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.

New Mommy Makeover Combo: Tummy Tuck & Bladder Surgery

January 16, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Ask any new mother and she’ll tell you her body is not the same as it was before pregnancy, but there are a number of options for getting your body closer to its pre-pregnancy state. The latest surgical combination takes…

VASER Liposuction Featured on The Doctors

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
Actor Blair Underwood recently asked The Doctors if a cosmetic surgery procedure existed to give men a six-pack: “I am good right now with the six-pack, but I hear there’s a plastic surgery you can do to work out the…

Would You Trade Years for Your Ideal Body?

October 13, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Some women say they are willing to sacrifice years off their lives if that meant they could have their ideal body. A new survey showed that 16 percent would trade 1 year of their life and 10 percent would trade…

Eating Right May Help with Healing after Cosmetic Surgery

October 9, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Researchers from Brazil asked 60 women (age 25-60) undergoing cosmetic abdominal surgery to eat six servings each of fruits and vegetables a day during the first month after surgery to see if increasing fruit and vegetable consumption after cosmetic surgery…

Ethnic Differences in Cosmetic Surgery

January 16, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
Different nationalities are choosing cosmetic surgery that is “tailored to their cultural preferences and ideals of beauty,” according to a  New York Times article that finds there are procedure trends within different ethnic groups. “When a patient comes in from…

A Rise in Cosmetic Surgery May Be a Signal of Economic Recovery

November 25, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
The recent release of statistics that showed that cosmetic procedures, including those that are non-surgical and surgical, were up by 5% in 2010 compared to 2009 excited more than just the cosmetic surgery industry. Many on Wall Street are speculating…

Mom Gets Her Pre-baby Body Back with Cosmetic Surgeries

January 18, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Many moms struggle with the same problem areas on their bodies — areas like the breast and stomach that they can’t get back to their pre-pregnancy look even with diet and exercise. Fatma Rice, mother of a five year old,…

Spider Veins Vanish with One Injection of New Treatment

May 5, 2022 - Rhys Branman, MD
A new injection treatment for spider veins eliminates most veins with just one shot. Called Asclera, the injection was approved by the FDA in March 2010. Dr. Neil Sadick, of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, demonstrated Asclera and said…

Some Teens Consider Cosmetic Surgery to Combat Teasing, GMA Reports

May 9, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
A recent Good Morning America segment looked at how some teens are considering changing their appearance to avoid harsh teasing. High school senior Erica Morgo was featured and says that she was bullied by her classmates in middle school because…

Study Finds Pain Treatment Decreases Recovery Time for Tummy Tucks

December 13, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
A new study found that a combination of nerve blocks and long-acting local anesthetics given before surgery decrease pain for recovering tummy tuck patients, making recovery easier and resulting in less downtime after surgery. Dr. Lu-Jean Feng, a microvascular plastic…
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