A Declining Economy Taking Its Toll On Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

With the current economy money is tight and many people are cutting back on their spending, which in turn affects nearly every industry in the United States, and in some cases, the world. The cosmetic surgery industry has hit harder than other industries. This is most likely due tot he fact that most every plastic or cosmetic surgery procedure performed today is considered an elective surgery- or in other words- not a necessary surgery procedure required to maintain life.

Over the past few years, the plastic and cosmetic surgery industry has experienced a steep decline in the number of all procedures performed, but especially the very popular procedures such as Breast enhancement, Body contouring procedures such as liposuction and Abdominoplasty. In reality, it is no real secret why these ever-popular surgical procedures have suddenly become less popular. elective surgeries such as these can cost thousands of dollars, and most people are looking for less expensive solutions for looking younger.

What About Liposuction?

What about liposuction? Is it still a viable option for someone who wants to rid himself or herself of unwanted weight? A good candidate for liposuction is someone who is in fairly good shape, relatively close to his or her ideal weight, but wants to trim down localized areas. The person should be physically healthy, psychologically stable with realistic expectations.

The fat will not re-accumulate in these areas in the same manner as before and leaves small, if any, scars. Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr Boris Ackerman states" I perform hundreds of liposuction procedures each year. I have many patients who come to me after they have given birth and request liposuction. Even though they have returned to their previous weight, many of these women have some resistant areas as a result of the pregnancy."

Improve Your Body Shape With Body Contouring

A great body is something that can not always be achieved with diet and exercise alone. Just as everyone desires to be in the best shape possible, so it is with looking the best they can as well. Because of this, body contouring surgery continue to gain popularity at a fast rate. Body Contouring surgery procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), especially when combined as a or full or complete body lift surgery, that improve your body shape and form as well as provide a boost to your self esteem, self image and confidence.

How Do I Know Thigh Lift Surgery Is Right For Me?

A good candidate for a thigh lift procedure is someone who has a loss of skin tone and elasticity the areas of the thighs, buttocks and hips. A person may also desire a thigh lift surgery procedure if the skin in the thigh area sags, has an 'orange peel' appearance , a flabby and/or dimpled appearance. Another good indication that thigh lift surgery can help is the return of skin tone and appearance as you lift the loose skin. The thigh lift procedure is meant to produce a tighter, more natural result for the thigh and buttock skin while improving body contour. Thigh lift surgery can also decrease irregularities in the surface of the skin.

Fix Those Stubborn Areas With Liposuction

Even if you are maintaining a healthy diet and sticking to a proper exercise plan, you may still experience areas of stubborn fat that will not respond to your exercise and diet. Liposuction surgery, also commonly referred to as liposculpting or body contouring is a plastic surgery procedure developed to target those areas of stubborn excess fat. Liposuction surgery is most commonly utilized to remove the excess fat, and shape the body, providing a more natural contour. This surgery procedure is frequently used in combination with other procedures such as a face lift procedure and tummy tuck surgery. The liposuction surgery procedure is not meant to be used as a method or alternative for losing weight. The best candidates for liposuction are following a proper diet and exercise regimen, are close to their ideal weight and have healthy skin with good elasticity.

Tummy Tuck Surgery Creates Positive Change in Your Appearance

Abdominoplasty surgery, also referred to as a tummy tuck surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove the excess fat tissue, trim and tighten the the abdominal skin and tighten the muscles of the abdomen in the mid to lower abdominal region providing a trim, fit looking mid section.

For women who have had more than one pregnancy, often times experience sagging skin in the abdominal region due to the skin stretching as the belly gets larger during pregnancy. When performing this plastic surgery procedure, the plastic surgeon lifts away the sagging skin, and stretches the skin downward toward the pelvis. The plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin, and the scar will generally rest at the "bikini line." At this time, the surgeon will also remove excess fat tissues and tighten the abdominal muscles using stitches. In many cases, the abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck procedure requires moving the position of the navel upwards to compensate for lost abdominal skin. This procedure is often performed in combination with a liposuction surgery procedure of the thighs, hips love handles to enhance the overall result.

Is Body Contouring Surgery Right for You?

Body contouring surgery involves removal of fat tissues, rearranging the skin and tightening muscles in order to create a more youthful appearance. The plastic surgeon utilizes different techniques to achieve a unique, lasting aesthetic result custom tailored for each patient. Your plastic surgeon will work closely with you to develop a surgical approach that is optimal for you. The following includes information about the two main body contouring procedures.

Liposuction surgery is a procedures that involves the removal of fat from problem areas of the body such as love handles. Liposuction procedures can be performed alone, or in combination with other body contouring procedures. Patients who are excellent candidates for liposuction have pockets of fat that do not respond to regular exercise and proper diet. For Liposuction surgery, the Best results are achieved when the fat is localized to specific problem areas and the patients has good skin tone.

Abdominoplasty surgery, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is a procedure designed to tighten the loose and/or hanging skin of the abdomen, hips, and pubic area. Patients who have loose or sagging skin around the abdomen and softened abdominal wall muscles are excellent candidates for an abdominoplasty procedure. In some cases, a patient may also suffer from abdominal bulges and hernias. These problems can be treated effectively in conjunction with an abdominoplasty surgery procedure.

What Is Liposuction Surgery, and How Can It Help Me?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps to sculpt the body by removing excess fat from specific areas of the body. Through a small incision, a slim tube is inserted through the incision to remove the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is then inserted and moved through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them through a vacuum pump or a large syringe. Liposuction surgery is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, but it can help with the stubborn areas of fat that do not seem to be affected by normal weight loss methods.
Good candidates for a liposuction procedure are people who are within 30% of their ideal weight and have firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be realistic about your expectations and in good physical and mental health. Individuals with certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for liposuction surgery - check with your plastic surgeon if you have such a medical condition.

What About Liposuction?

What about liposuction? Is it a realistic option for a person who wants to rid him or herself of unwanted weight? Not necessarily. Liposuction surgery is not intended, nor should it be used as a replacement for proper diet and exercise. A good candidate for liposuction surgery is in good overall shape, within 10-20 lbs of his or her ideal weight, and wants to treat the stubborn pockets of fat that are not responding to a regular diet and exercise regimen.

The person should be healthy, both physically and psychologically with realistic expectations about the results of the surgery procedure. The fat removed during a liposuction surgery procedure will not re-accumulate in the treated areas in the same manner as it did prior to the surgery, and in some cases, may leave small scars.

It is popular for women see a plastic surgeon and request liposuction surgery after childbirth. These women have returned to their pre-pregnancy weight, and have some areas of their body with stubborn fat as a result of the pregnancy. Many of these women also find that post pregnancy exercise and diet do not effectively treat the pockets of fat. One common place where many women retain fat is around the outer hips and thighs. These women are ideal candidates because the fat is localized, and is less difficult to remove the fat and sculpt the surrounding area to create the contour the patient desires.

What You Should Know About Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgery procedures performed. That fact is not too surprising considering some fat deposits are quite resistant to diet and exercise. In women, the hips thighs and abdomen are stubborn. In men, the abdomen and lower back are commonly problematic. Liposuction is a safe and effective way to remove these unwanted fatty prominences.

There are so many different types of liposuction surgery available now; it can be confusing trying to determine what the best choice for you might be. Liposuction can be broken down in to two major types. Those that include the use of energy such as laser or ultrasound to remove the fat, and those that rely on the plastic surgeons own efforts to remove the fat.

Some surgeons are strong believers in avoiding the use of energy to remove fat. These modalities create heat in the tissues and in some studies have been shown to have increased complication rates, including burns and contour deformities. New research is supporting that it is important to leave healthy fat behind to assist in healing and to obtain better contouring. This newer data supports the decision to use the super-wet liposuction in many plastic surgeon's practices. This method utilizes fluid being placed into the fatty deposits with a small tube, and then the excess fat is suctioned away utilizing small tubes that are inserted and operated by the surgeon without the use of heat or ultrasound energy. The fluid that is instilled contains medications that decreases blood loss and provides anesthetic to the area for better post-operative comfort.

Many patients request the least down-time possible and consequently inquire about avoiding anesthesia. Performing these procedures under local anesthesia limits the amount of fat that can be removed and adequate comfort can be difficult to insure. Other patients inquire about the use of fat dissolving chemicals that can be injected while the patient is awake. These substances are not FDA approved, and no long term follow-up data on performance, efficacy or safety is available. Additionally, repeated treatments are required and the results that have been seen are frequently inadequate.

Non Invasive Procedures Are Becoming More Popular

With economy in its current state, many are reducing their spending, which affects almost every industry in the United States. The Cosmetic and plastic surgery industry has seen a bigger drop off than most other industries and this is due to the fact that most every plastic or cosmetic procedure available is to be considered an elective surgical procedure, and are not deemed necessary to a healthy lifestyle.

Recent trends have shown a quite noticeable reduction of the most popular plastic surgery procedures - Breast Augmentation surgery, Body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, and face lift surgery have all seen a decline in the overall number of these procedures performed. Of Course is no secret why these popular procedures have recently become less popular. All of these elective surgery procedures can cost thousands of dollars, and most people interested in finding beauty through cosmetic surgery are now looking for less expensive solutions for looking younger.

Experts in the cosmetic surgery profession, such as Hawaii Plastic surgeon Dr de los Reyes, recommend less invasive procedures to achieve that youthful look without breaking the bank. These procedures include the ever popular BOTOX treatments, Chemical peels, and other facial rejuvenation procedures such as microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

Liposuction Is One of The Most Popular Procedures Today

One of the most popular procedures today, liposuction is designed to eliminate fatty deposits in various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks or neck. This is not a weight loss procedure but rather a sculpting of areas that are refractory to dieting and exercise. During the tumescent liposuction procedure, fluid is injected into the tissue to improve the efficiency of fat removal and to decrease the blood loss. Then, a cannula connected to a vacuum pump is inserted through a small 1/4” incision in a normal skin fold, and the area is suctioned. Today, advanced techniques using ultrasonic and power assisted cannulas have enhanced results. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can resume normal activities within a week's time, but must refrain from exercising and sports for three weeks postoperatively.

Patients who desire liposuction surgery usually are seeking to reduce the size of a protruding fat deposits throughout the body. This procedure is best for individuals who are seeking to reduce fat deposits and are in relatively good health. Age is not a factor in liposuction, except that older patients' skin may not be as elastic and may not yield the same result as a person with more elastic skin. Eliminating these deposits may also affect an individual's confidence, leading them to seek their own Liposuction surgery procedure.

A liposuction can help such individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The specified portion of the body is made smaller to better match the shape of the patient. The plastic surgeon accomplishes this by removing excess fat through a vacuuming procedure. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Liposuction is a very individualized procedure in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your plastic surgeon. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as abdominoplasty to achieve an effect that better matches the proportions of the body. Once your goals have been determined you will set a date for this procedure and will be given instructions about how to prepare.v

Liposuction Has Become One Of The Most Popular Surgery Procedures

Liposuction surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedure performed these days. Liposuction surgery has different names and techniques, such as Suction assisted liposuction, tumescent liposuction, and power assisted liposuction. all of these techniques involve the same surgery procedure. The ultrasonic liposuction procedure uses sound waves to remove excess fatty tissue. It removes fat in areas that are resistant to proper diet and regular exercise, even if you aren't heavy or have a small body frame. This procedure also works well on patients who are over their ideal body weight and have localized excess fat deposits. Liposuction surgery is not a substitute for maintaining a proper diet and exercise plan. Ideally, Liposuction surgery is best suited for the problem areas in the lower body, but it can also be used on the neck, arms, and can even removes excess fat in the breasts in men, a condition called gynecomastia and this surgical procedure can also help women with excess breast fat- a procedure referred to as reduction mammoplasty, more commonly called breast reduction surgery.

