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Body Procedures
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the more common cosmetic surgery procedures. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and also tightens the abdominal muscles to create a smooth, tight, better contoured waistline and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles. Good candidates have loose or excess skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or loss of skin elasticity from stretch marks or aging. This procedure is often combined with liposuction of the love handle areas to give better contour to the entire waistline. It is also commonly done along with the breast augmentation procedure and liposuction, known as the "mommy makeover." The decision to have tummy tuck is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Nichols and his staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. Possible risks of abdominoplasty include:
What happens during tummy tuck surgery? Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will recommend the best choice for you. Step 2 – The incision A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Step 3 – Closing the incisions Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions. Step 4 – See the results Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile. Recovery Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. A small, thin drain tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with Dr. Nichols. Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated into the new scar. How much will tummy tuck surgery cost? Costs may include:
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee When choosing a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck, remember that your comfort with him or her is just as important as the final cost of the surgery. LiposuctionLiposuction may be a great option for you if you have fatty areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is not a cellulite treatment or weight-loss procedure and those who are in good shape yet struggle with "problem" areas are the best candidates. The procedure slims and contours different areas of the body by removing the excess fat. Liposuction does not treat loose or sagging skin. In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases it is used with procedures such as a breast reduction/lift or a tummy tuck, which can reduce sagging skin. When combined with other procedures, liposuction can be one of the procedures in a Mommy Makeover. What it won't do: Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks, or loose saggy skin. The decision to have SmartLipo or liposuction is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Nichols and his staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. Possible risks of SmartLipo and liposuction include:
Is it right for me? If you are bothered by excess fat deposits - located anywhere on your body - that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. Ideal candidates for liposuction are:
The results will be long-lasting
The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A significant weight gain can reverse your results. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead. How much will liposuction cost? SmartLipo pricing starts at $3000 and increases for multiple areas and type of area. Liposuction prices are based on size and number of areas. You will receive a personalized quote at your complimentary consultation. We offer patient financing through several plans, so be sure to ask. SmartLipo™ LaserBodySculptingSMSmartLipo™ LaserBodySculptingSM produces similar results to traditional liposuction. SmartLipo™ is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently destroys fat cells, improving overall body shape by permanently removing unwanted fat and tightening skin. Laser technology liquefies the fat cells while smoothing and tightening the skin that often remains a bit loose after traditional liposuction. LaserBodySculptingSM is meant for areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. Click here for a list of areas that can be treated with SmartLipo™. This laser-assisted lipolysis procedure is performed using a one millimeter cannula (or tube) inserted into the skin. A laser fiber inside of the cannula delivers energy directly to fat cells, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid. Simultaneously, tissue around the area coagulates, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure which usually requires only local anesthesia. Some light trauma can occur, but you'll be able to return to work in a couple of days and resume exercise after 2 weeks. Typically only one treatment is required. Results can be seen within a week, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months. A compression garment must be worn for a short period after treatment. What's included?All SmartLipo treatments include a post-surgical compression garment and two complementary massages to help reduce swelling and assist lymphatic drainage. You'll need help -SmartLipo is performed in our office. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from procedure. View SmartLipo videos Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) and Thigh LiftWe offer a complimentary consultation, so don't hesitate to contact us to schedule yours. The success and safety of your arm lift procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss:
Preparing For Surgery Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
Dr. Nichols and his staff will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Arm lift surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital, typically at St. Anthony's in Gig Harbor or Allenmore in Tacoma. You'll need help If your arm lift is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. When you go home If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary. Be careful Following Dr. Nichols' instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. We will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Be sure to ask questions: It's very important to ask questions about your arm lift procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Nichols. Costs include:
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee When choosing a plastic surgeon for any cosmetic surgery, remember that your comfort with him or her is just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications. Thigh LiftMany patients are concerned about the size and/or sagging of their inner thighs. The inner, or medial, thigh lift procedure removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, resulting in a smaller, smoother upper leg. Candidates for thigh lift are:
What it won't do: Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended. Results The results of a thigh lift are visible almost immediately. However, it may take several months for the final results to fully develop. Some visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your initial improvement should be relatively permanent. The risks include:
Recovery When your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your new contours as you heal. One or more small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)If you are concerned about excess or sagging skin of your upper arms, you may consider an arm lift, or brachioplasty. Fluctuations in weight, growing older and even heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits. If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you. The results give you smaller, firmer, better contoured upper arms. In order to achieve your improved image, there will be a scar on the inside of your upper arm. Is it right for me? In general, candidates for an arm lift include:
The risks include:
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Discuss these feelings with Dr. Nichols. Recovery Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Nichols. Results The results of arm lift surgery will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness, but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent. |
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