Body Procedures

Procedures with an * next to them include ON-Q PainBuster™ to minimize a patient's discomfort after surgery. The self administering "pain pump" provides a numbing medicine which lasts up to 72 hours. Today, your options for relieving post-operative pain have dramatically improved, including an alternative that allows a more comfortable recovery without narcotic side effects, such as breathing difficulties, nausea, constipation and that "knocked out" feeling.

Lipoplasty (Liposuction)

Areas of the body that respond well to liposuction surgery include the neck and jowls, cheeks, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen. Liposuction may also be used for small breast reductions in cases where there's little sagging or to remove fat at the sides of the breast. In a small percentage of cases, only the small liposuction scars would be necessary. This procedure is becoming more popular because the tiny incisions greatly reduce scarring. Men with enlarged breasts can also benefit from this technique.

Liposuction surgery is a surgical procedure in which fat cells are removed from the body. A small tube attached to a high-pressure vacuum suction inserted through a small incision in the skin, extracts excess fat cells. Because the procedure does not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, there is little pain, rapid healing and minimal scarring. Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately after surgery.

Liposuction (or lipoplasty) is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively 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.

Reasons for Considering Liposuction:

Eliminate fat from any of the following areas:
- Chin and Neckline
- Back/Bra Area
- Stomach and Waistline
- Hips and Buttocks
- Thighs and Knees
Create a more proportioned figure

Liposuction should not be 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 already in good physical condition but having stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

General Procedure

Dr. Dixon performs liposuction under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center setting 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. He determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.

Recovery Process

New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest with gradual increase in activity and movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area(s) are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure. Patients sometimes report moderate pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)*

Sometimes after multiple pregnancies or large weight loss, abdominal muscles weaken, and skin in the area becomes flaccid. Abdominoplasty can tighten the abdominal muscles and, in some instances, improve stretch marks. In both men and women, the procedure will remove excess skin and fat. Generally, an incision is made across the pubic area and around the umbilicus (navel). When skin laxity and muscle weakness is confined to the lower part of the abdomen, a modified abdominoplasty that limits tissue removal and muscle repair to the area below the umbilicus may be performed. This usually leaves a shorter scar and no scarring around the navel.

The procedure most frequently used involves an incision made below one hipbone, across the pubic area, to the opposite hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel. The skin is then separated and lifted from the abdominal wall exposing the tissue that covers the large abdominal muscle. This tissue is sometimes sutured in order to tighten and firm the muscles. The skin is then lowered over the abdomen and excess skin is removed. Before the incisions are closed with small sutures, the navel is reconstructed. Firm elastic bandages are then applied to the area.

Dr. Dixon assesses each person to determine if he or she is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty. He personally explains all the aspects of the surgery and sees every patient throughout the post-op period.

Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty:

Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area.
Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss.
Loss of skin elasticity or diastasis (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy.
The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits as well as the proper alignment of the abdomen muscles to produce a more flattering look.

General Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the desired look and the patient's 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 Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. As the body recuperates, the patient can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort. Wearing a special girdle helps provide support in the recovery period. Medication can be prescribed to relieve any pain caused by the procedure. The stitches will be removed one to two weeks after the surgery depending on the procedure(s) involved. Normal activities can generally be resumed after about two weeks. It may take up to a year for the body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration. With proper diet and exercise the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.

Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)*

A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, is a procedure to raise and reshape unsightly, sagging body contours. During the aging process or through massive weight loss ([www.obesityhelp.com][5]) , skin loses some elasticity, causing the mid-section to lose its natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to remove loose skin and related fat deposits, thus, providing a more youthful appearance. A body lift can be applied to the lower torso and upper legs including the abdomen, waist, inner/outer thighs, buttocks, and/or hips. Liposuction may also be completed in conjunction with a body lift.

Reasons for Considering a Body Lift:

Reshape mid-body contour.
Correct sagging skin and fat due to aging or excessive weight loss.
Remedy weight gain and stretched skin caused by multiple pregnancies.

General Procedure

The precise procedure varies with each patient, depending on the body type and desired surgical outcome. Generally speaking, the body lift procedure entails making an incision that goes completely around the waist and lower back at the crease of the buttocks. Excess skin is then removed, followed by the underlying fat deposits. Finally, the skin is pulled taught and sutured into the new configuration. The entire procedure can last from 3 to 7 hours. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions require plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to minimize swelling and provide support. Tubes are placed to drain excess fluids. The scars resulting from the incisions are permanent but are carefully placed so as to minimize visibility. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions that are given after the surgery.

Brachioplasty (Upper Arm Lift)

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits in the upper arm. With age, upper arm skin can become loose and flabby. Plastic surgeons will discuss brachioplasty with patients who want to tighten this skin and look as good as they feel. In some cases your plastic surgeon may suggest that liposuction be used alone or in conjunction with an arm lift to remove excess fat in the upper arms.

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

A thigh lift is a surgical procedure to remove skin and fat from the thighs to tighten the skin and improve the contour of the legs. A thigh lift may also be performed in combination with another type of surgery. Thigh lift surgery can markedly improve the appearance of your legs. The combined effects of aging, gravity, fluctuations in weight, and a loss of skin elasticity all contribute to loss of tone in the thighs as we age.

VelaSmooth™ Cellulite Treatment

It is estimated that 80% of all women over the age of 20 have cellulite, regardless of the size and shape of their bodies. VelaSmooth™ is the first and only medical device that penetrates deep enough into the adipose tissue to effectively treat cellulite.

VelaSmooth™ is the safe and effective medical solution for the effective treatment of cellulite. VelaSmooth™ is the first and only class II medical device with the revolutionary elos combined energy technology using Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Infrared Light - plus tissue mobilization combined with suction to reduce the appearance of cellulite and re-contour problem areas.

Results can be operator dependent. Dr. Dixon and staff are trained and certified by Syneron.

Visit the VelaSmooth™ web site for photos and more information.