Cosmetic procedures of the body are designed to enhance your body shape and remedy the negative cosmetic effects of weight loss, weight gain, and pregnancy.  Such effects can include loose skin, persistent areas of fat, and general disproportion in certain areas.

Body contouring procedures performed at our office include the tummy tuck, liposuction, and post-bariatric body lift.

Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck is designed to provide a flatter abdomen and repair or “tighten” the underlying muscles.

This surgery is typically performed after significant weight loss or pregnancy, when the stomach muscles and skin have been stretched and your abdomen protrudes slightly.  Dr. Kim removes excess skin and uses special sutures to tighten the abdomen muscles.  In some cases, she may also use liposuction to remove a limited amount of excess fat.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical method of selective body fat removal designed to enhance body contour – not achieve weight loss.  Areas of fat that haven’t responded to your diet and exercise efforts can often be eradicated with liposuction.  Plastic surgeons have used liposuction to slim down many areas of the body such as the neck and chin, hips, thighs, abdomen, back, ankles, and elsewhere.

During liposuction, Dr. Kim uses a small metal tube called a cannula to remove fat from the body with suction.  A small incision is made, a special fluid that contains anesthetic saturates the fat, and the canulla is inserted to dislodge and remove fat.

Post-Bariatric Body Lift

Massive weight loss is a serious achievement, but many who reach their weight loss goals are left with excess skin in multiple body areas.  Procedures such as the body lift, thigh lift, and tummy tuck are often performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, putting the “finishing touch” on their weight loss efforts.

During a body lift, Dr. Kim will typically work in a concentric manner around the tissues of the lower body. The procedure requires surgical incisions in natural skin creases and folds, and a lifting or removal of loose skin.

More Information

To learn more about liposuction, abdominoplasty, or body contouring after massive weight loss, contact the office of Sugene Kim MD in The Woodlands, Texas.