Body

Body Procedures

• Tummy Tuck

  Common causes of a loose or sagging abdomen are aging, pregnancy, changes in weight, hereditary, and previous surgeries. A tummy-tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is the surgical removal of excess fat and skin to tighten the abdominal contour. In many cases, the abdominal muscles are weakened or separated, and in a tummy-tuck they are repaired and brought together to create a firmer and smoother abdominal profile.

  A full tummy-tuck involves a low, horizontal-oriented incision between the hip bones. The degree of correction necessary helps determine the shape and length of the incision. A second small, circular incision around the belly-button is necessary to remove any additional skin and fat.

  Following surgery, dressings and bandages are applied, as well as a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the abdominal contour while it heals. Dr. Golpanian sometimes uses a small drain to collect any excess fluid drainage for optimal aesthetic results. Initially, swelling and internal healing will make it difficult to see the results. After several weeks, you will see a slimmer, firmer, and more defined abdominal profile.

• Mini Tummy Tuck

  A mini tummy tuck is conceptually similar to a full tummy tuck with some important differences. While a horizontal incision is used, it is shorter and more well-hidden. The navel is not disturbed, there is a quicker and more comfortable recovery period, and it is a shorter surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure have minimal extra skin to be removed from the lower abdomen, have no laxity or stretch marks above the navel, and do not need tightening of their muscles. In some cases, some patients want to remove excess skin below and above the navel as performed in a full tummy tuck, but do not want their muscles tightened. Various aspects of a full and mini tummy tuck may be performed or omitted, but it is based on your discussion with Dr. Golpanian as well as the surgeon’s discretion.

• Mommy Makeover

  There is no standard definition of the so-called “mommy makeover”. It is an umbrella term used to represent a procedure or certain combination of procedures performed to improve the appearance of the breasts and/or abdomen. Restoration of these areas is oftentimes required after pregnancy. During pregnancy, mechanical stretching and hormonal changes affect the skin quality and tissue volume of the breasts and abdomen, and oftentimes they do not go back to where they used to be. The specific procedure or set of procedures performed for each patient is different and uniquely tailored, depending on their anatomy and particular needs. Procedures for the breast include a breast lift, breast augmentation, fat grafting to the breast, or any combination of them. Similarly for the abdomen, a full or mini tummy tuck may be performed. Liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck or may be the only procedure needed for the abdomen if the skin is not loose and of good quality. Sometimes, Dr. Golpanian includes a Brazilian butt lift or thighplasty (thigh lift) as part of the mommy makeover procedures.

  Overall, a mommy makeover results in smoother and tighter skin, removes some stretch marks, provides more youthful looking breasts, flatter and improved appearance of the stomach and navel, contours the waist and hips, and boosts self-confidence.

  Dr. Golpanian believes that a good candidate for a mommy makeover is one who has finished having children, has given birth at least 6 months ago, is a non-smoker, and would like a younger more attractive look.

• Liposuction

  Liposuction is a procedure that dislodges and “sucks” fat from unwanted areas of the body and shapes these specific areas. Common regions of localized deposits liposuction can target are the abdomen and waist, hips and buttocks, thighs, upper arms, calves and ankles, and back. Liposuction can be performed alone, or in combination with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or facelift.

  Dr. Golpanian performs liposuction through very small, hidden incisions near the area to be suctioned. A sterile solution is first infused to improve pain and reduce bleeding. A cannula, or hollow tube, is then used to break apart the fat deposits and suction them out of the body through a surgical vacuum.

  After the procedure, a compression garment will be used to reduce swelling and improve contour. It may take several months before the final results will become apparent. If a healthy diet and fitness are maintained, the results should be permanent. However, weight gain can occur in the area that was corrected if proper diet and exercise are not practiced. Liposuction is not effective for the treatment of obesity, cellulite, or loose and excess skin.

• Arm Lift

  An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is the surgical removal of excess, sagging skin and fat from your upper arms. Drooping upper arms can be a result of weight loss, growing age, or even hereditary. Although diet and exercise can improve muscle tone and reduce fat, they cannot change the skin back it its original elasticity and get rid of the sagginess. An arm lift may be right for you if you would to reshape and tighten the tissue of your upper arms. Dr. Golpanian often uses liposuction in conjunction with an arm lift to get the best results. After the procedure, Dr. Golpanian recommends wearing a compression garment for at least 6 weeks to reduce swelling and improve contour. It may take several months before the final results will become apparent. If a healthy diet and fitness are maintained, the results should be permanent.

• Thigh Lift

  A thigh lift, or thighplasty, is a procedure often used to reshape the thighs by removing excess skin and sometimes fat. Commonly, after weight loss, patients can have sagging skin on the thighs that does not go back to its original shape and quality. Diet and exercise can help with muscle tone and fat, but they do not help remove excess skin. Oftentimes, liposuction may accompany a thigh lift to help give a more proportioned and smoother look.

  After the procedure, Dr. Golpanian recommends wearing a compression garment for at least 6 weeks to reduce swelling and improve contour. It may take several months before the final results will become apparent. If a healthy diet and fitness are maintained, the results should be permanent.

• Brazilian Butt Lift

  A Brazilian butt lift is a surgical procedure to lift and enhance your buttocks without using implants. During the procedure, Dr. Golpanian uses liposuction to remove fat from your abdomen, waist, hips, back, and thighs, and injects it into your buttocks. The volume, girth, and projection of your buttocks are determined by your skin and fat, muscle, and bony framework—for this reason, much of its shape is defined by your genetics. A Brazilian butt lift allows you to achieve your highest goals by recontouring the volume and shape of your buttocks.
  Benefits of a Brazilian butt lift a renewed appearance of your buttocks with natural looking results, improved hip-to-waist proportion, reduced sagging of the skin, natural texture, lower risk of infection compared to implants, and nicer fitting clothing. A perk to the procedure is that Dr. Golpanian can create an hourglass figure with a slim waist by performing liposuction to certain areas he removes fat from.

  You’re a good candidate for a Brazilian butt lift if you don’t smoke, have enough fat in other areas of your body, don’t want implants, don’t feel like your clothes fit nicely, and if you can adhere to sitting restrictions after surgery. After the procedure, Dr. Golpanian recommends wearing a compression garment for at least 6 weeks to reduce swelling and improve contour. It may take several months before the final results will become apparent.