Liposuction & Body Contouring

Dr. Fortes has performed thousands of liposuction procedures using the latest techniques to ensure his patients are satisfied and safe. Liposuction is used to remove fat from susceptible areas such as the abdomen, thighs, knees, hips, buttocks, neck and upper arms. Fat in the hips, waist, thighs and buttocks is more challenging to address, since these areas are the least resistant to diet and exercise, but fortunately, liposuction can help.

During liposuction (generally an outpatient procedure under general or local anesthesia), a small incision is made in the skin to insert a small hollow tube (or cannula) that helps remove excess fat from the body.

Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the area is stitched. Sutures are removed after about one week, and patients can return to work in five to seven days. Normal athletic activities can be resumed in about three weeks.

Prospective patients must realize that liposuction is not a substitute for a weight loss program and is only recommended for those individuals of normal weight to slightly above normal weight that have excess pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise.

The tumescent technique for liposuction is the most commonly used method for achieving desired results in contouring and sculpturing areas. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is now being used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction techniques. For more information about these procedures, please contact Dr. Fortes.

Liposuction, Large Volume

Patients with large pockets of fat deposits might consider large volume liposuction as a way to contour their body. Although this procedure is not a method for losing weight, large volume liposuction can help patients look years younger and also is an excellent way to "jump start" a routine exercise program.

Total body contouring is the most effective way to remove excessive fat deposits from the body. An overall body contour is achieved by addressing the arms, chest, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, calves and legs.

Liposuction, Moderate

For patients who have experienced a change is body proportion and accumulated fat deposits in unwanted areas, moderate liposuction may help reshape your body contour to give you the shape you once had. Recovery time for moderate liposuction is quicker and patients will notice an overall improvement in body contour.

Platysmaplasty (neck liposuction)

As we age, our skin loses its tone and elasticity, creating unfavorable sagging, especially in the neck area. Luckily, our skin has the remarkable ability to retract into a more youthful appearance with the help of liposuction. This outpatient procedure is called platysmaplasty and may be performed with either "twilight" or general anesthesia.

Dr. Fortes may combine neck lift platysmaplasty with a procedure that tightens the neck muscle, as well, to give you even longer lasting results. Some patients who are fairly young may require platysmaplasty because they age prematurely in the neck area due to a laxity of the neck muscle and accumulation of fat in this area.

If you are a candidate for platysmaplasty, recovery times will vary depending on the amount of fat to be removed. Your stitches are removed one week after surgery, and any bruising or swelling will usually diminish within a month. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fortes will discuss with you the best surgical and non-surgical options that meet your individual needs.

Brachioplasty (arm lift)

The correction of the sagging, "bat wing" arm is technically referred to as brachioplasty. During brachioplasty, small incisions are made in the armpit and the elbow to remove excess fat, eliminating the long scar traditionally associated with this procedure. A cannula is inserted to suction fat from the selected areas, allowing for your desired arm contour to be sculpted.

Some swelling and bruising may occur as a result of brachioplasty, but these and other side effects usually diminish after about three to five weeks.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty, or a "tummy tuck," is the most common plastic surgery procedure used for men and women to flatten the stomach. During abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened.

Women whose stomach muscles have become stretched after pregnancy or who have lost a large amount of weight are candidates for this procedure. Men who find the "spare tire" difficult to reduce also find relief from this procedure.

Abdominoplasty is generally performed in one to two hours, with a recovery period of about one to two weeks. Abdominoplasty does result in a permanent scar, but Dr. Fortes can hide the scar below the bikini line. During your office visit, Dr. Fortes will discuss the many techniques for body contouring with you to determine your ideal solution.

See our Gallery of Before and After photos of Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty procedures

Contact Dr. Fortes today to schedule your Body Contouring consultation