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Tummy Tuck
The appearance of the abdomen can change dramatically because of aging, and after weight loss or pregnancy. The combination of extra skin and weakened abdominal muscles can be hard to improve with diet and exercise alone. If diet and exercise are not enough to improve the appearance of your abdomen, you may wish to explore a tummy tuck operation.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is another name for an abdominoplasty, a surgical procedure that removes fat and skin from the abdomen and can tighten the underlying muscles. These are issues that cannot be solved with diet and exercise alone.
Board-certified Denver plastic surgeon, Dr. Mouchantat, performs tummy tuck operations for his patients who wish to:
- Flatten a protruding abdomen
- Rid the abdomen of extra skin
- Tighten the muscles of their abdomen
Tummy Tuck Options
If you only have fat deposits in the area below your navel, you may be able to get a smaller version of the tummy tuck, sometimes called a mini-tummy tuck. If you have more extensive skin and fat on the abdomen, you may need a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck may also be performed at the same time as liposuction. Dr. Mouchantat can help you decide which of these procedures is right for you.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Mouchantat will make a large incision across your abdomen, from hipbone to hipbone. He will pull together the abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, then reposition your belly button and close the incisions.
You must understand that tummy tuck operations leave a scar, which can extend from hip to hip. Though this scar should fade over time, this can vary by individual. This scar will be placed where it should not show when you wear a bathing suit.
Abdomenoplasty: Pre-op Instructions
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal medications or vitamin E for 14 days prior to surgery.
Shower with Hibiclens for 3 days and the evening before and the morning of surgery, use a clean towel each time. Do not use the Hibiclens on your face at all, only on your body. Hibiclens is not safe to use near your eyes. Shower 48 hours post op using the remaining Hibiclens soap for the next few showers. Hibiclens is available at your pharmacy.
Wear comfortable clothes to the surgery center, avoid tops that pull over the head and slip on shoes are best.
Bring your history and consent paperwork with you to the surgery center.
Fill prescriptions and read the instructions before the day of surgery. Discuss your regular medications and birth control pills prior to surgery.
Do not drive yourself to the surgery center; you will also need a ride home and someone to care for you for at least 24 hours.
Abdomenoplasty: Post-op instruction
Eat what sounds appetizing; smaller portions more often may be more comfortable than full meals.
Take medications as directed, try to keep some food in your stomach before taking pain medications as they can cause nausea. Pain medications can cause constipation, take plenty of liquids and an over the counter stool softener such as: Colace or Senna Kot can help prevent problems. Milk of Magnesia as directed on the bottle is safe if you are constipated.
Rest, but do not be sedentary for extended periods, raise your legs and flex the leg muscles frequently while resting and walk for 5-10 minutes four or five times a day, around the house is fine. Rest with your torso supported in an elevated position and knees bent, such as in a recliner. Maintain this flexed position while sleeping as well in order to minimize the stretch on your incision.
You may move your arms gently throughout the range of motion, no resistive exercise and no lifting more than 5 pounds with each hand.
Adjust your garment as needed, it should fit low on your abdomen, down to the pubic bone area, the abdominal binder should be snug but not impede a deep breath. Wearing a clean T-shirt under the binder will help prevent rubbing and scraping from the Velcro, change the T-shirt daily.
A gentle massage of tenderness or spasms in the muscles is OK.
You should take a shower in 48 hours from the surgery time unless your discharge paperwork tells you otherwise. Use the remaining Hibiclens for the first few showers. Wash right over the wounds and drain dressing taking care to keep the dressing intact.
Empty the drains and record the amount of fluid two or three times a day. Bring the record of output to your follow up office appointment.
If something doesn’t seem right to you, please call, we are happy to answer questions.
Learn More About Your Tummy Tuck in Denver, CO
Are you interested in a tummy tuck? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver-area plastic surgeon, Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
Schedule a Consultation Or call us today at (303) 232-8585
« Previous PageBody Contouring After Major Weight Loss
Following a significant weight loss, both men and women can find that they have still not achieved their desired appearance. Being significantly overweight or having a history of weight fluctuations can affect the skin permanently.
