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Patients Choosing Buttocks Lifts with Fat Injections
A recent development in the plastic surgery world is the use of buttocks lifts via fat injections, which combines liposuction and buttocks augmentation. In addition, these two procedures provide benefits to the figure that help to accent the results of the other procedure.
This procedure allows patients to increase the volume and shape of their buttocks without using implants. Using their own fat is a particular advantage for many patients who choose to undergo the procedure.
Natural Fat Injections Used for Buttocks Lift
According to a recent article in the New York Daily News, this procedure has sharply risen in popularity in the last few years. One possible factor may be the ever-changing trends in popular and celebrity culture.
Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, an experienced buttock lift surgeon, says that the focus has changed dramatically over recent years. “A lot of people focused more on breasts — for the buttock to be a focus of body shaping is definitely very new. Finally, thanks to Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and all the media, now we are realizing this a much more natural way than butt implants.”
This method is considered to be more natural than buttocks implants because the material being used comes from the patient’s own body. First, liposuction is used in trouble spots to remove the necessary amount of fat. This fat is processed and purified, and then injected back into the buttocks using a specialized technique.
“When I’m injecting into the buttock, we do what’s called the fanning technique,” says Dr. Ghavami, “It actually improves cellulite, because it fills the skin underneath.”
This procedure is often performed by itself, but it can also be added onto other procedures, such as standard liposuction or other forms of liposuction, body lifts and thigh lifts. Best results are achieved by following all instructions and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Photo by …love Maegan on Flickr.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Tummy Tuck Recovery Timelines
The period following your tummy tuck procedure, which is known as the recovery time, is a crucial part of the surgical process. To ensure the best possible results, follow all of your physician’s instructions and get plenty of rest.
Due to the wide variation in the different approaches and required treatments with the tummy tuck procedure, each patient will experience a unique recovery period. This variation makes discussing your expected recovery period particularly important. You should also be periodically assessing your recovery progress throughout that time, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons website.
Unique Nature of Each Tummy Tuck Procedure Gives Personalized Recovery Period
Though there is a wide range of recovery timelines, plastic surgeons have developed general guidelines that represent the average patient experience. According to the surgeons who responded on the trusted plastic surgery website RealSelf.com, one of the best ways to segment these guidelines is based on when patients will be able to resume certain activities.
Patients may often be able to stand straight comfortably in 1-2 weeks, begin driving in two weeks, exercise lightly in about four weeks, and fully regain normal and comfortable levels of activity in eight weeks. Yet each patient heals in their own way, and by discussing these various stages of recovery in detail with your surgeon you will be able to best understand your own body’s response.
A less extensive version of this procedure is known as the Mini Tummy Tuck, and generally has a shorter recovery period, with levels of activity returning more quickly at each step along the recovery timeline. Other recovery treatments, such as the use of compression devices, may also improve recovery times. Other body contouring procedures performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck, such as liposuction, arm lifts or thigh lifts may add to the overall recovery period depending on the specific patient.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Facial Fillers and Other Procedures With Fat Grafting
Fat transfer injections are one of the most natural procedures available, due to the basic procedure, which involves the use of the patient’s own fat as an injectable filler. These procedures provide the double benefit of fat removal and increased volume to the target area. Their wild success has led to the development of uses for this procedure throughout the body and refined techniques for each.
According to recent research that was published in the September 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the variance in the use of this procedure has become so large that new naming methods may be needed. As reported in a recent article on DoctorsLounge, these surgical techniques have been constantly evolving, producing more effective procedures and dramatic results.
Fat Grafting for Facial Fillers, Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction
Initially begun as a simple procedure to replace tissue loss due to disease and other causes, fat injections have benefited by advancements at each stage in the procedure. They are now used to restore volume to the face through facial fillers, enhance areas of the body through a Brazilian butt lift or breast augmentation, and various other forms of restoration.
In the words of the researchers, “Thirty years after the inception of lipoaspirate injection, autologous fat transplantation has evolved from an underrated, oversimplified procedure to at least four different strategies that take into account harvesting technique, lobular size, processing of the graft, [and] injection technique.”
Working in Boston and Texas, researchers Dr. Daniel Del Vecchio and Dr. Rod J. Rohrich have had extensive experience with the many aspects of fat transfer. This procedure begins with the targeted removal of excess fat through liposuction. This fat is then purified through a specialized procedure to maximize its effectiveness, and reinjected carefully into the treatment areas. This injection technique is done at various depths and spacings to ensure the best possible results.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Addressing Muscle Strains and Tears with a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck procedures are known the world over for giving patients smoother stomach contours and reduced fat deposits. Significant benefits for health may also be achieved through the repair and strengthening of the abdominal muscles. This supports the stomach and provides improved comfort and flexibility.
Widely performed in both men and women for its muscle repairing benefits, the tummy tuck procedure is especially helpful for women who are recovering from pregnancy. As noted by several surgeons on the trusted plastic surgery website Realself.com, the tummy tuck procedure may also improve core strength and posture.
