Butt Implants Style and Size

Each style and size of butt implants has varying dimensions, and hence, different volumes. Again, the selection of the proper style and size buttock implant depends on the desired need, and "look" your surgeon feels is appropriate to achieve the best, most natural appearance.

Gluteal Implants, most commonly referred as buttock or butt implants, are mainly used for augmentation surgery and occasionally for reconstruction or treatment of asymmetry.

The implant used for buttock augmentation or reconstruction are frequently placed beneath the fascia, or what is termed subfascially, beneath the fibrous lining that encases the buttock muscles. The fascia is commonly looked upon as an encasement for the muscle structure, offering lubrication and protection for the muscle fibers as they expand and contract. The implants may also be placed in the intra-muscular plane (within the muscle such as the gluteus maximus). The intra-muscular plane of insertion is commonly used when the patient is thin and has little body fat. Both implantation sites are well tolerated by the body.

Buttock implants are available in some styles. The most common design is a round, non-directional implant. These implants can be used in both accepted planes of insertion and provides uniform increased projection including upper pole fullness. Non-directional implants virtually eliminate the issue of implant rotation (movement or shifting). Directional implants refers to the general shape of the implant, requiring a specific orientation and placement, as they are not dimensionally the same in all directions. These implants provide an exceptional result when used in the sub-fascial plane to achieve a pre-cast desired symmetry, based on the artistic and aesthetic abilities of your surgeon in achieving the "look" they feel is best for your body style. There are custom buttock implants with mirrored (left and right) sides.

Custom buttock implants, unique to the individual, are also available and some surgeons, with vast experience in the implant procedure, use these buttock implants modifying them as necessary with surgical instruments such as a scalpel or scissors.

Recently gluteal implants have undergone significant improvements. Previously, implants used in other body areas were used as gluteal implants. Some implants were far too hard and were palpable (could be felt through the skin by others). Also, for example, breast implants were frequently used with unfortunate results. Breast implants, being gel or liquid filled, often ruptured and deflated at alarming rates. Most current implants are made out of "implant grade", soft-solid silicones and the hardness more closely matches the tissue they replace or augment. This provides a more stable implant and offers the natural feel one desires. Soft-solid implants, unlike breast implants, do not rupture and deflate.

The selection of the proper style and size buttock implant depends on the desired need.

Sources:
http://www.buttockimplants.com/buttock-implants.html
http://www.bodyimplants.com/body-contouring-implants.html

Cellulite Treatments 2

Treatments

Most treatments for cellulite remain largely unsuccessful because they only target the appearance of cellulite. But the dimpling on the surface of the skin is merely a symptom of the underlying cause.

No treatment option is permanent. Cellulite can continue to develop as we age. The primary function of treatment is to improve the appearance of cellulite by enhancing skin tone, tightening skin, and promoting lymphatic drainage. An integrated approach to cellulite is probably best of all.

Some of the popular treatments for cellulite include the following:

Methylxanthines: Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyilline. These chemicals are present in many cellulite creams and are promoted as treatments for cellulite because of their known ability to break down fat stores. However, skin creams cannot deliver the required concentration of these chemicals for the length of time required for significant fat breakdown. While studies have shown a small reduction in thigh measurements with some of these preparations, they do not promote significant loss of cellulite.

Dietary supplements: Several of these products have been marketed and contain a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. Such claims are difficult to evaluate as is the case with similar assertions made on behalf of many supplements and alternative therapies. Concepts such as "metabolism," "circulation," or "cell damage" cannot be easily measured on an objective basis to determine whether or not any improvement has been achieved. Additionally, because these products are sold as dietary supplements and not as drugs, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are therefore exempt from meeting the scientific standards for both safety and effectiveness that are applied to drugs.

Furthermore, there are no valid clinical studies to support the use of these dietary supplements for the treatment of cellulite. Studies that have been conducted have not demonstrated any value of these supplements. Some dietary supplements that are promoted for the treatment of cellulite may also pose health risks or may interact with certain prescription drugs. For example, the formulation known as Cellasene contains iodine, which many doctors warn may be harmful for those with thyroid and other conditions.

Massage treatments: Several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. These machines use rolling cylinders to gather areas of skin and massage them inside a chamber. One example of massage treatments is Endermologie, which was developed in France and has been used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered device that suctions, pulls, and squeezes affected areas. Treatments are expensive and typically last for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are typically required before results are noticeable. Endermologie has been approved by the U.S. FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. While a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite may occur, the technique appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Regular maintenance treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will return.

Laser or light therapy: The FDA has approved two light-therapy devices that combine suction or massage with light therapy for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. TriActive is a treatment that combines a low-level laser treatment with suction and manipulation of the skin, while VelaSmooth is a treatment combining laser and massage therapy. Like Endermologie, both treatments require multiple treatment sessions and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. Laser/massage treatments are even more costly than massage treatments; the complete program generally costs thousands of dollars.

Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is a controversial treatment for cellulite that involves injecting drugs or other substances directly into affected tissue. Often, FDA-approved medications are used off-label (meaning that they have been approved for other conditions but not for treatment of this particular condition) in the injections. Herbs and vitamins are often used as well in the injection cocktails. Multiple injections over multiple (typically 10 or more) sessions are administered. Although this procedure is offered by some physicians, most experts feel that this treatment is unproven and risky. A 2005 report in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy stated that: "Patients considering mesotherapy for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy."

Collagenase: Collagenase is a naturally-occurring enzyme in the body that breaks down collagen, a component of connective tissue (the tissues that bind our cells together). A small study of 10 women with cellulite conducted in 2006 suggested that injections with this enzyme may be beneficial in improving the appearance of cellulite. The long-term effects of these injections are still unknown, and studies have not yet been carried out to determine the extent and duration of the improvements, if any. The treatment is considered experimental and is not yet routinely available, but research is underway to determine if collagenase injections may become an option for the treatment of cellulite.

Cellulite diets: Special "cellulite diets" have been proposed that claim to be effective in treating cellulite. Arguments for these diets claim that the combination of foods in the diet can reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected areas and diminish cellulite. However, no studies published in the medical literature have supported these claims. Experts note that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall health and appearance of skin, but specific diets designed to target cellulite are unnecessary.

Wraps: Many salons offer herbal or other types of body wraps as treatments for cellulite. Like cellulite diets, their effects have not been proven or reported in controlled studies in the medical literature. While wraps may decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of skin, these effects are temporary. It is also not possible to "detoxify" the body by the use of herbal or other wraps.

Sources:
http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/other-procedures/cellulite.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/cellulite/article.htm

Brazilian Butt: Fat injections or Fat grafting

Brazilian Butt Lift or Buttock Augmentation with fat grafting or fat injection consists in harvesting your own body fat from other areas of excess and transferring it into the buttock tissue. For example excess fat in the flanks, hips, lower back, thighs, or abdomen is liposuctioned, processed and then injected into the muscle and soft tissue of your buttocks. During this fat grafting process the buttocks can be contoured to the desired shape and size. The fullness and projection of the buttocks can be greatly increased by laying many fine layers of micro-fat grafts throughout the thickness of the Gluteal muscle and the subcutaneous tissue. Because some of this fat does reabsorb, fat injection might need to be repeated.

Benefits for buttock enhancement by fat injections
Buttock enhancement through fat injection is a less invasive procedure that allows you resume some activities in about 4 days and resume full activity in 20 days. Benefits of this procedure include:

-A more natural appearance as the newly sculpted buttocks use fat from your own body.
-Smaller incision area with less scarring.
-Shorter healing time.
-No chance of rejection.
-Procedure includes additional body sculpting due to liposuction from areas with excessive fat stores.

Will I have to repeat the buttock fat grafting (fat injections) procedure?
In 30% to 35% of the patients a repeat fat grafting is necessary because of significant absorption of fat. However, it is unlikely that further fat grafting beyond the second treatment will be necessary. An important consideration for buttock fat grafting is the availability of extra fat in different parts of the body. While fat is usually in abundance, there are patients in whom there is no extra fat available. In these patients buttock augmentation with fat is obviously not feasible.

