Often times after experiencing a dramatic weight loss, patients will see noticeable
sagging of the excess skin. This is primarily due to skin tissues lacking the elasticity to
conform to the body’s reduced size and structure. Dramatic weight loss typically occurs
after weight loss surgeries or significant lifestyle changes. Either way, surgical body
contouring is an effective way to remove excess sagging skin and fat. Body contouring
improves the shape of underlying support tissue and results in a better-proportioned
appearance with smoother contours. There are several procedures defined as body
contouring including:

● Arm lift: corrects sagging of upper arms
● Breast lift: corrects sagging or flattened breasts
● Facelift: corrects sagging of the mid-face, jowls, and neck
● Lower body lifts: corrects sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and/or inner and
outer thighs
● Medial thigh lift: corrects sagging of the inner thigh
● Tummy tuck: corrects excess skin hanging over the abdomen
Who is a qualified candidate for body contouring procedures?
Of course, anyone who has experienced significant weight loss should consider body
contouring. However good candidates for the procedures are:
● Adults whose weight loss has been stabilized
● Healthy adults without medical conditions that would impair the healing process
or otherwise increase their risk of surgery
● Nonsmokers
● Adults with a positive outlook and realistic goals
● Adults committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and
fitness

What costs are associated with body contouring procedures?

Body contouring costs can vary widely. Typically surgeons specializing in body
contouring base their prices on his or her experience level, type of procedure(s) used,
and geographic location. While most health insurance will not cover body contouring
surgeries or its complications, many surgeons offer patient financing plans. Always
speak with a certified surgeon in your area to get a more detailed quote. When choosing
a surgeon in your area for body contouring surgery, always keep in mind that the
surgeon’s experience and your comfort level with him or her are just as important as the
final cost of surgery.

Costs associated with body contouring surgery can include:
● Anesthesia fees
● Hospital or surgical facility costs
● Pre/Post-op medical tests
● Post-op garments
● Prescriptions
● Surgeon’s Fee
Scheduling a consultation and what to expect next
During your body contouring consultation your doctor will discuss with you these topics:
● Surgical goals
● Medical conditions including drug allergies and previous medical treatments
● Current medications including vitamins and herbal supplements
● Social history of alcohol, tobacco and drug usage
● Previous surgeries and outcomes
Your plastic surgeon will most likely:
● Evaluate your health and preexisting conditions or risk factors
● Examine your body and take detailed measurements where necessary
● Take photographs to log in your medical record
● Discuss procedure options and recommend a course of treatment
● Discuss likely outcomes and any risks or potential complications of body
contouring

For your physician to successfully and safely perform the procedure, it is important to be
completely transparent during your consultation. Be sure to ask questions and share
any concerns with your physician. It is always natural to feel some anxiety or
preoperative stress before a procedure. Talk with your physician thoroughly and ask
questions to fully understand all aspects of your body contouring procedure. Below
we’ve prepared a cheat sheet of questions commonly asked when going in for a
consultation for body contouring procedures. Feel free to take with you on the day of
your appointment.

What should I ask my plastic surgeon about body contouring?

● Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
● Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
● How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
● Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which
hospitals?

● Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally or state-recognized
accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified?
● Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
● What will be expected of me to get the best results?
● Where and how will you perform my procedure?
● What surgical technique is recommended for me?
● How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need
during my recovery?
● What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
● How are complications handled?
● How can I expect to look over time? After pregnancy?
● What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my
procedure?
● Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what
results are reasonable for me?

What are the risks of body contouring?

When deciding to undergo plastic surgery it is necessary to weigh the risks and
potential complications to your personal goals. Your physician will go over these risks in
detail and have you sign the proper consent. However, it is a great idea to have the best
understanding before speaking with a plastic surgeon. Body contouring risks can
include:
● Bleeding
● Infection
● Fluid accumulation
● Poor wound healing
● Skin loss
● Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism
● Excessive or widened scars
● Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
● Anesthesia risks
● Unfavorable scarring
● Residual skin laxity or contour irregularity

How to properly prepare for your body contouring procedure

Your plastic surgeon may ask you to prepare for your body contouring procedure days
before the actual procedure. It is essential to the success of your procedure that you
follow each step precisely. Your doctor may ask you to:
● Get cleared for surgery by your bariatric surgeon and/or primary care doctor

● Get specified pre-operative lab tests
● Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
● Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
● Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements or other
medications that may increase bleeding

Typically body contouring surgeries are performed in an accredited office-based
surgical facility6, licensed ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. If your body
contouring is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive
you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

What to expect after body contouring surgery and recovery

Following the procedure, your incisions will have dressings or bandages applied to aid
in infection control. Often, small tubes will be placed under the skin temporarily to drain
excess blood or fluid that may collect. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on
how to care for the surgical sites. Your surgeon may prescribe topical and or oral
medications to aid in healing. Your surgeon will also go over any concerns to look for
regarding the incision sites or your overall health. You will also be expected to follow up
with your surgeon over the next few months to monitor your healing progression. Your
surgeon will expect the following of you while recovering at home:
● Avoid bending, straining or lifting for the specified time period
● If tightening of abdomen or thighs is involved your physician may instruct you to
avoid standing fully erect or stressing internal sutures as they heal.
● Surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, motion, swelling or
abrasion while healing.
● It is important to be up and walking as soon as possible and drinking plenty of
water to minimize the risk of DVT (blood clots in legs)

How soon should I expect to see the results of body contouring?

