tuck), and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. In patients who have had one or more pregnancies, or who have lost large amounts of weight, the skin and fat in the abdomen can become loose and flaccid. No amount of exercise will get rid of this hanging, loose skin. At the same time, because the muscles of the abdomen have been stretched, the intestines can push forward from the inside, creating an unsightly bulge of the abdomen.
Abdominoplasty can tighten these muscles to help create a flat, firm abdominal wall. At the same time, any excess loose, hanging skin and fat is removed. Frequently liposuction will be combined with abdominoplasty to remove unwanted fat from the hips and other areas. This is a popular operation in both women and men.
Liposuction:
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, is the process of removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. The most common treatment areas include the upper outer thigh area known as “saddlebags”, the abdomen, the flanks or “love handles”. Other treatment areas include facial/neck fat, (“double chins”), hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, arms and ankles. While no method of liposuction is a substitute for good nutrition and physical exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that won’t respond to traditional weight loss methods. The latest advance in liposuction is the microtumescent technique with liposculpture. Using very small cannulas, the fat is sculpted away with minimal down time and recovery.
Most patients are back to work in 1 week. A support garment is worn for 3 weeks and no heavy exercise is performed for 3 weeks. Mild bruising and swelling are expected along with potential changes in sensitivity contour and texture of the skin. Although complications following liposuction are unusual, it is important that every patient be well informed about the procedure, the options available and potential problems. Ask Dr. Kotoske if you are a candidate for this exciting procedure.
About Dr. Kotoske
Dr. Kotoske’s current program, Body by Kotoske, can be seen on Sonoran Living, ABC-15 TV. He also
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