The surgery
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. First liposuction is performed to shape the buttocks. If there is excess fat in the thighs, flanks, hips, or the abdomen, they are liposuctioned. The suctioned fat is then processed and injected in very thin layers in the buttock muscle and the subcutaneous tissue. Fat grafting has to be performed very meticulously to increase the chance of survival of the grafted fat cells. The injected fat has to be carefully added in order to achieve the desired contour and profile. Because approximately 30% of the injected fat dissolves, grafting is usually exaggerated and at times repeated several months later. Compression garments are worn for several weeks after surgery in order to help form the buttocks as well as to reduce swelling.

Anesthesia
Anesthesia may be local, epidural, or general, it will depend on what you and your surgeon decides is best for you.

Surgery length
The surgery takes about 2 hours.

What does buttocks augmentation surgery (Microfat grafting or fat injections) consist of?
By means of a cannula that is thinner than the ones used for conventional liposculpture, the surgeon removes the fat from certain areas of the body, such as the lower back, abdomen, waist, and hips. He then purifies the fat collected and injects it on the buttocks drop by drop, very close to blood vessels to be sure that the injected fat will have adequate blood supply.

Sources:
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/Gluteoplasty-Enlargement-Gluteal-Zone-Buttock-Implants.php
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/procedures_categories.php?cat=15
http://www.lookingyourbest.com/bodycontouring/articles/ButtockAugmentation/BrazilianButtLift

Brazilian Butt: Implants

There are two different ways to enlarge your buttocks:

1) Brazilian Butt Lift: Fat injections or fat transfer to the buttocks
2) Butt Implants: Insertion of silicone implants

If you are considering undergo any of these procedures you must know what they are really about. Buttock augmentation with implants uses silicone implant which is inserted under each buttock muscle. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. With buttock enhancement by fat injection, gentle liposuction is used to remove fat cells from donor sites, such as the thighs, abdomen, back or hips. The removed cells are then injected into the buttocks. This procedure provides for a body sculpting effect by reducing fat in areas where it is unwanted.

Benefits for buttock augmentation with implants
This is the preferred procedure for patients who do not have excess fat stores or whose excess fat is not sufficient to allow for buttock enhancement by fat injection. It is also a good procedure for those who want to make extreme modifications to both the size and shape of their buttocks.
Benefits for this procedure include:

-Allows for buttock enhancement in patients with little or no fat deposits available at donor sites.
-No risk of significant fat re-absorption, a side effect in some fat injection enhancements.

Recovery
If you are going to have buttock implants you are not allowed to sit on your buttocks for more than a few minutes at a time during, the first two weeks. This means no driving during this period. From the third to sixth week after surgery, you can only sit on soft pillows and cushions. Make sure that you have enough pillows and cushions to help you during this period.

Because the incision is located in the buttock crease, it needs to be meticulously cleaned in the shower at least once daily and every time after bowel movement, during the first two weeks. Therefore, make preparations for this.

The surgery

Anesthesia
Anesthesia may be local, epidural, or general, it will depend on what you and your surgeon decides is best for you.

Surgery length
The surgery takes about 2 hours.

What does buttocks augmentation (Silicone implants) surgery consist of?
The surgeon makes a small incision of 2 or 3 inches (5 cm or 7 cm) between the buttocks, right inside the midline. Through this incision, he makes a pocket inside each buttock and places the cohesive silicone gel implants inside each one of them. There are two possible locations for the implants; the location will be decided according to each patien's needs.

Submuscular: If you need to enhance the upper part of the buttocks and the lower part has a good volume (this is what most frequently happens), the implants will be located beneath the buttock muscle (gluteus maximums), approximately where jean pockets would be.

Subfascial: If you need to enhance the lower part of the buttocks and the upper part has a good volume, the implants will be located between the buttock muscle and its fascia (fascia or aponeurosis is the tissue that covers the muscle).

Sources:
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/Gluteoplasty-Enlargement-Gluteal-Zone-Buttock-Implants.php
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/procedures_categories.php?cat=15

Lip Augmentation Implants And Surgeries

Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with collagen or with fat transferred from another site in the patient's body. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. Newer, longer-lasting options include implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm.

Lip Augmentation surgery
It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending upon the technique and the skill of the surgeon. Your surgery may take longer if other procedures are being performed in conjunction with your lip augmentation, such as a lip lift or non-lip procedures.