Results can be seen almost immediately following your procedure in most cases.
However, other cases may need up to 2 years to see the final results. Be aware that
even with optimal results you will still have visible scarring. Body contouring is a long-
lasting procedure, provided you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. It is
also natural to see a loss of firmness with age. While good results are expected from
your procedure, there is never any guarantee. Some people need multiple surgeries to
achieve their desired results. Always follow your physician’s instructions for after your
procedure to ensure the best possible results.

The post Body Contouring appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

There are two distinct ways of bringing about buttock augmentation.

In the first method, artificial implants are surgically placed inside the patient’s buttocks. These implants could either be saline or silicone.

In the second method, buttocks are augmented by fat transfer. Occasionally both of these methods could be combined together.

As a consequence of breast augmentation, the patient would end up with fuller, bigger and perkier breasts. Since the buttock’s projection is improved after this method so the patient’s body posture would also be enhanced as well as his/her balance. As a corollary, the patient’s self-image and self-esteem would escalate too.

Buttock augmentation has been becoming rampantly popular. The statistics given by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons delineate that a large number of patients, both men and women (274 men and 3,465 women to be precise) were subjected to this particular cosmetic surgery back in the year 2013. The statistics suggest that this surgical procedure is much more popular in women although men undergo this surgery too. Moreover, the statistics showed that older patients are more prone of getting this surgery done. This trend is an explicit reflection of the fact that butt augmentation is a very effective technique to combat aging and its associated issues such as sagging and flabby skin. Having said this, you have to remember that butt augmentation can be undertaken by patients belonging to any age group as long as they are 18 years or older.

Sudden weight fluctuations leave you with sagging skin. If the weight loss is moderate then diet and exercise may be sufficient enough to address this issue. On the other hand though, if the weight loss is significant then generally diet and exercise fail to fix this particular issue.

Who are candidates or ideal patients for buttock augmentation?

1. You are an ideal patient for buttock augmentation if you are unsatisfied with your buttock’s shape.
2. If you want to have a fuller, bigger and rounder rear.
3. If you feel that the symmetry of your body is not ideally proportioned.
4. Moreover, in order to be subjected to this surgery, you need to be healthy ( both physically and psychologically

Also, you must be older than 18 years and must be realistic about the possible outcomes of the surgery.

What are the benefits of having a buttock augmentation?

Both butt augmentation options would enable you to have a well-rounded, well-toned and bigger butt. However, your surgeon could advise you about which procedure would work the best for you in the context of your individual goals and requirements.

Not only will your body stature become more balanced and symmetrical but your clothes would fit you better as well.

It will boost your self-esteem, however the patient ought to be completely acquainted with the possible complications and risks involved in the surgery so that he/she can take the decision likewise.

Buttock augmentation with implants benefits include:

-Buttock augmentation that deploys the use of implants is ideal for those patients who are skinny otherwise and do not have enough available fat.

– Fat reabsorption is not a taken -for -granted business. There is a possibility that the fat may not be “taken” by your body. Use of implants eliminates this doubt associated with fat reabsorption. Moreover, such patients are free from all those side effects which are commonly associated with fat injections which are given for the enhancement of buttocks.

-Butt augmentation through implants is a tested and tried technique that has been approved by the FDA.

-This surgical procedure can also be conjugated with liposuction to have a more flattering body to complement your flattering rear.

-The use of implants allows buttock augmentation in patients with little or no fat deposits.

Buttock Augmentation with Fat Transfer’s benefits include:

– This surgery which is also commonly termed as a Brazilian Butt lift, makes use of the patient’s natural body fats to enhance his/her buttock. Natural fat is injected into the patient’s rear and thus the results from this cosmetic surgery are much more natural.

– Brazilian butt lift is generally conjugated with the contouring of the patient’s overall abdominal profile through liposuction as well. Thus, you end up with not only an attractive rear but an overall attractive figure. Also, the fat which is injected into the patient’s buttocks is also purified and processed after extraction.

– Autologous fat transfer enables the patient to be free of any risks associated with implant rejection.

– This technique is not only natural but its recovery time is also less as compared to the former method.

Buttock augmentation with implants’ risks include:

– Implant augmentation is quite an invasive surgery and thus the patient has to be given anesthesia. There are always chances of patient responding negatively to this anesthesia (although the chances are rare).

– The results after this surgical procedure might not appear to be very natural since incision scars would definitely be left behind.

– Moreover, generally silicone implants are used during this type of augmentation. There is always a possibility of your body rejecting this material.

– There are other surgical risks and complications involved as well, such as development of any infection, bleeding and consequent pain. Excessive pressure may also prompt the incisions to open up which may lead to implant exposure. There is the possibility ( although extremely rare) of other undesired situations as well such as the accumulation of fluid, formation of blood clots, migration of implant and rupture of implant.

Buttock augmentation by fat transfer’s risks include:

– The nature of risks and complications in this type of breast augmentation is mainly medical. These complications may arise due to loss of excess blood, formation of blood clots, bruises, sensation of numbness alternated with pain, inflammation, toxicity, stretch marks, asymmetry, cellulite etc.

The plastic surgeon would make sure that the patient is acquainted with all details of the procedure as well as the risks involved, after which the surgeon would ask the patient to sign a consent form. This consent form is a reiteration of the fact that the patient is aware of and understands the risks involved during the surgical procedure.

How is each procedure performed?

1. There are two distinct ways to bring about buttock augmentation and different techniques that can be deployed during this process. Your surgeon would decide which of them would work the best for you taking into account your preferences, your expectations from the surgery and other determining factors such as the patient’s buttock contours, available fat quantity, quality of skin and its extent of elasticity.
2. The patient is given anesthesia before the surgery no matter which type of procedure he/she chooses so that the patient stays comfortable during the surgery. The options available are either local anesthesia or the general one. However, the latter options is more widely used.

