Liposuction, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), Body Lift & More at Puget Sound Plastic Surgery

> Liposuction
> Tummy Tuck
> Body Lift After Massive Weight Loss
> Thermage®

Puget Sound Plastic Surgery has introduced the latest generation of ultrasound technology for liposuction, known as LipoSelection. LipoSelection by VASER® offers a more selective and refined alternative to traditional liposuction techniques. Using this system, we are able to achieve a smoother contour with improved skin retraction. For more information visit www.vaser.com.

Liposuction at our greater Seattle Area Practice

Liposuction, or liposculpture, should be considered a body contouring procedure. Body shape is determined, in part, by the location of fat cells. The distribution of fat cells is influenced by heredity (family traits), gender (male or female), and individual characteristics. Liposuction is of greatest benefit to Seattle area patients with disproportionate and localized accumulations of body fat. Liposuction cannot treat generalized obesity, excess or loose skin, or body contour irregularities due to structures or tissues other than fat such as muscle, muscle weakness, bone, intra-abdominal contents, or glandular tissue.

Achievable goals of liposuction include: improved body contour, the re-establishment of normal proportions between areas of the body, and improving appearances both in and out of clothing. Liposuction does not alter the elasticity of the skin. Young patients usually have better skin elasticity than older patients. The more fat removed from an area, the greater the difficulty for the skin to shrink smoothly over the new contour, regardless of age. An individual patient may not be symmetric following this procedure, just as they were not symmetric before the procedure.

Once removed, fat cells do not re-form; therefore, removing a number of fat cells in an area will produce a contour change in that area that is expected to be long lasting. The amount of fat contained in the fat cells left behind is controlled by diet and exercise. If body weight is maintained just slightly less than at the time of the liposuction procedure, results should be maintained. Subsequent changes in body contour may occur as a result of aging, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and/or a variety of other circumstances that may or may not be related to the location of fat.

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia, or under conscious sedation with local anesthesia, depending on the amount and number of areas being suctioned. To offer you the best possible liposuction results, Puget Sound Plastic Surgery features LipoSelection technology by VASER©. This technology utilizes ultrasonic sound waves to disrupt fat cells while preserving surrounding connective tissues. The emulsified fat can then be removed with gentle suction through tiny incisions, providing a more smooth and even result with less bruising than traditional methods. The incisions are closed with fine sutures, and dressings, foam padding, and support garments are applied. These garments must be worn continuously the first two weeks after surgery, and as much as possible the following two weeks.

Varying amounts of bruising, discoloration, and swelling are anticipated in the areas that have been suctioned. After receiving liposuction at Puget Sound Plastic Surgery, patients can expect a moderate degree of discomfort and pain, and there may be some temporary numbness in the involved areas. Much of the discoloration and swelling should resolve in the first two weeks, but further maturation, softening, and decrease in swelling will occur slowly over a two to three month period.

For more information about liposuction, residents of the greater Seattle area are invited to contact Puget Sound Plastic Surgery.

Tummy Tuck ( Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck surgery is another body sculpting option we offer to clients from Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest. This procedure can treat issues that include: bulging and excess adipose tissue of the lower abdomen, skin excess of the upper and lower abdomen, laxity or widening of the muscle of the abdomen (rectus diastases), and unsightly scars or stretch marks in the lower abdomen.

A tummy tuck can help patients achieve a more sculpted abdomen, but will not correct generalized obesity. Patients ideally suited for this procedure should have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 29 or less.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made across the lower abdomen, the skin and adipose tissue are undermined to the level of your ribs, the tissue is re-draped downwards, and excess skin and fat is removed. The incision is then closed, the umbilicus is recreated, and drains are placed. Most patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery at our greater Seattle area surgery center may go home the same day and can return to their usual daily activities in about two weeks.

At Puget Sound Plastic Surgery, we routinely use pain pumps when performing abdominoplasty. This device, placed at the time of surgery, significantly decreases the pain level during the first four to five days following the surgery. Oral pain medication is still needed but patients are much more comfortable and able to move about more easily thus lessoning many of the risks of tummy tuck surgery.

