Body Procedures
Each of our staff members is dedicated to helping patients improve their lives through cosmetic body procedures. If you would like to learn more about post-weight-loss options, tummy tucks, liposuction, or other procedures, our staff will make every effort to ensure all of your questions are fully answered.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) flattens and contours abdomens. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are tightened during the same procedure for an improved overall result. A standard tummy tuck will leave a scar that extends from the hipbone. Dr. Becker will keep the scar as low as possible, so the patient is able to wear modern clothing styles, and even bikinis, that hide the scar.
Less-involved procedures known as modified abdominoplasties and mini-abdominoplasties may be used to address some issues, and involve less scarring. In some cases, the patient may benefit from a belt lipectomy, which is extending the skin removal all the way around the waist.
Liposuction
Liposuction is an ideal procedure for someone of normal weight who would like to improve their body contour by specifically addressing problem areas. Optimal results are usually seen when a person is able to identify a localized area that they identify as problematic. Excellent results can also be obtained for patients who desire an overall improved contour in a more general area, such as the lower or upper body. Using the tumescent technique, a special solution is placed within the tissues before the fat is removed to minimize bleeding and make the procedure less painful.
Following liposuction, it is important to wear a compression garment for one month and to have several sessions of massage therapy.
Smart Lipo™
SmartLipo™, used alone or in conjunction with regular liposuction, minimizes the likelihood of skin becoming overly loose after the procedure. The procedure may actually result in skin tightening. In some cases, when used with regular liposuction, dramatic results can be achieved that would not be possible with liposuction alone.
Thigh Lift
Liposuction is the most common procedure performed on the thighs, and can result in a slimmer physique. However, when weight loss is significant or when a person reaches a certain age, skin and soft tissues begin to sag. When this is the case, liposuction is no longer an option and a thigh lift is provided to patients who would like to achieve better contouring. A thigh lift involves the removal of excess skin and fat. Thigh lifts may be done on the outside of the thighs, on the inside of the thighs, or both. A thigh lift may be included with a tummy tuck or extended around to the backside to include a butt lift.
Combining these procedures is known as a lower body lift. Although providing dramatic results, these procedures leave lengthy, but acceptable scars.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is the removal of the loose, saggy skin between the elbow and armpit. Liposuction can be an important component of brachioplasty. This procedure is frequently needed after significant weight loss.
Excess Skin Removal After Weight Loss
Gastric bypass and lap banding weight-loss surgeries have become increasingly common. Weight loss of 100 to 200 pounds using these procedures is not uncommon, the patient begins to take a new lease on life, and the health benefits can be enormous. With the weight loss, however, comes a new concern. Although dramatic weight loss has been achieved, skin that has been stretched out now begins to sag and hang off the body. With a full range of post-bariatric surgery procedures, Dr. Becker helps patients complete their weight-loss surgery process by removing excess skin and creating a more natural looking body contour.
This procedure can help to truly complete the transformation to a healthier and more-enjoyable life. Post-bariatric surgery can include tummy tuck, thigh lift, brachioplasty, and other similar body-contouring procedures.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a repair or reshaping of the labia minora (inner vaginal lips). Labia minora can be elongated, very prominent, or significantly asymmetric. Patients may desire improvement of this area for reasons of appearance and self consciousness, but also due to discomfort during exercise or sexual intercourse. Either one or both sides can be operated upon.
Reconstructive Body Procedures
Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstruction
Skin cancer is extremely common and often easily treatable. In most cases, Dr. Becker is able to treat the cancer by simply removing it, then closing the defect by moving a small flap of skin or placing a skin graft. With some types of cancer or more-advanced diseases, more-significant procedures may be required. It is not uncommon to have two or three procedures to fully reconstruct a defect caused by skin cancer.
Scar Revision
Scars heal and mature over the course of many months. It is preferable to hold off on any surgical attempt to improve or revise a scar until it is fully mature, this is typically after 12 months. Scar revision may include dermabrasion to help flatten the scar, excision of the scar with meticulous closure to provide for better healing, and redirection of the orientation of the scar to make it less noticeable. Prior to performing scar revision, Dr. Becker may recommend steroid injection or the topical application of silicone.