Procedure for Augmentation through Implants

• First of all, an incision is made.
• There are a variety of incision patterns and techniques available. The type of technique which is deployed depends upon a number of factors such as the type of implant being used, the desired enlargement and the patient’s particular physique.
• The incisions can either be made on the top of the buttocks or their bottom. They can also be made between both the cheeks or the center of the sacrum may be incised.
• This is followed by the placement of the silicone implant either in the gluteal muscle itself or above it.
• After the implant has been placed adequately, it is followed by the closure of the incisions with the help of sutures and other adhesive materials.
• The results of this augmentation are quite apparent immediately after the surgery.

Procedure of Augmentation through Fat Transfer/ Brazilian Butt lift

• This surgical procedure too is an outpatient one.
• The duration for this surgery ranges between 90 minutes to 40 hours. This duration is dependent upon a number of factors such as the areas which have to be subjected to liposuction, the amount of available fat that has to be extracted and the patient’s expected results from the surgery. As a general rule, autologous liposuction or tumescent liposuction might be deployed for this purpose
• If the latter type of liposuction i.e. tumescent one is deployed then local anesthetics conjugated with epinephrine are inserted into the skin through an injection into those particular sites from where the fat has to be extracted. This combination of drugs would make the area numb and thus the amount of bleeding would be lessened. As a consequence the suction of fat through a micro cannula would be made much easier.
• The other type of liposuction which is popularly used is autologous fat transfer. In this procedure the extracted fat is made to undergo different processes which result into its purification. After this processing and purification, the fat is re-injected into the buttocks.
• The cannula used for this process will have many injections attached to it.
• The plastic surgeon has to be especially careful at this juncture since this fat has to be inserted in different depths so as to create a perfect symmetry.
• Several different fat transfer sessions may be required for adequate absorption of this fat into the buttocks and to ensure that the patient’s desires regarding the contours, size and shape are fulfilled.
• Now, there has been an another innovation is this technology, whereby the surgeon makes use of dermal fillers to make the buttocks more plump.
• The procedure of injecting these dermal fillers is the same as fat transfers, however, no liposuction is required in this process since no fat is extracted. These fillers are synthetic and some of these common fillers are Belotero Balance®, Juvederm®, Perlane®, Sculptra®etc.

What is the cost of this procedure?

The actual cost varies from surgery to surgery since it depends on various factors such as the specific technique which is deployed in the surgery, the desired expectations, the surgeon’s qualification and expertise etc.

On the whole though, the average cost would approximately be $4,580 with buttock augmentation using implants and $4,509 with buttock augmentation through fat transfer.

What should the patient do during the medical consultation before a buttock augmentation?

1. The primary and the most important thing that the patient has to remember is that he/she has to be completely honest with the surgeon.
2. Convey your medical history and present medical record very openly.
3. Make sure that you don’t leave out any important information such as any things that you are allergic to or any current medications that you are on.
4. This would go a long way in preventing the possibility of any complications during the surgical procedure and even after it.
5. Moreover, you also have to be very honest about your motivations for the surgery as well as your expectations from it.
6. The surgeon would then take photographs to be kept in your medical record. He/she would then acquaint you with all the available options, discuss them with you and ultimately recommend a course of treatment which he/she reckons to be the best.
7. Also, the surgeon would warn the patient about any possible complications or risks involved in the surgery.

What is involved in the preparation for surgery?

1. Almost 2 weeks prior to the surgery, the patient should quit taking any anti-inflammatory drugs or any other medicines of the like kind.
2. He/she should strictly avoid smoking and any alcohol intake.
3. Moreover, adequate amount of water intake is crucial for swift healing so you ought to make sure that you are properly hydrated before the surgery as well as after it.
4. The patient would need adult care during this healing period, at least for a couple of days.
5. The patient should wear compression garments during this period, change bandages regularly and keep himself/herself comfortable with a lot of pillows so that the operated area is not subjected to excessive pressure.

How is the recovery after buttock augmentation?

A certain amount of pain, swelling and bruising is normal after the surgery. Furthermore, you may also experience changes in your skin color as well as sudden changes of sensation in the operated area. Your doctor would prescribe you certain pain medications to take care of this issue during this recovery period.

The pace of this recovery would vary from patient to patient, however generally your surgeon may advise you to take very short walks on the very day of the surgery so as to prevent any formation of blood clots.

Moreover, the patient should avoid sitting for some time since it would put pressure on the operated area. If sitting cannot be avoided then place pillows underneath you to provide some support.

Similarly the patient also has to sleep on his/her side instead of sleeping on back to avoid putting direct pressure on butt.

The patient is allowed to take shower the second or third day following the surgery.

The healing period can last anywhere from 6 to 8 months, since this healing time is different for every individual.

Once this recovery period is over, the patient may resume his/her normal activities.

Also, the recovery period for those patients who have had butt augmentation through fat transfer may be shorter since this surgery is comparatively less invasive. Such patients can resume their normal activity level after a couple of weeks.

The compression garment has to be worn for almost a month. It will keep your butt in shape and reduce swelling. The final results become apparent after almost three months since by that time most of the swelling has subsided and the implants have taken their shape.

However, if you gain weight after getting a fat transfer done then the results of the surgery would also be altered since this fat also grows and shrinks with the rest of your body fat.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Buttock Augmentation appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

A buttock lift has two functions. It removes excessive and sagging skin from your buttocks and thighs and improves their appearance. Also, it tightens the skin over your buttocks raising them as a consequence. The major factors responsible for this sagging skin are genetics, sudden weight loss, and aging.

