A large portion of a Plastic Surgeon‘s day is spent sharing information. Whether it’s one-on-one in the office, or during a live television broadcast, my goal is the same. Knowledge is power, and the sharing of knowledge can be extremely powerful, but as the saying goes, a little knowledge….
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
People come to my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office every day with questions about the procedures I offer. Whether cosmetic or reconstructive, the questions are the same:
What can be done?
How is it done?
Where is it done?
Who helps you?
How many have you done?
What is the recovery?
After a consultation, the answers are usually simple, but the answers will vary from patient to patient.
Specific Answers for Specific Patients
I try to give solid information about my San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery practice on my web sites. Sharing information about the procedures I do is easy. Unfortunately, the information must remain somewhat generic. Answers to questions about a specific procedure will vary depending on your anatomy and needs. Sometimes, even the best procedure will change. The differences can cause confusion, but are also responsible for better results. So I spend a lot of time explaining. In person, it’s an interactive process, but explanations via email can be difficult, especially if we have not yet met.
Plastic Surgery Consultation Appointments
Even during a full consultation appointment, I cannot share every nuance. I did not learn everything I know about Breast Augmentation in an hour, but I can get the important questions answered. I can also tailor my answers to you, so that some of the unknowns are removed for the procedure. The goal is to make the reasons for the choices clear. It provides direction, fosters trust and removes some of the unknowns and worries from the process.
A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing
We have all heard the expression, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” It works both ways. If you don’t have enough knowledge about how to get the results you expect, you may pursue the wrong procedure or practitioner. If I don’t have all the information, I can’t make the best decisions for you. It is important to share with your plastic surgeon. I need to know not only what you expect from the procedure, but all other health issues, the medications you take, even something as simple as the best way to reach you can make a difference. Something as little as forgetting to mention you take a baby aspirin every day can be a big problem. Trust works both ways. To get the maximum benefit from our knowledge and experience, there needs to be trust.
Trust and Television
Television is a great medium. It provides sound and picture and the detailed descriptions of the story told are quite compelling. It works well for entertainment, where a certain suspension of belief is necessary; however, for describing plastic surgery, it is lacking. There is not enough time to describe every aspect of the decision making that goes into a Facelift. So instead, the answers are made to fit an imaginary patient, and the details necessary to provide better individual results as glossed over. The devil is in the details.
Zithromax
I think of the recent news stories about Zithromax causing arrhythmias. The tag line is “FDA warns Zithromax can cause fatal irregular heart rhythm.” It good information, but it’s also a little knowledge, without the benefit of tailoring that information to your specific needs. What is left out is the millions and millions of stories of people world wide who benefit from the simple effectiveness of a once a day Z-pack. Covering that would be fair and balanced, but also extremely boring and would likely be protested as nothing more than corporate influence. Now I’m not saying it is wrong to question your doctor if they prescribe Zithromax. In fact you should; however, after all the information has been shared (in both directions), at some point it comes down to trust. From your doctor’s viewpoint, every medication has the potential to do good and to do harm. We are trying to pick the best medication, with the best ratio of risk to benefit, for our patients specific situation.
New and Exciting Plastic Surgery Breakthroughs
I don’t prescribe a lot of Zithromax, but I do perform a lot of surgery, and the same rules apply. Surgery has the potential to provide great deal of benefit, but no procedure is perfect. When I tell someone that they have too much loose skin for me to do Liposuction, and that the better operation would be a Tummy Tuck, it’s not because I’d rather do a Tummy Tuck. It’s because, in that specific situation, Liposuction is not the best choice. Liposuction, whether it’s Smart-Lipo or Dumb-Lipo, cannot fully correct loose skin. When there is too much loose skin, Liposuction has less potential to do good, and more importantly, an increased risk of making things look worse.
There is little new about the Tummy Tuck. It is tried and true, with well defined benefits and risks. As a result, there is very little coverage about Tummy Tucks in the news. Over 150,000 women had a tummy tuck in 2012, but unless your name is Star Jones, Kate Gosselin or Shar Jackson, it didn’t make the news.
Informercials offering magical belts, creams and exercise DVD’s, that claim to do what a Tummy Tuck can do, are broadcast just about any hour of the day. If they did work, I’d be offering them. I am all for using the simplest solution to a problem, but it has to work. A Tummy Tuck can cost $8000 to $10000, if an $80 cream worked, I’d be selling it, and a lot of it! But creams don’t work. Tummy Tucks, on the other hand, receive a 95% worth it rating on RealSelf by almost 4000 patients. So with that little bit of knowledge, who do you trust?
