Body Contouring
Abdominoplasty
For many women who have gained and lost excess weight, or who’ve had children, the excess skin below the belly button is a significant concern. A tummy tuck is often the best solution to this problem. This operation involves an incision below the belly button which can usually be hidden in the hairline. Depending on the amount of excess skin present, and the looseness of the abdominal muscles, an endoscope can sometimes be used to minimize the size of the scar needed to achieve the desired result. Liposuction can also be simultaneously performed on other areas if appropriate. The operation is done under general anesthesia, and usually as an outpatient. Recovery time varies with the amount of skin resected and degree of muscle looseness. Most patients are off work for 10-14 days.
To view before and after photographs of abdominoplasty patients, click on the icon to the left.
Combined “After Pregnancy” Surgery
Several patients come to see Dr. Stokes asking about multiple procedures after they’ve had babies. Dr. Stokes likes to call this a “Mommy Makeover”. A breast augmentation fills the breast back to it’s pre-pregnancy volume, while an abdominoplasty and/or liposculputre can help trim the excess skin and weight caused by pregnancy.
To view before and after photographs of ”mommy makeover” patients, click on the icon to the left.
Liposculpture
Liposuction is now the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. The primary reason for this is the effectiveness of the procedure. We can now smooth out problem areas of fat with tiny incisions (4-8 millimeters), and a very short recovery time. The operation can be performed under general or local anesthesia with IV sedation.
Power-assisted liposuction refers to a new technology whereby the tip of the suction tube vibrates at a rapid speed. This vibration loosens the fat cells so that they may be suctioned away gently with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. PAL is performed using tumescent technique. This involves infusing large volumes of saline, local anesthesia and adrenaline. This maximizes the effectiveness of the fat removal and patient comfort, and it helps to minimize bruising. Power-assisted liposuction has several important advantages over the older techniques of ultrasound -assisted liposuction (UAL) and suction-assisted liposuction (SAL). These benefits include increased safety, decreased anesthesia time, less bruising, faster recovery, increased efficacy and greater precision. Research has shown that power-assisted liposuction is an effective and safer way to eliminate unwanted deposits of fat.
To view before and after photographs of liposculpure patients, click on the icon to the left.
Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty is a procedure which allows for improved contour of the upper arm, while tightening the skin underneath. Classic brachioplasty has always been associated with a long upper arm scar which often grows and widens. Dr. Stokes has improved the procedure and has authored a publication on his technique. Combining the use of the new Vaser Ultrasonic emulsification system and a modified incision, he has achieved much more desirable results.
To view before and after photographs of brachioplasty patients, click on the icon to the left.
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