Body Contouring Of The Abdomen - What Makes A Tummy Bulge?

Patients schedule an initial consultation for body contouring surgery because they are unhappy with their shape and proportion, usually in the form of a tummy bulge, love handles or a muffin top. The first step to a better shape is to determine the underlying problem by performing an evaluation of the abdomen. Fat, tummy muscle position, skin quality, and belly button shape all need to be assessed to determine the procedures that will give the patient the best results.
Fat - Excess fat is the most common reason that people have abdominal contouring performed. Fat may either be superficial or deep. Superficial fat is fat that is between the skin and the tummy muscles. Deep fat is fat located deep to the tummy muscles and is around the internal organs. Superficial fat can be removed and shaped, while the deep fat cannot. Determining the location of abdominal fat is a key indicator in predicting results from body contouring.
Muscle Position - The front of the tummy has a pair of abdominal muscles know as the rectus abdominis muscles. A band joins the two muscles in the center of the abdomen. This band has no elasticity, so when it is stretched a gap occurs between the two tummy muscles. This gap is known as the diastasis recti. Pregnancy and weight gain are the most common causes of diastasis recti. The abdominal bulge after pregnancy occurs not because the tummy muscles are weak; they are just in the wrong position. Repositioning of the tummy muscles by tightening the gap between them results in a flatter tummy and is a key component in a tummy tuck.
Skin - Both the elasticity of the skin as well as skin excess need to be addressed to determine the best body contouring procedure to perform. Hanging skin with stretch marks will usually not tighten after liposuction is performed and the excess skin would need to be removed. However, skin that is not excessively loose, has few stretch marks, and good elasticity would contour well with liposuction alone.
Umbilicus - The navel is another feature of the abdomen that should be evaluated during a consultation for abdominal contouring. If the belly button protrudes (an outie) or if a hernia is present, the navel may be repaired during an abdominoplasty. Alternatively, an umbilicoplasty can be performed if only the belly button needs to be reshaped.
The most common Plastic Surgery procedure performed on men and women is body contouring. Body contouring includes procedures such as liposuction, liposculpture, and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The abdomen is the area of the body that is most frequently shaped. Determining the cause of the tummy bulge will assist the plastic surgeon to present the procedure that will give the best result to the patient.

By Matthew Galumbeck

How to Get Rid of Tummy Fat Fast

It has happened to all of us, we put on a few pounds then a special occasion comes up, like a wedding or a reunion and when we go and try and on that dress that we bought a year ago, because it was on sale, that is just perfect for the occasion, we find that it is too-tight.
In this article, how to get rid of tummy fat fast, I am going to lay out steps that anyone, man or woman, can use to be able to fit into that special outfit, however, there is one catch, this is not a long term plan, simply one to be used for times when you need to lose a few pounds in a hurry!
O.K. lets get started!
One more thing for the sake of this article I'm going to assume you have a week to drop the extra weight you need to for the special occasion outfit to fit, if you have more time, great, however if you have less, do not despair these tips will still work you just won't lose as much weight.
The first tip is simple and you can start doing it right now, simply stand up straight (you can also do it seating as well) and take a deep breath through your nose now let it all out through your mouth, and imagine you are trying to zip up that tight dress or pair of pants.
Suck in your stomach as far as you can, hold it for a count, and then let go.
This simple movement works the transverse abdominal muscle (which is the deepest of the six abdominal muscles) and when done regularly, especially right after getting up in the morning before you've eaten can reduce your waist by up to one inch!
It's not magic, just the fact that your working those muscles.
You can also do this movement throughout the day, and I would recommend this if you are in a hurry to lose as much as you can around your waist, however if you are looking for the most bang for your tummy-flattening-buck do your deep breathing/stomach vacuums first thing in the morning.
Start off doing only a few and work up until you are doing about 5-10 minutes worth in the morning.
An added benefit of doing this movement is that it helps to condition the upper abs as well.
Also, this a good method to remind yourself not to over-eat, whenever you find your self, craving or reaching for something, you know you should have, suck your stomach in 5-10 times, this serves a duel purpose, first it will help get your mind off food and second it will help to remind you of what you are doing all this for.
The second tip is to go on a low carb diet, the reason being that this will cause you to lose excess water which should make you a little bit smaller.
The simplest way to do this is just to cut out all sweets and breads and eat basically meat, salads, and vegetables for the week.
As I said above it may not be the healthiest thing to do, but you should be o.k. if you only do it for one week or so.
My last tip is simply to try and walk as much as possible, I know this does not sound like much, but when you just start on a low carb diet and are stressed as it is about the special occasion the last thing you need is to start a full blown exercise program.
And besides walking burns calories and can be fit in anytime, on the treadmill, during a lunch hour, and before and after work.
When you are trying to squeeze in a special outfit, every ounce of movement helps.
I hope you enjoyed how to get rid of tummy fat fast, but please remember, losing weight fast is never a good idea, it is best to always lose it slowly.
By Leonard Rogalski

Liposuction - the Plain Truth

If you're battling a bulge that just won't budge, liposuction surgery may have crossed your mind. By removing unwanted deposits of excess fat, liposuction improves body appearance and smoothes irregular or distorted body shapes. Safe liposuction surgery demands an attention to detail and care for the patient. Also, liposuction is mainly a form of body contouring and not a weight loss method.

Liposuction, The Facts

The liposuction procedure has changed dramatically since it was first introduced in 1979. The old surgeries for fat and skin removal, such as the "tummy tuck", are significantly more risky than liposuction alone. Making an informed decision about having liposuction surgery requires that you feel secure in your knowledge and understanding of the procedure.

If properly done, the liposuction shrinks the skin and results in a reasonably good lower abdomen shape, but this requires an experienced surgeon. The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas.

The majority of liposuction surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. If your surgeon performed a large-volume liposuction (over 5 liters) then you should stay in the hospital overnight for observation and safety.

Most commonly liposuction is performed by a dermatologist, a cosmetic surgeon, or a plastic surgeon.

Thigh liposuction is often performed in conjunction with buttock liposuction. Pock marks or wrinkling of the skin where the fat is removed may require another procedure to firm up the skin following liposuction.

Before surgery, the doctor may mark circles and lines on the areas of your body to undergo liposuction. Prior to the surgery a solution is infused into the area of the liposuction.

You must understand fully the pre-operative preparations, the liposuction procedure, and the precise post-operative care. A liposuction cannula is a stainless steel tube inserted through an incision in the skin that is employed to suction the fat. A small incision is first made where the instrument is inserted, so liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia.

A liposuction procedure may include more than one site, for instance, the abdomen, back, and thighs all on the same day.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) is a two-step technique that uses the energy from sound waves to liquefy fat deposits before they are suctioned. Some surgeons may advise ultrasonic liposuction for large volume extractions, especially in tough areas such as the back, flanks and hips.

External ultrasonic energy can be applied and is recommended by some surgeons before or after the fat is removed by regular liposuction. Ultrasonic liposuction must ordinarily be combined with traditional liposuction when deep and surface fat is being removed.

With ultrasonic liposuction it is possible to remove fat from difficult areas such as the upper abdomen, flanks, hip and back. Ultrasonic liposuction is not a replacement for traditional liposuction but it is an addition. The results of ultrasonic liposuction are the same as traditional liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

One of the most significant improvements in liposuction in recent years has been the use of tumescent anesthesia, introduced by dermatologist Dr. Tumescent. Tumescent liposuction is now the most common form of liposuction.

The technique of tumescent liposuction has become especially popular, in part because of its purported safety. And now, tumescent technique has improved almost every aspect of liposuction. In fact, even if ultrasound is used, it will be followed by tumescent liposuction.

As judged by current world-wide experience, tumescent liposuction is very safe. Since its inception, liposuction performed with the tumescent technique has had an excellent safety profile. Complications of liposuction performed with a pure tumescent technique have been minimal.

Much less bleeding occurs as a result of tumescent liposuction. Other situations exist that may benefit from tumescent liposuction.

Risks and Side Effects

Although it is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, liposuction is often times misrepresented in the popular media. However, liposuction is a serious surgical procedure and possibly may involve a painful recovery.

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is associated with certain expected side-effects such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this side-effect is minimized by the tumescent technique, especially when performed with small cannulas.

Skin injury, pigment change, fluid retention, rippling or bagginess of the skin are possible following liposuction.

Excessive surgical trauma (excessive liposuction) is dangerous and is an important cause for serious liposuction complications. Unrelated surgical procedures on the same day as liposuction should not be performed.

How Expensive Is It?

Health insurance does not usually cover cosmetic surgery such as liposuction. There fore the price of liposuction surgery may very from case to case.

Selecting A Surgeon

While some physicians' professional societies may recommend training before performing liposuction surgery, no standardized training is required.

The important distinction between liposuction surgeons who are board certified is the liposuction technique that they use. In order to master an artistic liposuction technique, the surgeon must have the skill and intelligence to avoid exposing patients to unnecessary dangers.

No matter which technique is used, liposuction is considered completely cosmetic and therefore entirely optional (elective). Choosing your liposuction surgeon should be a careful decision.

By Jon Leger

Mommy Makeover - Get Back Into Shape After Pregnancy

Children are truly one of life's greatest joys. However when you have a baby, weight gain and changes in your body occur that can be very distressing and often impossible to correct with diet and exercise alone. While controlling weight gain and working out can improve your body after having children, some body changes do not recover no matter how hard you try. Fortunately a modern Plastic Surgery procedure called the Mommy Makeover can help you get in shape after pregnancy and recover your original body. The Mommy Makeover is designed to restore the shape of your Breasts and Tummy after changes that have occurred during and after having a baby.

How Your Body Changes after Having Children.

There are a host of normal physiological changes that occur in your body when you have a baby. The most frustrating changes for many mothers however occur in the Breasts and Abdomen or Tummy. Following the cessation of breast feeding the Breast Gland (Mammary Gland) atrophies and becomes smaller and sags down on the chest wall. In addition, the skin of the abdomen becomes loose and sags downward and can develop stretch marks. In addition, in many people there is excess fat under the Tummy skin and Flank area. These changes can persist even after weight loss and conditioning through diet, exercise and working out.

