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Excess Fat, Skin, and Facial Wrinkles Can Be Treated

Loss of elasticity of the skin of the abdominal region and laxity of the musculature may be helped by an abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a "Tummy Tuck." Not a remedy for dietary indiscretion, the procedure of abdominoplasty affords relief for those suffering from overhanging abdominal skin as the result of loss of weight or multiple pregnancies.

During this surgical procedure all of the excess fat and skin from the umbilicus, or "belly button", to the pubic hairline is removed. If necessary, the muscles are then brought together with multiple sutures in order to tighten the appearance of the abdomen.

Finally, the skin and fatty tissue are removed. The umbilicus is resutured to the skin in its normal anatomic location. The procedure takes about two and a half hours and is performed with the patient asleep. Patients either go home or transfer to one of our aftercare facilities following surgery.

Many patients lose additional weight as a result of the success achieved through their surgery. They are motivated to further improve their self-image.

Another procedure designed to remove undesirable localized fat is suction lipectomy. Like abdominal lipectomy, suction lipectomy is not performed as a "weight control" procedure. Instead, it is most effective on those individuals with stable weight who have localized deposits of fat on the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Additional areas to which liposuction may be applied are the calves, knees, arms, breasts, or any area where there is fat deposit that will not respond to dietary controls. Many surgeons are currently using the new "Tumescent Technique," a method of fluid injection into the tissues for anesthesia, with Ultrasonic Liposuction. The results are excellent.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis with sedation and anesthesia depending upon the desires and health status of the patient. The operative time is between one to two hours. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. The incisions are camouflaged by their placement within normal creases of the body. A compressive garment is worn for two to four weeks after surgery. Sutures are removed at the end of one week. Liposuction will not remove hanging skin or "dimpled" skin, often called cellulite.

Facial wrinkles can cause just as much self-consciousness as fat deposits. However, the new CO2 pulse lasers are effective for treating fine wrinkles that occur with aging and exposure to the elements. Many surgeons are using them for blepharoplasty and facial resurfacing either with or without facelift surgery. The laser also treats the vertical wrinkles that occur in the upper lip area. This new method for Laser Skin Resurfacing takes advantage of the ability of the laser to penetrate the skin to a precise depth. The consistency and degree of penetration affords an even effect over the entire treated area. The superficial skin is shed and new skin regenerates, providing a fresher, smoother appearance.

After the treatment the skin resembles a deep sunburn for about ten days. The redness fades and turns pink within a few weeks. Makeup can easily camouflage the pink color which disappears in one to three months.

During the healing process, it is advised that patients avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Potential postoperative complications of pigmentary changes of the skin are managed through the preoperative and postoperative use of hydraquinone and retinoid creams. Hypertrophic scars and keloids are other problems for which the laser has application. The laser also removes small blood vessels, birthmarks, and tattoos from the skin.