Buttock Lift and Brazilian Butt Lift

Buttock lift is however quite different from a Brazilian butt lift. In the latter surgical procedure, the volume of your butt is enhanced via fat transfer or implants. On the other hand, in a butt lift procedure, only excessive skin and fat is removed and the techniques which are deployed include liposuction and surgical excision.

Furthermore, the patient can also have both the surgical procedures performed jointly. He/she can first have a butt lift which can then be followed with a Brazilian butt lift. However, this combination would definitely be more complex and will have to be carried out in two distinct sessions.

Butt Lift as a part of Body Lift

Butt lift can either be a solo procedure performed on its own or it can be a part of the overall body lift in which it is generally combined with breast augmentation and abdominoplasty.

A butt lift is a form of cosmetic surgery yet it can be customized in the context of each individual patient’s particular needs, requirements, and desires. Generally a butt lift is embarked upon if the patient is suffering from sagging, droopy skin. On the other hand, patients who prefer the more traditional one of the two opt for Brazilian butt lifts. Bluntly put, no matter what procedure you may embark upon, you would end up with a sexy, well-toned rear end.

Who is an ideal candidate for a Butt Lift?

• The patient ought to opt for a Butt lift only if exercise and diet have failed to address his/her issues.
• Or if sudden weight fluctuations have stripped his/her skin of elasticity and made it saggy.
• Moreover, individuals suffering from cellulite, whose thighs become flabby and dimpled may also benefit from this surgical procedure. Likewise, those patients may also consider getting a butt lift done whose buttock skin has been stripped off its elasticity owing to sudden weight loss or onset of aging.
• If your flabby or crinkled rear end makes you feel uncomfortable or decreases your self-confidence or poses mobility problems then you are a good candidate for butt lift.
• Ideal candidates for this surgical procedure ought to be otherwise healthy individuals both physically and psychologically. Moreover, they should have a healthy lifestyle and realistic expectations from the surgery.
• Surgeons also recommend that if you have undergone a significant weight loss, then you ought to aim for the sustenance of your healthy weight for an approximate time period of three months to two years before deciding to embark upon any cosmetic procedure; particularly butt lifts because the fat on your butt would alter with your body weight.

What are the advantages of a Butt Lift?

– The patient would end up with a smoother and well-toned butt.

– Butt lifts tend to produce long lasting results.

– This surgical procedure would also take care of any problems caused by excessive skin, such as the possibility of development of fungus and other infections.

What are the disadvantages of a Butt Lift?

– It could take several months to recover completely from this surgical procedure.

– The results can be altered by any future fluctuations in weight.

-The volume of your buttocks might be reduced as a consequence of this surgical procedure.

How much does a Butt Lift cost?

The costs for this surgical procedure vary from patient to patient as well as from doctor to doctor. On average though the statistics given by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons suggest that the procedure may cost approximately $4820. This price estimate doesn’t include the cost of a surgical facility and other associated surgical costs. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, so it will generally not be covered by your insurance plan.

What should the patient do before a Butt Lift?

• The patient should primarily look for a qualified and experienced surgeon.
• He/she should then hold a consultation with this surgeon in which various issues ought to be discussed such as the patient’s lifestyle, his/her motivations, desires, expectations, surgical goals, desired outcomes, medical history, medical conditions etc.
• The patient should also inform the surgeon about any medical treatments that he/she is on such as vitamins, supplements or any other drugs. The doctor can then advise you about the medications which you can continue taking and the medicines which need to be stopped and the time period for which they have to be stopped.
• Also, the patient’s general health would be evaluated by the surgeon.
• He/ she will take note of the patient’s physiological conditions, any possible risk factors and pre-existing medical conditions. He/ she may also take photos as well as detailed measurements to be kept in medical record.
• The surgeon also has to acquaint the patient with all the surgical options available and possible outcomes.
• The surgeon would present forth different types of butt lift that the patient as an individual can be subjected to. Various techniques that can be deployed should be discussed as well.
• The patient should frankly provide the surgeon with his/her feedback since the results ought to satiate the patient’s aesthetic appetite and desires.

How is a buttock lift procedure performed?

1. As a general rule, the approximate time period for this surgery lasts from three to six hours but at times it may even take longer depending upon the extent of surgery.
2. The patient is given anesthesia during the surgery so that the procedure goes smooth and is comfortable for the patient. There are two anesthesia options. Either the patient can be subjected to local anesthesia conjugated with sedation but the latter option i.e. general anesthesia is a more popular one.
3. The same surgical plan would be followed which had been previously discussed and agreed upon by the patient. However, the surgeon has the authority to bring about some changes according to the need of the moment. He has the liberty of changing a particular technique if it doesn’t seem right or he/she can even combine several different techniques.
4. It has been already mentioned that butt lift can either be performed as a solo procedure or as part of the complete body lift. It can even be conjugated with circumferential abdominoplasty.
5. The techniques deployed for this surgical procedure may vary since there are a number of options available. However, as a general rule, an incision is made at the buttock top. This incision can also be made in the buttock crease to conceal it. After the incision has been made, excessive skin is removed, whereas the remaining skin is tightened.
6. The traditional butt lift techniques have been divided into four broad categories which have been explained below:

– Upper butt lift: Upper butt lift is more invasive and thus more extensive. The incision is made at the buttock top and the excess skin and tissues are removed from this very incision.

– Bottom butt lift: Bottom butt lift is performed in patients who are not suffering from excessive sagging. In this case, an incision is made in the bottom of buttocks. From this incision, excess tissue is removed and then this bottom crease is pulled upwards.

