Body Contouring
Changing the body’s appearance is often more involved than just eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. Even the strictest regimens are sometimes not enough to eliminate fatty tissues stored in the body. For many people, pregnancy or weight loss results in stretched skin that cannot return to its original smooth state.
Feel free to call us with questions about our body contouring procedures at (605) 343-7208. Our expert plastic surgeons look forward to seeing you in Rapid City, SD very soon.
Tummy Tuck
When diet and exercise are not enough, this procedure repairs stretched abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat for a fit look both in and out of clothing.
Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems. In such cases, you may wish to consider a tummy tuck (technically called abdominoplasty). This procedure surgically removes excess skin and fatty deposits from the abdomen, and also re-positions abdomen muscles into a tighter formation. This procedure is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.
Reasons for considering a tummy tuck:
- Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area
- Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss
- Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdominal muscles) due to pregnancy
- Unsightly skin and fat deposits
- Weakened and separated abdominal muscles
For many patients, liposuction can be performed at the time of their tummy tuck procedure to help them attain a smooth, firm abdominal look. Other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a breast reduction or breast augmentation (enlargement) can be included for more complete results.
General Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the desired look and your unique physiology. To begin the procedure, an incision is made just above the pubic bone area. This incision goes horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back. The skin is then stretched away from the muscle tissue, and excess skin is removed. The
abdomen muscle tissue is tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline. Finally, the incision is closed and the skin is stitched back into place. Sometimes the procedure requires an additional incision around the navel in order to provide the best results.
Recovery
Our post-operative instructions generally call for plenty of rest and limited movement to speed up the healing process and recovery time. As the body recuperates, you can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort. Medication can be prescribed to relieve any pain caused by the procedure. Your stitches will be removed shortly after the surgery, depending on the procedure(s) involved. Normal activities can generally be resumed within six weeks. It may
take up to a year for your body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration. With proper diet and exercise, the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.
Liposuction
Achieve a smooth, toned body contour by removing isolated pockets of fat from areas like the hips, thighs, and chin. If you’re seeking a more sculpted body, liposuction can provide a slimming solution.
Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercise. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Our patients choose liposuction to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double chin, a bulge around the waistline or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body. Women and men can get liposuction to create a more proportioned figure by eliminating pockets of fat from many areas of the body including:
- Chin and neckline
- Back
- Upper arms
- Stomach and waistline
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs and knees
Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction procedure for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Used in combination with several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well-proportioned body appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those who are already in good physical condition but have stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. If you are considering liposuction you may also benefit from a tummy tuck procedure, which helps sculpt the abdominal area by tightening muscles and removing excess fat and skin.
General Procedure
Liposuction generally takes place under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area. Sometimes liposuction may be used during another plastic surgery procedure, such as breast reduction. Several different types of liposuction, such as tumescent or ultrasound liposuction, have developed as a result of recent advancements in new technologies. Together, you and your surgeon can discuss which method(s) are best during the initial consultation visit. Liposuction can last from 30 minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits.
Recovery
At Black Hills Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons use the newest liposuction techniques to allow for a faster recovery. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive your liposuction procedure is. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. You may need to wear a support garment for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with liposuction, which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, you can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given to you after surgery.
Body Lift
Comprehensive procedure for those with sagging skin due to weight loss, particularly following bariatric procedures.
Significant weight loss following weight reduction surgery, dieting, and exercise can result in excess skin and tissue that cannot “shrink” to be in proportion with the new body size. Skin that was overstretched from weight gain may not have enough elasticity to adapt and contour to your new body size due to the loss of volume associated with the weight reduction. Instead, loose sagging skin and skin folds may develop.
A full body lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed at Black Hills Plastic Surgery that removes excess tissue to create a body contour that is appropriate for the new body size.
Reasons to consider a body lift:
- Remove excess, overstretched skin after weight loss
- Create a new shape to match your new body size
General Procedure
Body lift is a specialized procedure tailored to your specific needs. It generally includes a tummy tuck with additional tissue removed from the back or lateral thighs.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes several hours. During your consultation at Black Hills Plastic Surgery, the boardcertified plastic surgeon will design an individual plan for your specific body contouring needs.
Recovery
Following a full body lift procedure, temporary drainage tubes may be placed beneath the skin to help reduce swelling and any fluid collection to help speed your recovery. You may wear an elastic bandage or compression garment while you heal.
Black Hills Plastic Surgery will give you instructions for after care at home. It is common to have temporary movement or lifting restrictions early in your recovery period.
Breast Reconstruction
Get rid of loose, hanging skin and fat to reveal sculpted, more attractive arms.
An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure available at Black Hills Plastic Surgery in Rapid City, SD. The goal is to remove fat and/or sagging skin under the upper arm to create a firmer, toned appearance. The upper arms can become droopy or flabby-looking because of increasing age, weight changes, and heredity. An arm lift is appropriate for people who, despite exercise, may still be bothered by loose hanging skin between their armpit and elbow. With healthy living, the results of an arm lift are relatively permanent.