If you have lost weight and are now unhappy with the appearance of your skin at your new, stable weight, Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat can help.
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring refers to procedures that can be used to promote a more pleasing appearance following weight loss. After weight loss, areas of the body can be affected by excess skin. Body contouring procedures remove this excess skin and include arm lifts, body lifts, thigh lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction.
Body contouring procedures can improve the appearance of:
- The inner and outer thighs, with a thigh lift.
- Excess skin on the upper arm, with an arm lift.
- Excess abdominal skin and fat, with a tummy tuck.
Body Contouring Options
Not everyone who has lost weight will have excess skin remaining in the same areas. For some, treating excess skin on the arms or legs will be very important. For others, the abdomen will be the most important area to treat. You can get body contouring procedures on a single area or on multiple areas.
The Body Contouring Procedure
Body contouring after weight loss is not a single procedure—it refers to several procedures. You and Dr. Mouchantat can explore which procedures can best improve your appearance.
You and Dr. Mouchantat will also decide whether multiple body contouring procedures can be scheduled for the same day, or whether you need to have your surgeries performed over time.
Most often, body contouring procedures necessitate that Dr. Mouchantat use skin and tissue tightening techniques to remove excess skin and re-drape remaining skin to create a more slender silhouette.
Body Contouring Aftercare
The healing and recovery period after body contouring surgery varies, depending on the procedures you have chosen. For most body contouring procedures, you should plan to rest and take time off work. Compression garments will be worn following surgery. Some body contouring procedures will require you to care for sutures. Other procedures will require you to also care for small drains at the incision site.
You will have a more significant recovery period if you choose to have more than one body contouring procedure done on the same day.
Learn More About Body Contouring in Denver
Are you interested in body contouring after weight loss? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver area plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
« Previous PageBody Lift
Body lift procedures correct sagging skin. Body lifts can be done on the whole body or can be used to target either the upper or lower body.
Dr. Mouchantat performs the following body lift procedures:
- breast lift
- arm lift
- thigh lift
- tummy tuck
A complete lower body lift corrects sagging hips, buttocks, thighs, abdomen and waist. It combines a thigh lift and tummy tuck with surgery to lift the hips and buttocks.
Body Lift Options
A body lift can be done on your whole body or just your upper or lower body. A whole body or lower body lift can be done as a single procedure, or can be done as a series of procedures. Dr. Mouchantat will develop a surgical plan that is specific to your needs.
The Body Lift Procedure
When you consult Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat about a body lift, he will develop a surgical plan based on your needs and physical condition. Your health will be a major factor in Dr. Mouchantat’s decision about whether to perform a comprehensive body lift as a single surgery, or whether you will need to undergo multiple body lift procedures over time. Having multiple surgeries over time allows you to heal and recover between surgeries.
For a comprehensive lower body lift, the procedure may involve an incision that goes around the circumference of your body near your waist. The skin will be raised below this incision to create a firm appearance, and excess skin will be removed. This surgery lifts the hips, buttocks, abdomen and waist. A thigh lift would also be performed to lift skin on the thighs.
Body Lift Aftercare
The healing and recovery period after a body lift surgery varies, depending on the procedures Dr. Mouchantat performs. For all body lift procedures, you should plan to rest and take time off work. You will need to wear compression garments after your surgery, and you will also need to care for sutures. Some body lift surgeries will require you to care for small drains at the incision site.
Learn More About the Body Lift in Denver
Are you interested in a comprehensive body lift or an individual body lift surgery? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver area plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
« Previous PageArm Lift
Arm Lift in Denver CO area
An arm lift, also called a brachioplasty, is a surgery designed to improve the appearance of the skin on the upper arm. The skin of the upper arm can begin to sag due to aging or genetics. People also often find that they are left with a great deal of excess skin hanging off the upper arms following substantial weight loss. If you are unhappy with sagging, excess skin on your upper arms, Denver area plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat can help tighten and tone your arms with an arm lift.
