For many patients after weight loss, excess skin is a constant problem. Aside from being aesthetically unpleasant, these extra folds can get in the way of everyday activities. Infections can form under folds, which can be resistant to antibiotics. Above all, many patients desire to be free of this loose skin, especially after all the hard work and determination they put in to loosing the weight in the first place. Body contouring procedures for men in Houston can be an answer to some of these problem.
What type of procedures are performed?
The goal of body contouring for men in Houston is to remove excess skin and fat, and contour areas of the body in an effort to recreate its original shape and balance. The types of procedures performed depend on the nature of the problem areas. Some options include:
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Extra skin in the arms can be particular pesky when fitting into certain shirts. Selecting an arm lift allows you to finally feel proportioned again. Scar location with this procedure vary based on anatomy and patient preferences, but is often put in the inside of the arm or on the backside.
- Tummy Tuck & Lower Body Lift: The tummy tuck surgery targets weak abdominal muscles and excess skin that often occurs after weight loss. An incision is typically placed low along the bathing suit line to conceal the scarring. Abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is trimmed away to create a more toned stomach. This procedure can be done circumferentially in those with excess tissue in the back. If a lower body lift is selected, sometimes tissue in the backside can be used to augment and lift the buttock if desired.
- Liposuction: Liposuction can complement a tummy tuck or treat localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
What types of tummy tuck procedures are performed?
There are several different techniques for tummy tucks or abdominoplasties. The one that’s right for you depends on your body and your goals. Some different kinds of tummy tucks include:
- Mini: The mini tummy tuck is perfect for people with much of their abdominal fat under the belly button. Much of the tissue under the naval is removed. The incision is placed under the bathing suite line, meaning you can usually hide the incision. Liposuction can be combined with this procedure to contour the upper abdomen if desired.
- Full: The abdominoplasty is the workhorse of abdominal contouring. This operation addresses the upper and lower abdomen, allowing for improved contour across the entire area. Depending on the patient, the muscles are sometimes tightened as well to create a nice, firm abdomen. The incision typically runs from hip to hip, under the bathing suit line. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall, while the belly button is left attached and moved to a new location. This option is ideal for moderate weight-loss patients.
- Extended: The extended tummy tuck addresses the abdomen as well as the hips, and part of the back. It is performed like a full abdominoplasty, except that the incision typically runs past the hip to contour as much skin as possible.
- T-incision: Sometimes, a vertical scar can be added to allow for tightening in two directions. This option is not for everyone as it does leave a visible scar in the midline. But it can be very useful for people who have undergone massive weight loss, or those who already have a vertical scar from previous surgery.
- Circumferential: Sometimes, excess tissue isn’t just located in the front, it’s also on the back. A circumferential procedure addresses your abdomen, thighs, and back with a scar that goes all the way around the body. This incision is usually placed in an area that is hidden by bathing suits. Depending on incision placement, it can also lifts the buttocks, as well. This procedure is most useful in patients who have areas on the front and back or in patients who have lost a lot of weight. The back portion of the procedure can sometimes be done separately as a Lower Body Lift.
What is the recovery process like?
The length of recovery often varies with the type of procedure performed. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Mushin will outline your recovery process. In general, the process for an abdominoplasty will follow a similar course:
- Day of Procedure: Abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) generally take 3 hours, depending on whether your muscles are tightened, and if any additional procedures are done at the same time. Surgery time for liposuction alone varies depending on the number of areas involved. For an abdominoplasty, you will likely have one or two drains. A compression dressing will also be in place to keep the area tight.
- Second Day: You will be seen in the office, and your dressings will be changed.
- First Week: You should avoid strenuous activities, slowly easing into lighter activity. Swelling and bruising are common during this period. If drains are placed they can often be removed in this first or second week.
- Subsequent Weeks: Most patients have returned to their normal work at the end of the second week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks. As swelling decreases over the next few weeks, you should see your final result start to take shape.
Why choose us?
Houston-raised Dr. Oren Paul Mushin is a fully-trained, highly-skilled plastic surgeon whom you can trust with your care. Educated at Duke University, one of the top medical schools in the country, and trained in New York, he brings with him extensive knowledge of cosmetic surgery to Houston, TX. Above all, he is caring with his patients, and meticulous in his approach. Call us today to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!
