Body Contouring

The sculpting of certain body areas not only improves the figure, but also enhances self-image. The body contouring methods performed at The Center for Plastic Surgery include a number of surgical and less invasive alternatives designed to achieve your personal goals.

To assure total control over every aspect of the body shaping process, Dr. Terranova performs most procedures in our on-site surgery suite. Whether it’s liposuction, abdominoplasty, mammaplasty or mastopexy, we discuss every detail with you beforehand to ensure that you will be comfortable throughout the process and pleased with the final results.

Liposuction

This fast, effective fat removal technique requires minimal surgery and very little recovery time. Liposuction can be effective on most body parts including the abdomen, hips, flanks, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, cheek and neck. Depending on the size of the area treated, surgery can last from 45 minutes to five hours. Unless the liposuction is extensive, patients are usually up and active within a day or two. While liposuction can provide excellent results, dietary and lifestyle changes are often necessary to maintain the new slimmer appearance.

Abdominoplasty

Excess skin and fat around the belly as well as weakened or separated abdominal muscles often result from pregnancy or significant weight loss. Known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. Most patients will require nothing other than an anterior procedure (the abdominoplasty), but some patients will benefit from additional liposuction of the flank and back areas. A small group of patients (following multiple pregnancies or massive weight loss) will benefit from excision of excess skin and fat around the entire waist line — a procedure called a circumferential abdominoplasty or belt lipectomy. Patients receive intravenous anesthesia during the procedure, but will not require placement of a breathing tube or use of a ventilator. Surgery usually lasts from 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, but may take a bit longer if liposuction is also performed. It takes approximately 5 hours for a belt lipectomy. By reducing movement and taking prescribed medications, post-op discomfort can be greatly reduced.
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Brachioplasty

With age or significant weight loss, the upper arms often develop redundant, hanging skin. This can be quite embarrassing to some women, particularly in short-sleeve attire. Brachioplasty – or upper arm lift – is the surgical excision of this redundant skin resulting in improved upper arm contours. Liposuction is sometimes additionally used to further refine the new contours. The incision is placed along the inside of the upper arm. Whether the scar runs part way to, or all the way to, the elbow depends on the amount of excess skin that exists and the result we are trying to achieve. The scar is noticeable at first, but fades considerably with time.

Thigh Lifts

Most patients who are unhappy with their inner or outer thighs can be helped with liposuction alone. However, with advancing age and/or significant weight loss, sagging, excess skin must be excised in order for a satisfactory contour to be achieved. The lateral (outer) thigh lift tightens and lifts the skin of the saddlebag area and also the buttock. The incision is placed at the level of the hip bone so it is covered by most attire. The medial thigh lift eliminates inner thigh skin redundancy. If the redundancy is not excessive, the incision can be limited to the inguinal crease. However, if the skin excess is significant, the incision may extend vertically part way down the inner thigh. Liposuction is often used in combination with thigh lift procedures to optimize the final contour. In some cases, liposuction will be carried out as a preliminary stage with the lift itself as the second and final stage.

Before and After Photos

Body Contouring

Liposuction

Abdominoplasty

Brachioplasty

Thigh Lifts

Before and After Photos

Liposuction Examples

Abdominoplasty Examples

Brachioplasty Examples

Thigh Lift