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.

The Right & Wrong Reasons For Cosmetic Surgery

December 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Cosmetic surgery should always be for your own self enhancement, after all, this is elective surgery. While it is true that studies have shown that cosmetic surgery can improve self esteem, you must have a realistic self image to begin

Bad News From Thailand

October 9, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
The Huffington Post has recently reported on a death in Thailand from cosmetic surgery. It seems that Thailand is being populated with inexpensive clinics where unqualified people are performing cosmetic surgery. A 33-year-old woman who hoped to become a model…

What Is Cellulite? Why Does Cellulite Form?

October 16, 2017 - Rhys Branman, MD
Cellulite is not a medical term at all. The term “cellulite” was made up to refer to the dimples of fat some people accumulate over the years. Cellulite is plain old body fat that is mixed in with connective tissue.

Manboobs?

January 10, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD
Remember the “bro” otherwise known as the “manssiere?” Now, before you laugh yourself silly, remembering  the episode of the Seinfeld show in which Kramer and George’s father invent  this product for manboobs, know that this overdevelopment of the male breast

Celebrity Gossip?

January 6, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
When it comes to celebrities and the tabloids, all we hear about is cosmetic surgery gone wrong. But what about all those subtle, successful cosmetic surgeries the stars have had? The camera picks up every flaw and shadow. Movies stars…

Discouraged After Weight Loss?

January 6, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
Often after significant weight loss patients although thrilled with their achievement, are not so thrilled with the excess skin on their lower bodies. Losing large amounts of fat from bariatric or gastric bypass surgery can leave you with sagging skin

Controversy From the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Of late there has been a plethora of news flashes about vaginal cosmetic surgery. The techniques being referred to are labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, hoodectomy and a few more. One of the strongest statements came from the American College of Obstetricians and

Healing and Emotional Aspects of Surgical Recovery

December 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Many people do not think about the emotional aftermath of surgery. Studies have shown that self-esteem improves when patients attain the look they sought with a cosmetic procedure. We know you will look better, and often we think we are…

The Brazilian: Buttocks Augmentation Using Fat Transfer

January 6, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD
Recently there has been much ado about the “Brazilian Butt Lift” that is becoming very in vogue. In case you were wondering just what the Brazilian Butt Lift is, the hallmark of this type of buttocks augmentation is that your…

Stubborn Fat and Loose Belly Skin? Time For A Tummy Tuck, Little Rock Arkansas!

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
Loose skin on the belly does not just go away. Many people have achieved their ideal weight, yet retain excess fat or skin around the torso that simply does not respond to exercise and diet. This is particularly true if…
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