At Gaines Plastic Surgery we offer a comprehensive list of body contouring procedures in order to enhance the figure and improve the shape of a patient’s body. At our Gainesville, Florida practice, we can determine if liposuction, abdominoplasty / tummy tuck, or a combination of body contouring procedures is best suited to meet a patient’s specific needs. We can also determine if another facial rejuvenation or breast surgery procedure such as a facelift or breast enlargement surgery can help enhance a patient’s appearance.
Liposuction
Liposuction, also referred to as lipoplasty, is performed to remove excess fat and adjust the contour, shape, and size of various areas of the body. Liposuction is not meant to be a weight loss procedure but rather a means of eliminating pockets of fat from the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, upper arms, and facial area that do not respond to exercise or a healthy diet. Liposuction is sometimes performed in combination with tummy tuck / abdominoplasty. At our Gainesville clinic, we can determine if liposuction is the best treatment to meet your needs or if an alternative procedure may be used instead.
During the liposuction procedure, the cosmetic surgeon inserts a cannula or tube through a tiny incision. Using the cannula, the surgeon breaks up walls of excess fat and then extracts these fat deposits using vacuum suction. There are a number of different liposuction methods available, such as tumescent injection liposuction and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, designed to meet a patient’s needs given the amount of fat that needs to be removed and other factors. During your consultation at our clinic, Dr. Gaines will determine the liposuction method best for you.
When you visit our practice, we will be able to provide you with more in-depth post-surgical instructions following liposuction. In general, it is recommended that patients refrain from strenuous physical activity for approximately a month to allow your body to heal. It should also be noted that some post-surgical swelling may last up to six months after liposuction.
Liposuction can remove excess fat and restore youthful contours to different areas of the body. Dr. Gaines can use liposuction to treat the abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, and upper arms. It only leaves slight scarring.
Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is performed to improve the shape, contour, firmness, and appearance of the abdominal region. Abdominoplasty is not meant to be a weight loss procedure but rather a means of eliminating sagging abdominal skin and abdominal fat that does not respond to exercise or a healthy diet. Some patients may choose to undergo the procedure to eliminate droopy skin and stretch marks after pregnancy or significant weight loss. A tummy tuck is often performed in combination with another body contouring procedure such as a buttock lift or liposuction. At our Gainesville, Florida practice, we can determine if abdominoplasty / tummy tuck is the best treatment to meet your needs or if an alternative procedure may be used instead.
During an abdominoplasty, the cosmetic surgeon will make an incision above the pubic area that extends from one hip bone to the other. A second incision is often made around the navel so it can be repositioned at the end of the tummy tuck procedure. Working through these incisions, the surgeon tightens the underlying abdominal muscles, extracts excess fat deposits, and removes any excess skin.
When you visit our practice for an abdominoplasty / tummy tuck, we will be able to provide you with more in-depth post-surgical instructions. In general, it is recommended that patients refrain from strenuous physical activity during the first few weeks so the incisions can heal. After a recuperation period, we will suggest a light exercise program that will help expedite the healing process.
To schedule a consultation at our practice for abdominoplasty / tummy tuck, contact our practice today.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift, also referred to as a gluteoplasty, is performed to improve the shape, firmness, and appearance of the buttocks and thighs. Not meant as a weight loss procedure, a buttock lift will help eliminate excess skin and fat deposits that do not respond to exercise or a healthy diet. A buttock lift is sometimes performed in combination with a tummy tuck or liposuction in order to achieve a comprehensive enhancement of a patient’s body contour. We will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for a buttock lift during a consultation at our practice.
During the buttock lift procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will make incisions either along the upper area of the buttock or in some cases in the crease of the lower buttocks. The method of incision will be determined by the extent of work and the desired outcome of the buttock lift. Working through the surgical incisions, the surgeon will remove deposits of fat and excess skin, and often inject fat from the lower buttocks into the upper buttock to strengthen the overall impression of a “raised” buttock.
When you visit our practice, we will be able to provide you with more in-depth post-surgical instructions following a buttock lift. In general, it is recommended that patients avoid exercise and strenuous physical activity for three to four weeks. We also recommend not sitting for a prolonged amount of time for at least one week after a buttock lift.
For more information on buttock lifts, contact Gaines Plastic Surgery today.
Brachioplasty / Arm Lift
Brachioplasty, more commonly referred to as an arm lift, is performed to improve the shape, firmness, and appearance of the upper arm. Not meant as a weight loss procedure, an arm lift will help eliminate sagging skin and fat deposits on the upper arm that do not respond to exercise or a healthy diet. Brachioplasty is sometimes performed in combination with liposuction or abdominoplasty in order to achieve a comprehensive enhancement of a patient’s body contour. We will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for an arm lift during a consultation at our practice.
During the arm lift procedure, Dr.Gaines will make an incision along the inside of the arm that may extend from the under arm to the elbow. Working through this incision, fat deposits and excess skin are removed while the overlying skin is tightened. In cases in which excess fat rather than excess skin causes the sagging of the upper arms, only liposuction is required.
When you visit our practice, we will be able to provide you with more in-depth post-surgical instructions following brachioplasty. In general, it is recommended that patients refrain from strenuous physical activity, particularly activity that involves pushing or pulling, for one to two weeks. Contact sports and strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately four weeks.
For more information about arm lifts, contact Gaines Plastic Surgery today.
Schedule a Body Contouring Consultation
It is important to schedule a consultation at our practice to discuss our body contouring procedures and the risks and benefits involved. The team at Gaines Plastic Surgery will gladly answer your questions and address your concerns. We will help determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction, abdominoplasty, or another procedure and, whenever possible, we will also suggest alternative treatments that can meet your unique goals.
To schedule a consultation in Gainesville, Florida for liposuction, abdominoplasty / tummy tuck, or any of our body contouring options, contact Gaines Plastic Surgery today.