Implants And Surgeries
You will most likely receive local anesthesia. A procedure can take up to two hours at your doctor's office or outpatient center, depending on the complexity, and you will be sent home the same day.

Here are the options:

Alloderm is a sheet of collagen created from deceased humans. Your surgeon inserts them through tiny incisions made on the inside part of the lip. This material offers only a temporary fix, lasting up to 12 months.

Fat grafting is the surgical method of inserting your own fat into your lips to achieve the desired fullness. You may achiever permanent results, but this method varies from person to person. Because it's your own fat, there is a chance that your body can reabsorb it.

Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are synthetic materials that can achieve a permanent result. Unlike some of the other options we've listed above, your body will not absorb these. However, because they are synthetic, there is a risk of allergic reaction.

Local flap grafts is a surgical procedure that takes tissue and skin from the inside flap of your mouth. It's far more invasive than any other technique, and is often the last resort among plastic surgeons.
Your surgeon may also be able to make an incision along the upper line of your lip.

How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Your recovery will depend on your lifestyle and which procedure you undergo. If you are having injections, your recovery can take just a couple days. However, any swelling or bruising can last longer.

If you are having surgical implants or grafts, your recovery can take up to two weeks after the surgery.

It's important that you know yourself. Discuss how much time you think you'll need for recovery with your doctor. It may be necessary to take some time off work. You will need at least three days off from work, at minimum. If you are physically active, you will not be able to exercise for a few days after injections and perhaps for a few weeks after surgical implants.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Lip Augmentation?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications. You can have allergic reactions to implants as we've described above or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

You can experience bleeding or an implant that hardens, which may require removal. You also risk infection or perhaps even nerve damage in some cases. It's very important that you discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to surgery and that you make your doctor aware of any existing medical conditions which may cause further complications.

Sources:
http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/head/lip-augmentation
http://www.lipaugmentation.com/surgery_day.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/lip_augmentation/page2.htm

Lip Augmentation Injections

Introduction to Lip Augmentation
So you want to improve the appearance of your lips? You've got your reasons. Plumping your pucker often improves self-confidence and sexual confidence.

The good news is that you have many options to improve the appearance of your lips. The methods we discuss here also reduce fine lines and wrinkles around your lips. It's important to be realistic, too. Injections or implants can enhance and improve your natural look, but they're not about performing miracles.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Lip Augmentation?
You must be in good general health overall. You are not a good candidate for lip augmentation if you have:

Current cold sores
Certain diseases such as diabetes or lupus
Any scarring of the lips
Blood clotting problems

Like any other cosmetic surgery, lip augmentation requires a lot of responsibility. You can only determine for yourself if you're ready. We've included the most popular injections and implants here. This information should serve as a general overview only and should not replace your doctor's advice. Once you've selected a doctor, you will communicate with him or her and decide together which option best suits your needs.

As with any medical procedure, you should tell your doctor of any allergies or any medications that you are taking and you will be required to discuss your medical history. Certain diseases can increase your chances of complications, such as blood clots, diabetes or poor circulation. If you are a smoker, this may also be a complicating factor.

Injections
Your surgeon will most likely use topical anesthesia (painkiller applied directly to the lips) for injections. These are performed on an outpatient basis in your doctor's office or an outpatient center and you will be sent home the same day.

Here are the options:

Artecoll is a synthetic material that plumps up the lips. Because it's synthetic, you are at higher risk of having an allergic reaction to it than if you got an injection of collagen or fat, but it lasts longer than either.

Autologen is an injection of your own collagen, extracted from another place on your body. There's no risk of allergic reaction, however, the results are only temporary. This may be good for people who aren't ready to commit to a permanent result.

Collagen can be extracted from cows and injected into the lips. There's a risk of allergic reaction, so it's best to have your surgeon give you a test dose before proceeding to the full dose. The results are temporary lasting 4 weeks to three months.

Dermalogen is collagen extracted from deceased human donors. It's also called injectable Human Tissue Matrix. This is also a temporary fix, but your body should not reject it.

