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.

Tummy Tucks Require Recovery Time

February 25, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
Tummy tuck. The words make the procedure sound cute, don’t they? Actually, the procedure is known as an abdominoplasty. Sometimes I think the words are deceptive. Like an surgery, an abdominoplasty requires recovery, but the recovery time will certainly be…

Cultural Issues In Cosmetic Surgery

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
It is helpful for me, as a cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas to know the trends. Last year, 2011 in the United States, most cosmetic surgery patients were of European descent, a full 69 percent. Following that group 12…

The Future Is Now

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
I predict we can look forward to amazing and futuristic new procedures in cosmetic surgery due to the “trickle-down theory” of scientific advancement. Thanks to the military, advances in reconstructive medicine are proliferating among a network of hospitals, universities, and…

Did The Little Mermaid Need Cosmetic Surgery?

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Recently a Venezuelan clinic has advertised cosmetic surgery using the Little Mermaid, Princess Ariel, as the featured spokes-person, or spokes-mermaid? She swims to the office and has her fins surgically changed to legs, breast augmentation, and facial surgery! This ad…

Choose Carefully

October 16, 2017 - Rhys Branman, MD
Recent news articles have saddened and angered me. As a doctor, I am appalled that individuals who have no medical credentials are performing “back alley” procedures. These dangerous and illegal surgeries and injections are a sure fire way to infection,…

So What is a Mommy Makeover?

January 6, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
The term “mommy makeover” has been coined to describe a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures consisting mainly of tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift and liposuction. The mommy makeover is meant to restore your pre-pregnancy body. Everyone knows that having…

Exercise and Cosmetic Surgery

February 26, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
When it comes to recovery times, all patients that have recently undergone elective cosmetic procedures would agree that shorter is better. According to Dr. Branman, a cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, there are a number of things you can do…

General or Local Anesthesia?

April 14, 2021 - Rhys Branman, MD
When it comes to a wide variety of elective cosmetic procedures, Arkansas cosmetic surgeons have two main options for anesthesia. General anesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep and performing the entire procedure while they are unconscious. In contrast, local…

Increase in Cosmetic Surgery again in 2011

August 26, 2019 - Rhys Branman, MD
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recently released their 2011 statistics and the rate of plastic surgery procedures is on rise for the second year in a row and up 5% from 2010. In Little Rock, cosmetic surgery is…

Facelift Can Reverse Appearance by up to 7 Years

May 30, 2024 - Rhys Branman, MD
According to a recent study in Canada, a facelift can help erase up to seven years from your face. Medical students and professionals reviewed postoperative pictures of 60 participating patients, men and women who had one or a combination of…
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