Mammary Ptosis is the formal word for Sagging Breast when the Nipple Aereola is below the Inframammary Fold, the fold beneath your breast. When the Nipple Areola is above the Inframammary Fold but the Breast Gland sags below the fold the condition is called Glandular Ptosis.

Abdominal laxity is the term used to describe sagging of the lower Abdomen or Tummy. In some people the two Abdominal Muscles that form the "six pack" split or separate, a condition called Diastasis Recti, which is a separation of the two muscles named Rectus Abdominus.

Stretch marks, red or pink areas of thin skin on the Tummy, are formally called Abdominal Striae.

Muffin Top or Excess Flank Fat is the fullness and your sides above your hips, which can protrude over a belt or tight fitting pants. Flank fat is often very difficult to lose after having a baby.

What Causes Breast, Tummy and Body Changes after Having a Baby.

· Breast Atrophy-Loss-During pregnancy a portion of your Brain called the Pituitary Gland secretes Hormones which stimulate your Breast Gland to enlarge and begin producing milk. After the cessation of Breast Feeding hormonal stimulation stops and the Mammary Gland involutes or atrophies and becomes smaller. The loss of Breast Fullness is called Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy.

· Mammary Ptosis-The skin around the Mammary Gland is stretched by the enlargement during pregnancy. However the skin does not tighten in many people after Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy has occurred. With less Breast Tissue inside an enlarged skin envelope the Gland sags, not unlike letting air out of a balloon.

· Abdominal Laxity-The Abdominal Skin is stretched to make room for the baby. After delivery the skin does shrink and tighten but often not back to the original shape of the Tummy. When adequate shrinkage has not occurred the remaining loose skin sags down onto the lower Tummy.

· Excess Flank Fat- The Fat around the waist or flank area is one of the most difficult to lose after pregnancy. This area called the "muffin top" is very frustrating when you want to wear clothing that reveals the midriff or waist area.

· Stretch marks-Stretch marks or Striae are caused by rupture or breakage of deep skin collagen which is caused by the stretching of the abdominal skin during pregnancy. This damage to the deep skin layer called the Dermis results in redness and thinning of the skin in the area.

What Is A Mommy Makeover?

The term Mommy Makeover can be applied to a variety of different Plastic Surgery procedures designed to get your shape back after pregnancy. However, most commonly Mommy Makeover refers to procedures done to restore the Breast and Tummy to their pre pregnancy appearance. Most commonly a Breast Lift and or Breast Augmentation with Implants and some form of Tummy Tuck are done.

· Breast Lift-Dermal Mastopexy-This procedure is designed to correct sagging.There are many different varieties including the Anchor, Lollipop, Periareolar, Crescent, Circumareolar, Donut, and Benelli Lifts. Check my January 2013 Blog for a complete discussion of the different types.

· Breast Augmentation with Implants-Breast Implants can be used to restore the fullness and cleavage lost after Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy. For a thorough discussion of Breast Augmentation see my website.

· Tummy Tuck- Tummy Tuck can restore the Abdomen to a nice flat shape. Full Tummy Tuck requires moving the "belly button", while a Mini Tummy Tuck or Bikini Tuck only requires skin excision below the Navel and a scar hidden below the underwear or Bikini.

· Liposuction- When necessary Liposuction can be performed as part of a Mommy Makeover to remove the "muffin top" or excess fat above the Navel in patients who are candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck.

· Laser Treatment of Stretch Marks-Recently a new Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks that actually helps has been developed. It involves the use of a specific laser called a Non ablative 1540 Fractional Erbium laser. Stretch marks are made smaller and white but do not disappear entirely. See my website for more details.

What Is the Recovery Time after Mommy Makeover?

· Week one-During the first week after Mommy Makeover you will be sore. The tightening of the abdomen can cause discomfort if you straighten up your posture, so you will be walking bent over for a few days. You may have drains which are usually removed day one or two after which you can shower. We encourage you to walk to prevent blood clots in the legs.

· Week two- You will feel much better the second week and can usually return to work that does not require lifting by the end of the second week.

· Week three- At three weeks most patients are back at work and many can start exercising again. If you had the repair of a Diastasis Recti you cannot do sit ups until six weeks and only if cleared to do so by your Doctor.

· Week Six- By six weeks you should be enjoying your new body and your surgery should becoming a distant memory.

· Three Months- By three months the nearly final results of Liposuction should be seen.

· Six months- By six months any incisions should be matured and white.

Who Should Do Your Mommy Makeover?

In my opinion only a Plastic Surgeon Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery should perform this complex procedure. Experience is very important, especially when multiple procedures are done at the same operation.

Seek out the opinion of friends whom you know have had the procedure. Search websites like Realself and Loveyourlook for reviews on doctors that you plan to consult. Ask your doctor specifically how comfortable he/she is doing this type of surgery and multiple procedures. Ask to see photos of his/her results and if possible to speak to patients who have had the procedure.

With an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, the Mommy Makeover can be a very satisfying procedure and help you regain your shape after pregnancy.
By Brooke R. Seckel, M.D., FACS