Patronella MD offers liposuction, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck and tumescent and ultrasonic techniques for body contouring.
Liposuction
Brachioplasty is used to correct the sagging of the arm and involves small incisions to the armpit and elbow. Removing fat from the ankles, calves and knees involves tiny incisions made on each side of the Achilles tendon and knee. A small hollow tube referred to as a cannula is used to suction the fat from the selected areas so Dr. Patronella may sculpt the desired shape. Some swelling and bruising may occur, but usually only lasts for three to five weeks.
Liposuction also is used to remove fat from the hips, waist, and thighs and buttocks with the proper amount of fat to be determined by Dr. Patronella.
Liposuction is generally performed under general anesthesia and lasts anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the targeted area and the amount of fat to be removed. Sutures are removed one week after the procedure and patients can return to work within five to seven days. Normal athletic activities can be resumed three weeks after liposuction.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck," is the most widely used procedure for those individuals who wish to flatten their stomach. Abdominoplasty is used to removes extra
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skin from the mid and lower abdomen. The procedure also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. A permanent scar will result from the procedure, but it can appear below the bikini line.
Dr. Patronella may also recommend liposuction in addition to abdominoplasty, which is used to remove excess fat deposits from the body. Patients who intend to loose a significant amount of weight or are planning to become pregnant should discuss their plans with Dr. Patronella.
Abdominoplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure in two to five hours, or Dr. Patronella may recommend an overnight stay for some patients. Recovery generally takes one to two weeks.
Cellulite
Cellulite is a hormonal condition. Cellulite is comprised of fat deposits that accumulate and form fat lobes under the skin. As the connective fibers between the lobes shrink, the lobes press out against the skin, producing the rippling appearance of the skin.
New technologies to treat cellulite use a special instrument to gently massage and lift areas of the body affected by cellulite. In the process, the connective tissue is stretched to result in improved circulation, skin retraction and skin tone. Some patients do lose inches in the affected areas once treatment begins. Patients who have one to two 30-minute treatments per week will typically begin to see results after four to six weeks. Maintenance programs are available to help you maintain your new look.
Tumescent Technique
The most commonly used method for achieving desired results through liposuction is the tumescent technique. With this technique, Dr. Patronella injects controlled amounts of a special fluid into the skin, which causes the fat to swell so it is easier to remove. The fluid used in the tumescent technique also reduces blood loss and opportunities for bruising to occur.
Pain medication in the fluid reduces the amount of discomfort experienced in the 18 to 24 hours following the procedure. A cannula also is used in this procedure for suction and fat removal purposes. Dr. Patronella moves the cannula back and forth to create thousands of tiny tunnels where the fat has been removed. After surgery, the patient is to wear a compression garment, or girdle, whose pressure against the skin causes the tiny tunnels collapse. The garment should be worn for approximately six weeks. The tissue continues to contract within the tunnel, creating a slimmer appearance.
Ultrasonic Technique
Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction techniques. UAL converts ultrasonic energy into heat, causing the fat cells to literally melt, after which, the remains are suctioned out. With UAL, there is minimal blood loss, less bruising, and better retraction of tissue. Ask Dr. Patronella is UAL is right for you.