What is the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Mini-Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck surgery, also known as Abdominoplasty surgery, is a surgical procedure in which the loose skin of the stomach area is removed and the muscles of the abdominal area are tightened. While a strict exercise and diet plan will help most people firm their stomach, which in turn helps them to feel and look better, some problems, such as protruding belly, loose or hanging skin, and weak muscles on both men and women can be improved with this surgical procedure. Every year, more than 80,000 women and men across the U.S. elect to have a tummy tuck surgery procedure. Women and men who have a protruding belly, loose or hanging abdominal skin and weak abdominal muscles are all excellent candidates for the full tummy tuck surgery procedure. A Mini-Abdominoplasty surgery, commonly referred to as a mini-tummy tuck, is a procedure that can be performed on patients who have a smaller or limited amount of loose skin and/or stretch marks in the lower abdomen, and do not need the normal tightening of abdominal muscles as in a full abdominoplasty surgery procedure. However, if the patient has excessive fat but minimal or limited looseness of the abdominal wall, the procedure may be performed in along with a liposuction procedure.
Women that plan to become pregnant should not have this surgery procedure, because a second procedure may be required in order to re-tighten the belly after pregnancy. In most cases, abdominoplasty surgery removes the stretch marks inherent with pregnancy, because this procedure removes most of the "stretched out" skin below the navel.

Cosmetic Surgeon in Utah

"It is absolutely necessary to take every step possible to ensure a safe outcome," points out Utah cosmetic surgeon, Kimball M. Crofts. Safe and artfully skilled cosmetic surgery leads to well sculpted bodies and happy patients, but the key to great plastic surgery, he notes, is first identifying what is desired. Once the right goals are chosen, the process of selecting the best course of action becomes considerably easier.

Dr. Crofts, his office in Lindon, Utah, defines cosmetic surgery as a "surgical art of restoration and enhancement." Because of the numerous advances in technique and technology, effects of the sun, age, wear and tear, gravity, trauma, child birth, and weight loss can more and more frequently be counteracted through surgery. Dr. Crofts performs a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments both to restore and to enhance.

What is Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction involves the removal of fat by small tubes, or cannulas, attached to a vacuum aspiration device. Only fat in the subcutaneous layers of the body are accessible for liposuction. Patients with fat inside their abdomen, for example, are not helped by liposuction, but instead must resort to dieting and exercise for this visceral fat loss. Liposuction is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Although liposuction, per se, is not a reliable way of losing weight; it is a very reliable means of contouring.

Once the fat cells are removed, your net fat cell number is reduced permanently, thus making it theoretically more difficult for you to regain the fullness in the treated area. Liposuction is essentially a redistribution operation in that the fat in the areas treated is reduced in proportion to the rest of the body. We are frequently asked if the fat "goes somewhere else", or if one tends to put on weight in other areas of the body. One explanation for this perception may be that without a change in caloric intake, in the setting of stable or declining basal metabolic rate (which occurs as we age), it is predictable that fat would accumulate as a means of storing energy. If the depots of fat that were once present have been significantly reduced in capacity, then it follows that those fat depots remaining untreated may tend to accumulate more fat if energy intake exceeds energy expenditure.

It is therefore very important that patients considering liposuction understand the importance of diet and exercise in maintaining their weight, and realize that liposuction is not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle.

A comprehensive assessment by the plastic surgeon of each patient on an individual basis is essential to the development of a specific treatment plan directed at identifying those specific areas that may be responsive to liposuction. In many instances, patients seek consultation for what amounts to a desire to lose weight. A stable Body Mass Index of less than 27 is necessary to be considered a candidate for liposuction. You should be aware of your Body Mass Index (BMI) and your surgeon's guidelines for what constitutes good candidacy for liposuction . In most surgeon's experience, patients with a BMI above 27 are usually too overweight to derive a good result with liposuction. Their problem is more generalized, and liposuction would not typically be able to access areas of fat accumulation, such as the fat within the abdominal cavity. The ideal candidates have very specific areas of their bodies, which cause them concern and seem to be unresponsive to dieting and/or exercise. Liposuction affords us the ability to sculpt those specific areas with very small incisions (and thus very inconspicuous scars), thus bringing the patient into proportion with the rest of his or her features.

