COSMETIC SURGERY

Dr. Robert Bashore

The number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the U.S. for the 2008 year was liposuction.

CRASH DIETS and dangerous diet pills are going the way of the dinosaurs. A wave of well founded medical and surgical weight reduction programs are replacing these unsafe and short lived processes.  Physician managed weight loss programs, commercial programs, like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, and surgical procedures like stomach banding and gastric bypass surgeries have proved to be increasingly successful.

There is a catch, however, and that catch is usually the patient’s appearance afterwards.  Although the patient may have gone from a size 15 to a size 8, is feeling much better and in an improved state of health, the unsightly flaps of skin and distorted body contours post-weight reduction may be disappointing and cosmetically displeasing.

This damage is usually due to skin laxity, excess skin, and possibly stretch marks, and, despite the satisfaction of finally losing weight, can be a real source of concern and dismay for many patients.  This is where the plastic surgeon can help. Procedures for remodeling skin, removing excess skin and re-contouring specific areas of the body are becoming increasingly popular.  Our office has seen a 75-80 percent increase in these procedures in the past two years. These procedures may include surgery, implants, lasers, injections or liposuction.

Liposuction
The number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the U.S. for the 2008 year was liposuction. Liposuction has always been an excellent way to remove localized bulges, and in recent years there has been a resurgence in interest, especially among people who have had a significant weight loss.

The body’s fat cell distribution plays an important role in our general appearance.  The loss of weight and fat often creates an imbalance in fat distribution resulting in unpleasant changes in body contour and overall physical appearance.  Liposuction removes these fat cells to contour the body to a more balanced and aesthetic shape.

Unsightly curves or irregular bulges can be smoothed and flattened to create straighter more pleasing contours and improved overall body symmetry. Common areas treated with liposuction include the thighs, abdomen, and hips, and is best performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.  When used appropriately, liposuction can be incredibly effective at enhancing body image and contour in both the weight loss patient and non weight loss patient.

TUMMY TUCK: This procedure removes the damaged skin and tightens the surrounding skin areas by excising the extra damaged skin, resulting in a flatter, more toned abdomen.

Tummy Tuck
Another very effective tool for the plastic surgeon in managing body contour problems after significant weight loss is the abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a “tummy tuck”.  For years this surgery has been used to remove excess skin from the anterior belly.  The skin excess and or stretch marks, in years past, was most often related to pregnancy but, as with liposuction, there has been a resurgence of interest in this procedure after successful weight loss programs.  Significant weight loss frequently results in an area of abdominal skin that has lost its elasticity.

This skin might also have stretch marks similar to the post pregnancy condition.  Abdominoplasty removes the damaged, stretched skin and associated residual fat and tightens the surrounding skin areas. In certain cases it can also be extended around the sides and to the back for a mid body lift that creates a more pleasing and balanced appearance to the abdomen and sides.  The classical “Tummy Tuck” patients are left with a flatter more toned abdomen and the skin scars are hidden low beneath the bikini line.

During the the pre-operative plastic surgery consultation a determination will be made with input from both surgeon and patient regarding the appropriate procedure.  Tummy tucks can be used in association with liposuction as well for some really outstanding results.

Breast Implants & Uplifts
Weight loss can also be devastating to the appearance of the female breast. The breast is primarily fat, and fat loss results in sagging or drooping and general deflation in volume of the breasts.  Breast uplifts and breast implants are used to correct these problems just like in the non weight loss patients.

Thigh & Arm Lifts
Performed less frequently than either the tummy tucks or liposuction, but on the increase more recently, are procedures like thigh lifts and arm lifts.  A noticeable laxity of the skin on the extremities is very common in people who have lost significant weight.  Too flabby or loose skin on the upper or lower extremities can be unsightly and interfere with physical function.  Plastic surgery management includes re-contouring the extremities by removing excess skin from these areas.  Again, liposuction can sometimes help as an adjunctive procedure for optimal results.

Something every patient should understand is that, although the aforementioned procedures are used very often for patients after weight loss, they are not primary weight loss procedures. The fat and pounds have to come off first. Plastic surgery offers many options for body contouring for weight loss sequelae. To learn more about these procedures consult a board certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Bashore graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology and Thomas Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He was certified by the American Board of Surgery in 1985 and the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1988. Dr. Bashore can be reached at 321-452-3882, or log on to BrevardPlasticSurgery.com

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