Dr. Branman Awards Dr. Rhys Branman's Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Category: Body Cosmetic Surgery

Body cosmetic surgery encompasses a wide variety of procedures aimed at contouring, refining, and reshaping the body’s silhouette. Whether you are seeking to address stubborn pockets of fat, tighten loose skin after weight loss, or sculpt specific problem areas, body cosmetic surgery can help enhance your figure and boost self‐confidence. In this category, we explore the many surgical options available, from liposuction to body lifts, and discuss the benefits, risks, recovery, and results you can expect.

Common Procedures

  1. Liposuction: One of the most popular methods of body contouring, liposuction uses specialized techniques to remove unwanted fat deposits. Target areas can include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms. Advanced liposuction methods, such as tumescent liposuction and laser‐assisted options, provide more precision and less downtime.
  2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Ideal for those struggling with excess abdominal skin or weakened abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens the core. This procedure is especially popular among mothers post‐pregnancy or individuals who have undergone significant weight loss.
  3. Body Lift (Lower/Upper): A lower body lift targets the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs by removing loose skin and tightening underlying tissues. An upper body lift often focuses on the arms, back, and chest area to achieve a more proportional look.
  4. Thigh Lift: For individuals with excess skin or fat around the inner or outer thighs, a thigh lift can reshape and tighten these areas, enhancing overall leg contour.
  5. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): This procedure addresses sagging skin from the underarm area down to the elbow, refining the shape of the arms and often boosting self‐esteem when wearing short sleeves.

Candidate Suitability
The ideal candidate for body cosmetic surgery should be in good general health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about results. Consulting with a board‐certified cosmetic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate surgical plan. Factors such as skin elasticity, lifestyle habits, and medical history play a significant role in determining candidacy and optimizing outcomes.

Preparation & Recovery

  • Consultation: You will discuss your goals, medical history, and any current medications or supplements with your surgeon. They may recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking or maintaining a stable weight before surgery, to ensure a safer procedure and recovery.
  • Surgery & Hospital Stay: Body cosmetic surgeries can be performed under general anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on the complexity and number of areas treated.
  • Post‐Operative Care: You may need compression garments, drainage tubes, or specific bandages to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Rest and limited physical activity are usually required for at least two to four weeks, although this can vary based on the procedure.
  • Follow‐Up Visits: Regular check‐ins help your surgeon monitor your healing, remove sutures or drains if needed, and address any concerns as they arise.

Risks & Considerations
Any surgical procedure comes with potential risks, including infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, candidates should be aware of issues like scarring, asymmetry, or the possibility of revision surgery if results aren’t as expected. Choosing a board‐certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience can significantly minimize these risks.

Longevity of Results
Body cosmetic surgery can offer long‐lasting or even permanent changes, provided patients maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good skincare habits can all prolong and enhance surgical outcomes. Periodic follow‐ups with your surgeon also help to ensure that any emerging concerns are addressed promptly.

Combining Procedures
Many individuals choose to combine body cosmetic surgeries—such as a tummy tuck with liposuction—for a more comprehensive transformation. This approach can save time and money in the long run while consolidating recovery periods. However, patient safety remains paramount; your surgeon will advise if a staged approach is necessary based on your unique health profile and cosmetic goals.

Choosing the Right Practice
Body cosmetic surgery is both an art and a science. Look for practices with board‐certified surgeons, positive patient testimonials, accredited surgical facilities, and a dedicated support team. Reviewing before‐and‐after galleries and asking detailed questions during your consultation ensures you feel comfortable and well‐informed.

Educational Resources in This Category
Our Body Cosmetic Surgery blog posts delve into a range of topics, including new surgical techniques, real patient journeys, and tips on maximizing post‐operative recovery. We also provide information on realistic expectations for scarring, pain management, and maintenance of results. By offering thorough, transparent information, we hope to empower you on your journey to looking and feeling your best.

What do arm lift scars look like? A board-certified cosmetic surgeon answers 10 questions you have about brachioplasty

March 9, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Considering an arm lift? You probably have some questions about the procedure and what happens after—like what kinds of clothing will conceal your scar, and when you can get back to driving. In this blog post, we’re demystifying the process…

A Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Answers Your Top 7 Questions About Gynecomastia & Male Breast Reduction

October 22, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Though more and more men are realizing they have options for reducing their enlarged male breasts, we still receive many questions about male chest reduction surgery. To help you learn more about gynecomastia and your options for treating it, we’ve…

Gynecomastia 101: What is Male Excessive Breast Tissue & Do I Have It?

February 26, 2019 - Rhys Branman, MD
Did you know that an estimated two-thirds of adult men will develop some degree of gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, at some point in their lives? About 50% of teenage boys experience this too. While usually harmless from a medical…

Is a Fat-Blasting Skin Patch in Our Future?

May 5, 2022 - Rhys Branman, MD
From an abundance of weight loss supplements and ancient fat-burning herbs to fad diets and celebrity-approved exercise classes, it’s no secret that the world is very interested in losing weight—and keeping it off. While there is no replacement for good…

Is it Too Late for a Mommy Makeover?

October 13, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Would you love to have something along the lines of a “mommy makeover” to help you get a more youthful, toned breast and body shape—but worry that now that you’re an empty-nester, you may not have the same options? It’s…

Why Liposuction Still Rules: 4 Reasons It’s the Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

October 20, 2017 - Rhys Branman, MD
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently released its annual statistics tallying up the total number of cosmetic surgeries performed in 2013. With 363,912 procedures performed last year, liposuction came out on top as the most popular procedure.…

Do I Have Time for a Mommy Makeover?

November 25, 2019 - Rhys Branman, MD
As a mom, you’re probably thinking, “I barely have time to wash my hair in the morning, much less time to recover from cosmetic surgery.” But if you’re unhappy with the changes that pregnancy and childbirth have had on your…

True or False: Liposuction Permanently Removes Fat

November 25, 2019 - Rhys Branman, MD
Many people know how effective traditional liposuction can be in sculpting the body and removing bothersome deposits of fat. When I’m in a consult with a prospective patient, I often get questions about the long-term results of liposuction. Here’s a…

Weight Loss in the New Year

September 5, 2017 - Rhys Branman, MD
It’s that time again when we make the classic New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Many people make this resolution year after year and yet just cannot seem to keep it. Many people make this resolution with an eye to…

How Safe Is Liposuction?

January 16, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Liposuction is generally a very safe procedure, and one with a relatively easy recovery. However, there are people who are not candidates for liposuction. Safe as it is, liposuction is still surgery. Tumescent liposuction is what we perform at Little…
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