Most plastic surgeons offer a complimentary consultation during which he/she gathers a medical history, including the patient’s weight gain and loss pattern, diet and exercise regimen, and goals for the procedure. Any previous medical conditions need to be identified prior to assessing the patient for surgical candidacy. Height and weight measurements are taken and a physical examination is done to assess the skin tone and texture, skeletal abnormalities such as scoliosis, and muscle bulk and tone. Digital images are obtained and using sophisticated morphing software, surgeons who employ this technology can demonstrate a realistic estimate of the result you might obtain with liposuction. This provides you with an image of yourself which is enormously useful to your decision-making about whether this is a procedure which would satisfy your goals.

Liposuction Is One of The Most Popular Procedures Today

One of the most popular procedures today, liposuction is designed to eliminate fatty deposits in various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks or neck. This is not a weight loss procedure but rather a sculpting of areas that are refractory to dieting and exercise. During the tumescent liposuction procedure, fluid is injected into the tissue to improve the efficiency of fat removal and to decrease the blood loss. Then, a cannula connected to a vacuum pump is inserted through a small 1/4” incision in a normal skin fold, and the area is suctioned. Today, advanced techniques using ultrasonic and power assisted cannulas have enhanced results. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can resume normal activities within a week's time, but must refrain from exercising and sports for three weeks postoperatively.

Patients who desire liposuction surgery usually are seeking to reduce the size of a protruding fat deposits throughout the body. This procedure is best for individuals who are seeking to reduce fat deposits and are in relatively good health. Age is not a factor in liposuction, except that older patients' skin may not be as elastic and may not yield the same result as a person with more elastic skin. Eliminating these deposits may also affect an individual's confidence, leading them to seek their own Liposuction surgery procedure.

A liposuction can help such individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The specified portion of the body is made smaller to better match the shape of the patient. The plastic surgeon accomplishes this by removing excess fat through a vacuuming procedure. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.

Liposuction is a very individualized procedure in which your goals should be realistically determined and discussed with your plastic surgeon. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as abdominoplasty to achieve an effect that better matches the proportions of the body. Once your goals have been determined you will set a date for this procedure and will be given instructions about how to prepare.

I Found Some Good informative Blogs on Plastic Surgery

Being a person who is interested in plastic surgery and the underlying psychological connection to the reasons people decide to undergo cosmetic surgery, I am doing my research everyday on the internet, looking for solid, useful information. Over the past month I have put together a list of great plastic and cosmetic surgery blogs I have found, and today I decided to share them with you all to read for yourselves:

Rhinoplasty Resources

Southern California Plastic Surgery Resources

Plastic Surgery in Washington

Surgery Resources Honolulu, Hawaii

Breast Surgery Resources in Arizona

Cosmetic Surgery Resources

Pasandena Surgery Resources

Dermatology Resources

Waterford Plastic Surgery

Chicago Illinois Surgery Resources

Facial Surgery Information

Texas Plastic Surgeon Resources

Cosmetic Surgeon Resources in Southern California

Facial Rejuvenation Resources

Breast Surgery in Hawaii

Breast Surgery Specialist

Plastic Surgeon Resources Michigan

Breast Surgeon in Atlanta

Liposuction Surgery Resources

Cosmetic Surgeon Resources San Jose

Female Plastic Surgeons in Los Angeles

Breast Reduction Resources

Face Lift Surgery Information

Hair Transplant Resources in Hawaii

Plastic Surgery in Southern California

Breast Surgery Information

Breast Enhancement Resources Illinois

Nose Surgery Information

Surgery Resources in Kentucky

Cosmetic Surgery Information Chicago

Breast implant Surgery Resources

Body Contouring Resources Valencia

Female Plastic Surgeon Information

Plastic Surgery in Anaheim, CA

Breast Augmentation Resources

Fertility Information Southern California

Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Resources Seattle

Fetility Resources in Santa Monica, CA

Hawaii Plastic Surgeon Resources

Cosmetic Surgery Information Newport Beach, CA

Breast Reconstruction Information San Francisco

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

The Abdominoplasty procedure (Tummy Tuck) was developed by plastic surgeons in order to treat skin looseness and stretch marks that developed with age, after pregnancy, and with weight fluctuation. Typically, the procedure involved removal of loose lower abdominal skin up to and above the level of the umbilicus (belly button) and tightening of the abdominal muscles in the midline. A small surgical incision was created in the upper abdominal skin when it is pulled down to the level of the umbilical stalk. In order to remove the lower abdominal skin to the level of the belly button, surgeons elevated the upper abdominal skin and fat off the muscle fascia up to the level of the lower costal (rib) margins.

Because older abdominoplasty techniques emphasized removing the largest amount of lower abdominal skin in the midline, and removing the skin that surrounded the (umbilicus) belly button, these procedures often produced an unnatural appearing abdomen with scars that were too close to the umbilicus. Insistence on complete removal of the abdominal skin around the umbilicus is often a cosmetic error, which produced unnaturally high abdominal scars.

Older techniques of abdominoplasty also produced wide scars with depressions that resulted because the deep tissue of the surgical incision was closed with absorbable sutures.

The High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Lockwood to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing abdominal appearance as a result of abdominoplasty surgery. The HLT Abdominoplasty is noted or the following features:

1. Emphasis on lateral lower abdominal skin excess excision and post surgical skin tension

2. Reliance on the strength of the superfascial system for incision closure and optimization of scar.

3. Limited undermining of upper abdominal skin/soft tissue flaps, which preserves abdominal flap blood supply and allows for liposuction of the abdominal region without compromising skin viability.

4. De-emphasis on removing all skin up to, around, and above the umbilicus.

5. Liposuction to treat upper and lateral abdominal and flank fat deposits.
   

Because abdominal skin and tissue laxity are greater on the sides of the abdomen, and away from the midline, treatment of laxity in these regions is paramount to obtaining better results with abdominoplasty. With the HLT Abdominoplasty, lateral tension is emphasized because tissue laxity increases from the midline to the sides of the trunk with age and/or with weight fluctuation Therefore, the emphasis of skin removal and tightening is shifted from the midline to the sides of the lower abdominal skin and soft tissue.

The Superficial Facial System (SFS) is a connective tissue layer interlaced with the subcutaneous fat that lies between the deep dermis and abdominal fascia. Closure of the deep layers of fat with permanent braided nylon sutures integrates the strength of the (SFS) in the resulting abdominoplasty incision. The permanent stitches, which secure the deep layers of fat surrounded by the SFS, create a durable narrow scar and prevent a "ledge" effect that occurs when absorbable stitches are used on the deep fat layers. The muscles of the abdominal wall are sutured to treat muscle laxity and create an internal corset. The belly button position is transposed.

Liposuction is performed with the High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty for additional abdominal contour improvement in appropriately selected patients. The combination of liposuction and HLT abdominoplasty gives results that surpass those obtained by either procedure alone. Liposuction of the upper and lateral abdomen improves appearance and often allows the contour of the upper abdomen to show definition where it did not exist before. Not only is the abdomen tightened with this technique, but the anterior thigh is also lifted as well. These features are unique to the High Lateral Tension abdominoplasty technique, and are not as readily achieved (if at all) with traditional abdominoplasty techniques.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty may be performed with liposuction of the back and flank regions. In these cases, the operation becomes one of Total Truncal Rejuvenation as the contour of the entire torso addressed in one operation.

It is always highly recommended that you consult with a specialist such as Indianapolis, Indiana Plastic Surgeon Dr David Slatton before any surgery procedure. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you understand the procedure fully prior to any surgical procedure.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty

The Abdominoplasty procedure (Tummy Tuck) was developed by plastic surgeons in order to treat skin looseness and stretch marks that developed with age, after pregnancy, and with weight fluctuation. Typically, the procedure involved removal of loose lower abdominal skin up to and above the level of the umbilicus (belly button) and tightening of the abdominal muscles in the midline. A small surgical incision was created in the upper abdominal skin when it is pulled down to the level of the umbilical stalk. In order to remove the lower abdominal skin to the level of the belly button, surgeons elevated the upper abdominal skin and fat off the muscle fascia up to the level of the lower costal (rib) margins.