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Consultations
Get Answers About Plastic Surgery.
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, be certain to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who as experience in the procedure you need. Spend time researching not only your procedure, but also your doctor. Above all else, choose a doctor you can trust, who is willing to share more than just a little knowledge.
You may always ask me questions via the contact form on the left, but for specific questions, I will likely need to see you. The more information I have, the better the answer you get, and it’s hard to beat an in person consultation. Call (925) 943-6353 today, to schedule your Personalized Plastic Surgery Consultation Appointment.
What does the mini in Mini Tummy Tuck mean to you? In Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, mini means less downtime, less expense and shorter period of time before you can enjoy your results. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well it’s not, but there is a catch. Mini procedures are great, but they require a more experienced guide.
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After (Mini Abdominoplasty)
Why More Experience is Necessary for Mini Procedures
In general, mini procedures are not more difficult than their maxi counter parts. In fact, the majority of the mini procedure’s upside comes from their simplicity. This is also the mini’s limitation, and truly knowing the limitations of a mini procedure is only possible if you have experience with the read deal. For a Mini Tummy Tuck, this means experience with both Abdominoplasty and Liposuction.
Let’s Talk Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck? The procedure combines the best skin tightening techniques of a Tummy Tuck with the shortened recovery of liposuction. For appropriately selected patients, this means more value. This means a great result for less (downtime, discomfort and dollars).
When the “Simple” Procedure gets Complicated
Since a Mini Tummy Tuck seems simpler and easier than a Full Tummy Tuck, you might think less training would be necessary, but this is not the case. Taking a weekend course on “How to Perform a Mini Tummy Tuck,” is a great refresher when you already know how to do a Full Tummy Tuck and Liposuction. There is no downside to learning how best to integrate and refine two techniques into a hybrid that gives great results, with a shorter recovery period, for well selected patients.
The Problem with Mini Tummy Tucks
The problems occur when a weekend course is the entirety of a cosmetic surgeon’s training. It is not possible to learn everything that is needed for a Mini Tummy Tuck in a few hours or even days. Without a sound foundation in general Plastic Surgery techniques, the necessary anatomy, the specific techniques and the alternatives to the Mini Abdominoplasty, the mini procedure surgeon cannot achieve maxi results. It takes years of training and experience to learn both how to do a Mini Tummy Tuck and who will benefit from a Mini Abdominoplasty.
Who should Get a Mini Abdominoplasty?
Who is good candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck? To a major degree, the answer depends on you, the Mini Tummy Tuck patient. Both the anatomy of your abdomen and your expectations will influence the decision making process. No matter how much is saved by having a mini procedure, if it does not accomplish what is expected, it will not seem worthwhile.
The Best Mini Tummy Tuck Candidates
The best candidates for the Mini Tummy Tuck are healthy, with good skin tone and problem isolated to the lower abdomen. The best candidates have too much loose skin for Liposuction, but lack muscle and skin laxity in the upper abdomen. If the skin laxity, and muscle pooching is isolated to the area below the belly-button, a Mini Abdominoplasty may be able to accomplish everything that we would want a full abdominoplasty to do.
Mini Tummy Tuck Consultations
As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, with over 15 years in private practice, I know that the Internet is a great source of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery information; however, the information needs to be adapted to each patient’s specific requirements. If you are interested in Body Shaping Procedures like the Tummy Tuck, Mini Tummy Tummy Tuck or Liposuction, call (925) 943-6353 today to schedule your personal consultation appointment.
The battle of the belly bulge ramps up for winter. As we enter the holiday season, big meals, more parties and less daylight for exercise combine to help us gain a little winter fat. Diet and exercise are still our best defense, but for those stubborn areas of disproportionate fat, or loose skin, there are some secret weapons.
Liposuction
Liposuction is not a substitute for a good diet and exercise plan, but it is a great compliment. Unlike weight loss, Liposuction allows you to choose the area where the fat is removed. If you have a stubborn bulge of disproportionate fat, Liposuction can sculpt the area, smooth out the unwanted curves, and accent the desired ones. More articles on Liposuction are available on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. Click on Liposuction under “Categories” on the left, or visit DrMele.com’s Liposuction information page.
