ABDOMINOPLASTY
In today's figure conscious society greater attention is directed to the size and shape of our bodies. In an attempt to control any bodily changes which may occur in this respect, we try to make use of exercise and diet to the best of our abilities. Certain areas of our body, in particular the abdomen, can become stubbornly resistant to our efforts. In some individuals the localized deposits of fat in the abdominal region combined with muscle laxity can make any hopes of a "flat tummy" very difficult to achieve. This may be particularly true in women who have stretched and loose skin that appears following a pregnancy.

The goals of an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" are to both remove the lower abdominal skin while keeping the scar hidden and to tighten the waist-line with internal suture techniques. This leaves a more pleasing curvature of the abdomen.

The tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The first step is to cut the skin between the belly button and top of pubic hair. The belly button stays in place. The muscles are then tightened from the sternum to the pubic bone. The skin above the belly button is then stretched down to the pubic area and stitched in place. Finally, the belly button is brought out through the overlying skin to occupy its original position. Some liposuction is performed to fine tune the new shape of the abdominal area.

Abdominoplasty has always been a popular cosmetic surgery request. It is an excellent solution to difficult situations in which individuals are troubled by redundant abdominal skin, lax muscles and excess fat. Providing one accepts the scar and recovery period, the results are quite pleasing. The procedure will give confidence to the individual and allow them to wear clothes that were previously unsuitable. The effects are generally long lasting provided you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

LIPOSUCTION
The body has certain places where it prefers to store slow burning fat. These areas vary from individual to individual. Deposits of slow burning fat are what give the figure its particular shape, whether it is described as hourglass or pear shaped. Unfortunately, these bulges can be hard to get rid of as they are slow burning fat. Even with diet and exercise you will probably lose weight in other areas before you lose those bulges.

Liposuction targets these specific areas. Once the fat producing cells are eliminated or reduced in number, the body starts storing fat in other places and the body contour is changed.

Liposuction is the removal of localized unwanted fat by the use of thin straw-like metal tubes, called cannulas. These cannulas are placed into the body fat through small incisions. A vacuum is subsequently applied through a hose attached to the cannula and the fat is drawn out of the body. Dr. Chung routinely utilizes traditional, power-assisted, and/or ultrasonic liposuction during body contouring procedures.

Liposuction does not affect muscle or skin tone. If a person has hanging skin, she is probably a better candidate for dermatolipectomy. Many women find that certain parts of their body, such as the thighs, hips, or abdomen are out of proportion with the rest of their physique. By targeting these specific areas with liposuction, the surgeon can literally sculpt a figure that is more attractive to the patient. Liposuction is often combined with other procedures.

It is also important to know that if your physician is not well trained in liposuction, you can be at risk for complications.

Please contact our office for more information

TOTAL BODYLIFT
The majority of candidates suitable for this procedure are individuals who have undergone massive weight loss either by weight reduction surgery or diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are people whose body weight has stabilized, meaning they have lost all the weight they possibly can or have reached a goal in their weight loss. Most people have loose hanging skin that will not retract back to its youthful appearance. Most of these people actually have redundant skin around the waist, buttock area, thighs, arms, and breast. The body lift procedure restores the natural contours of the buttock, hip, and stomach regions.

A body lift is a term that is used to describe a combination of procedures including tummy tuck, buttock lift, and lateral thigh lift. The incision for the procedure begins in the pubic hair line and extends out toward the hip bone on both sides. The incision continues towards the back and runs along the top edge of the buttocks. It then joins in the middle of the back at the junction where the two buttocks meet. The entire incision is well hidden by most bikini swimsuits or underwear.

The goal of the procedure is to redefine the contour of the lower buttock region, hips and abdomen to give a more pleasing appearance to your lower body. In some patients, the body lift procedure is combined with limited liposuction to further enhance the body’s contour.

The day before the procedure, you will meet with Dr. Chung for pre-operative markings and to answer any questions that you may have before your surgery. You will also be given all of your post-operative instructions and prescriptions to look over. On the day of the procedure, Dr. Chung will meet you in the pre-operative holding area and take you back to the operating suite. The procedure takes between 3 to 4 hours depending on the extent of work involved. After the procedure you will be brought to a post-operative recovery area where you will stay for 1 to 2 hours for monitoring as you awake from the anesthesia. Most patients are discharged from the hospital after 1 to 2 days following the procedure.

After the procedure you will have four drains coming out of the pubic region. These drains are intended to prevent any fluid collection at the operative site. You will also have various dressings over the incision site, as well as an abdominal binder or body garment. The binder or garment will have to be worn at all times for a period of one month; after which it is worn only during the day for an additional four weeks. The drains will be removed as the amount of drainage decreases. Most drains are removed by 2 weeks after surgery. Patients are encouraged to walk starting the day after surgery to prevent blood clots in the legs. You will not be allowed to drive for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure or if you are still on pain medication. Most people resume normal light activity after 2 weeks. Lifting more than 10 lbs. or exercising is not recommended until 6 weeks after surgery. Bruising and Swelling after surgery is normal and expected. Bruising usually last for 1 to 2 weeks and the swelling usually dissipates by the third month. Numbness in the area of surgery is also normal and expected. Return of normal sensation is slow and can take up to one year.

Dr. Chung has had a vast amount of experience with the Body Lift procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection, bleeding, and breakdown of the incision site is rare, but can occur. SMOKING GREATLY INCREASES the risk of complications. Smokers are instructed to stop smoking 1 month prior to and 1 month after the date of surgery. Smoking not only increases the above complications, but greatly increases the risk of skin loss and blood clots in the legs.

If you have any further questions regarding the body lift procedure, please contact the office.