Offering an Array of Services and Specific Procedures
Click on any service below to read more about that procedure:
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)Botox®Breast Augmentation SurgeryEyelid Rejuvenation SurgeryFacial Cosmetic Rejuvenation Surgery (Face and Neck Lifting)Gynecomastia (Male breast reduction)Suction-Assisted LipoplastyUltrasound-assisted LipoplastyLiposelection™ by VASER®Mastopexy (Breast Lift)Nose surgeryRestylane®Suction Lipectomy for MenTattoo RemovalThigh Lift SurgeryAbdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
Abdominoplasty, most commonly called 'tummy tuck,' is a cosmetic procedure in which the muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin is removed to recontour the abdomen. While this cosmetic procedure is most commonly performed in women to restore body shape following damage from pregnancy, men and women who have lost large amounts of weight (usually in excess of 100 pounds) may need this procedure also.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight can develop a less than desirable abdomen that protrudes. Most commonly due to:
Pregnancy
Aging
Fluctuations in weight
Heredity
Previous surgery
Patients considering this cosmetic procedure should remember that all surgery involving an incision leaves some kind of scar. Also, if the problem is only one of excess fat on the abdomen, with good skin quality and muscle tone, then liposuction is a better choice for the patient.
About the procedure:
This cosmetic surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, although sometimes patients stay overnight at the surgery center for '23-hour' recovery. The operation itself takes three or four hours, and is done under general anesthesia.
Time off from work after this operation varies, depending on one's job description. While many patients feel well enough to do light office work after a week, usually a two-week minimum is recommended before returning to office jobs, two or three weeks minimum before driving a car or doing serious stair climbing, etc. For those whose jobs are more physical, up to six weeks MAY be needed.
One of the more common questions asked is, 'Will my medical insurance pay for this?' Unfortunately, the best answer we can give is, 'Maybe.' In order for insurance to pay, the patient must have such weakness of the abdominal wall that a true hernia is present.
For more information please
read:
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Tummy_Tuck.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Botox®
Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, doctor-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Botox® has been in clinical use by doctors for a number of years to treat muscle spasm around the eyes, in the neck and elsewhere. After years of such use, the F.D.A. approved it for use in cosmetic applications to temporarily smooth the frown lines between the eyes. The effects begin in 5-7 days and reach maximum benefits in about two weeks. The benefits of this procedure will last four to six months in most people. It is possible for doctors to use Botox® in areas other than the brow wrinkles, and this must be individualized to a patient’s needs. No pre-testing is necessary for this procedure; treatment may begin on the first visit.
Botox
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Botox.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Breast Augmentation Surgery
The human breast is associated deeply in the minds of men and women with the female image. Since early times, women who developed less than the normal or desired amount of breast tissue have wished that something could be done.
If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, cosmetic augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:
Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
Improve the balance of your figure
Enhance your self-image and self confidence
Our personal experience with breast implants spans more than 20 years, using both saline-filled and gel-filled implants. While nothing made by human beings will ever be perfect, the overwhelming majority of our augmentation patients obtain the desired results.
Much has been made of the breast implant controversy. The scientific evidence linking silicone implants with connective-tissue disorders is still lacking. A recent study by European scientists confirmed the safety of implants.
So, what implant options are available? Under present FDA rules, saline implants must be used in all cosmetic breast augmentations unless certain specific criteria are met. In those cases where a congenital deformity of the breast is present (such as Poland's Syndrome, tuberous breast deformity, or certain other problems), a patient may be included in a manufacturer's study, and obtain gel-filled implants. In some cases of severe breast sagging, when a breast lift procedure (mastopexy) is being done at the same surgery, a patient may also be included in the study.
The breast augmentation procedure is an outpatient cosmetic surgery, best performed under general anesthesia, and most patients can return to office jobs or light housekeeping work in 4 or 5 days. The operation itself takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, with another one or two hours spent in recovery, before going home. An adult caregiver must drive the patient home and stay the night with the patient. Most patients can be left alone, if necessary, on the next day.
A skin incision of slightly over an inch is necessary, usually placed in the lower part of the breast, just above the crease beneath the breast. Occasionally a patient prefers to have the incision in the armpit. This is possible in selected cases, but if sagging of the breast is a problem, this alternative may not be best for you.
The implants are usually placed under the pectoral muscle on the chest, since this technique results in decreased incidence of scar capsule contracture. This is the most common complaint following breast augmentation and is the result of the body's normal healing process and its natural tendency to 'wall off' anything not a part of itself. The prevailing opinion among surgeons is that placing the implant under the muscle keeps it from forming such a hard layer of scar tissue and makes the tissue more pliable.