Because older abdominoplasty techniques emphasized removing the largest amount of lower abdominal skin in the midline, and removing the skin that surrounded the (umbilicus) belly button, these procedures often produced an unnatural appearing abdomen with scars that were too close to the umbilicus. Insistence on complete removal of the abdominal skin around the umbilicus is often a cosmetic error, which produced unnaturally high abdominal scars.

Older techniques of abdominoplasty also produced wide scars with depressions that resulted because the deep tissue of the surgical incision was closed with absorbable sutures.

The High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Lockwood to create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing abdominal appearance as a result of abdominoplasty surgery. The HLT Abdominoplasty is noted or the following features:

1. Emphasis on lateral lower abdominal skin excess excision and post surgical skin tension

2. Reliance on the strength of the superfascial system for incision closure and optimization of scar.

3. Limited undermining of upper abdominal skin/soft tissue flaps, which preserves abdominal flap blood supply and allows for liposuction of the abdominal region without compromising skin viability.

4. De-emphasis on removing all skin up to, around, and above the umbilicus.

5. Liposuction to treat upper and lateral abdominal and flank fat deposits.
   

Because abdominal skin and tissue laxity are greater on the sides of the abdomen, and away from the midline, treatment of laxity in these regions is paramount to obtaining better results with abdominoplasty. With the HLT Abdominoplasty, lateral tension is emphasized because tissue laxity increases from the midline to the sides of the trunk with age and/or with weight fluctuation Therefore, the emphasis of skin removal and tightening is shifted from the midline to the sides of the lower abdominal skin and soft tissue.

The Superficial Facial System (SFS) is a connective tissue layer interlaced with the subcutaneous fat that lies between the deep dermis and abdominal fascia. Closure of the deep layers of fat with permanent braided nylon sutures integrates the strength of the (SFS) in the resulting abdominoplasty incision. The permanent stitches, which secure the deep layers of fat surrounded by the SFS, create a durable narrow scar and prevent a "ledge" effect that occurs when absorbable stitches are used on the deep fat layers. The muscles of the abdominal wall are sutured to treat muscle laxity and create an internal corset. The belly button position is transposed.

Liposuction is performed with the High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty for additional abdominal contour improvement in appropriately selected patients. The combination of liposuction and HLT abdominoplasty gives results that surpass those obtained by either procedure alone. Liposuction of the upper and lateral abdomen improves appearance and often allows the contour of the upper abdomen to show definition where it did not exist before. Not only is the abdomen tightened with this technique, but the anterior thigh is also lifted as well. These features are unique to the High Lateral Tension abdominoplasty technique, and are not as readily achieved (if at all) with traditional abdominoplasty techniques.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty may be performed with liposuction of the back and flank regions. In these cases, the operation becomes one of Total Truncal Rejuvenation as the contour of the entire torso addressed in one operation.

It is always highly recommended that you consult with a specialist such as Indianapolis, Indiana Plastic Surgeon Dr David Slatton before any surgery procedure. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you understand the procedure fully prior to any surgical procedure.

Are There Different Liposuction Techniques?

Though the basics of liposuction remain the same, there are different techniques that can be used during liposuction. "Tumescent Liposuction" During this technique the plastic surgeon will inject a medicated solution into the fatty areas before the fat is removed. The solution is a mixture of intravenous salt water, a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine). This fluid injection helps the fat to be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and bruising after surgery, and provides anesthesia during and after the surgery. The amount of fluid injected varies and depends on the preference of the surgeon. "Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As the ultrasonic energy passes through the areas of fat it causes the fat cells to liquefy. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique. Because the fat is liquid at the time that it is removed, UAL is smoother and mechanically more efficient. UAL also minimizes trauma, resulting in less bruising and blood loss and especially improves the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body. More information about liposuction.