Fascia injections use a specific type of connective tissue harvested either from your own body or from a deceased human donor. It can be implanted surgically or injected. The main drawback is that within a year of injection, your body will reabsorb the fascia.

Fat from your own thighs or abdomen can be injected into your lips. There's no risk of allergic reaction and you may achieve permanent results. This can also be implanted surgically (see below).

HylaForm is a material created from natural body substances. There's no risk of infection, but you will need repeated treatments to maintain the result as it's only a temporary fic.

Restylane is a clear gel. It contains hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in humans, so there's little chance for an allergic reaction. It's biodegradable, so your body will absorb it within about six months of the injection.

Source:
http://www.medicinenet.com/lip_augmentation/article.htm

Face Lift

Procedure Description
Face lift improves sagging facial skin, a slack jaw, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat, tightening muscles, and redraping skin. Most patients who desire a facelift are men and women over 40 years old, seeking to remove the most visible signs of aging. A facelift is complex surgery that goes beyond just tightening skin in order to rejuvenation the patient's appearance.

Face Lift is a procedure where a person's face skin is tightened to give a younger looking appearance. Because of aging and gravity the skin on a person's face can tend to sag and feel droopy. It is in this moment when a face lift surgery becomes a great option to look younger. In the face lift surgery the surgeon makes an incision on a person's forehead and/or neck mainly. These incisions are regularly placed in areas where they will not be visible so that the patient has a natural appearance.

Fat and tissue contribute as much to facial appearance as the underlying muscle and the overlying skin. A truly complete and comprehensive face lift with the most natural outcome will reduce, redistribute and in some cases add fat to the face.

Recently, face lift has moved away from using skin tension to contour the face. As a face ages the changes include fat loosening and descending to sit lower in the face. The result is that the face looks longer and more square in shape. Young faces tend to be tapered or angular. Thus, the most important aspect of a facelift is to improve facial shape while limiting signs that a surgical procedure has been performed.

To best determine what is right for you, consult a plastic surgeon who is not only qualified and experienced in these procedures, but one who also has an artistic vision. The difference between a good and great face lift is the difference between a plastic surgeon who can simply restore youth versus one who can visualize and create youthful beauty. This means a plastic surgeon must look at each feature individually as well as at the face as a whole. Then he or she can define what to correct, how much to correct and how it will all work together to make you look 10 or more years younger, without appearing like you've had face lift surgery.

Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin. Tight feeling and dry skin. Men will permanently have to shave behind ears, due to the repositioning of beard-growing skin.

Technology
The incisions begin above the hairline at the temples, extending in a natural line in front of the ear, and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. The surgeon separates the skin from the fat and muscle below, trimming or suctioning fat from around the neck to improve the contour. He or she then tightens the underlying muscle and membrane, pulling the skin back, and then removes the excess.

Risks
Infection, bleeding. Poor healing and excessive scarring. Asymmetry or change in hairline. Injury to facial nerves (usually temporary but may be permanent).

Sources
http://www.plasticsurgery.com/face-lift/info.aspx
http://www.faceliftguide.com

Vibroliposuction

A Safe Body contouring

Vibro-Liposuction, also known as Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction, is an FDA approved device and is a proven, reliable system which safely allows for precise, high volume de-bulking in all body areas. In Vibro-liposuction, the fat cells are first broken down or emulsified by vibratory movements of the cannula and the fat emulsion is then gently aspirated with finer instruments for more accurate fat removal and body sculpting.

Vibroliposuction is a easy, safe and effective procedure to reduce the fat deposits in areas not responding properly to diet or exercise with less pain and without harming other tissues. With plenty of advantages for our patients:
1. less edema
2. better and fast recovery
3. less pain
4. less traumatic
5. better results that regular liposuction
6. less equimosis (bruisings)
7. less blood loss

This technique works with a pneumatic engine triggered by compressed air that provides a triple movement to the cannula: fluctuation, rotation and vibration. As a result of these three movements a helical trajectory is generated, which dissolves the fat tissue, and at the same time, this is aspired by the cannula. With soft movements we are able to aspirate 200cc/min, reducing the time necessary.

Because of the design of the system we are able to approach some areas, that are very difficult to aspirate with traditional "lipo", like submandibular area, inner thighs,   posterior aspect of the arms; and of course the large areas like abdomen, lumbar area (love handles), back ( upper and lower).