As we have already discussed, under present FDA regulations, most patients may only receive saline-filled prostheses, unless certain criteria are met for being placed in a study involving gel-filled implants. Saline breast implants, of course, are also called 'inflatable,' and can be subject to 'deflation' as well. Since the filler is only saline, however, the body absorbs the salt water uneventfully. When this occurs, the patient only notices that one side is not the same size as it was. The manufacturers have taken this into consideration, and offer a free-replacement, lifetime guarantee on the implant. In addition, they will reimburse the patient for expenses involved in making the exchange for up to ten years.
A word of caution is in order: a slight degree of sagging of the breast can be helped by breast implants. Basically, if the nipple rides below the crease underneath the breast in the upright position, without a brassiere on, a procedure to lift the breast skin may be necessary in addition to the implant. This is called a mastopexy, and additional information is available on another page at our website.
For more information please read:
Breast Augmentation
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Augmentation.html
Breast Reconstruction
http://plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reconstruction.html
Breast Reduction
http://plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Reconstructive_Procedures/Breast_Reduction.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
For more information regarding the safety of this procedure, please visit www.breastimplantsafety.org.
Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery
Cosmetic surgery of the eyelids is becoming increasingly popular among men and women. The removal of excess skin and fat from both upper and lower eyelids helps to make the eyes look more open and alert. Most of our patients report that friends and family compliment them on looking more “rested.”
Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:
Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (colored portion of the eye)
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
The upper lid incision is placed so that most of it hides in the crease in the lid when the eye is open. On the lower lid the scar comes out just under the eyelashes, and is generally inconspicuous.
This procedure, when done alone, is usually under local anesthesia. By having the patient awake the eyelid skin resection can be tailored for maximal benefit without removing so much that the lids do not close. This is sometimes done in the office, and time off work is usually a few days, depending on the patient’s desire for privacy and amount of public contact his or her work involves.
Eyelid Surgery for Women
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Eyelid_Surgery_for_Women.html
Eyelid Surgery for Men
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Eyelid_Surgery_for_Men.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Facial Cosmetic Rejuvenation
Face and neck lifting are usually part of the same cosmetic procedure, but are tailored to the patient’s need; each person will need some combination of the procedures, with more or less tightening in either the lower face or neck. The patient coming for consultation typically has already spent time in front of the mirror at home, using the fingers to tighten the skin and observe the results.
If you are bothered by the signs of aging in your face, a facelift may be right for you. Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:
Sagging in the midface
Deep creases below the lower eyelids
Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
Fat that has fallen or is displaced
Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls
Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin
This facial procedure is done with incisions in front of and behind the ears, so that the skin can be elevated down to the corners of the mouth. We usually remodel the superficial layers of the facial musculature at the same time. This produces a more complete and longer-lasting facelift, in our experience. We are also addressing the midface on more patients now, either through the lower eyelid incision used for blepharoplasty (eyelid-lift) or using that incision solely for the purpose of lifting the midface. This additional work increases the facelift benefits to the folds alongside the nose and upper lip.
Another area we are addressing more commonly now is the forehead. In the past, when we had to make a long incision across the top of the head from ear to ear, this required more time in surgery and for recovery, We can now typically do the facial procedure leaving only three small, vertical scars, each about ½ inch in length, located just at the hairline of the forehead. This allows us to remove a portion of the frown muscles if needed, and reposition sagging eyebrows to a more youthful location.
Facelift
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Facelift.html
Facial Implants
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Facial_Implants.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Gynecomastia (Male breast reduction)
Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement. What constitutes enlargement? That becomes a matter of personal viewpoint. What causes the enlargement? That is a medical question that a plastic surgeon can answer.
Gynecomastia is characterized by:
Excess localized fat
Excess glandular tissue development
A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)
As much as we might wish, no man is likely to be as flat in the chest area as we might envision. If a man exercises the upper body regularly, some development of the pectoral muscles will, and should, occur. Generally, the more exercise, the more development. Use of anabolic steroids, however, may lead to development of the breast gland, as well as increased muscle mass.
As is the case with women, heredity also plays a part. These are causes of the GLAND being abnormally large.
Of course, the breast AREA may be enlarged because of excessive fat accumulated in the site. As a rule, fat deposits itself in the breast area in coordination with fat deposition elsewhere. The more fat you deposit all over your body, the more will be deposited in the breast area. With heredity playing a role, however, some men tend to accumulate fat at a greater rate in the upper body, while others do in the lower.
