Body


 

LiposuctionTummy TuckBody Lift

 

Liposuction

A fit and well-proportioned body is often considered a symbol of health and vitality. But despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some individuals may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to heredity or family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.

In general, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing these localized excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion and, ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

 

Is liposuction right for me?

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise liposuction may be right for you. Liposuction can permanently reshape body contours where excess fat deposits create areas that are disproportionally large in an otherwise balanced figure incuding fat deposits of the:

  • Cheeks, chin, and neck
  • Upper arms
  • Breast or chest area
  • Back
  • Abdomen and waist
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Inner knee
  • Calves and ankles

Ideal candidates for liposuction are adults of any age within 30% of their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone. Good candidates are defined as:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

Special considerations may be necessary for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or previous surgery to the treatment area.

In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, male or female breast reduction or a tummy tuck. 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.

 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how liposuction can enhance your body image. The discussion will include:

  • Your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
  • The options available in surgical liposuction
  • The likely outcomes of liposuction and any risks or potential complications

The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:

  • Honestly share your expectations
  • Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
  • Commit to following all of the doctor’s instructions precisely

Dr. Han may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results, such as a breast lift procedure be performed in conjunction with your breast enlargement surgery.

 

What are the risks with liposuction?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of a liposuction inlcude but are not limited too:

  • Uneven contours
  • Rippling or loose skin
  • Skin or nerve damage
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Fat clots
  • Blood clots
  • Excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation.

In addition there is risk of thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the UAL technique. All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Liposuction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. It is more commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be used.

If your liposuction procedure 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.

 

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

The doctor will carefully explain your liposuction procedure. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How is liposuction performed?

There are three common variations to the procedure:

  • Traditional liposuction, surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits
  • The tumescent or super-wet technique that uses an infusion of saline solution, with added adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat
  • Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty or UAL, using ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.

An evaluation of skin tone and elasticity, as well as fat density and distribution, will determine appropriate techniques for your specific case.

Step 1 - All liposuction techniques require incisions in or near the area to be suctioned for insertion of a cannula. In some cases, incisions may be so small that no stitches are required for closure.

Step 2 - Once the cannula tip has loosened excess fat, the fat is removed using a surgical vacuum or powered suction device. An alternative method uses a syringe attached to the cannula to manually suction away fat.

Step 3 - When large amounts are suctioned from one area, compression garments may assist during the healing process to help skin conform to the reduced body contours.

Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are needed when large amounts, usually more than 5 liters, or 5000ccs, of fat are suctioned.

 

What happens after surgery?

Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These assist to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess fluid.

The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.

 

Progress and healing

Initial healing will include swelling, numbness, soreness, bruising, and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. These are common conditions.

In general, a return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready and is encouraged to prevent blood clots and other complications.

Initial wound healing may take from 5 to 10 days, at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines will improve over time..

Continue to follow the doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

 

What should I know about my results?

It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue so long as you maintain your weight and practice a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and regular physical activity. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the health and active life you lead.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

Patient 4

 

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Tummy Tuck

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. But, regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery and significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.

A Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back.

In general, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

 

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate to help achieve your goals. A tummy tuck is best performed on adults of any age who are in good health, are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size, are moderately fit, and, overall, have good muscle tone. Good candidates are:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

In addition, 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 or revised for new incisions.

 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how abdominal contour surgery or a tummy tuck can improve your body image and abdominal contour. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about tummy tuck in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

  • A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
  • The options available in tummy tuck surgery
  • The likely outcomes of tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
  • The course of treatment recommended by the doctor

The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:

  • Honestly share your expectations
  • Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
  • Understand what results can be expected from the procedure you decide to pursue
  • Commit to following all of the doctor’s instructions precisely
 

What are the risks with a tummy tuck?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of a tummy tuck inlcude but are not limited too:

  • Blood clots
  • Blood pooling beneath the skin (hematoma)
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Infection or poor healing of the incision site.

Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

 

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

A tummy tuck may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. It is more commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be used.

If your tummy tuck procedure 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.

 

How is tummy tuck performed?

Your tummy tuck will be individualized to your specific condition that may include:

  • Excess localized fat in the abdominal area
  • Loose and sagging skin in the abdominal region
  • Weakened or separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging

Surgical removal of excess fat and skin may be combined with liposuction during a tummy tuck. There are variations to tummy tuck surgery; the technique selected is dependant on the degree of correction necessary to achieve a flatter profile and firmer abdomen. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and surgical judgment.

Liposuction may be used in conjunction with a tummy tuck or to recontour other areas of the body by removing localized excess fat deposits. Other body contouring procedures may be performed separately or in the same surgical session as a tummy tuck.

 

What happens after surgery?

Once 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 abdomen as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.

The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.

 

Progress and healing

Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. You will be instructed to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications. For the the first few days following surgery you should:

  • Avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything
  • Avoid standing fully upright, to avoid stressing any internal sutures
  • Sleep with pillows elevating your knees

Initial would healing may take 5 to 10 days. Any sutures will be removed some time after that, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.