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the early post op ensures faster recovery and wellness, and the daily lymphatic drainage  helps to improve the re-absorption of water.

Risks and recovery time are virtually eliminated and most patients return to their normal routine within 48 hours of their procedure. The advantages to the patient include: less swelling, less bruising, quicker recovery time and smoother skin. In the United States, Vibro Liposuction is also known as Custom Acoustic Liposuction (CAL).

Sources:
http://www.vibrolipocr.com/blog/2010/09/22/a-safe-body-countoring-39731
http://www.femalehealthassociates.com/fort-worth-liposuction.html

Body Contouring

Body contouring surgery encompasses a number of different body sculpting techniques used by cosmetic surgeons to reshape almost any area of the body. Through body sculpting surgery, patients can effectively eliminate excess fat and skin that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Read on to learn more about the different types of body contouring plastic surgery procedures currently available.

Cosmetic body contouring surgery seeks to improve the shape, contours, and proportions of the body through surgery. Body contouring procedures include sculpting procedures such as liposuction of the body as well as augmentation of the buttocks or calves.

With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including body shaping and contouring, it is important that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased. While the information contained in this website will provide you with a good introduction to body shaping, when considering this or any other cosmetic procedure, we recommend that you consult a qualified provider with significant experience.

Body Sculpting Techniques
Cosmetic surgeons employ a variety of body sculpting techniques to help their patients achieve lean, toned figures:

Liposuction
Liposuction is the most popular method of body contouring surgery because it allows the surgeon to re-sculpt specific areas of the body. Using only a few tiny incisions, your surgeon can target stubborn fat deposits and permanently remove fat cells from the area. There are many different methods of liposuction available, and you and your surgeon will discuss which technique is right for you. To learn more, visit our liposuction page.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, is a unique body sculpting surgery that combines removal of excess skin and fat from the midsection with the surgical tightening of the abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is typically offered as an individual procedure, but may also be performed during full body lift surgery. Learn more about the tummy tuck procedure here.

Body Lift Procedures
Body lifts allow surgeons to remove excess skin and fat from one or many areas of the body. You can re-sculpt your entire body with a total body lift or lower body lift, or choose one or more less extensive body contouring techniques such as an arm lift, thigh lift, and butt lift. Explore our site to learn more about body lifts.

Body Implant Procedures
Body implants are used in body sculpting techniques to add shape and volume to areas that are disproportionate to the rest of the body. Although exercise is always the best way to attain a lean, toned figure, some body contouring candidates find that they cannot improve the shape of certain body parts through strength training alone. If you have a stubborn area that will not respond to exercise, bicep, calf, pectoral, butt, or breast implants can contribute to a more defined physique.

Common Problems that Affect Body Image
If you are uncomfortable with the appearance of your body, it can be difficult to participate in work, social, and leisure activities with confidence. Many candidates for body contouring surgery find that their cellulite, fat, and excess skin inhibit them from doing many of the things they want to do, such as wearing a bathing suit, playing sports, or simply going out for a night on the town. Studies have shown that cellulite treatment, excess skin removal, and fat removal are all body sculpting techniques that can ease common insecurities.

Sources:
http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/body
http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com/research/cosmetic-surgery/Body-Contouring

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck can improve the appearance of excess fat and loose, stretched out skin in the lower abdominal area. This surgical body contouring procedure is effective for men or women whose conditions are not severe enough for full abdominoplasty.

A mini tummy tuck, or partial abdominoplasty, may be recommended for patients that are within 10% of their ideal body weight. This procedure is less invasive and can be done on an outpatient basis. While a full tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel and across the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck leaves the navel intact and requires a smaller incision. Liposuction is sometimes employed and the fat is removed from below the navel, tightening muscles from the navel to the pubis.

If your abdominal muscles require more extensive tightening and your body weight is more than 20% above your ideal weight, your plastic surgeon is more likely to recommend a full abdominoplasty. This frequently is performed with liposuction to obtain the best results.