Abdominoplasty Improves Stomach Strength, Posture and Appearance
The muscles of the stomach may separate for a number of reasons, including aging, birth, trauma or accidents. These accidents most frequently occur during rigorous activity, athletics or unusual strains on the body. In many cases, these damages cannot be naturally healed over time, and when left untreated may result in long-term loss of strength and flexibility.
The various abdominal muscles and the fascia (or protective tissue) which surrounds them can vary in structural integrity for each patient. The strain or separation of the muscles for women following child delivery often extends above and below the belly button.
In addition, women who are having their tummy tucks following childbirth may need to have their rectal muscles tightened. As an interconnected part of the birth process, these muscles may become strained or separated, allowing other tissue to poke through this space. This painful condition is known as a hernia.
Similar body contouring procedure may be added to the tummy tuck to improve the overall results. These may include thigh lifts, arm lifts, or body lifts. Liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used to enhance the contouring of these procedure, but it may also be used on its own.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Jessica Ennis Creates International Interest in Tummy Tucks
One of the most moving figures of the 2012 London Olympic Games was Jessica Ennis. Now her figure is having a ripple effect in women throughout the world, who are looking to improve their stomachs after being inspired by her performance.
According to a recent Huffington Post article, demand for stomach-shaping procedures such as tummy tucks and liposuction has skyrocketed internationally as a result of her inspirational achievements. Increased attention has been particularly strong for the liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.
Olympic Gold Medal-Winner Jessica Ennis Inspires Women Worldwide
Demand has been particularly high in the United Kingdom, where coverage of the national hero has been the heaviest. According to one local clinic owner, “Since the Olympics started we’ve had a lot of women coming to us with pictures of Jessica Ennis saying they want to have a torso similar to hers, but they have said they need a bit of extra help because they struggle to get down to those levels with just a couple of gym sessions a week.”
Options for women wishing to improve their stomach appearance may vary greatly depending on the severity of the situation. Laser treatments and other non-surgical procedures may be highly effective for patients who wish for minimal adjustment.
Liposuction, which has long been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, may be used to provide customized removal of excess fat tissue from the spots where it has accumulated the most. Ever-increasing technology has led to several versions of the standard liposuction procedure.
For a more dramatic result, a full or mini tummy tuck may be performed, in which the excess fat tissue is surgically removed along with any loose or excess skin. This procedure is particularly good for patients who have had significant weight loss, and may be enhanced by other body contouring procedures such as arm lifts, buttocks enhancement or thigh lifts.
Photo by little-pete on Flickr
« Previous Page — Next Page »New Tummy Tuck Suture Technique Eliminates Need for Surgical Drains
Tummy tucks may now be performed to heal without drains, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch. A surgical team made up of a father and son pioneered this technique, which may diminish scarring as well.
Reported in the August edition of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an in-depth study of this technique is the largest of its kind involving the use of this specific type of surgical suture. Benefits of this particular suture technique for tummy tuck patients include elimination of drains, faster recoveries, lowered overall cost and improved long-term scarring.
Abdominoplasty Suture Technique Eliminates Drains, Reduces Scarring
The innovative suturing technique, which is known as progressive tension sutures, or PTS, was originally developed by a father/son team of surgical specialists. The surgeons, Harlan Pollock, M.D. and Todd A. Pollock, M.D., both serve on the medical staff at the Texas Institute of Surgery.
“Our technique sews the tissue back together, closing the space, and leaving no room for fluid to accumulate,” says Dr. Todd Pollock. “More importantly, progressive tension sutures (PTS) hold tissue together with abdominal movement during the healing process.”
In a typical tummy tuck procedure, patients may require as many as two or three drains to ensure that the fluid can be easily removed from the healing area. These drains are often required for several weeks, and can serve as a hindrance, eyesore, and possible cause of infection.
This technique has been called the greatest tummy tuck advance in the past few decades. In use by the surgical team for several years, the study involved information on the use of the suture technique in 597 consecutive cases, performed by the surgeons who developed the procedure and authored the study.
Additional research may be necessary to determine how useful this technique may be for body contouring procedures in other areas of the body, such as arm lifts, body lifts, thigh lifts or breast lifts.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Extended Abdominoplasty Chosen by Major Weight Loss Patients
For patients who have lost significant amounts of weight, tummy tuck procedure may provide smoothing results. Following the procedure, excess fat deposits and inelastic skin may be removed, which are often hard to eliminate through diet and exercise.
For many patients, the standard tummy tuck procedure with a hip-to-hip incision will be sufficient to smooth their midsection and accent the results of their successful weight loss. However, for some cases, particularly those who have lost more weight, the tummy tuck procedure may be customized with a belt lipectomy to provide a greater reduction of excess skin and fat deposits, according to the popular and trusted plastic surgery website RealSelf.com.
Extended Tummy Tuck or Belt Lipectomy for Patients with Significant Weight Loss
The traditional tummy tuck procedure involves an incision made across the front of the stomach from hip to hip, generally underneath the bathing suit line. Excess fat, skin and tissue are removed and the muscles are secured. The skin is pulled down for a smoother appearance. In some cases, the navel is repositioned.