Tumescent Liposuction Before and After Pictures
Tumescent Liposuction of the Abdomen – The problem here is purely fat. The skin is smooth and tight and the abdominal muscles are fit. Localized, disproportionate fat was selectively removed with Dumb-Lipo, not Smart-Lipo. No laser, no ultrasound, no radio-frequency electromagnetic waves, just safe, reliable tumescent liposuction. Good-bye belly bulge.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty is also not a substitute for diet and exercise. It compliments weight loss in an entirely different way. Sometimes, after pregnancy or weight loss, the skin of the abdomen is over stretched, and cannot recoil. The loose skin accumulates on the lower abdomen, and overhangs the belt-line, or even the belly-button. The skin roll may be more noticeable when sitting or bending over.
Tummy-Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before and After Pictures
Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty – The problem here is skin. After massive weight loss, multiple rolls of redundant skin are seen at the belt-line, the belly-button and even higher. The Tummy Tuck permanently removes loose abdominal skin and allows tightening of the abdominal muscles. Clothes now fit. Good-bye belly bulges.
Weight loss can remove the unwanted fat, but does nothing to tighten the abdominal wall skin and muscle. Unlike Liposuction, a Tummy Tuck removes excess skin and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can remove the fat from the lower abdomen, along with central stretch marks. More articles covering the frequently asked questions about Abdominoplasty can be viewed by clicking on Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) under “Categories” on the left, or visit DrMele.com’s Tummy Tuck information page.
Mommy Makeovers
Mommy Makeovers address both the belly and the breasts. Sometimes weight loss leads to a loss of breast volume, or sagging. A Mommy Makeover is a combination of abdominal rejuvenation (Liposuction or Tummy Tuck) with Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift). The Mommy Makeover is often performed after pregnancy, or more specifically after a woman is done having children.
Pregnancy and weight gain both can lead to enlargement of the breasts and belly. After childbirth, or weight loss, the breast can lose volume and may sag, and the abdomen can get stretched out of shape. A Mommy Makeover can help both areas. For information click on the Mommy Makeover listing under Categories” on the left, or visit DrMele.com’s Mommy Makeover information page.
Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures
Mommy Makeover – The problem here is childbirth. The breast have deflated and the tummy is stretched out and lax. Both the skin and the muscle of the abdominal wall are affected. Breast Augmentation combined with a Tummy Tuck, reestablish her pre-pregnancy appeal, and maybe a little more. Hello Mamma.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Soccer season is over. Summer memories are fading. Before Thanksgiving, most of us are at our lowest weight of the year. Before the Winter doldrums set in, it’s a great time to get rid of those little bulges before they try to grow after Thanksgiving. If you have been considering a little body shaping, now is a great time to come in for a consultation. Call (925) 943-6353 and schedule your personal consultation appointment, today. Give yourself something really worth protecting this Winter, and be doubly ready for Spring.
We are wrapping up our Tummy Tuck videos this week, with more of today’s latest variations in Abdominoplasty. We will review Floating Belly Button Tummy Tucks and Fleur-de-Lys Tummy Tucks.
Floating Belly Button Tummy Tuck
Floating Belly Button Tummy Tucks are for those needing more than a Mini Tummy Tuck, but not quite a full Tummy Tuck. This Abdominoplasty does not make an incision around the belly button. Instead, the belly button “floats” downwards along with the skin. This is useful when there is a little loose skin above the belly button, that would not be treated with a mini tummy tuck. The important word is little. If you have a lot of loose skin, the belly button would float all the way off!
Fleur-de-Lys Tummy Tuck
Fleur-de-Lys Tummy Tucks remove skin at the bottom, like a full Tummy Tuck. Additionally, skin is also removed vertically, from the middle of the belly. This technique is most often used for post bariatric, and other massive weight loss patients. It allows for the maximal reduction in excess skin. With most massive weight loss patients, a Fleur-de-Lys Tummy Tuck is more than is needed, but when it is necessary, it is a great technique.