Either situation is undesirable when it is excessive. When a man is large enough in the breast region that he is inhibited from playing sports or going without a T-shirt on the beach, he should seek help. The surgical solution is optimal for a man who has his weight under control, is generally in good condition, and still has sufficient breast enlargement that he is embarrassed by it.
Will insurance pay for this? Usually not for adults. Sometimes third-party payers, with a lot of advance planning and consultation, will cover the procedure for adolescent males. Meeting this requirement often requires that the patient have been worked up by an endocrinologist, then referred to a plastic surgeon.
Breast Reduction for Men
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Reduction_for_Men.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Suction-Assisted Lipoplasty (liposuction)
Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure which slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.
Liposuction procedures may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:
Thighs
Hips and buttocks
Abdomen and waist
Upper arms
Back
Inner knee
Chest area
Cheeks, chin and neck
Calves and ankles
The outpatient procedure consists of one or two entry points for each treated area, each about 1/8 inch long, and requiring only one or two stitches to close.
Once an area has been treated, it is important to hold pressure on the site to minimize swelling and bruising. For this we commonly use a compression garment, like a special girdle or binder. Even with proper garment wear, patients swell enough that an early determination of the final result is not possible in the early period after surgery.
In fact, we call this procedure, the operation of “3’s” since for the first three weeks most people feel that we must have put in fat, instead of removing it. At three weeks, most of the surgical swelling is gone, and the real improvement begins. For the next three months, about 90% of the improvement takes place. For three months after that the other 10% occurs.
Body contouring by liposuction is becoming the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States, since both men and women are candidates. The main thing to remember is that the operation is NOT for weight loss, but just for localized fat deposits. The amount of weight actually lost is not great. But because we see these fat deposits as associated with obesity, the person looks like they have lost weight – a lot more than they actually have.
Since the procedure is designed to improve the appearance, it is considered aesthetic, or cosmetic, and not covered by insurance. It does not prolong or save a life, but it can improve quality of life. The improvement in appearance frequently encourages a person to adopt a healthier lifestyle and perhaps a personal fitness program, since they now have something to be proud of and maintain.
Perhaps the most frequently asked question by patients is, “Can the fat come back?” The answer to this is that the fat cells removed by the operation do not come back, but it is possible to gain weight and fill up fat cells in other locations, even those which are left behind in the treated area. So our recommendation is to maintain body weight approximately where it was on the day of surgery, or even reduce it slightly.
Therefore, the best candidates for body contouring are those who have adopted a reasonable program of exercise and sensible eating, and who have developed localized fat deposits in areas resistant to fat loss (abdomen, love-handles, saddlebags, buttocks, double chin and the male breast.) Most of these people can be benefited by removal of excess fat by liposuction.
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (liposuction)
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, abbreviated UAL, is a newer version of suction-assisted lipoplasty (SAL.) The procedure, like the original, was invented in Europe. An Italian plastic surgeon with a degree in acoustical physics –the study of sound energy—Dr Michele Zocchi invented a technique whereby a sound wave generator is attached to a sterile handpiece with a titanium rod which is caused to vibrate at a very high, but slightly audible pitch. This sound wave delivers energy to the fat tissue just beyond the end of the probe so that fat is easier to remove.
In fact the fat is so liquefied that only low-pressure suction is required to remove it. UAL is a gentler procedure, for the surgeon and patient. Because the machine breaks up the fat, areas which had been poorly responsive to the older technique are now more effectively treated. Some examples are the “love-handles” and abnormally large breasts on men, and the back area around the shoulder blades on both sexes.
Another advantage of the UAL procedure is that the less-traumatic treatment allows removal of larger volumes of. We have been commonly removing twice the total volumes we were previously able to do. Recovery times seem to be slightly shorter, though individual results will vary. Bruising and swelling appear to be less, possibly relating to the less traumatic nature of the procedure.
Other aspects of the two procedures are essentially the same, with regard to necessity to wear compression garments postoperatively, etc.
Liposuction for Women
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Liposuction_for_Women.html
Liposuction for Men
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Liposuction_for_Men.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Liposelection™ by VASER®
The newest ultrasound technology involves using pulses of sound energy to more effectively break up fat deposits, while sparing critical structures such as vessels, nerves, etc. The VASER® company was granted a service mark for the technique, calling it liposelection,™ referring to the specificity of the machine for emulsifying fat.
There are three steps in the procedure carried out in the operating room. First we instill fluid into the tissue to firm it up and stabilize the fat for further work. This is NOT the commonly referred to tumescent technique, which involves much larger volumes of fluid placed in the tissue and has led to complications such as fluid overload, pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) and other complications. This process is much less intrusive and redusces the risks of complication over the tumescent technique.
The second step is the application of the pulsed sound energy to the fat to break it up and make it easier to remove. Finally, low-power suction is used to evacuate the fat from the space.
In summary, we now have tools that will help the conscientious patient who is trying to achieve a better appearance through diet and exercise to reach his or her goals. No surgery is a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but those who seek the best possible appearance, and are unable to achieve this with diet and exercise alone, now have 21st century procedures to help.
Because of the more effective liquefaction of dense fat with the pulses of energy, we have been able to extend the procedure to areas not previously treated with traditional suction: lower legs, lower back, etc. Additionally, more complete removal of fat from the male breast, hip rolls, posterior shoulder and other areas is possible.
Complications remain the same as for traditional lipoplasty, with minor touchups which can usually be done in the office at little expense being the most commonly occurring. General anesthesia is necessary because of the heat generated by the probes, and there are certain risks attendant with this, which the anesthesiologist will discuss with you in detail.
The expense of the procedure is slightly higher because of the cost of the machine, but our opinion is that the benefits are absolutely worth this additional money. Where your health is concerned, cost-cutting is not the primary concern; your health and the final aesthetic appearance are uppermost.
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Mastopexy (Breast lift)
Women in western societies generally do not suffer as badly from the early sagging of the breasts as those in less-developed cultures (where brassiere wear is not common). However, ladies who are well endowed or who grow very large during pregnancy or nursing will eventually suffer from exposure to gravity and lose youthful contour. This problem usually takes three forms. 1) Hypertrophy (overdevelopment) of the breast may be so severe that neck, back and shoulder pains are a problem. In these cases, a reduction of the breast tissue may be required, as well as a lifting of the breast. 2) Simple sagging of the breast may be the problem if adequate volume of breast tissue is present, but the contour has suffered from relaxation of the Cooper's ligaments, which are the body's natural attachments of the gland to the muscle of the chest. 3) Sagging with inadequate volume is most commonly the result of atrophy of the breast tissue following pregnancy, nursing, or menopause. In this case it is usually necessary to place a breast implant, as well as do a breast lift procedure.
Hypertrophy of the breast, when severe enough to produce neck, back or shoulder pains, and when the amount of excess tissue is more than a pound, may be covered by insurance. To determine this, a consultation is necessary, and a predetermination from your insurance will be obtained. Sometimes there is only a small amount of excess breast tissue, and in this circumstance the procedure is considered cosmetic (not covered by insurance).
Simple sagging of the breast, when the patient is satisfied with the volume of tissue, requires a straightforward lift of the breast, resecting only skin and basically constructing a skin brassiere. Since all breasts are different (even your own two) the exact planning of the operation, placement of the scars, etc., must be determined in a personal consultation. Some general guidelines can be applied, however.
When the amount of sagging is minimal (the nipple rides low on the breast, but not below the crease beneath the breast, the skin incisions may be kept to a circle around the areola (the brown or reddish-brown area around the nipple) and be fairly inconspicuous. As the nipple rides lower, below the crease, or even to the point where the nipple is the lowest point on the breast, more extensive scars are required. In the worst-case situation, the scar will circle the areola, go vertically down the breast from the 6 o'clock point on the areola to the crease under the breast, and then go both directions to the inside and outside edges of the breast. This scar has been described as looking like the anchor tattoo on Popeye's arm. The exact length of the scar is determined by the severity of the sagging problem and is beyond the control of the surgeon.
Inadequate volume of tissue, with sagging, is both a positive and negative factor. The use of a breast implant (see that page also) will enable a lesser lift procedure with shorter scars than when lift alone is performed, because the implant takes up some of the excess skin. Whenever a mastopexy patient is willing to accept an increase in volume, this technique usually simplifies the lift and decreases the length of scar required.
All of the above procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, but usually require general anesthesia, the exception being some minimal lift operations, where the amount of movement of the nipple required is less than two or three inches. Time off from work varies with the extent of the procedure. Breast reduction may require a month off work, while a minor lift may allow return to some work the next day.
Breast Lift
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Breast_Lift.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Alteration of the nose for cosmetic reasons, rhinoplasty, is one of the oldest of aesthetic operations. Common complaints patients express when considering this procedure are a bump on the top of the nose, a tip that is too wide or droops, a nose that is too long from top to bottom, or one that sticks out too far.
Rhinoplasty can change:
Nose size, in relation to the other facial structures
Nose width, at the bridge
Nose profile, with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
Nasal tip, that is large or bulbous, drooping, or too upturned
Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned
Nasal asymmetry and deviation
The operation is done as an outpatient, usually with general anesthesia, and takes about two hours. Only in rare cases do we make any incisions on the outside of the nose. Through cuts made inside the nose, both bone and cartilage can be removed and reshaped.
Sometimes, if breathing is a problem, we can obtain partial insurance coverage for the portion of the operation that addresses the airway. If the nasal deformity is because of documented trauma (a fracture from sports or an assault) insurance coverage may also apply. In both these instances, a visit to the office and pictures with a letter to the company in advance is necessary to assure such coverage.
Nose Surgery for Women
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Nose_Surgery_for_Women.html
Nose Surgery for Men
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Nose_Surgery_for_Men.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Restylane®
Restylane® is the latest injectable filler product we have added to our practice. We began injecting the original filler, Zyderm, in our practice in October, 1980. Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
Restylane has a highly favorable safety profile. It is composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.*
Restylane maintains its shape using the body's own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is hydrophilic or "water loving." As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide long-lasting results.
*Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.
Injectable Fillers
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Injectable_Fillers.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Suction Lipectomy for Men
While men may have the opinion on first thought that only women and actors have cosmetic surgery, that is really an outdated view. With every passing year, more men are considering and having aesthetic surgery. The most common procedure sought by men in our practice is suction lipectomy otherwise called liposuction.
Men who present with these problems usually complain of three areas: 1) the multiple chin problem, 2) the overdeveloped male breast (which is discussed on a separate page) and 3) the abdomen/love handles area. Sometimes, all these areas (and others as well) are involved.
While the chin area may ultimately require a face-lift to correct, the younger man may have good skin tone and adequate bone structure, so that a less involved procedure may suffice. If there is simply an excess of fat present, a small incision in the crease under the chin, and usually one at each earlobe, may be all the scar necessary to provide access for surgical correction. Through a one- or two-stitch hole, a suction cannula can be inserted and excess fat removed.
Correction of the abdomen and love-handle fat excess can likewise be done through three or four incisions of similar size, even though the amount of fat to be removed is much greater. Usually the greatest amount of fat is removed from the front of the abdomen, with extensions around the waist toward the back to de-bulk the flanks.
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Tattoo Removal
While just about anybody can tattoo your skin, not everybody is qualified to safely remove your tattoo. This should be done only by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ronald J. Johnson has been erasing tattoos safely and effectively for more than 25 years.
To learn more about how you can benefit from his state-of-the-art tattoo removal procedures, call Dr. Johnson at 901-737-1050.
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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Thigh Lift Surgery
The Thigh lift surgery is the least-commonly-performed aesthetic procedure in our practice, and probably in the United States. We believe there are two reasons for this. First, the scars are so significant that many patients are dissuaded from the operation. Second, the number of people who are really in need of this drastic measure is fairly small. So who is a candidate for the procedure?
In our experience, two categories of patients should consider having thigh lift surgery. Patients who have had massive weight loss, and whose thighs are now larger in circumference a few inches BELOW the crease underneath the buttock would benefit from having this done. In these people the skin is frequently thin and stretched out, with less subcutaneous fat high on the thigh than a few inches below. The operation is designed to cut away the thin skin and scant fat area and pull up the lower fat and skin, sewing it to the area above where the skin and fat thickness match up better. The second category of candidates would be those who have already had suction lipectomy (liposuction) and whose results were not adequate, possibly because of inadequate skin contracture following fat removal.
The time in the operating room is generally six hours or more. General anesthesia is required, and at least one overnight stay for recovery.
Is this operation ever covered by insurance? In very rare cases, such as following massive weight loss (after gastric bypass procedures, etc.) some patients have been able to secure insurance coverage, if they were having hygiene problems, with skin infection in the redundant folds. Such instances are rare, unfortunately, and usually require more than one letter of predetermination with pictures, review by an insurance company committee, and one or two months' patience.
Nevertheless, for those patients whose need is great enough, this operation may be the only way they can don a bathing suit or even wear reasonably revealing sportswear. Since every situation is different, only a personal evaluation will allow us to assess your suitability as a candidate for the procedure.
Thigh Lift
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Thigh_Lift.html
To schedule an appointment to discuss this procedure with Dr. Johnson, click here.
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