– Butterfly Butt Lift: The incision made in this type of surgery resembles the shape of a butterfly. Hereby, the incision extends from the center towards the outwards crease. This type of surgery is deployed when buttocks do not have to be repositioned or lifted, rather only excessive tissue has to be removed.

-Lateral Butt lift: Lateral butt lift is helpful in reducing the amount of possible scarring. It also helps address mild sagging in buttocks and hips with the help of a lateral incision placed at each buttock’s side.

Scars are an inevasible reality with these traditional butt lifts, so the surgeon has to be careful about both the length and the placement of these incisions.

Butt lifts can be conjugated with butt augmentation in which butt implants are placed. Moreover, augmentation can also be brought about if this excessive tissue is repositioned so that it appears to be more attractive and flattering.

What are the results of a Butt Lift?

• The results of this surgical procedure are immediately apparent. However, the full results are generally revealed after a year or so.
• You have to remember that a butt lift doesn’t perform the functions of a butt augmentation. It wouldn’t endow your buttocks with volume or shape. However, it would give a well-toned appearance nevertheless.
• The results of this surgery can be altered owing to certain factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging etc.

However, these results can be quite long-lasting if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle.

What are the post-operative cares of a Butt Lift?

• Once the surgery has been preformed, the patient is taken to a monitoring room where he/she is closely scrutinized for several hours.
• If all is set, then the patient may head home on the same day.
• However, he/she must make arrangements for a care giver or a helping nurse for at least a couple of days.
• The patient as well as the care giver would be briefed about the post-operative instructions and care. These instructions would cover all aspects such as the setting and emptying of drains, dressing of bandages and other post-operative symptoms.
• The formerly mentioned surgical drains are placed in order to get rid of any fluid that may accumulate and as a consequence accelerate healing.
• There would be a certain level of bruising and swelling after the surgery. In order to reduce this swelling, the patient is recommended to wear a compression garment for a couple of weeks.
• Moreover, the patient should schedule follow-up consultations with his/her surgeon so that his/her recovery progress can be carefully monitored.
• Although the results are immediate after the surgery but only when the skin and tissue is appropriately healed, the results will become much more apparent.
• Excessive pressure on buttocks during this healing period might affect the results so the patient has to learn to sit and lie down without putting much pressure on his/her rear.
• You could consider placing pillows underneath you so that direct contact may be avoided.
• The doctor may prescribe certain pain killers and antibiotics during this time period.
• He/she may even ask you to taken an anticoagulant so that blood clots are not formed.

Recovery Timeline:

The healing pace of each individual is quite different from the other, however as a general rule, the recovery timeline can be delineated as:

– The first week is a strictly off work time. You may have a family member or a friend during this week to take care of you. You can start taking showers after the first three days. Before showering, the compression garment has to be removed gently and then placed gently. During this first week, the patient is asked to lie on his/her side and to avoid sitting.

– If your healing pace is swift then you might return to work after the first couple of weeks.

– The patient’s healing pace decides when it is appropriate to remove the sutures; although they are generally removed after the first ten days.

– The patient is advised to take short walks around the house to keep the blood flowing properly, however, strenuous exercises have to be avoided.

– The patient should not have any tobacco or alcohol intake. Aspirin should also be avoided.

– Massage is also an option to enhance the blood circulation.

– The patient may be able to resume his/her normal activities after 3 to 4 weeks, however rigorous exercises are still to be avoided.

– Exposure of skin to sun should be avoided for almost a whole year, however the patient can resume swimming and tub bathing after almost four weeks following the surgery.

– Incisions from butt lift take longer to heal as compared to butt augmentation.

What are the risks of a Butt Lift surgery?

1. There is a rare possibility of complications, yet surgical risks are indeed involved.
2. The patient may respond adversely to anesthesia.
3. There may be a development of a hematoma (although it is extremely rare).
4. Some sort of infections or allergies may develop.
5. Some organ damage might occur.
6. There could be certain levels of scarring.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Buttock Lift appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

However, researchers are not yet sure how successful this method will be over the long-term because it is a new procedure. Although in the past some doctors performed surgeries involving fat transfer, it was not until 2009 that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons accepted fat grafting as a safe method for increasing and correcting congenital defects or those associated with prior medical conditions.

Likewise, there are no large clinical studies about the procedure. Studies that have been done so far include less than 100 women and have been followed up by just 4 years or less. However, fat transfers are known to be biocompatible as the material comes from your own fat cells; this may help abolish the risk of allergic reaction, which can occur with the use of implants.

A study performed in 2007 by doctors from the UCLA Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery verified a permanent volume gain of 76±11% of the injected fat, which was measured after 6 months. Some fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, and the operated area may lose some volume. This is why some plastic surgeons may initially add more fat than the patient thinks they need.

When is it appropriate to consider fat transfer?

– Fat transfer is recommended for patients who have areas in the face that look creased and flat.

– When patients desire long-lasting results (compared with the results provided by dermal fillers).

– When patients wish to improve their body shape, correct scars, fill some body areas or rejuvenate their hands.

– For use in mammaplasty. By using this technique, the plastic surgeon may correct contour irregularities. Others use fat transfer to smooth the edges of breast implants.

If a patient is in good general health, knows the scope and limitations of the procedure, and has realistic expectations, they are a good candidate for this procedure.

What are the advantages?

– Using autologous fat, the injected tissue is the patient’s own tissue, so it reduces the probability of rejection or allergic reaction, which may occur with implants or chemical substances.

– The results of this procedure are more natural and long-lasting.

– The method that is used during fat transfer is noninvasive, and can be used in rejuvenation treatments.

– Fat is removed from an area where the patient doesn’t want it.

– Many women who have undergone this procedure say that their breast feels like their natural breast and that it conserves the same sensitivity.