Tummy Tuck on San Francisco Bay Area Television
This is segment four of four from KRON4′s Body Beautiful. Links to previous segments are posted below. The (415) number that appears in this Tummy Tuck Video was provided for viewers to call in with their questions during the live show. If you are considering Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or another Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure, information is available here on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and my other websites listed above on the left under “Useful Links“. Or better, give me a call at (925) 943-6353, and schedule your personal consultation appointment.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video with Before and After Pictures
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
The first segment of this television show reviewed Liposuction. The second segment discussed Tummy Tucks and Lower Body Lifts, while the third segment has more about Liposuction, Tummy Tucks and Mini Tummy Tucks. This video covers more general information about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) as well details of the variations listed above. Topics covered in this Tummy Tuck Video include:
What is a Floating Belly Button Tummy Tuck?
Do you need a belly button?
Can you keep your belly button?
What if I have an umbilical hernia?
What is a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty?
Who is usually a candidate for a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty?
How long does a Tummy Tuck last?
What is a Mommy Makeover?
Is there a “normal” age for a Tummy Tuck?
Can a man have a Tummy Tuck too?
When will you see your Abdominoplasty results?
Is Liposuction safer than a Tummy Tuck?
If you still have questions about Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or other Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures, call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office or use the contact form on the left to ask your questions. If you are considering Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, call (925) 943-6353, and we will help you take the next step.
There are four segments to the Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Series as seen on KRON4′s Body Beautiful.
Last week, I introduced the Tummy Tuck. This week, I discuss the Tummy Tuck in more detail including Mini Tummy Tucks, but that’s not all. A viewer asks about Liposuction of the thighs vs. a Thigh Lift, and Janelle asks about Arm Liposuction vs. and Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) and the very popular Mommy Makeover.
Tummy Tuck on San Francisco Bay Area Television
This is segment three of four from KRON4′s Body Beautiful. Janelle Marie and the San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery audience have more questions. Links to previous segments are posted below. The (415) number that appears in this Tummy Tuck Video was provided for viewers to call in with their questions during the live show. If you are considering Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or another Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure, information is available here on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and my other websites listed above on the left under “Useful Links“.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video with Before and After Pictures
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
The first segment of this television show reviewed Liposuction. The second segment discussed Tummy Tucks and Lower Body Lifts. This video covers many of the frequently asked questions about variations of the Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) as well as the Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) and Thigh Lift. Topics covered in this Tummy Tuck Video include:
What is a Floating Belly Button Tummy Tuck?
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Can Liposuction enhance the results of a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Can I keep my belly button after a Tummy Tuck?
What is a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty?
Who is usually a candidate for a Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty?
How long does a Tummy Tuck last?
What is a Mommy Makeover?
When is the best time for a Mommy Makeover?
Viewer Francisco from Oakland asks,”Can Liposuction help loose skin on the inner thigh?”
What is involved with a Thigh Lift?
Can Liposuction be performed on the upper arm?
What is the difference between Liposuction and an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)?
Can Liposuction alone help loose arm skin?
What are some of the most common Plastic Surgery procedures for men?
If you have questions about Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or other Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures, call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office or use the contact form on the left to ask your questions. If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, call (925) 943-6353, and we will help you take the next step with a personalized consultation appointment.
There are four segments to the Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Series as seen on KRON4′s Body Beautiful.
My San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery patients ask me every day about the differences between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck. They are two completely different operations; however, when patients are selected properly, both can give excellent abdominal rejuvenation. If you are wondering which is right for you, ask a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Joseph Mele, MD, FACS.
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area
Last week, I emphasized the Liposuction half of the Liposuction and Tummy Tuck partnership. This week, one more Liposuction question, and then it’s all about the Tummy Tuck. This is segment two of four from KRON4′s Body Beautiful. Janelle Marie and the San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery audience asked their questions, and I answered. Segment two is posted below.
Tummy Tuck on San Francisco Bay Area Television
The (415) number that appears in this Tummy Tuck Video was provided for viewers to call in with their questions during the live show. If you are considering Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or another Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure, there are volumes of information available on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and my other websites listed above on the left under “Useful Links“.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video with Before and After Pictures
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
The first segment of this video reviewed Liposuction. This video covers many of the frequently asked questions associated with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy). Multiple Before and After Pictures of Tummy Tucks are shown in the video, and more can be seen on DrMele.com’s Photo Gallery. Topics covered in this Tummy Tuck Video include:
Viewer Michelle from San Francisco asks, “Does fat comes back in new places after Liposuction?”
The importance of maintaining weight to maintain your Liposuction results
How is Tummy Tuck different from Weight Loss?
Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Before and After pictures of multiple Abdominoplasty patients
When is a Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) better then a Tummy Tuck?
What does a Tummy Tuck fix?