Reasons to consider an arm lift:
- Remove fat and/or sagging skin under the arm
- Remove loose hanging skin between the armpit and elbow
General Procedure
Arm lift procedures are performed in our accredited plastic surgery center in Rapid City, SD. The necessary anesthesia will be chosen in concert with your doctor and anesthesia provider. You should plan to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first night. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will make an incision between your elbow and armpit, on the inner side or back of the arm. The length of the incision will depend on the extent of the treatment you will be receiving. Fatty deposits are removed surgically, with liposuction, or both. Sutures are placed inside the arm tissue to tighten and reshape it. The incision is closed with sutures. In some cases, temporary drainage tubes are placed under the skin to help prevent fluids from collecting under the skin. At the end of the procedure, the upper arm is bandaged and may be wrapped in a compression garment to help reduce swelling.
Recovery
Following arm lift surgery, you may initi9lly experience some bruising and swelling. You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions and should avoid excessive motion or force while you are healing. As your swelling resolves, your new look is immediately apparent and will continue to improve. You can help maintain your new toned arms by maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Thigh Lift
After pregnancy or weight loss, skin on the thighs can sag. This procedure removes and tightens the skin for a smoother, more toned appearance.
A thigh and buttock lift (thighplasty) at Black Hills Plastic Surgery in Rapid City, SD is used to remove excess tissue and fat following substantial weight loss. After weight reduction surgery or diet and exercise, skin in the thigh and buttock area may have lost elasticity and may not be able to conform to the new smaller body shape. Instead, skin folds, sagging skin, and irregularities in the skin surface may appear. A thigh and buttock lift improves the contour of the body and creates firmer-appearing skin.
Reasons to consider a thigh lift:
- Remove excess fat following substantial weight loss
- Improve your body shape with firmer skin
General Procedure
A thigh and buttock lift is performed on an outpatient basis in our accredited plastic surgery center, using general anesthesia. You should have someone drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. Our board-certified plastic surgeons will use a pre-determined incision pattern. If at all possible, incisions are made in the natural skin folds or where clothing may conceal them. However, for more extensive procedures, the length and location of incisions will vary. For example, a procedure that lifts the entire thigh and buttocks (circumferential lower body lift) uses extensive incisions in the buttock crease, groin, and hip, whereas some inner thigh lifts require only short incisions. After the incision is made, excess fat and tissue is removed surgically. Liposuction may be used to enhance the results by removing localized areas of fatty deposits. At the end of the procedure, temporary drainage tubes may be inserted to remove excess fluid and promote healing. The incisions are closed with sutures and gently wrapped with bandages.
Recovery
After a thigh lift, you will receive medication for post-procedure pain and specific instructions for wound care. You will wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling while you heal. Your surgeon will gradually increase your activity level. It may take about a month for swelling to
improve and bruising to fade. Most people can return to regular activities in about six weeks.
Mommy Makeover
We combine two or more body contouring procedures to reverse the appearance of excess fat and sagging that can accompany motherhood or aging.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a toll on a woman’s body, often
causing the breasts to sag or deflate, and the abdomen skin and muscles to become lax and loose. The mommy makeover at Black Hills Plastic Surgery in Rapid City, SD, is a comprehensive surgery package that helps mothersreclaim the previously youthful qualities of their bodies after giving birth.
Mommy makeovers commonly include a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast enhancement. Together, these procedures reshape the breasts and flatten the stomach to help mothers regain their pre-pregnancy figures and confidence.
Reasons to consider a mommy makeover:
- Correct diastasis (loose abdomen muscles) and remove stretch marks with a tummy tuck
- Eliminate breast sagging through breast lift
- Add or restore breast volume through breast augmentation
- Realign nipples and areolas
- Create breast symmetry
- Remove excessive abdominal fat with liposuction
Not every woman will opt for all three procedures when choosing a mommy makeover. The type and degree of cosmetic surgery needed will depend on how pregnancy has affected the woman’s body specifically.
For example, a woman who is satisfied with the size and shape of her breasts but who has developed stretch marks and stubborn abdominal fat as a result of
pregnancy may opt for a mommy makeover consisting of liposuction and tummy tuck. The majority of mommy makeovers will include a tummy tuck with or without liposuction.
General Procedure
We will work with you to determine the precise combination of tummy tuck,
liposuction, and breast enhancement for your mommy makeover. Details such as incision methods, tissue treatments, and surgery durations will vary with each mommy makeover. We will discuss the specifics of your individual mommy makeover during your consultation.
Recovery
Recovery instructions generally call for plenty of rest and limited movement after any surgery to quicken the healing process. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive your mommy makeover package is.
You will wear a support garment for a ‘i4w weeks, depending on the area and extent of the surgery. Some patients will experience minor pain after surgery, which oral medication can treat effectively. While complications are uncommon, following post-operative instructions carefully can minimize risks.
If you are interested in a mommy makeover to revive your pre-pregnancy figure, call Black Hills Plastic Surgery today. Request a consultation online or call our office in Rapid City, SD at (605) 343-7208.