What are the disadvantages?

– More time is spent preparing the extracted fat tissue, as this should be done before its re-injection to the receiving area (compared to prepackaged and industrialized dermal fillers).

– This procedure offers long-lasting results but is more expensive than dermal fillers.

– Patients may undergo several sessions (4 to 6) to achieve their desired results (when used for augmentation).

– Some of the fat tissue may die in the receiving area, which is called “necrosis.” It may have serious consequences.

How is the fat transfer procedure performed?

Fat transfer is a relatively simple process, performed in three steps: fat extraction, fat preparation, and fat re-injection.

During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will discuss what donor sites will be most suitable and desirable for fat removal. It is generally done under local anesthesia (depending on the size of the area to operate) though some doctors may also provide a sedative to fearful patients—but usually, this is not necessary.

This cosmetic procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s office and the patient can go home the same day. Avoid use of anticoagulants, such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, at least 2 weeks before the procedure. Allergy testing is not necessary.

– Fat extraction: The first step of fat transfer consists of extracting the excessive fat tissue from the donor area by liposuction. Usually, the plastic surgeon uses the abdomen, buttocks, hips, calves, thighs, and even the jowls as donor sites, but this will depend on each patient. To collect the required amount of fat cells with minimal damage, only a very slight liposuction is performed. Special cannulas or hypodermic needles should be used to remove the fat from the donor site in order to avoid damaging the fat cells.

– Preparation and isolation of fat cells: This is a critical factor in improving clinical outcomes in fat transfer. When the plastic surgeon has collected the needed amount of fat, it is processed to separate the part that can be re-injected from contaminants or damaged fat cells. For the transfer of fat, only clean, intact fat cells without damage are used. This is to reduce the risk of inflammation, lipid cyst formation, and other complications.

In most cases, 25% or less of the extracted fat tissue is adequate for re-injection. Liposuction must have been done in at least two areas of the patient’s body, but preferably three areas.

– Fat re-injection: This cosmetic technique occurs when the fat cells are injected into the selected location (or locations) of the patient’s body. The surgeon will have marked all the sites where the injections will be performed, with the intention to improve the body’s contour.

The fat is transferred, over hundreds of injections with cannulas or hypodermic syringes, into several areas to achieve a higher and longer-lasting fat absorption rate. This procedure should be performed by an expert to achieve a natural appearance. The amount of fat injected varies in each area of the body.

Where are the areas in which fat transfer is mostly used?

– Facial fat transfer: If a patient has facial wrinkles—like laugh lines or crow’s feet—the extra fat tissue in some parts of the body can be used to fill some areas in the face. This procedure may be used to correct the scars caused by acne, and can fill flat areas of the face. The plastic surgeon can even use this fat to reduce visible nasolabial folds and minimize wrinkles.

– Lip augmentation: In this case, the plastic surgeon makes tiny incisions at one corner of the patient’s mouth. Then, the surgeon reinjects a small amount of processed fat from the donor site. The surgeon should be careful to place the appropriate amount of tissue in each lip (upper and lower) for a plumper, softer, and more natural effect than what is offered by commercial fillers.

– Breast augmentation: This is a good option for women who desire a less dramatic change in the size of their breasts. However, not all women are good candidates; the patient should have good skin elasticity and tone, and a good shape. When skin elasticity is lost, breasts become saggy, or the patient desires a dramatic size augmentation, this technique is not recommended. When a plastic surgeon only uses fat to achieve a breast augmentation, a significant amount of fat is required to obtain the desired result.

– Breast implants plus fat grafting: This technique is recommended for patients who desire to improve the results of their breast implant procedure. These techniques are combined to obtain an important increase in breast sizes, with a more natural look. Likewise, if the patient had a breast augmentation with implants, but the breasts have irregularities or changes in contour, they can be corrected with the fat grafting procedure, creating a smoother contour.

– Breast reconstruction with fat grafting: If the patient has breast asymmetry or alterations (such as the consequences of breast cancer), this technique may be used successfully. Fat grafting may be used even in patients that need a full breast reconstruction (in case of mastectomy); however, in most cases, the patient requires more than one session to achieve the adequate size.

– Buttock augmentation with fat grafting: Ideal for patients who want a fuller, curvier, rounder, and shapelier buttock—they can choose a “Brazilian butt lift.” In this technique, the fat transfer is used to improve the buttock shape, and implants are not used. Liposuction has a double function: sculpting the buttock and extracting the fat to be processed and re-injected. It is an exacting procedure.

– Hand rejuvenation with fat grafting: This method may be used in the hands to add volume, fill wrinkles or flat areas, and cover blood vessels and tendons (which have become visible with aging).

Other body parts may also be improved with fat grafting, such as the chest, hips, arms, and even calves. This technique can even reduce some types of scars, filling the surrounding area, thus creating a smooth, hard surface.

How much does a fat transfer cost?

A fat transfer procedure will vary greatly in terms of cost, but the surgery can range from $8,000 to $11,000. The reason for the lofty price range is because there are two procedures that have to be accounted for: liposuction and then the actual fat transfer process. The price is subjective until it is known how much fat is going to be removed, how many areas of the body will be used as donor sites, and where the new tissue will be placed.

What is the post-operative care?

The patient may go home after the procedure, but someone will have to drive them home and help them with household chores for 1 or 2 days. Patients should rest and consume a balanced diet, and should increase water and liquid intake to avoid constipation. Pain medication will be prescribed, but the patient cannot use aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs that are not approved by the surgeon. Drinking alcohol is prohibited during the first 3 weeks. Patients also shouldn’t smoke, as this can increase the risk of complications.