Can stretch marks be removed with a Tummy Tuck?
Where are the scars located for Abdominoplasty?
Viewer Lisa from San Jose asks,”Can a Lower Body Lift or Tummy Tuck be performed after Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery?
If you have questions about Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or other Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures, call our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office or use the contact form on the left to ask your questions. If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, call (925) 943-6353, and we will help you take the next step with a personalized consultation appointment.
There are four segments to the Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Series as seen on KRON4′s Body Beautiful.
My San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery patients ask me every day about the choice between liposuction and tummy tuck. In my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office, patients want the best results with the shortest possible downtime. When Liposuction can get us the results we want, it provides a simpler, quicker and less expensive alternative to a Tummy Tuck.
Liposuction San Francisco Bay Area
A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak about the difference between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck. Janelle Marie, the energetic host of KRON4′s Body Beautiful, grilled me for 30 minutes on the subject, to get answers for the greater San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery audience. The first of four segments is posted below.
Liposuction on San Francisco Bay Area Television
The (415) number that appears in the video was provided for viewers to call in with their questions during the live show. If you are considering Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or another Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure, there are volumes of information available on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and my other websites listed above on the left.
Liposuction Video with Before and After Pictures
Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions
This video covers many of the frequently asked questions associated with Liposuction. Before and After Pictures of liposuction are shown in the video, and more can be seen on DrMele.com’s Photo Gallery. Topics covered in this Liposuction video include:
How do Liposuction and Weight Loss interact?
How many pounds can be removed with Liposuction?
How is Liposuction different from Weight Loss?
Can Liposuction remove saddlebags or love-handles?
Before and After pictures of Liposuction of the Back and Bra-line
When is a Back Lift better then Liposuction?
Can Liposuction be repeated?
What is the difference between Liposuction and Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery?
Can Liposuction be performed on the buttocks?
If you have questions about Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Mommy Makeovers or other Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures, feel free to call the office or use the contact form on the left to ask your questions. If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, give my office a call at (925) 943-6353, and we will help you take the next step with a personalized consultation appointment.
More Liposuction and Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
There are four segments to the Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Series as seen on KRON4′s Body Beautiful.
Tummy Tucks, in the San Francisco Bay Area, remain high on the list of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Whether performed on their own, or as part of a Mommy Makeover, abdominoplasty can repair loose overstretched skin, muscle laxity, disproportionate fat, and even remove stretch marks from the lower abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Before and After: Lower abdominal laxity distorts the appearance of the abs in this otherwise fit woman. In just a few weeks after her tummy tuck, her clothes fit better, and she is much happier with her new look.
Tummy Tuck Alternatives and Options
The Tummy Tuck is the plastic surgery work horse for abdominal rejuvenation. It addresses all three of the major areas on concern for the lower abdomen. Abdominoplasty tightens skin, removes fat and cinches up the muscles like an internal corset. For most patients, after weight loss or child birth, this is the best option. When the skin and muscles are tight, however, Liposuction alone may be sufficient to flatten the belly. When muscle and skin laxity is confined to the area below the belly-button, a mini-tummy-tuck may be a better choice.
Maintaining the Proportions of the Trunk
Sometimes the fat extends around the sides to the back. The love handles or “back fat” may look disproportionate after the belly is repaired. A Tummy Tuck can be combined with Liposuction to extend the results. As long as the skin tone is good, liposuction can be utilized to removed the love handles and back fat to rejuvenate the entire trunk.
Liposuction of the back can be combined with a tummy tuck to further enhance your results. In this case, liposuction allowed for further reduction of the waist, and smoothing of the back. The combination allows clothing to fit better than with a tummy tuck alone.
Liposuction only works when the skin retains the ability to contract and shrink to the new, slimmer shape. When the skin is over stretched, appropriately named “plastic deformation” in Engineering, it can no longer regain its original shape. This is the benefit of operations like Abdominoplasty and the circumferential Lower Body Lift or Belt Lipectomy used for Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery. These procedures remove the excess skin and allow for enhanced, more form fitting results.
Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in more information about Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Mini-Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty), Liposuction, Lower Body Lift or Belt Lipectomy? More is available on my main web site, DrMele.com, and via any of the links embedded above. We would be happy to answer your questions via the contact form to the left or via the phone.
To schedule a private consultation in our Walnut Creek, CA, Plastic Surgery Office call (925) 943-6353.
