KU Aesthetic Surgery | 14700 Metcalf Avenue - Suite 130 | Overland Park, KS 66223 | 913-402-7410
KU Medical Center | 3901 Rainbow Blvd. | Kansas City, Kansas 66160 | 913-588-2000
KUMedWest | 7405 Renner Road | Shawnee, Kansas 66217
WeightLoss Surgical Center | 8101 W. 135th Street | Overland Park, Kansas 66223
Fat distribution varies from individual to individual, and everyone has specific anatomic locations that harbor more fatty tissue than others. Women characteristically have greater amounts of fat in the lower trunk, upper thighs and buttocks whereas men tend to accumulate extra fat in the trunk and flank areas. Though adipocytes (fat cells) multiply during early childhood and puberty, no new adipocytes are formed after adolescence under normal circumstances.
Liposuction is carried out to remove excess, localized fat from specific anatomic areas. Each of the incisions used for liposuction is less than an inch in length, and they are positioned, as much as possible, in areas covered by clothing. Ideal liposuction candidates are not overweight and have good skin tone to allow skin redraping in a natural fashion. Once excess fat is removed from an area, new fat will not be regenerated if the patient’s weight is maintained at a relatively constant level. Though the indications for liposuction have broadened to include somewhat overweight individuals, liposuction is clearly not a treatment for obesity. It does not treat skin irregularities due to cellulite and does not address loose skin. During a consultation, the pros and cons of the procedure will be discussed in relationship to your particular body contour.
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After pregnancy or significant weight loss, many people have redundant skin and fat in their abdominal region. In addition, their deeper fascia tissues are often stretched providing even more of a bulge. With an abdominoplasty, this excess skin and fat is excised and the fascial tissues are tightened. This is generally accomplished through an incision in the lower abdominal region that can be covered by even very brief undergarments or swimwear. Liposuction can be utilized in conjunction with abdominoplasty to improve the contour of certain areas. The technique utilized for abdominoplasty varies depending on an individual’s specific problems. All abdominoplasty techniques produce the best results in individuals near their ideal weight. During a consultation, the pros and cons of the procedure will be discussed, and a recommendation can be provided as to what procedure will provide the best results for you.
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Individuals who have experienced large weight fluctuations sometimes have redundant skin and fat that is more generalized and not confined to the abdominal area alone. Individuals with this problem can benefit from a body lift. In a body lift, excess skin and fat is removed through an incision that extends circumferentially around the entire body. The incision is generally confined to the lower abdomen and back so that it can be covered by brief undergarments or swimwear. The precise orientation of the incision can vary depending on an individual’s particular problems. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with a body lift to improve the contour of particularly prominent areas. Like abdominoplasty, this procedure is best performed when an individual is at or near their ideal weight. During a consultation, the pros and cons of this more extensive procedure can be discussed in relation to your specific shape.
Individuals who have experienced significant weight fluctuations often have redundant skin and fat in the arms and thighs in addition to other parts of the body. People with these problems are frequently the same individuals that benefit from a body lift. A body lift does not address excess skin and fat in the arms, however, and doesn’t always address the thighs. The excessive tissue in the inner thigh area can be removed with a thigh lift, and excessive tissue in the upper arms can be addressed with a brachioplasty. Incisions for a thigh lift are generally positioned in the groin crease, while incisions for a brachioplasty are positioned posteriorly on the arm between the armpit and the elbow. Occasionally, additional incisions are needed for more extensive problems. These procedures are very effective at improving the contour of the arm and thigh areas. During a consultation, the pros and cons of these procedures can be discussed in relation to your particular contour.
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Designed for KU Plastic Surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons