Body Contouring

Liposuction
Tummy Tuck

Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.

The Best Candidates for Liposuction

The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Liposuction is normally safe. Though they are rare, complications can and do occur. Risks increase if a greater number of areas are treated at the same time, or if the operative sites are larger in size. Removal of a large amount of fat and fluid may require longer operating times than may be required for smaller operations.

The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. However, imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty. The skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy," especially in the older patient. Numbness and pigmentation changes may occur.

Planning Your Surgery

In your initial consultation, Dr. Milbourn will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Milbourn will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you.

Dr. Milbourn will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.

The Surgery

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.

Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon's preference.

Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

Technique

The basic technique of liposuction, as described above, is used in all patients undergoing this procedure.

Dr. Milbourn most commonly uses the “super-wet” technique. Fluid — a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) — is injected into the tissue before liposuction to help the fat be removed more easily, reduce blood loss and provide anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time. Small areas may be done under local anesthesia only.

After Your Surgery

After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks.

Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness.

Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days.

You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.

If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.

Content courtesy of PlasticSurgery.org

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty San Antonio is otherwise known as Tummy Tuck San Antonio. An Abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Dr. Milbourn's continual expertise of performing abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures has added to her 22 years of experience in San Antonio, TX.

Consider a Tummy Tuck for yourself, to boost your confidence and to look better in that little black dress. Some women choose to have breast augmentation after child birth in conjunction with a tummy tuck this is also called the Mommy Makeover. Maybe you have achieved massive weight loss and you're ready to have the body you've always wanted, this is consider Massive Weight Loss Plastic Surgery. A Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover or Massive Weight Loss Plastic Surgery can give a woman the self confidence back that she deserves.

Dr. Milbourn will spend about 45 minutes with you during your initial consultation. During which she will give you a woman's insight to achieve your surgical goal and in depth about what the procedure entails. She may suggest Liposuction with the Abdominoplasty to receive the best contouring for your body.

The Tummy Tuck surgery takes about 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgical center in San Antonio, TX with an overnight stay. The incision is typically from hip to hip in length. Some patients compare the incision to a c- section scar after child birth, although it will be longer in length. The scar is ideal to be hidden with a bikini. Patients' usually return to work after two weeks, but it may take 6 to 8 weeks to feel like yourself again. Results can be long-lasting with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Our office can give you pricing over the phone or by email for the Tummy Tuck, however you will be given an exact fee quote at your consultation. Every woman's body is different. Some women may need Liposuction for a better body contour, if that's the case the price will differ. Dr. Milbourn will determine which procedure better suits your needs.

We encourage patients to view Dr. Milbourn's before and after pictures in our photo gallery, to better understand the results of the Tummy Tuck scar.

You're just a call or click away to Request your in depth consultation with Dr. Milbourn and you're a step closer to a NEW YOU!

255 E. Sonterra Blvd.,  Suite 201
San Antonio, Texas  78258
210-497-7100