Continue to follow the doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

 

What should I know about my results?

The results of a tummy tuck are visible almost immediately; however it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over the following months. It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree. Although they are permanent, these scars are hidden by most clothing and swimsuits.

Your new profile with a firm and flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. As your body ages you may find that some firmness is lost in the abdomen. However, this is minimal compared to the initial conditions that were corrected to achieve your now toned abdomen.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

Patient 4

 

Patient 5

 

Patient 6

 

Patient 7

 

Patient 8

 

Patient 9

 

Patient 10

 

Patient 11

 

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Body Lift

The middle and lower body are sensitive features of the body that impact one’s overall appearance. When middle and lower body are out of proportion with the rest of the body or there is excess skin or fat, it can affect one’s self-image and confidence.

In general, belt lipectomy improves the appearance and firmness of the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks, enhancing overall body harmony and self-confidence.

What is belt lipectomy?

A cosmetic body lift, or belt lipectomy, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the middle and lower body. Specific features addressed in a cosmetic body lift, and strictly for appearance enhancement, include:

  • Loose skin in the buttocks and back of the thighs
  • Loose skin in the hips and side of the thighs
  • Loose skin in the front of the thighs
  • Loose abdominal skin or in the inner thighs
  • Relatively thin layers of fat below the skin of these areas

Belt lipectomy is designed to sculpt the body in order to achieve a more pleasing profile and appearance, as well as achieve balance and harmony between physical features of the body.

 

Is body lift right for me?

If you are bothered by the size or position of your abdomen, hips, thighs and/or buttocks, then a body lift, or belt lipectomy, may be right for you.

Good candidates for belt lipectomy are:

  • Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss
  • Individuals who have excess skin or fat around the abdomen, hips, thighs or buttocks
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement
 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how a body lift can improve the appearance of your middle and lower body and thus achieve full body harmony. A consultation is designed to fully educate you in a no pressure environment, and will include:

  • A discussion of your primary concerns and an evaluation of your individual case
  • The options available for a body lift
  • The likely outcomes of surgery and any risks or potential complications
  • The course of treatment recommended by the doctor

The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:

  • Honestly share your concerns and expectations
  • Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
  • Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions precisely
 

What are the risks with a body lift?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of belt lipectomy include, but are not limited to:

  • Seromas, collections of fluid below the skin, which may require the use of drains
  • Delayed healing from small separations in the incision closure in areas of high tension and stretch
  • Numbness in areas adjacent to the incision
  • Slight asymmetries
  • Surgical operating time and duration may last six hours or more for the body lift.

A body lift is a procedure in which aesthetic outcomes can be unpredictable, and in some cases a second procedure may be necessary to fully achieve your goals.

All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

 

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

A body lift is usually performed at a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure. Typically you will be admitted to the hospital following the surgery.

 

How is body lift performed?

A body lift is an individualized procedure that takes into account all the specific characteristics that contribute to the overall appearance of the middle and lower body and their relation to body as a whole. The doctor will carefully evaluate your individual case and goals for improvement to determine the specific features to address through a body lift.

Body lifts are typically performed under a general anesthesia. In this type of surgery, you would be put to sleep with an intravenous sedative. After you are asleep, a breathing tube would be placed in your mouth to ensure that the airway is secure during the position changes necessary during the surgical body lift procedure.

 

What happens after surgery?

Surgical drains are placed to remove fluid which accumulates within the incisions. The amount of fluid is measured by the patient on a daily basis. Once the output falls low enough arrangements are made for removal of the drain in an office outpatient setting. Drains typically remain in place for two to three weeks, but may be left longer. Sutures in the incision closure may require removal. This typically occurs around two weeks after surgery, and this, too, is done in an office as an outpatient treatment. Compression garments may be placed on the patient to control swelling, to support the suspended tissues, and to smooth and flatten the skin. Placement can occur at the time of surgery, or later, at the surgeon’s discretion.

Activity is determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. Patients are encouraged to walk the day after surgery. Once the drains are removed, movement is easier.

The doctor will also instruct you regarding how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, take or apply medications, look for specific concerns and when to come in for follow-up visits.

 

Progress and healing

Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that can be controlled with medication and cold compresses. These are all common conditions.

Immediately following your surgery:

  • You will be instructed to keep any packing in place at all times
  • A return to light, normal activity is possible usually within a few days
  • Any packing will likely be removed after the first week or two

Following the body lift procedure you should plan to be out of work for three weeks. Some patients can resume limited work functions after two weeks. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and the improved appearance of your middle and lower body begins to become apparent.

 

What should I know about my results?

The outcome of your body lift will appear gradually over time. At a minimum, a year is considered normal for the outcome of a body lift to fully refine.

You should be pleased with the improved balance among your physical features resulting from body lift. Achieving your personal goals for an enhanced appearance will likely increase your self-confidence.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

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Location

Hauw T Han, MD, LLC
7760 West VOA Park Drive, Suite H
West Chester, OH 45069
Phone: 513-540-1454
Fax: 5137554760

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Get in touch

513-540-1454