An arm lift by Dr. Richard Mouchantat:
- Tightens the skin on the upper arm
- Removes extra skin from the upper arm
- Removes fat from the upper arm
What Is an Arm Lift?
An arm lift is a surgical procedure that addresses excess or sagging skin on the upper arm. During an arm lift, the sagging skin is tightened by removing excess skin and tissue. Small amounts of fat can also be treated using liposuction.
Arm Lift Options
The arm lift procedure is done mainly to target excess skin on the upper arm. Sometimes liposuction can be performed during an arm lift to address excess fat in the area.
In order to perform an arm lift, Dr. Mouchantat must make an incision. Some patients will be able to have an incision placed under the arm, which may be less visible. Other patients will have an incision scar along the upper arm that may show when you wear more revealing clothing.
Questions about Arm Lift? Ask Us
The Arm Lift Procedure
During an arm lift, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat will make an incision in the skin of the upper arm or under the arm. He will tighten the skin of the upper arm by lifting the skin until it has a firm, taut appearance. Excess fat may also be removed at this time using liposuction. Any excess skin on the upper arm will be removed, and the incisions will be closed.
Arm Lift Aftercare
After your arm lift procedure, you will need to rest for several days. You will be unable to lift objects or exercise strenuously for a time after your surgery. You should plan to start walking and moving around by the second day.
You will need to follow Dr. Mouchantat’s instructions about how to care for your incisions as they heal. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to have your sutures removed.
Brachioplasty: Pre-op Instructions
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal medications or vitamin E for 14 days prior to surgery.
Shower with Hibiclens for 3 days and the evening before and the morning of surgery, use a clean towel each time. Do not use the Hibiclens on your face at all, only on your body. Hibiclens is not safe to use near your eyes. Shower 48 hours post op using the remaining Hibiclens soap for the next few showers. Hibiclens is available at your pharmacy.
Wear comfortable clothes to the surgery center, avoid tops that pull over the head and slip on shoes are best.
Bring your history and consent paperwork with you to the surgery center.
Fill prescriptions and read the instructions before the day of surgery. Discuss your regular medications and birth control pills prior to surgery.
Do not drive yourself to the surgery center; you will also need a ride home and someone to care for you for at least 24 hours.
After Surgery Instructions
Eat what sounds appetizing; smaller portions more often may be more comfortable than full meals.
Take medications as directed, try to keep some food in your stomach before taking pain medications as they can cause nausea. Pain medications can cause constipation, take plenty of liquids and an over the counter stool softener such as: Colace or Senna Kot can help prevent problems. Milk of Magnesia as directed on the bottle is safe if you are constipated.
Rest, but do not be sedentary for extended periods, raise your legs and flex the leg muscles frequently while resting and walk for 5-10 minutes four or five times a day, around the house is fine. Rest with your torso supported in an elevated position and knees bent, such as in a recliner. Maintain this flexed position while sleeping as well in order to minimize the stretch on your incision.
You may move your arms gently throughout the range of motion, to 90 degrees of flexion at the elbows and no resistive exercise and no lifting more than 5 pounds with each hand. Move the hands, fingers and wrists frequently. You may re-wrap the arms as needed and after showers, compression is not necessary and may make your hands swell.
A gentle massage of tenderness or spasms in the muscles is OK.
You should take a shower in 48 hours from the surgery time unless your discharge paperwork tells you otherwise. Use the remaining Hibiclens for the first few showers. Wash right over the wounds and drain dressing taking care to keep the dressing intact.
Empty the drains and record the amount of fluid two or three times a day. Bring the record of output to your follow up office appointment.
If something doesn’t seem right to you, please call, we are happy to answer questions.
Learn More About the Arm Lift Procedure in Denver
For more information on Arm Lift, give our office a call to set up your consultation with Denver board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Mouchantat when you happen to be in Denver or the surrounding neighborhood. Our service areas include: Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Parker, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Ken Caryl, Boulder & Westminster Colorado.