Live Television Event on Monday, September 10, 2012, at 11:00 AM
Update: Dr. Joseph Mele, will be appearing live Monday, on KRON4′s Body Beautiful. The topic will be all about the abdomen. You can call in and get your questions answered during the show, or email them beforehand using the contact form on the left.
Recently, inquires about Mommy Makover procedures have been on the rise. Astute Bay Area consumers of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery are seeking the assistance of an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, like myself, Joseph A. Mele, MD, to repair the damage that pregnancy sometimes causes.
Mommy Makeover Before And After Pictures: Side-by-side before and after photos of Breast Augmentation combined with a Tummy Tuck.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
What is a Mommy Makeover? The Mommy Makeover takes care of the two areas of the female body that take the biggest hits with pregnancy: the breasts and the belly. Traditionally, Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) is combined with Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), but other variations exist.
The Mommy Makeover before and after photos above show what can be achieved. After pregnancy, her breasts have lost volume, but are not saggy. The skin on the abdomen has become loose and the muscle behind it is lax, bowing forward due to stretching during pregnancy. In this case, Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants restores the lost breast volume, and a Tummy Tuck tightens the abdomen.
What Else Can a Mommy Makeover do?
Other procedures can be combined or substituted depending on your specific needs. When the the breast sag, a Breast Lift can be added. If there is sagging, but size of the breasts remains good, Breast Augmentation may not be needed. On the other hand, when the breasts remain too large, a Breast Reduction is performed.
For the abdomen, when only the lower abdomen is over stretched, a Mini Tummy Tuck may be sufficient for correction. In cases where the muscle remains flat, but a collection of fat develops, Liposuction can help improve the contours. Liposuction may also be used in combination with the Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck, to further improve the abdominal proportions.
Mommy Make Over Options
As you can see, there are many variations of Mommy Makeovers. What will work best for you depends on where the problems are, and the simplest, most predictable way available for improvement. To learn more about the Mommy Makeover, and to see what the procedure has to offer you, be certain to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, call our Walnut Creek, CA office at (925) 943-6353, to schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, you can use the contact form at the bottom of the left column.
Smart Liposuction takes Teamwork. It does not require a Smart-Lipo machine, but it does require a smart patient and a smart plastic surgeon.
Liposuction of the abdominal wall can reduce the belly bulge.
Liposculpture
The term Liposculpture accurately describes what liposuction can do for you. Liposuction allows an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, to aesthetically sculpt the body. By selectively removing disproportionate fat, Liposculpture smooths out the bulges that the fat causes. However, liposuction cannot substitute for proper weight control.
What’s the Best Weight for Liposuction?
The closer you are to your ideal body weight, the better your Liposuction results will be. Liposuction is not like weight loss. Liposuction allows you to choose where the fat is removed. With weight loss, the fat leaves in a genetically programmed sequence. Since liposuction allows you to choose where the weight is lost, the undesired fat can be specifically targeted. With liposuction, fat is quickly and safely removed.
What if I Gain Weight After Liposuction?
If you gain weight after liposuction, the weight has to go somewhere. It may come back in the same place. It may come back in a new area. Most commonly, however, the weight comes back more proportionately and is more evenly distributed.
How Does Smart Liposuction take Teamwork?
The best liposuction results are the product of a collaboration between a smart patient and a smart plastic surgeon. The ideal patient is near their ideal weight, and has realistic expectations. They are not pinning their hopes on some “brand-name” liposuction machine’s slick marketing campaign promising instant results, no down time and no recovery time needed. If it sounds to good to be true … it’s probably false.
Fat is Soft
This may seem obvious but … fat is soft. Tumescent liposuction remains the safest and most predictable method for removing disproportionate fat. The addition of lasers, ultrasound, heat, cold, radio frequency or any other destructive proprietary energy is unnecessary. The only thing that they add with certainty is additional risk.
It’s the Craftsman, not the Tool
When you are researching liposuction, research your doctor. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon offers the most comprehensive knowledge and skills to improve the appearance of your body. Not only can they carefully review every aspect of liposuction, but also every other cosmetic procedure that may apply to your areas of concern. Because a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon offers more than just liposuction, you can feel confident that when they recommend liposuction, they are recommending the best procedure, and the best method for you.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would like to schedule a personalized Liposuction Consultation, call (925) 943-6353 or contact us directly with the contact form in the left column.
