Body Procedures
- LIPOSUCTION SURGERY (Suction-assisted Lipectomy or Liposculpture)
- MINI TUMMY-TUCK (Mini Abdominoplasty)
- TUMMY TUCK SURGERY (Abdominoplasty)
- TOTAL BODY LIFT (Belt Lipectomy)
- THIGH LIFT (Thighplasty)
- ARM LIFT (Brachioplasty)
Liposuction surgery (Suction-assisted Lipectomy or Liposculpture)
Fat cells are the body's reservoir for energy. They also serve a protective function and play a major role in temperature regulation. Fat cells are positioned throughout the body, beneath the skin and surrounding organs, and other vital structures. Genetics may play a role in some areas of fat deposition such as the hips, and thighs; these areas can be especially difficult to reduce through diet and exercise. Difficult-to-treat areas can be reduced surgically by liposuction.
Liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy or liposculpture surgery) is a technique that uses a vacuum device attached to small probes that remove fat through inconspicuous incisions. Fat cells are literally sucked away, allowing Dr. McKane to reshape or recontour the body.
Liposuction surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the areas that are being addressed. Liposuction surgery is well suited to our AAAHC-accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. The facility offers convenience and privacy in comparison to cosmetic surgery performed in a hospital or medical center, while remaining safe and effective. If a patient has significant medical problems, or if large volumes of fat will be removed, Dr. McKane may prefer to perform his or her procedure at the hospital.
Dr. McKane uses a low-level laser assisted (Neira 4 L) technique to perform the surgery. The procedure involves placing tumescent solution under the skin to reduce bleeding, followed by the application of an external laser to help liquefy the fat prior to removal. The laser also reduces inflammation and provides better pain control. This technique, unlike other laser-assisted or ultrasound-assisted surgeries, has no risk of burns.
Liposuction surgery can be used to treat nearly any area of the body. Both men and women of good health can benefit from this cosmetic surgery procedure. Liposuction is ideally suited for patients who eat well and exercise, and in whom stubborn fat deposits remain despite their best efforts. Since the procedure addresses volume by removing fat only, the skin must have satisfactory tone for it to be successful. It is a very effective modality for treating the neck, stomach, waist, hips, and thighs. Other areas that it can target include the arms, buttocks, knees and calves. Liposuction can also be used to treat gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in men.
Recovery from liposuction surgery generally takes seven days before patients can return to work. The body will experience some swelling following surgery that may take several weeks to resolve. Elastic garments are used during this time period to help contour the treated areas. Massage and manual lymphatic drainage are also useful to treat swelling following the procedure.
Many patients undergo liposuction surgery each year without experiencing a complication. However, you should be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with this procedure. Postoperative complications such as permanent numbness in the operated region, bleeding, infection, fat or blood clot in the blood vessels, and the need for a second operation are uncommon. Additional problems associated with liposuction surgery include asymmetry, lumps or irregularities of the skin, and fluid collections. By closely sticking to Dr. McKane's advice on follow-up care during the healing process, the risk of complications can be minimized. In addition, smoking is strongly discouraged for four weeks before and after the surgery
Mini tummy-tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)
In patients with mild excess skin in the abdominal region following a significant weight loss or following pregnancy, liposuction will not be the entire solution. This procedure, while designed to remove fat from beneath the skin, does not tighten it. Aproning of excess skin over a hysterectomy scar or a cesarean section scar is very common; therefore, patients with this problem benefit from a procedure that involves the excision of skin. A mini tummy tuck can be used to tighten the skin and improve abdominal contour. During this procedure, plication sutures can be placed to improve laxity of the abdominal wall. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with liposuction surgery to offer the best results.
Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our AAAHC-accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. During a mini tummy tuck, the redundant skin is removed using a transverse incision that is made low enough to hide within the underwear or a bikini. In patients with a cesarean section scar, this incision can be used to improve the appearance of the scar. Typically, lower abdominal stretch marks may be improved and skin laxity is corrected. In patients with extra skin only, a mini abdominoplasty may be all that is needed. In those with fatty deposits, the surgery is combined with liposuction performed using the low-level laser assisted (Neira 4 L ) technique. This technique uses an external laser to help liquefy the fat prior to removal as well as help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery following a mini abdominoplasty varies with each patient. However, most patients are able to resume most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Elastic garments and massage are used to help control swelling after the surgery. The mini tummy tuck scar will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.
Regardless of the success and popularity of a mini tummy tuck, you should be aware of the potential risks and side effects of this cosmetic surgery procedure. Some of the complications that are associated with mini tummy tuck surgery include swelling, bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, and numbness at the surgery site. Uncommon postoperative complications include blistering or ulceration of the skin and necrosis. Please note that smoking is not allowed for four weeks prior to and four weeks after surgery. You can lower your risk of complications by closely following Dr. McKane's advice during the healing process.
Tummy tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
For patients who experience a significant amount of excess skin in the abdominal region following a significant weight loss or following pregnancy, liposuction or a mini tummy tuck may not be the entire solution. Liposuction, while designed to remove fat from beneath the skin, does not tighten it. A mini tummy tuck only has power to tighten the lower most area of the abdomen; and In some cases, the extra skin present may be so significant that it will not be fully treated by a mini tummy tuck. In patients with this degree of skin excess, an abdominoplasty will be recommended. A tummy tuck can be used to tighten the skin and improve abdominal contour. During this procedure, plication sutures can be placed to improve laxity of the abdominal wall. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with liposuction surgery to offer the best results.
Tummy tuck surgery is well suited to be performed under general anesthesia in our AAAHC-accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. During the procedure, the redundant skin is removed using a transverse incision that is designed to hide within the underwear or a bikini. In patients with a cesarean section scar, this incision can be used to improve the appearance of the scar. Typically, lower abdominal stretch marks may be improved and skin laxity is corrected. In patients with extra skin only, an abdominoplasty may be all that is needed. As for those with excess fatty deposits, the surgery is combined with liposuction performed using the low-level laser assisted (Neira 4 L) technique. This technique uses an external laser to help liquefy the fat prior to removal and reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery following an abdominoplasty varies with each patient. However, most patients are able to resume most normal activities within two weeks after surgery. Elastic garments and massage are used to help control swelling after the surgery. The tummy tuck scar will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.
Thousands of tummy tuck surgeries are successfully performed each year. Even considering this fact, you should be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with tummy tuck surgery. Some of the common postoperative complications include temporary pain, bruising, swelling, soreness, or numbness in the abdominal skin for several weeks or several months. Uncommon problems that may result from tummy tuck surgery include infection and blood clots, poor healing with conspicuous scarring or skin loss, and the potential need for a second operation. Smoking is not allowed for four weeks prior to surgery and four weeks after surgery. Smoking will greatly increase the risk of wound healing problems and possible skin loss following abdominoplasty. Following Dr. McKane's advice during the healing process will lower your risk of certain complications.
Total body lift (Belt Lipectomy)
Significant excess abdominal skin as well as thigh and buttock tissue descent can develop following massive weight loss. To fully address these problems, a circumferential contouring procedure may be necessary in some patients. This procedure is called a total body lift or a belt lipectomy. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with liposuction surgery for optimal results.
Total body lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in the hospital. Most patients spend one or two nights recovering in the hospital following surgery. During this procedure, redundant skin is removed using a low transverse incision that extends circumferentially around the torso. The incision is designed to hide within the underwear or bikini, and sutures can be placed at the time of surgery to improve laxity of the abdominal wall. At the same time, sagging thigh and buttock tissues are lifted and supported as well. In patients with a cesarean section scar, the total body lift incision can be used to improve the appearance of the scar. Plication sutures can be placed in the abdominal wall beneath the skin to improve muscular laxity. If patients have extra skin only, this may be all that is needed. For patients who have some fatty deposits, the surgery may be combined with liposuction using the low-level laser assisted (Neira 4 L) technique. This method uses an external laser to help liquefy the fat prior to removal and to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery following a total body lift varies with each patient. However, most patients are able to resume most normal activities within two weeks after surgery. Elastic garments and massage are used to help control swelling after the surgery. Total body lift scars will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.
