Many patients who have been successful in a diet program know that weight loss can be just half the battle. The scale may say you are slim, but the mirror keeps reminding you that your weight loss was uneven. There are lumps in places, perhaps folds of loose skin, and certain areas that seem to have changed little as overall weight declined.
That is when it may be time to weigh the benefits of a body contouring procedure performed by experienced Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Ellis. There are many effective options to consider, including:
Liposuction
Liposuction is perfect for those areas of the body that seem immune to lifestyle changes, such as excess fat in the hips and thighs that do not respond to diet and exercise. Using a thin, narrow surgical instrument, Dr. Ellis suctions away cells from fat pockets, sculpting a slimmer body shape.
Tummy Tuck
This proven procedure targets the loose skin that remains after substantial weight loss. Depending on your skin’s elasticity, it may be unable to shrink sufficiently to fit snugly over your smaller abdomen. Tummy tuck can also remove some fat and tighten abdominal muscles that have lost integrity.
Lipoabdominoplasty
For some patients who believe they are candidates for tummy tuck, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area is significant, and this is where Dr. Ellis may recommend lipoabdominoplasty. This procedure allows the removal of substantial volumes of fat, reconstruction of the abdominal wall, and tucking of the skin.
Breast Lift
Breast lift, or mastopexy, may be performed with or without the insertion of implants. When women lose large amounts of weight, the breasts can change in shape, becoming flatter as they experience a degree of sagging. Breast lift restores a youthful, perkier profile.
Arm Lift
Brachioplasties have become increasingly popular recently. Arm lift removes excess hanging skin and flab from the underarm and reshapes the under part of the upper arm, from the armpit area to the elbow.
Lower Body Lift
Known as a belt lipectomy, this procedure tightens and reshapes the hips, abdomen, back of the thighs, outer thighs, inner thighs and buttocks. It is a combination procedure that can be performed in a single operation.
Thigh Lift
Thighplasty sculpts the thighs by removing excess skin and sometimes pockets of fat, producing a more appealing shape for the upper leg. Dr. Ellis offers several varieties of thigh lift, each focused on a particular target area.
To learn more about body contouring options, schedule your personal consultation with experienced Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Ellis today.