To find out more about tummy tuck surgery ( abdominoplasty) at our greater Seattle area practice, contact Puget Sound Plastic Surgery today.

Body Lift After Massive Weight Loss

Once you have succeeded in losing a massive amount of weight, it is not unusual to have large amounts of excess skin, which may sag and hang loose on the frame of your slimmer body. To remove this skin, Puget Sound Plastic Surgery offers a procedure known as a body lift. The procedure can be very effective in improving the appearance of patients who have undergone gastric bypass or other types of bariatric surgery by reducing areas of excess skin in the abdomen, lateral thighs, and buttocks.

Depending on your needs and aesthetic goals, Dr. Stridde can also remove surplus skin from the inner thighs, arms, or face. A breast lift, with or without the addition of breast implants, can recreate the contours of more full and uplifted breasts.

To learn more about body lift, liposuction, or abdominoplasty, Seattle area residents are invited to contact Puget Sound Plastic Surgery today.

If you are a Seattle area resident who is significantly overweight and is interested in a surgical solution, please visit the Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, PLLC at www.aboutsurgicalweightloss.com.

Thermage®

The Thermage procedure is the only non-surgical treatment that delivers tighter skin, renewed facial contours and healthier collagen – the building block that provides structure to your skin. The Thermage procedure is available only in the offices of qualiified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures. Your physician is your best information resource for determining how this treatment will most benefit you.

What is the Thermage procedure? – The Thermage procedure employs a patented capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology called ThermaCool™. It has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours. The incision-free procedure is fast and easy, and requires no downtime from normal activities. Unlike lasers, the procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types. The ThermaCool device has been cleared by the FDA for the non-invasive treatment of facial wrinkles and rhytids.

How does it work? – The ThermaCool device uses a sophisticated treatment tip call ThermaTip™, which delivers a controlled amount of CRF energy. With each touch to the skin, the ThermaTip device uniformly heats a large volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissue while simultaneously protecting the outer layer of the skin with cooling. This deep uniform heating action causes deep structures in your skin to immediately tighten. Over time, new and remodeled collagen is produced to further tighten skin, resulting in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

What does the Thermage procedure feel like? – With each touch of the ThermaTip device, you will experience a brief, deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. This deep heating sensation is your indication that your collagen is reaching effective temperatures for tightening. The physician controls the amount of energy delivered to balance procedural comfort with maximum results. The ThermaTip device is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Additionally, your physician may also prescribe relaxants.

When will I see results? – Recently published studies conducted by Thermage show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over 2 to 6 months after a single treatment session. However, many patients have reported seeing an earlier response.

How many treatments will I need? – Thermage has produced results in the majority of patients in a single treatment, unlike many laser procedures which require up to four or more sessions. Your physician will determine the coarse of treatment that is right for you.

How long does it take? – The Thermage procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for skin preperation prior to the procedure.

What will my skin feel like after the procedure? – Immediately following a Thermage procedure, your skin should feel tighter, smooher and more youthful. Over time, you will notice additional tightening.

How long will the effects of the Thermage Procedure last? – The Thermage procedure causes immediate tightening of the collagen structure, with additional tightening over time. Unpublished reports by experienced cosmetic physicians indicate that results may last 24 months or longer based on the patient's natural aging process.

Is the Thermage Procedure safe? – The Thermage procedure has and excellent safety record. With over 190,000 estimated worldwide patient treatments to date the reported incidence of side effects is less than 0.4%. The most frequently reported incidents are classified as swelling, redness, bumps, and blisters on or around the treated area. These side effects have disappeared in a few days or weeks. A rare (<0.11%) but longer lasting side effect described as a surface irregularity has also been reported. Consult with your physician regarding this and any other questions you may have on the safety record of the Thermage procedure.

How long before I can return to my normal activities? – Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the Thermage procedure. Some people experience mild redness (like a sunburn), but it usually disappears quickly. No special care is needed after treatment unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

How much does the Thermage Procedure cost? – The cost for the Thermage procedure depends on the facial areas being treated. Certainly, the more treatment area involved, the more the procedure will cost. Your physician will discuss his or her fees with you at the time of your consultation.