Belt lipectomy, just like any other Plastic Surgery procedure, involves potential risks and side effects. Therefore, it is important that you be aware of these possible problems. The more frequent postoperative complications include infection, bleeding, hematoma, and seroma. Additional problems associated with a total body lift surgery are swelling, migration of the scar, and blood clots. Smoking is not allowed for four weeks prior to surgery and four weeks after surgery, which is to help prevent further complications from arising. Your risks can be minimized by closely following Dr. McKane’s advice on care during the healing period.
Thigh lift (Thighplasty)
Liposuction may be a poor option for a patient with significant excess thigh skin. Because liposuction can exacerbate descent of thigh and buttock tissues, a thigh lift may be the preferred contouring procedure. A thigh lift can be designed to address the inner or the outer thighs and buttocks. Sutures will be placed during the procedure to help hold the fallen tissues in a lifted fashion.
Thigh lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is a well-suited procedure for our AAAHC-accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. In patients with more extensive surgical needs or with significant medical problems, the procedure will be performed in the hospital. Thighplasty involves incisions that hide within the underwear or within the groin crease depending on the area of the thigh being addressed. The thigh and buttock tissues are lifted and supported in this procedure to help reduce scarring and distortion. In patients with some fat deposits, the procedure can be combined with liposuction using the low-level laser assisted (Neira 4 L) technique; this method involves an external laser that helps to liquefy fat prior to removal and to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery following a thigh lift varies with each patient. However, most patients are able to resume most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Elastic garments and massage are used to help control swelling after the surgery. Thigh lift scars will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.
Some of the potential postoperative complications associated with thigh lift surgery are poor scarring, scar migration, wound healing problems, infection, blood or fluid collection, asymmetry, recurrent thigh descent and nerve damage. Smokers should be aware that smoking is not allowed for four weeks before and four weeks after surgery. The risks of skin loss and wound healing problems increase with tobacco use. The risks of certain complications can be reduced by following Dr. McKane's advice on care during the healing process.
Arm lift (Brachioplasty)
Liposuction may be a poor option for patients with a significant amount of excess skin on their arms. In these patients, liposuction can exacerbate descent and droop of arm tissues. Individuals who have this problem typically avoid dresses and short-sleeved shirts because they feel very self-conscious about this. This problem is very common in patients following a massive weight loss. In these patients, an arm lift may be the preferred contouring procedure.
Arm lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is a well-suited procedure for our AAAHC-accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. During this cosmetic surgery procedure, the excess skin is removed using an incision along the inside of the arm that may be combined with an incision in the armpit.
Recovery following an arm lift varies with each patient. However, most patients are able to resume most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Elastic garments and massage are used to help control swelling after the surgery. Arm lift scars will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.
Although arm lift surgery is frequently performed each year, the potential hazards of surgery and specific risks associated with this procedure are essential to understand. Some of the postoperative complications that may occur include hematoma, fluid collection, poor wound healing, asymmetry, blood clots, and skin loss. Other problems associated with arm lift surgery include possibility of revisional surgery, necrosis, and poor wound healing. Smoking is prohibited four weeks prior to and four weeks after surgery. This will help to prevent complications from arising. Some of the risks associated with this procedure can be minimized by following Dr. McKane's advice on care during the healing period.
DR. BRICE W. MCKANE
Cosmetic Surgery Associates
2530 West Holcombe
Houston, TX 77030
800-544-1269
713-661-5255