Technology
During mini-abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make a small incision directly above the pubic region. He or she will cut away loose skin and may perform liposuction in conjunction to remove excess fat. As compared to a full tummy tuck, the belly button should not have to be repositioned. The incisions are closed with small sutures and small drains are usually inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. Elastic bandages are then applied to the area and secured.

Results
Long-lasting; weight fluctuation or pregnancy may affect results.

Recovery
Mini-tummy tuck patients will need to wear a compression garment during the healing period, which may last about two to three weeks after surgery. This procedure has a shorter recovery time than the full tummy tuck; sutures should be removed in a few weeks. Return to work: 1 to 3 weeks. Return to light activity: within 2-3 days. Avoid strenuous activity: about 1 month.

Sources:
http://www.plasticsurgery.com/mini-tummy-tuck/info.aspx
http://www.smarttummytucks.com/minitummytucks.html

Butt Lift Surgery

A butt lift removes excess skin and fat that may cause sagging buttocks to add contour to the waist, hips and back of the thighs.

A buttock lift or butt lift is purely a cosmetic plastic surgery that is more concerned with improving the tone and tautness of the skin rather than adding structure or volume to the backside. A true buttock lift is an invasive surgical procedure that requires several incisions, general anesthesia and about four weeks in recovery time.

People commonly mistake a buttock lift with other procedures such as buttock implants and body contouring. A butt lift surgeon simply raises and tightens the skin over the buttocks. Buttock implants add volume and structure to the posterior and lower body contouring involves the use of liposuction to contour the shape of the buttocks by vacuuming out excess fatty tissue. In essence, buttock implants are used to make a rear end look bigger and rounder and liposuction is used to make a rear end look smaller. The purpose of a buttock lift is to make the rear end appear less saggy, dimpled or wrinkled.

To perform a butt lift, a plastic surgery specialist makes an incision along the lower back, spanning from hip to hip. The surgeon pulls the excess skin below the incision to lift the buttocks and outer thighs. The extra skin is then removed.

A buttock lift is often part of a total body lift or a lower body lift, which is common after weight loss surgery. It can take about two hours to perform by itself, with general anesthesia typically being used. Most people who have buttock lifts go home the next day; however, the hospital stay may be longer if other procedures are performed simultaneously.

There is usually some postoperative pain that can be managed with medications. Abdominal binders are generally worn for six weeks to help prevent fluid buildup and provide support during the healing process. Swelling may last for up to three months, and the full cosmetic results are visible within a year.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for a Buttock Lift?
•Loss of skin elasticity in the buttock area due to extreme weight loss or aging
•A saggy appearance in the buttock area due to hormonal changes, extreme weight loss or aging
•Thighs that have a crinkled, dimpled or flabby appearance due to lack of exercise or cellulite
•Buttocks that appear asymmetrical or lumpy due to burns, wounds or other types of trauma

Sources:
http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/contouring/butt-implants.htm
http://www.plasticsurgeryadvisor.com/body-contouring-surgery/buttock-lift.shtml

Brazilian Butt Lift

What is the brazilian butt lift?
Over the last few years the buttocks and abdomen have received more press coverage than ever before.The brazilian butt lift is not just about big butts!. The brazilian butt lift is a type of butt augmentation procedure which results in a youthful, prominent, perky buttocks and a more sensual body profile.

People of all ages are having the butt lift procedure,   In this procedure the surgeon removes fat from selected areas of your body, purifies the fat, then reinjects selected donor fat cells into your buttocks. The process of fat reinjection involves scores or hundreds of injections. The procedure is designed to fill the upper quadrant of your buttocks so that the butt appears lifted and perky. The resulting effect is that the woman appears more attractive and sensuous.

There are two different ways to enlarge your buttocks:
- Brazilian Butt Lift: Fat injections or fat transfer to the butt
- Butt Implants: Insertion of silicone implants
the butt implants is recomended over the brazilian butt lift only if you are really tiny and have no body fat stored in your abdomen.If you have enough donor fat, surgeons prefer to augment the butt using fat injections-the brazilian butt lift. They believe that this method results in the most natural and sensual look for the buttock area. They only recommend butt implants if you are very tiny with no fat in your stomach or flank area. The fat transfer method has a lower risk of infection compared to the butt implant procedure.

An additional benefit of this fat injection method is that you not only get a more shapely buttock, but the area liposuctioned is now much leaner, giving your profile a more sensuous look. It is recomended the brazilian butt lift, as the combination of liposuction and fat injections produces the most attractive and natural profile.

Source: http://www.cosmeticsurg.net/procedures/Butt-augmentation.php

Breast Lift

Description
Breast lift cosmetic surgery (mastopexy) is a common, but complex breast enhancement procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Breast lift can be performed with or without the insertion of breast implants, depending upon the anatomical factors and needs of the patient.

A breast lift is fundamentally different from breast augmentation in that the procedure is intended to enhance, not the size, but the shape of the breasts. Breast lift surgery raises and reshapes sagging breasts, by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to improve its appearance. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola – the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If a patient’s breasts are small or have lost volume (after pregnancy), getting breast implants in conjunction with a lift can increase their firmness and size.

How is a Breast Lift Performed?
The breast lift surgical procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (awake) or general anesthesia (asleep), in a hospital or in an office surgical suite. Your time in surgery is typically two to three-and-a-half hours.

The degree of lift needed generally will determine the number and length of the incisions. The more lift a patient needs, the more likely the patient will need a lift with more extensive incisions. In other words, someone who needs a significant lift likely will not be a candidate for a periareolar incision, but rather the "anchor incision"

Results
Variable. Results may enhance or last longer when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure. The effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuation may take their toll again.

Complications and risks
As with any surgery, there is risk of complications related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. Excessive bleeding can occur. After healing, some permanent scarring will remain. When proper precautions are taken by the surgical team, complications are typically minimized or prevented.

Sources: http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/breast-lift, http://www.plasticsurgery.com/breast-lift/info.aspx

Liposculpture or Liposuction

Body contouring, also known as Liposculpture or Liposuction are medical procedures and should be taken seriously.Liposuction is a procedure that focuses on the sculpting and removal of fat resulting in wonderful shape changes. Millions of people have safely had liposuction in the United States since 1983. It is estimated that half of all liposuction patients are between the ages of 35 and 50 and approximately one-third are between the ages of 19 and 34 .

Another reason for the procedure's popularity is that it can be performed on a wide variety of body are as and appeals to all age groups. Think of liposuction as sculpting a three dimensional figure - your body!

Candidates for liposuction are men and women who have stubborn deposits of fat that have not responded to diet or exercise. Even people who appear thin or may be at their ideal body weight can have pockets of unwanted fat.

A simple "pinch test" is a good method of determining if you are a good liposuction candidate  In the area of concern "pinch" the skin between you r thumb and index finger. If you are able to pinch more than an inch then there is probably sufficient fatty deposits present that liposuction will be helpful. After the administration of a mild intravenous sedation the tumescent fluid is placed in the fatty compartment between the skin and muscle. Tumescent fluid contains normal saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine  Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used in very dilute form to "numb" the fatty compartments. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, constricts blood vessels in the fat and skin. As a result, blood loss in the average patient is measured in teaspoons.
The surgeon then artistically sculpts the body fat by removing fatty deposits through small incisions using a 2 - 3 millimeter delicate stainless steel wand called a cannula, this results in an esthetically more pleasing body shape. These smaller cannulas are gentler to the tissues, significantly reducing the chance of skin irregularities.

A support garment is worn for several days after surgery for comfort and tissue support. There is minimal discomfort and a gradual resumption of activity is encouraged beginning the next day. Most people return to work in three to five days, depending on the extent of their surgery.

Postoperative discomfort is drastically reduced with Tumescent Liposuction since anesthetic remains in the tissues many hours after the procedure is performed. In addition, Tumescent Liposuction results in less bruising, and faster resolution of swelling after surgery.

Liposuction is permanent because not only is the fat removed, but the cells that store the excess fat are also removed. If a person gains weight after liposuction, the weight gain is distributed more evenly over the body rather than in "problems areas" as before.

Multiple areas are often treated during a single operation in order to achieve the best shape. Occasionally two surgical sessions may be recommended for safety reasons depending on the number and size of the areas.

source: http://www.bodylipo.com