Do you have pockets of unwanted fat that refuse to budge, even after a successful weight loss effort? Maybe you’ve lost inches around your waist, but those love handles still won’t shrink. Or perhaps you’re happy with your figure, but excess fat and skin under your chin make it difficult to look in the mirror.
In situations like these, body sculpting procedures can help you achieve the body of your dreams. Here are three highly effective procedures that Dr. DeMercurio often recommends for patients with stubborn body fat.
Liposuction
Liposuction has been around for decades, and most people are familiar with it. But what you might not know is that modern liposuction is so much safer, more effective, and more targeted than the liposuction of your parents’ generation.
To perform liposuction, your surgeon will make a small incision in the treatment area. They’ll then insert a special tool, called a cannula, into this incision. A special device called a surgical vacuum will pull fat tissue through the cannula. Throughout the procedure, your doctor will carefully reposition the cannula, as needed, to remove the excess fat from areas where it has accumulated.
Patients are often surprised by how quickly they recover from liposuction. Most find that the pain and discomfort subsides after 3-4 days, although the swelling can last a bit longer. You can expect a complete recovery in 6 -8 weeks, but most people can return to work and normal responsibilities about 2 weeks after the procedure.
So, where can you have liposuction? Here are some of the most common treatment sites:
- Around the waist (love handles)
- Buttocks and hips
- Upper arms
- Thighs
- Chest (gynecomastia in men)
Liposuction is suited for patients of all genders. It’s particularly effective for men struggling with gynecomastia, and for women who have unwanted fat around their hips and abdomen.
Renuvion®
When you look in the mirror, are you bothered by loose skin or excess fat under your chin? Some people refer to this as a “double chin.” It can appear as a natural, normal part of the aging process. As you age, your skin loses collagen, which can cause it to loosen and sag. You may also struggle with loose skin and excess fat in this area after substantial weight loss.
Regardless of why your neck and chin are sagging, Renuvion® can help. This is a minimally invasive, radiofrequency-based procedure that can increase your skin’s elasticity, restoring a tighter, more toned neck and chin.
During Renuvion®, your surgeon makes several small incisions in the treatment area. They then insert the specialized treatment tool into the incisions. Radiofrequency waves and helium gas, delivered through the incision, then work to stimulate your skin’s production of collagen.
The results of Renuvion® can take a few weeks to develop as your skin’s collagen production increases. However, pain and discomfort are minimal as you recover. You can return home almost immediately after your treatment, and the average recovery takes about 5 days. The results can be dramatic. Imagine the relief you’ll feel when you no longer have to hide or be embarrassed by a saggy chin!
Tummy Tuck
If your main concern is your mid-section, you may want to consider a tummy tuck. This is a procedure in which your surgeon removes excess, stretched-out skin from around your waist. It’s often paired with liposuction to remove excess fat cells in the area, too.
While people often choose a tummy tuck for cosmetic reasons, it’s not purely a cosmetic procedure. During your tummy tuck, your surgeon may also be able to repair damaged and weakened abdominal muscles. This can lead to increased core strength and flexibility, which can help keep you fit and healthy post-surgery.
A tummy tuck is a bit more invasive than the other body sculpting procedures discussed in this post. But if you have excess abdominal skin and fat, the results are worth the wait! The average recovery time is about three months, and you will need to take a few weeks off from work. However, pain relievers and supportive garments can make recovery a lot more comfortable than you’d expect.
Tummy tucks are popular among those who’ve experienced significant weight loss, leaving them with saggy skin. They’re also common among post-partum women. Note that surgeons generally recommend waiting until you’ve had your last child to have body sculpting procedures performed.
Don’t let loose skin and excess fat keep you down! Schedule a consultation with Dr. DeMercurio at the Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. He will assess your concerns and recommend the body sculpting procedures that best fit your needs.
