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Where Are Incisions Made for Body Contouring Procedures?
Incision placement will vary depending on the specific procedure you are receiving. Below, I’ve listed typical incision placements for various body contouring procedures offered at my practice.
Tummy Tuck
During a tummy tuck, excess skin between the belly button and the pubis will often be removed, and abdominal muscles will generally be tightened from lower rib cage down to the pubis. As a result, the belly button may need to be reformed, and the incision will typically span about hipbone to hipbone.
Liposuction
For liposuction, we utilize very small incisions, only about a quarter of an inch wide. I like to use ultrasonic liposuction because it literally melts the fat, and often makes a much more even result than just doing traditional liposuction.
Using the ultrasonic machine, of which I like to utilize VASER®, I can increase the temperature to the deep part of the skin, and get better skin contraction (similar to laser treatments to the face). This heats the skin from underneath, and you get better constriction.
When doing traditional liposuction of the love handles, two incisions will generally be made in the middle of the back. For the abdomen, three incisions will usually be made; two in the pubic area, and one in the umbilicus in order to reach to the upper portion of the abdomen.
Arm Lift
For arm lift surgery, when there’s just extra fat of the arm, a tiny incision can often be made at the elbow through which some of the fat in the lower half of the arm can be removed. If extra skin is present, I will typically remove the extra skin by placing a relatively inconspicuous incision along the inside of the arm, generally resulting in a scar that’s virtually undetectable when the patient’s arms are at their sides. No matter the case, I always try to hide the scars in the most inconspicuous place possible.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift, which is essentially a posterior tummy tuck, lifts up on the buttocks and the lateral thighs. In order to do this, the incision is made about at the bikini line at the top of the buttocks and thigh in order to conceal any potential scarring where the patient’s bikini line would generally be. Should liposuction be necessary for the inner or outer regions of the thigh, small incisions are typically made in the groin and in the outer crease of the thigh, respectively.
Ultimately, I pride myself on the concealment of potential scarring. I try to hide scars in the regular lines of skin tension so they’re not as noticeable, and I also perform scar care treatment after the surgery to try and make the scars as inconspicuous as possible. No matter the procedure, it is important to note the specific placement of your incisions will ultimately depend on your unique needs and goals. I do, however, strive to make any necessary incisions in the most discreet locations possible, often where they can be concealed by articles of clothing.
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