Body

A tummy tuck accomplishes three things: removes excess skin from the abdomen, tightens the abdominal muscles, and creates a new belly button. The muscle-tightening part of the operation will correct diastasis, which is the separation of the muscles that occur during pregnancy.

The recovery from a tummy tuck is one of the more difficult, as the muscle tightening causes some discomfort. Typically, it will be two weeks before patients return to normal daily activities, and a full six weeks until patients are able to lift and resume exercise. The swelling can take up to eight weeks to resolve. It takes a full year for the scar to mature, which can be aided with scar massage starting three weeks after surgery.

Liposuction is one of the most powerful tools available and is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. Liposuction has been performed for decades with safe and outstanding results. Liposuction is not a tool for weight loss, but rather a great technique that can permanently change the shape of your body.

Patients will have the most drainage for the first forty-eight hours, as any residual tumescent fluid added during the procedure exits the body. A faja or compression garment is worn continuously during this period to minimize swelling and provide compression, and comfort. Swelling reaches its maximum on the third day and improves significantly after about three weeks. After about three months, the results continue to improve for up to a year while the skin softens and smoothes. Patients typically feel ‘lumpy, bumpy, and numb’ during this early period. Lymphatic massages can help to remove fluid and aid in recovery. Massages can start the day following surgery and continue every day for the first ten days as a minimum. A compression garment is worn 24/7 for the first six weeks, and then during the day until three months after surgery.

Typically this combination of procedures is called a “Mommy Makeover,” but… Moms don’t need makeovers! Accepting suggestions for a better term that encompasses the procedures performed after pregnancy. It is typically a combination where both breasts and body are treated at the same time. Typical changes of pregnancy cause the breasts to lose volume or droop (or both) so the breast surgery may be a simple breast augmentation, augmentation with a lift, or just a lift alone. For the body, usual postpartum changes include rectus diastasis, which is a separation of the abdominal muscles, development of excess skin, gain of fatty deposits, or a loss of gluteal volume. So, the options for body procedures involve liposuction, tummy tuck, or BBL along with the individualized plan for the breasts.

When a combination procedure is performed the whole body is changed. Frequently the changes leave the patient feeling even better about their bodies than they did prior to having children. The recovery is dependent on the combinations of procedures performed but in general, patients can expect a two-week recovery with a return to all activity at six weeks.

Dr. Maccarone traveled to Florida to learn BBL technique from the world-renowned Dr. William Miami, who is the creator of Ogee Lipo®. Here she learned that the first step in creating an hourglass shape is achieved by performing extensive, thorough liposuction of the whole trunk. This removes volume from the bra area, back, flanks, waist, and abdomen. This removal of fat creates a narrower, well-defined waist, enhances the natural curves of the body, and immediately gives the appearance of a more voluptuous frame. This step creates a beautiful result alone but is further enhanced by augmenting the gluteal area and hips to complement the liposuction. This transfer of volume changes the shape by rounding the buttocks, adding volume, and increasing projection, while also enhancing the hips to seamlessly and naturally blend with the leg. With this technique, the result is not just a bigger butt, but an entirely different shape that still appears natural and beautiful.

A BBL with Dr. Gina produces a change to not just your buttocks, but to your whole body. The recovery is similar to that of liposuction with one important distinction: no sitting on the gluteal or hip areas for at least two weeks after surgery. You should wear a compression garment or faja for three months following surgery, with the first six weeks only removing it to shower. Massages can begin the first day after surgery. We suggest a minimum of ten lymphatic massages following your surgery and then continuing with your own massages for a full year. Any type of device that helps to massage and soften the skin and underlying tissue is encouraged to be used for massages following surgery. Not all of the fat transferred to your gluteal area and hips will survive, so you will initially notice a decrease in the size of your buttocks, but all of the areas that were treated with liposuction will also contract, so your overall shape will remain. After two weeks, all of the fat that has survived will remain and become permanent. After BBL, you may resume activities including exercise as soon as you feel well enough to do so.

Often after weight loss, patients are left with excess loose, sagging skin around their abdomen, arms, hips, lower back, and buttocks. There are multiple different options for procedures that will contour the body and remove the excess skin that remains after weight loss. Some of the options include: arm lift, thigh lift, total body lift, or a bra line lift. Sometimes, liposuction can be combined for shaping, as well. Dr. Maccarone will discuss the best plan for you after your weight loss, whether it is one procedure or multiple in stages.

Depending on the procedure, patients may or may not have drains at the surgical sites. If drains are placed, they are typically removed within the first week after surgery. Patients wear compression garments to support the new body contours and reduce swelling. Walking after surgery is encouraged to help with leg circulation and decrease the risks of blood clots. Most patients return to work in 7 to 14 days, depending on the combination of procedures.

Labiaplasty is becoming more popular as women realize how straightforward it can be. This procedure addresses both cosmetic or functional concerns related to stretched or elongated labia and is individualized based on your preferences and needs.

This procedure can be performed in less than an hour under local anesthesia only. Recovery takes place over a few days up to a week with minimal discomfort. Sutures are dissolvable and last one to two weeks. Swimming or bathing should be avoided for two weeks, but patients can shower 24 hours after surgery.