Surgical and Non-Surgical Body Contouring
The Emory Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center offers a variety of body contouring procedures for removing the excess skin and fatty tissue that can result from age and/or dramatic weight loss, especially the sudden weight loss that often results from bariatric surgery. These procedures ARE NOT a substitute for weight loss or treatment for obesity and/or cellulite. The most favorable results are obtained with supplementation of diet and exercise.
Performed through tiny incisions with suction cannulae to remove unwanted fatty deposits, liposuction is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgical procedures in the country. Suction assisted lipectomy (SAL) and ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) are the primary methods used by Emory surgeons.
| Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) |
The most traditional form of liposuction, SAL involves injection prior to the actual fat-removal procedure of a dilute solution of the local anesthetic lidocaine combined with epinephrine, which temporarily shrinks capillaries. The solution makes general anesthesia unnecessary, reduces bruising and swelling, and eradicates the need for blood transfusion.
| Ultrasonic Assisted Lipectomy (UAL) |
Typically used to remove large volumes of fat and to enhance the results of a previous liposuction procedure for difficult areas, UAL employs sound waves to break up fat cells for aspiration.
In combination with liposuction, the tummy-tuck removes loose skin and tightens the muscle to correct weakness in the abdomen. Depending on the patient's shape a number of options are recommended, including endoscopic abdominoplasty, mini-abdominoplasty, or full abdominoplasty.
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| Endoscopic Abdominoplasty |
Primarily used for patients with minimal or no excess skin and often applied in combination with liposuction, this procedure tightens muscular contours of the abdominal region and minimizes scarring by using a small incision hidden at the pubic hairline and navel.
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Performed through both a small incision hidden inside the navel and a longer, lower abdominal incision, this procedure is designed to correct significant fat and skin excess by removing unnecessary tissue between the pubic hairline and navel and tightening the abdominal muscles from the ribcage to the pubic area.
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Less extensive than a full abdominoplasty, this method is reserved for patients with moderate skin and fat excess, using an incision above the pubic hairline to remove excess skin and fatty tissue and to tighten the lower abdominal bulge.
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Used for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and require a circumferential body lift, this procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, flanks, and back with dramatic improvement in contour. The anterior aspect is similar to a full abdominoplasty, with the incision being circumferential and below the bikini line.
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Aging or considerable weight loss can cause loose skin to develop around the upper arm. Brachioplasty improves the contour of the triceps area by tightening the loose skin with liposuction.
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For patients who have experienced significant weight loss, a thigh lift tightens loose skin around the inner thigh and buttocks and is often combined with liposuction to improve skin contours and surface appearance. Scars are hidden in the creases of the groin and buttocks.
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This suction massage method can be performed during an office visit and decreases surface rippling, reduces the appearance of cellulite, and increases the healing process following liposuction.
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