For patients with more significant weight loss, another incision may be made vertically up the center of the stomach, in order to remove additional skin. This is less common, as the resulting incision line is more visible.
For major weight loss patients, the horizontal incision does not stop at the hips, but wraps all the way around the body. The procedure is expanded to treat the back and sides in the same manner as a traditional tummy tuck. An entire belt of fat, skin and tissue is removed, resulting in the “belt lipectomy” procedure name.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, additional procedures that may be incorporated for patients with major weight loss include an arm lift, breast lift and thigh lift.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Tummy Tuck Vertical Incisions Unlikely in Most Cases
Patients undergoing a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure will generally not require a vertical incision due to the high visibility of this location. In most cases, the surgeon will simply make their incision across the stomach just below the underwear line. For some cases, another incision will be made that encircles the belly button and allows for its repositioning.
The use of a vertical incision is only used when absolutely necessary, as these incision lines are more difficult to conceal with clothing that bares the midriff. According to the trusted plastic surgery website RealSelf.com, this incision is generally only used when patients have had significant weight loss, such as 100 pounds of weight or more.
Vertical Incision Used for Patients with Significant Weight Loss
As with other body contouring procedures such as arm lifts, thigh lifts or breast reduction, there are a number of variables that determine the necessary incisions for each patient. The significance of each of these variables must be balanced in deciding what incisions are necessary for the best result. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some of these factors may include:
- Amount of weight lost
- Elasticity of abdominal skin
- Previous surgical history
- Individual anatomy and tissue position
As a result of these factors, each patient’s incisions will be specifically dependent on their situation. Talking these factors over with your surgeon prior to the procedure will help ensure that your eventual result will best meet your needs.
Generally, vertical incisions are used as a last resort when any of the above factors play a significant role. When vertical incisions are determined to be necessary, the length of the vertical incision may still vary. In minimal cases, the incision may only extend to the bellybutton, but in cases with more significant skin removal required, the incision may extend several inches further upwards.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Tummy Tuck Procedures with a Hernia Repair Included
When having a tummy tuck procedure or mommy makeover, it may be convenient to add the repair of any hernias sustained as a result of pregnancy. The changes the body goes through during pregnancy and childbirth may often cause these hernias in addition to the aesthetic issues addressed by a tummy tuck.
While each case is different, speaking with your surgeon regarding your surgical options will help you to ensure the best possible treatment of your set of conditions. Some patients are eligible to combine these procedures, saving time and avoiding the need to do two surgeries and recoveries.
Hernia Repair May Be Needed Following Childbirth
Most childbirth-related hernias tend to be around the umbilicus and between the rectus muscles at the midline. This area is often easily accessed during a tummy tuck, and may be prepared very conveniently during the normal tummy tuck procedure. Choosing to combine the procedures often means that an open surgery will be more effective to handle both objectives, rather than a laproscopic procedure.
However, there are several variables when it comes to hernia repair. The severity of the herniation and the specific location may contribute to a more complex procedure than what is described above. Diagnostic imaging will help determine these conditions, and will help your surgeon determine the best course of action.
For some situations, your plastic surgeon may wish to involve a general surgeon to handle more serious hernias, though the procedure may sometimes still be handled in one surgical session. In other cases, your surgeon may wish to split up the procedures to ensure the very best results for your body.
In the medical community, there much controversy over whether patients may be able to have a portion of the procedure covered by their insurance. Speaking with your surgeon regarding your medical and financial situation in detail will help you determine if there will be any financial benefit to this combination.
Some patients may also wish to combine their hernia repair with a full mommy makeover, which includes a breast procedure like breast augmentation or breast lift.
« Previous Page — Next Page »Incision Locations and Scar Management for Tummy Tucks
Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasties, are performed on an individual basis to ensure that your personal wishes and needs are met with the results. This may include variable incision locations and the number of incisions. When determining these factors, your surgeon may consider your medical history, location of treatment areas, and preferential swimsuit style.
In the tummy tuck procedure, the major incision is made from hip to hip across the front of the abdomen. The placement of this incision is based on unique personal anatomy and may often be hidden within swimwear. In addition, you may require a second incision to be made around your belly button.
Belly Button Scars Not Required for Every Procedure
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it may not be necessary for every patient to have an incision made around their navel. This particular aspect of the procedure is determined by the severity of the condition. For cases with excessive and inelastic skin around the navel, an incision here is highly recommended.
If you do not have excess or inelastic skin on your stomach, you may be able to avoid the navel incision. This is particularly useful for situations where excess fat deposits are localized around the sides, hips and lower stomach.
Tattoos are one option that many patients choose for concealment of their navel or stomach scarring. Several doctors on RealSelf.com advocate for this method of concealment, providing the scar has healed fully. Regardless, it is crucial that you discuss the matter fully with your surgeon. This ensures that you will be aware of any potential risk factors and the timeline of your complete incision healing and recovery.
The tummy tuck procedure is often combined with liposuction for a more effective result. It is also performed with a breast augmentation as a mommy makeover, or with a thigh lift for a lower body lift.
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