Saturday, October 25, 2008

Buttocks Fat Grafting

What is buttocks fat grafting?

Buttocks fat grafting is a procedure designed to augment or increase the size of, as well as to improve the shape of the buttocks by using fat from other areas of the body.

The buttocks is a very important part of human sensuality. It is represented throughout different cultures past and present in art and fashion. Just as there are different procedures to improve the shape and appearence of breasts, so too are there a range of prcedures designed to shape and improve the size, shape, and appearence of the buttocks.

The procedure available to improve the size of the buttocks include implants, autologous flap (more on this procedure in later posts), and fat grafting.

How is buttocks fat grafting done?

Buttocks fat grafting is performed by removing fat from one area(s) of the body and using that fat to increase the volume and improve the shape of the buttocks. The fat is obtained through liposuction in a special manner. Any of the area of the body is a potential source for fat, with the abdomen, hips, thighs, flank, and back being the most common sources. Through liposuction fat is removed and the area being liposuctions is contoured to the desired effect. The fat is prepared in the operating room and reinjected into the buttocks through tiny incisions that are less than a few millimeters long.

Does buttocks fat grafting last?

Yes. Fat grafting has been around for some time now and it has been clearly shown that fat grafting does last. There is some debate about how much of the graft "takes" and how much gets absorbed, however, the fat that does take stays forever. Most plastic surgeons agree that at least 50% of the fat graft usually takes. In my experience, the percentage of fat that takes is more like 75%. This fat then increases or decreases with weight gain and weight loss respectively just like the rest of your body....since it actually is your body.

What can I expect after surgery?

The recovery for buttocks fat grafting is similar to most liposuction procedures. You'll have garments on the areas where liposuction has been performed, there will be some soreness but nothing too remarkable, you can do most activities as long as they are not strenuous, heavy, or prolonged. With regards to sitting, if the patient is comfortable and able, I recommend resting some of the time on your stomach since this will help with the swelling, otherwise when sitting it is important to have plenty of padding and to relieve some pressure periodically. Brusing and swelling will be present as expected.

Summary

I believe buttocks fat grafting is a wondeful procedure for patients that do not have enough volume in their buttocks. It works well, lasts the rest of your life if you mantain your weight and health status, and most importantly it feels real because it is real.


All the best,

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Extended Tummy Tuck

Extended Tummy Tuck

What is the extended tummy tuck procedure?
The extended tummy tuck also referred to as extended abdominoplasty, is an abdominal cotouring procedure that is designed to remove a maximum amount of extra skin and soft-tissue laxity without a scar that goes all the way around the waist (circumferential tummy tuck or body lift). Most patients that have a significant amount of extra skin and soft-tissue laxity around the waist are best served by a body lift also known as a circumferential abdominoplasty. However, for various reasons, patients may either not want a body lift or may not be an ideal candidate to undergo the body lift procedure. In these cases the extended tummy tuck is a great procedure that will allow maximum improvement of the extra skin and soft-tissue laxity.

How long is the incision?
The short answer is that it is as long as your body needs it to be to remove the extra tissue without creating folds of tissue at the ends of the incision which may be seen when too short of an incision is used. By definition, the incision used for the extended tummy tuck is longer that a full tummy tuck procedure but shorter than a circumferential tummy tuck. As a general rule the extended tummy tuck incision spans from about one palm witdh beyond each hip bone on both sides or about 3-5 inches longer on both sides than a full tummy tuck.

What else is involved in the extended tummy tuck procedure?
The goal of the extended tummy tuck procedure is the same as any other tummy tuck procedure, namely to thin, to flatten, and to tighten. To accomplish this, liposuction of the abdomen, hips, and flanks is performed when needed/or deemed beneficial to the overall result. In addition, muscle tightening or muscle repair is also performed to help flatten the abdominal wall. Finally, the extra skin and soft-tissue is removed, allowing the tummy to be tighter in profile and shape.

Next up. The body lift or circumferential abdominoplasty.

All the best,
Dr. Remus Repta
Phoenix/Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon