Here you will find information and examples of a number 
of types of surgery on the body.

Surgery of the Breast: Improving Mother Nature

Millions of women are unhappy with their breasts. Whether they feel their breasts are too small, too large, uneven in size or their breasts have given in to the wear and tear of child-bearing, gravity, aging, etc., many women's self esteem has been adversely effected due to being unsatisfied with their breasts. Fortunately, with over two million women having had cosmetic and plastic surgery of the breasts since the 1960's, modern medicine has fine-tuned the various procedures designed to assist in giving a woman the breasts that would most enhance their appearance, and ultimately boost self esteem. Breast augmentation surgery or breast enlargement surgery, breast lifts, as well as breast reductions are all surgical methods used to create the breasts you had wished Mother Nature had bestowed upon you. You can click on the topics or scroll down the page for details and sample images.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast Reduction

Also included in this category is Body Contouring:

 Liposuction

Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)

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Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation is usually done to balance a difference in breast size, to improve body contour, or as a reconstructive technique following surgery.  Breast augmentation surgery or mammoplasty is breast enlargement surgery, where a board certified plastic surgeon, (yes, you should always ask if they are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons! If not, run!) will surgically insert a sac, also referred to as a breast implant, filled with saline or silicone into the breast region. 

Some surgeons place the breast implant under the muscle, others on top. You will decide together which is the best alternative for you. There are typically four areas to choose from for insertion. First, through an incision around your areola or nipple. Second, insertion may occur through your armpit. Third, an incision just underneath the breast. Fourth, through the belly button, although this method is not highly recommended. Typically the surgery lasts one to two hours. You will be going home the same day. You will be limited from heavy lifting for three weeks and be told not to engage in any sports until 3 weeks has passed. 

After surgery, breasts appear fuller and more natural in tone and contour. Scars will fade with time.

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Mastopexy or Breast Lift Surgery: An Uplifting Experience?

Due to a variety of circumstances, some women wish to have their breasts "lifted" back to their original position. Breast feeding, and gravity will cause breasts to sag and the skin to stretch and therefore unable to support breast tissue. A mastopexy is the actual removal of skin from the breast. The surgery can restore a more youthful appearance and positioning of the breasts. There are three surgical techniques used to "lift" the breast.

1. The Wise pattern, where an incision, in the shape of an anchor, goes around the chest and below the breast.
2. The LeJeour or Lollipop is an incision that goes around the areola and then down the lower part of the breast, but not below the breast.
3. Donut or peri-areolar is an incision that goes around the areola only.

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Breast Reduction Surgery: A Welcome Relief to both Women and Men

 The number of breast reduction surgeries has increased dramatically over the past decade, an increase of almost 200%. As cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures become more refined as well as more affordable, this procedure is much more accessible and more widely accepted than it used to be. 

Additionally, many women suffer from hygiene issues ( i.e. heat rash and skin infections) beneath the breast. Heavy breasts can lead to physical discomfort, a variety of medical problems, shoulder indentations due to tight bra straps, and extreme self-consciousness.

Men may have a condition called gynecomastia (where male breasts are enlarged abnormally), breast reduction surgery is the answer. In most men, only small incisions are required since liposuction effectively eliminates the gynecosmastia.

The actual surgery may take place in either an outpatient center or hospital facility and can take anywhere from three to five hours to complete. You will be under general anesthesia, basically being "out" for the duration of the surgery. Excess skin, breast tissue and fat are removed and the nipple is moved to create a more balanced, symmetrical look. Recovery is dependent upon the amount of work that was done to reduce the size of the breasts. Since breast reduction surgery involves the removal of tissue, some sensitivity may be lost. Patients often return to work within 4 to 7 days.

Scars around the areola, below it, and in the crease under the breast are permanent, but can be easily concealed by clothing. The end result predictably yields happy individuals who feel their lives were greatly improved by electing to have breast reduction surgery.

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Body Contouring with Liposuction and Tummy Tucks:
Reshaping Your Life

A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable. 

Liposuction, also known as Body Contouring or Body Sculpting, is one of the safest and most effective cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures today. Dr. Georgio Fischer of Europe invented liposuction surgery in 1974. In the 1980s U.S. doctors introduced the use of tumescent fluids along with liposuction surgery to decreases risks as well as allow for greater ease and access to fatty tissue. In the 1990s the use of ultrasound, which uses sound vibration to liquefy fat, was found to be highly effective in preparing fatty deposits for extraction. In 2000, power liposuction made fat removal even easier.

The procedure is typically done by using a small wand or canula to suction fat. Dr. Choucair uses a newer, smaller diameter canula rather than the larger, original liposuction tool. Smaller diameter canula may take a bit longer to extract fat and "sculpt" the body, however, there is less trauma to tissues. This results in less bruising and discomfort after surgery, which is extremely important for optimal healing.

Women may have liposuction performed under the chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast area. As healing progresses, a more proportional look will emerge.

Liposuction is an excellent technique for removing fatty tissue from areas where it may have been close to impossible for patients to get rid of  it despite observing a balanced diet and exercise regime. Areas where liposuction is most effective for fat removal are the abdomen, hips, thighs, and knees for women, and around the waist (love handles),  abdomen, and chest and breast area for men. Fat under the chin and upper arms can be removed effectively for both women and men. 

Liposuction works because your body contains a finite number of fat cells and they are simply removed, never to return. If you do gain weight, specific areas of fat accumulation removed via liposuction will not return. A healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition and a regular fitness regime is important to maintain optimal results.

After liposuction, it is important to wear a constriction garment to assist in optimal healing of tissues, as well as helping produce a more even distribution of the fat that is left behind. Depending upon the extent of the liposuction or body contouring surgery, the constriction garment may be worn for 3 to 6 weeks,

When Liposuction is done on men, common sites include under the chin and around the waist. Liposuction may also be used in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia.  

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Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty: "Rejuvenate Your Belly!"

Many individuals have found that due to genetics, child bearing, yo-yo dieting, sedate lifestyles and other factors, they may have excessive, "stretched-out" skin in the tummy region. They may also have a "pot" belly from weak abdominal muscles.  No matter how much exercise or dieting these individuals attempt, there is little hope for slimming down the "belly." A tummy tuck should be performed as a last resort, when all other more natural options have been exhausted. 

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure in which the patient, ideally no more than 20% above their optimal body weight, has excessive skin removed from the lower abdominal area. Excessive fat may be suctioned from other areas, accompanied by a surgical tightening of abdominal muscles and "reengineering" of the belly button.

You and your doctor will need to agree on whether you have a complete, or the less invasive, partial abdominoplasty. The incision and resulting scar is in the region of a normal c-section and therefore can be hidden by swimsuits and undergarments. 

Many women and men are extremely happy with the results of these procedures. Carrying less weight results in less back pain, a tighter, firmer tummy and slimmer profile. Due to the fact that this is major plastic surgery, it may take up to 6 weeks for a full recovery, with medium to heavy exercise being greatly limited until your physician feels you are ready. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

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