Schedule a Consultation Or call our Denver area office today at (303) 232-8585
Our office is conveniently located 30 minutes away from downtown Denver, CO and Denver International Airport.
« Previous PageThigh Lift
People who have successfully lost a substantial amount of weight are often left with excess skin on their bodies, including the thighs. Have you experienced weight loss, but due to sagging, excess skin on your thighs, you still want to improve your appearance? If so, Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat can correct this excess skin problem.
By performing a thigh lift, Dr. Mouchantat can:
- Lift and tighten skin on the outer thigh
- Lift and tighten skin on the inner thigh
- Help those who have lost significant weight improve their appearance
What Is a Thigh Lift?
A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions skin along the inner and outer thigh. During a thigh lift, excess skin is removed. Following a thigh lift procedure, the appearance of the thigh can be dramatically altered, and the results are long lasting.
A thigh lift targets excess skin and sometimes treats excess fat in the thighs at the same time. A thigh lift does not primarily address excess fat. If your concern is excess fat in your thighs, speak to Dr. Mouchantat about whether liposuction is right for you.
Thigh Lift Options
Thigh lifts can be performed to correct the appearance of the inner thigh, the outer thigh, or both. Thigh lift incisions can be in the groin, down the inner thigh, at the waist or along the outside of the hip.
Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat will take care to place the incisions where they are not likely to be visible when wearing most types of clothing or swimsuits.
The Thigh Lift Procedure
During the procedure, the skin is lifted until it appears firm and tight, and then excess skin is removed. The incisions are then closed.
Thigh Lift Aftercare
After your thigh lift procedure, you will need to rest for several days. You will be unable to exercise strenuously for a time after your surgery. You will need to follow Dr. Mouchantat’s instructions about how to care for your incisions as they heal, and you will be scheduled for a follow-up visit to have your sutures removed.
Learn More About the Thigh Lift in Denver
Are you interested in a thigh lift? If you wish to learn more, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
« Previous PageLiposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from the body. Liposuction is also known as lipoplasty or lipo.
Denver area plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat can use liposuction to:
- Remove fat that is resistant to good lifestyle practices
- Improve the proportions of your body
- Correct male breasts (gynecomastia)
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to permanently remove fat cells from certain areas of the body. Where you gain weight is partially determined by genetics. Even with a good diet and good exercise practices, you may carry a substantial amount of fat in a particular area of the body.
If you have localized fat stores that seem to stubbornly persist despite good lifestyle practices, you may be a candidate for liposuction in Denver. Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat performs liposuction and can tell you if you are a good candidate.
Liposuction Options
Liposuction can be used on many areas of the body. In your liposuction consultation, you and Dr. Mouchantat can discuss which areas of the body you wish to have treated with liposuction in Denver. The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation.
Liposuction may refer to suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), twin-cannula assisted liposuction (TCL), or power assisted liposuction (PAL). All of these types of liposuction remove localized fat. The difference between the types of liposuction relates to different tools and surgical methods that Dr. Mouchantat may use.
The Liposuction Procedure
Depending on the type of liposuction you receive, the procedure varies slightly. In many liposuction procedures, patients will receive an infusion of tumescent fluid in the area that will be treated. The fluid is a mix of electrolytes and a numbing agent. This eases discomfort and maintains the proper fluid balance in the body during the procedure.
After the tumescent fluid is infused, small incisions are made and a suction tool is inserted to remove the fat. After the excess fat is removed from the areas that Dr. Mouchantat has agreed to treat, he will close the small incisions with sutures.
Liposuction Aftercare
After your liposuction procedure, you will need to rest for several days and wear compression garments. Your incisions will need to be cared for. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and for the removal of your stitches.
Learn More About Liposuction in Denver
Are you interested in liposuction? If you wish to learn more, contact Denver area plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat. We encourage you to schedule a consultation today.
Schedule a Consultation Or call us today at (303) 232-8585
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