Body Services
Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic body procedure for both men and women with loose abdominal skin and excess fat in the abdominal area. If you are bothered by these issues and are deemed by Dr. Chiasson to be a good candidate for surgery, a tummy tuck can transform the way you look and feel.
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure nor is it designed to be a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. An ideal patient is the woman with a normal body mass index but excess abdominal skin following pregnancies. After pregnancy, you may be left with stretch marks, loose skin, and separation of your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). You should not undergo tummy tuck if you are planning to have more children as another pregnancy will undo your results.
If you have a lesser degree of skin excess and no muscle separation above your umbilicus (belly button) you may be a good candidate for a modified or mini-abdominoplasty. This results in a shorter scar and a quicker recovery. Both standard and mini-abdominoplasty can be combined with carefully performed liposuction.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient. In healthy, carefully selected patients a tummy tuck can be combined with a hysterectomy or other gynecologic surgery. This will require an overnight hospital stay. You should plan to take about 10-14 days before returning to work and several weeks until you resume full activities.
Mommy Makeover
The Mommy Makeover is a popular combination of breast and abdominal surgery performed to correct changes in both following pregnancy and breastfeeding. After these events, the breasts may be smaller and have a deflated appearance. The abdomen may have stretch marks, loose skin, and separated muscles. The breast surgery selected may be enlargement (breast augmentation), lift (mastopexy), or both (augmentation mastopexy).
The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be standard or modified.
If you have experienced changes in your breast and abdomen following childbirth, and are certain that you will not have another pregnancy, a Mommy Makeover may be just right for you. Breast and abdominal rejuvenation surgery can improve undesirable post-pregnancy body changes that you cannot correct by diet and exercise. Dr. Chiasson will carefully listen to your concerns and create a surgical plan that is best for you.
This outpatient surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You can expect a 1-2 week recovery time and another 2-3 weeks to full activities. You will need assistance in caring for young children in the first week after surgery, and you will not be permitted to drive for 3-4 weeks.
Liposuction
Liposuction is surgery to remove localized fat stores accessible beneath the skin using specialized powered tools (canulas).
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. It is performed to remove stubborn collections of fat resistant to diet and exercise. Where you accumulate such fat deposits are determined by your genetics: for many women, these deposits are located in the hips and outer thighs while for men they are more common in the abdomen.
Liposuction is an effective, permanent solution to remove unwanted excess fat from a variety of areas: in the neck (double chin), upper arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, and “love handles”. You need to be fully aware that this is not a weight-loss surgery. Liposuction contours the body. Weight gain will only cause new fat deposits in different areas. But the surgery combined with a healthy diet and exercise program will lead to your long-term satisfaction. Dr. Chiasson will carefully listen to your concerns and assist you in selecting the procedure that most suits your unique situation and goals.
Small areas of localized fat may be treated in the office under local anesthesia and oral sedation. Larger areas are best treated under general anesthesia. After surgery, you are placed in compression garments which you will wear for several weeks. It may take several months for you to see your final result.
Again, liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It is best if you are at or near your desired weight.
Arm Lift
An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, removes excess, sagging skin and fatty tissue from the upper arm from armpit to elbow.
You may have loose skin as a result of the normal aging process or from weight loss. Post-menopausal women may develop fat deposits in the area resulting from the hormonal changes.
Dr. Chiasson will listen to your concerns, perform an examination, and educate you on which of the various arm lift techniques best suits your condition and goals. Lesser degrees of skin excess can be treated through smaller incisions in the armpits. More severe sagging will require longer incisions.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient. Compressive garments are applied. You can expect bruising, swelling, and a short period of discomfort. You will see an immediate improvement at your first postoperative visit.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift can reshape the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and better contours for the thighs and lower body. You may have excess skin as a result of weight loss surgery or pre-existing genetics. Permanent scars will remain from the skin removal.
Dr. Chiasson will discuss your surgical goals and obtain a pertinent medical history. The ideal patient is a nonsmoker at a stable, healthy weight.
The surgery is performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. Surgical compression garments and scar cream is included in your surgical fee. Physical activity will be restricted for several weeks.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift, sometimes known as a belt lipectomy, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the patient’s abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. You might be a candidate for this surgical procedure if you have experienced significant weight loss and are now at your desired weight but experiencing loose and overhanging skin. This is a major operation requiring several hours of general anesthesia and possibly an overnight hospital stay. The recovery period will last weeks and your activities may be restricted for up to two months. Long, permanent scars of an unpredictable nature are the trade-off for skin tightening.
Dr. Chiasson will evaluate you carefully and make recommendations based on your unique situation. This is considered cosmetic surgery and will not be covered by your insurance.
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex surgery required to correct large abdominal wall hernias or surgical defects and to restore the normal function and anatomy of the abdominal wall. The surgery restores the normal layers of the abdomen that provide support and stability to keep internal organs protected. This reconstructive surgery may be covered by insurance. It is performed under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay in the hospital. A careful return to activities is recommended to prevent the recurrence of the problem.
Dr. Chiasson is well trained in both General and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. She has the anatomic knowledge and surgical skills to correct this problem.