TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)

At the Rifley Institute of Cosmetic Surgery in Las Vegas, we see may patients who have tried without success to lose that extra paunch of skin and fat on their lower belly. We see this particularly true with women following childbirth or with people who have undergone significant weight loss. Where diet and exercise fail to deliver a sleek, toned abdomen, a tummy tuck often provides the solution for our Las Vegas area patients.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess wrinkled skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower portions of the abdomen. It can tighten stretched skin, strengthen abdominal muscles and flatten the lower abdomen.

Your consultation is the first step an individual should take if considering Abdominoplasty. The patient should discuss candidly his or her expectations about looking and feeling better after surgery, while keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

After examining you, Dr. Rifley will discuss variables that influence the decision involved in the procedure, such as your age, skin tone and body build. Patients who are of relatively normal weight but have weak abdominal muscles, excess skin and fat are the best candidates. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight reduction. Frequently, diet and exercise alone cannot correct certain conditions such as weak abdominal muscles or abdominal muscles that have been stretched out after multiple pregnancies. Loss of elasticity creates excess skin which can be improved with this procedure.

After surgery, there is soreness and discomfort that is easily controlled by oral medication. The elimination of sagging skin and excess fatty tissue result in a firmer, flatter abdominal appearance. Although Dr. Rifley makes every effort to minimize scarring, abdominoplasty scars are permanent. However, within three to six months scars will flatten, lighten in color and show considerable improvement. Scar treatments are available to reduce the appearance of scars.

Although you may be up and about in a day or two after surgery, we will advise you on the proper schedule for resuming your usual routine. To permit proper healing, you should avoid over activity and straining for three to four weeks. The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel (approximate. 10-14 days). You must wear a compression garment/girdle under your clothing for four to six weeks. This information is intended as an introduction to abdominoplasty, when considering plastic surgery, you should feel comfortable asking for any additional information you might need.

LIPO SUCTION (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)

For many of our patients, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are not enough to remove the extra pockets of fat that often develop in the body's problem areas. For these patients, our practice offers Lipo suction as a way of targeting these problem areas to give the body a more toned and sculpted appearance.

Suction-Assisted Lipectomy traditionally known as lipo suction, is a method of removing unwanted fatty deposits from specific areas of the face and body. A small incision is made through the skin and a cannula attached to a vacuum device that suctions out the fat is inserted. Suction-Assisted Lipectomy is not an alternative to weight loss. It is intended for use on localized area of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas suitable for lipo suction include the chin, neck, the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs and knees. Lipo suction can improve body contour and provide a sleeker appearance.

The procedure takes from on to two hours depending on the amount of fat to be removed. Fluids as well as fat are lost during the procedure, so the patient will receive intravenous fluid replacement. Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. After lipo suction, the patient can expect some temporary bruising, swelling, soreness and/or a burning sensation. The treated area may feel numb for a few months or until swelling subsides. A girdle must be work for at least six weeks compressing all lipo suction areas to provide best results.

After Suction-Assisted Lipectomy, some patients can generally go back to work within a few days or up to a week and can resume strenuous activity in two to four weeks. Swelling and bruising may persist for up to six months. The best and most long lasting results from imposition are in those patients committed to a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and physical activity.

ENDERMOLOGIE

Endermologie is a gold standard treatment to rid your body of unsightly dimpled skin, reduce inches and tighten the skin. There's no downtime with no recovery period. Endermologie is FDA approved and works on women and men of all ages. Call our office for details; 702-242-4616.