Body Procedures

Northern New Jersey Plastic Surgery
Look Great. Feel Great!

  • Botox® Injections
  • Liposuction
  • Burn Reconstruction
  • Buttock Lift
  • Thigh Lift
  • Tummy Tuck
  • Upper Arm
  • Hand Surgery Lift

Tummy Tuck

Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of the waistline problems. In such cases a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A tummy tuck is the surgical removal of excess skin and fatty deposits from the abdomen, along with the repositioning of abdomen muscles into a tighter formation. This bodily enhancement procedure is designed for those who wish to have a flatter and tighter stomach. It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.

Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty:

  • Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area
  • Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss
  • Loss of elasticity or diastais (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy
  • The removal of unsightly skin and fat deposits as well as the proper alignment of the abdomen muscles to produce a more flattering and youthful look.

General Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the desired look and the patient’s anatomy. The procedure begins with an incision that is made just above the pubic bone area. The incision travels horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back. The skin is separated from the muscle tissue, and excess skin is removed. The abdominal muscle is tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline. The umbilicus is transferred to it’s new position to enhance the youthful appearance. Finally, the incision is closed: and the skin is sutured back into place. Drains are usually used to remove any fluid accumulation. These are easily removed in the office.

Recovery Process

Generally, Post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and the recovery time. During the recovery process the patient can expect some swelling, pain and discomfort. Dr. Ko can prescribe medications to relieve any pain caused by the procedure. In most instances Dr Ko utilizes internal sutures and only steri-strips on the skin. It may take several months for the body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration. With continued diet and exercise the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.

Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a body-sculpting procedure to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercising. This procedure can be applied to nearly any area of the body and is commonly used on multiple areas during an operation. Liposuction results in a slimmer and better -proportioned figure. Liposuction is used effectively to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double-chin, a bulge around the waistline or other unsightly fatty deposits in order to develop a better shape and create a more beautiful body.

Reasons for Considering Liposuction

  • Eliminate fat from any of the following areas:
  • Chin and neckline
  • Back
  • Upper arms
  • Stomach and waistline
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Thighs and knees
  • Calves and ankles
  • Create a more proportioned figure

Liposuction is a not a replacement for proper exercise and diet. Instead, liposuction is a reduction for stubborn areas where fat accumulates. Performed in several areas of the body, liposuction can provide a well- proportioned appearance. Ideal surgical candidates are those already in good physical condition and health, but have stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

General Procedure

Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia with the patient asleep or under local anesthesia where the area is numbed and the patient remains awake. Through a tiny incision(s), a narrow tube or “cannula” is inserted and used to vacuum out the fatty tissue beneath the skin. The surgeon determines the amount of fat to be removed by massaging the skin and squeezing the tissue. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed by applying a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling and support the affected area.

There are more details about liposuction that Dr Ko will review with you at the time of your consultation. Liposuction can last from thirty minutes to several hours depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unattractive fatty deposits.

Recovery Process

New techniques allow for faster recovery from liposuction procedures. The length of the recovery will depend on how extensive of an operation the patient undergoes. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Generally speaking the initial downtime is 2-5 days (depending on the extent of the procedure) and total recovery in 1-3 weeks. Results continue to improve for a few months and Dr Ko will see you at determined intervals to check on your progress. A support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after the surgery, depending upon which area areas are selected to utilize the liposuction procedure. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the directions given after surgery.