It is recommended that the patient take little walks as soon as possible after the procedure, as this will avoid blood clots and will reduce swelling in the treated area. The patient must use bandages or compression garments over the treated area, usually for 2 weeks or for the amount of time that the plastic surgeon advises. Sun exposure should be avoided, but if it is unavoidable, the patient should use a sunblock of SPF 30 or higher. The patient should take notice if any sign of infection appears. Usually, the patient experiences swelling for several weeks, but changes in the skin coloration resume before 48 hours.

When should the patient call their doctor?

If the patient has noticed an increase in bruising or swelling, or if swelling and redness persists after a couple of days, or if the patient is consuming painkillers and still feels pain, or in case of any allergic reaction to medications—the surgeon should be contacted right away. The surgeon should also be contacted if the patient has any thick liquid (pus) draining from the sutures or notices a different odor or excessive bleeding, or in case of loss of sensation or movement.

How long do the results last?

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a fat transfer can result in an enhanced appearance that will last for years although some of the fat may be reabsorbed back into the body. There are modern techniques (like platelet-rich plasma) available to help lengthen the life of the transferred fat cells; when added to the transferred fat, it can increase cell survival—but this therapy is still being studied.

Over time, the patient’s body can continue to change due to aging and gravity, but they will be able to retain their new look longer if they maintain their weight and keep a healthy lifestyle. It is important to keep in mind that this fat can behave like any other fat in the patient’s body. If they gain weight, the fat may grow; if they lose weight, they may lose some of the added volume.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Fat Transfer (Grafting) appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.

“Liposuction”, is a plastic surgery procedure commonly known as “lipoplasty”, “liposculpture”, “suction lipectomy” or “lipo”. It includes the extraction or permanent removal of subcutaneous fat using cosmetic surgery. This surgery can be done in almost any part of the body, but it is most commonly done in the abdomen, thighs, chin, upper arms, and back. The objective of this cosmetic surgery is to get a slimmer and better-proportioned figure. Moreover, it aims to get rid of those pockets of fat which refuse to respond to diet and exercise.

Liposuction pre-requisites:

1. Contradictorily, the ideal surgical candidates are those patients who possess good health and are already in a good physical condition (less than 30% of overweight) with lipodystrophy-resistant areas which refuse to respond to either diet or exercise.
2. However, this surgery is not a replacement for either proper exercise or a balanced diet. In fact, if the patient does not maintain a healthy lifestyle once the surgery is performed, there is a risk of the remaining fat cells getting bigger.
3. Another requirement is that patients undergoing this surgery should have sagging or flabby skin.
4. Likewise, they should be patients without a medical history of chronic diseases, including hypertension, blood diseases, and kidney diseases.

History of Liposuction:

Liposuction was initiated in 1926 when a French physician, Dr. Dujarier tried to remove fat tissues from a model’s body. However the results from this procedure weren’t quite pleasant and the patient ended up with gangrene in one of her legs.

Later, in 1974, two Italian-American surgeons “Doctor Giorgio” and “Arpad Fischer” came up with a modern liposuction procedure. This surgery started with a presentation in 1982 by Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz, a French surgeon, whose technique of suction-assisted lipolysis included the use of fluids to help remove fat tissue through a special cannula and high-vacuum suction. Results from this technique were a tad better now.

However, the tumescent technique was invented by Drs. Jeffrey Alan Klein (USA) and Patrick Lillis (USA) in 1985. Near the end of the last century, ultrasound was introduced to assist the liposuction procedure, in order to liquefy the fat through ultrasonic energy.

In recent years laser-tipped probes have been introduced. Their advantage are over traditional techniques is yet to be determined.

In the last twenty years liposuction has become the most popular surgery in USA and United Kingdom. Half of the patients undergoing this surgery are aged between 19 and 50 years, and most are women. Over 400,000 procedures are carried out in the USA each year. The success of this procedure is due to development and innovation in all of its medical techniques. This surgery isn’t just aesthetic, fat can also be used today as a natural filler and some medical conditions can benefit from liposuction. Some of these are:

– Lipomas: (benign subcutaneous fatty growths)

Patients typically want them removed because they are unsightly or put pressure on nerves which causes discomfort.

– Gynecomastia:

Common endocrine disorder in which there is a benign enlargement of breast tissue in males.

– Lipodystrophy syndrome: A condition in which body fat is in an abnormal or degenerative condition. In other words fat accumulates in one part of the body while there is lack of fat in some other part of the body.

Liposuction may improve the patient’s body contours because it results in a better body fat distribution.

What should the patient do before a liposuction?

1. The patient who wants to undergo this surgery should discuss the benefits and disadvantages of liposuction with his/her primary care physician.
2. He/she should clearly convey their motivations and expectations.
3. They should be well aware of what the procedure involves and what can be the possible outcomes.
4. The patient may be asked to sign a consent form which confirms that he/she is aware of the risks involved, alternative methods, and possible complications.
5. The doctor must show the patient an approximation of what would be the scope and likely outcome of the intervention. For this purpose, two identical pictures can be used, in different positions, one of those pictures will be modified in the outline of the body with a black marker and subsequently compared with the other one, thus obtaining a true estimate of the result. These pictures will also be compared to the pictures taken once the healing process is complete.
6. Patients will need to undergo some health tests, in order to verify that their health is suitable for surgery.
7. Also, the medical team will ask the patient to stop taking aspirin and other drugs that can alter blood at least two weeks before the surgery.
8. If the patient is a woman, she ought to stop taking contraceptive pills for almost a month prior to the surgery.
9. The patients should shower with povidone, iodine or chlorhexidine, from almost three days prior to the surgery.

What is the general procedure?

• The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia (the patient asleep) or local anesthesia (where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake) only when done on small areas.
• A liposuction surgery may last between 1 and 4 hours. This depends on the amount of fat that has to be removed.
• The plastic surgeon may mark lines over the patient’s body; these lines will indicate the specific places where the fat should be removed.
• A cannula or “narrow tube”, or a micro-cannula (a very small cannula, with less than 3mm of inner diameter) is introduced under the skin through a tiny incision and is used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
• Patients may feel discomfort during the procedure while the surgeon moves the cannula under the skin, which is normal, but if the patient feels any pain, the patient should inform the doctor since it may imply that the medication or the technique needs to be changed.
• Large cannulas tend to create irregularities more commonly than micro cannulas.
• The cannula or micro cannula is attached to a special vacuum machine. It first loosens the skin and then sucks and extract the fats out of the patient’s body.

Liposuction techniques:

There are many different liposuction techniques which have been explained below:

– Tumescent liposuction: In this technique saline solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine or adrenaline (vessel-constrictor) are pumped subcutaneously into the liposuction area. This blend of fluids minimizes the risk of bleeding, bruising and the development of postoperative edema. However, the amount of liquid used during the procedure should be more than the amount of fat to be removed. This fluid helps create a space between the muscle and the fatty tissue, allowing more maneuverability for the cannula.

– Wet liposuction: A small amount of fluid (similar to the one used in tumescent liposuction) but less than the amount of fat that will be removed is injected into the target area.

-Super-Wet liposuction: This technique uses the same amount of liquid as fat to be removed. This technique is very similar to tumescent liposuction and the patient may need a separate anesthetic.

-Dry liposuction: No fluid is injected before fat is removed. There is a higher risk of bruising and bleeding, so this method is rarely used today.

– Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): The cannula is connected to an ultrasound system. This helps to melt the fat through contact. The ultrasound vibrations liquefy the fat, which makes it easier to be sucked out. This method is recommended when the patient desires to remove the fat from fibrous areas (male breast, back), or in those patients who have undergone liposuction previously. However, longer incisions in the skin are needed for this procedure, and there is a risk of skin injuries or internal burns. This procedure takes longer than the others, because it is often done alongside tumescent liposuction, so this technique is more expensive. This technique should be combined with suction-assisted liposuction in order to extract the remaining liquefied fat.

– Power assisted liposuction (PAS): This method is more technical. In this case, the plastic surgeon will use a mechanical cannula which doesn’t require the plastic surgeon to make a lot of movements. Consequently, the fat is removed easily. This technique is more comfortable for the doctor and is much more precise, especially in smaller areas. It may also be less painful for the patient.

– Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL): During this method, the plastic surgeon inserts a micro cannula through a small incision which allows the application of laser energy over the fat tissue. This laser energy heats up the fat and eventually melts it. It requires the use of tumescent fluid and is a far less invasive and less bloody procedure than the traditional liposuction method.

The technique to be used should be discussed with and chosen by the patient in the initial consultation visit.

What is the post-operative care?

1. Usually, the patient has a quick recovery.
2. He/she goes home the same day generally.
3. However, initially the movement is limited yet the patient’s activity levels may increase progressively.
4. The total recovery depends on how extensive the surgery was, but post-operative care is decisive in reducing the recovery time.
5. The patient cannot exercise or be exposed to the sun for at least three weeks after the surgery, and he/she can only return to work if it does not involve any physical effort.
6. The patient cannot shower for the first three days following the surgery. He/She can only use a grooming sponge.
7. He/she should use a support garment or elastic bands during this healing period.
8. Some physicians recommend putting ice over this support garment, for almost ten minutes to avoid skin burns.
9. Oral medications will be used for pain (analgesics or painkillers) as well as antibiotics immediately after surgery.
10. The final results of the surgery begin to be noticed after the tenth day onwards when the inflammation has gone down, but in some cases, that inflammation completely disappears after several months.
11. Patients who maintain their weight can usually expect permanent results. Those who gain weight after the procedure may find their fat distribution altered.
12. Other important results that have been documented are the psychological benefits; this kind of surgeries may also increase the patients’ self-confidence since they will feel greater satisfaction with his/her appearance and body image.
13. If the patient conveys his/her expectations and desires to the surgeon clearly, if the chosen surgeon is an experienced and qualified one, if proper precautions and most operative care is taken, then the results are generally pleasant.

Possible Complications:

Although, complications are rare, yet they can be these can be classified into the following categories:

– Cosmetic Complications:

Bruising (especially in patients with a tendency to bleed),

Inflammation (the swelling in some cases may take up to six months to settle and fluids may continue to ooze from the incisions),

Irregularities of body contouring (if the patient has poor skin elasticity, has healed in an unusual way, or fat removal has been uneven, the skin may appear withered, wavy or bumpy and this undesirable result may be permanent)

And wrinkles (when large volumes are extracted or skin has striations previously).

Less common in this group are contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to the material) caused by using support garment or elastic bands for weeks.

– Medical-surgical Complications:

They are very rare if aseptic and antiseptic measures and pre-operative preparation are appropriate. Likewise, if the extracted volume is limited and the patient is mobilized early, then too the possibility of medical complications is reduced.

But skin infections can occur (sometimes this needs to be treated surgically, with the risk of scarring), internal organs puncture (very rare, when cannula is inserted too deeply, internal organ punctures can be life-threatening) and kidney or heart problems (the change in the body’s fluid levels may cause health issues) which leads to unscheduled hospitalization.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

The post Liposuction appeared first on Plastic Surgery Houston | Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatologist.