Redlands Body Plastic Surgery
California plastic surgeon Dr. Rau is experienced in helping patients achieve a more refined and aesthetically pleasing shape. He performs liposuction, tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures.
Liposuction in Redlands
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove fat deposits and reshape areas of the body. Dr. Rau may perform liposuction alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, such as lifts or reductive surgery. It is not recommended for weight loss, but a viable technique for areas where fat deposits won’t disappear.
Procedure
Regardless of the specific area being treated, the technique is generally the same. A small incision is made in a natural crease of the skin or some other inconspicuous place. A hollow, pen-like device, called a canula, is inserted into the skin. The canula is used to suck out the fat. In some cases, an ultrasonic probe is used to break up the fat into small pieces before it is sucked out with the canula. A newer technique, called the tumescent technique, forces extreme amounts of water into the fat prior to vacuuming it out, making hard fatty deposits easier to remove. Depending on the extensiveness of the surgery, liposuction may be an outpatient or inpatient procedure.
Risks
Complications from liposuction are more serious than for most other cosmetic procedures. They include:
Infections – which can occur after nearly any surgery but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Embolism – a piece of fat can get trapped in a blood vessel and can clog pathways to the lungs and brain, which is life threatening.
Visceral Perforations – because physicians cannot see under the skin to where they insert the canula, organs can be punctured requiring additional surgery to repair.
Fluid Imbalance – a lot of liquid is used in liposuction for fat removal. This can cause an imbalance, which may lead to heart, lung or kidney problems.
Skin Problems – in some cases, swelling on the skin above the area where the liposuction occurs remains for months. Additionally, the skin may “die,” change color and slough off.
Fatalities related to liposuction have been reported in as few as 3 in 100,000 cases and as high as 100 in 100,000 cases. However, many patients enjoy positive experiences with liposuction when conducted by a certified, experienced and trusted surgeon such as plastic surgeon Dr. Rau in Redlands.
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Redlands Tummy Tuck
Abdominal surgery, known as a tummy tuck, is a way for board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rau to eliminate flab and bulges around the stomach area as well as tighten the muscles. Liposuction only removes the fat. A tummy tuck concentrates on tightening stomach muscles as well.
Procedure
A complete tummy tuck can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis using general anesthesia in Redlands. A horizontal incision is made from hip bone to hip bone along the “bikini” line, where the pubic hair begins. Dr. Rau gently separates the skin from the abdominal wall. The muscle and soft tissue are tightened first. Then the flap is closed and excess skin and fat are removed. Sutures are used to close the incision. A mini or partial tummy tuck is used to remove fat deposits near the navel. This procedure is sometimes conducted endoscopically. A small incision is made near the belly button and excess fat is removed through it. A complete tummy tuck generally takes about 2 to 5 hours.
Recovery
An elastic bandage is applied following the surgery to help prevent swelling. In some cases, drainage tubes are inserted for the first 2 to 3 days to help remove excess fluid. There is the possibility of infection following any surgery. Dr. Rau will likely prescribe antibiotics to avoid infection in addition to any pain medication. Swelling, bruising and numbness are normal after the surgery and will subside in a few weeks. Patients are encouraged to begin walking right away even it they can’t stand upright. Stitches are removed in 5 to 7 days, after which a support garment is used in place of the dressing. Healing from a tummy tuck is slow since this is major surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within 4 weeks. Exercise is encouraged after the initial recovery period to help tone the muscle. The scar is permanent but will fade in 6 to 9 months.
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Body Lift in Redlands
If you have excess body skin (frequently due to significant weight loss or post gastric bypass surgery), you may be a candidate for a body lift. Dr. Rau uses body contouring procedures in order to create a smoother, flatter abdomen, tighten the buttocks, reduce thigh cellulite and remove back rolls or excess back skin.
Procedure
Dr. Rau performs Body Lift surgery under general anesthesia either within the hospital or in an outpatient surgery center in Redlands, CA. The surgical sequence varies depending on the needs of each patient. Dr. Rau usually treats the belly first, removing the excess skin from the belly button down to the pubic area. Then the abdominal wall muscle, deep beneath the skin and fat of the belly, is tightened. Dr. Rau stretches the fat and skin above the belly button down to the pubic area and sutures it in place. A new opening is made in order to put the belly button in its proper place.
Next, the patient is turned to the side in order to remove the excess skin and fat from the side to the mid back. During this part of the operation, the outer things are lifted and reduced. As Dr. Rau removes skin and fat from the back, the back rolls are reduced and the buttocks are lifted.
Recovery
As the body lift tends be one of the more extensive procedures, it usually requires a substantial amount of recovery time. Typically, patients stay one to three days in the hospital or a skilled nursing care facility.
Risk
During your consultation with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau, he will evaluate the specific risks and the suitability of a body lift. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
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Redlands Upper Arm Lift
You may seek arm lift (brachioplasty) plastic surgery to alleviate the loose, sagging appearance of your upper arms. Many factors such as age, weight fluctuations, and heredity can cause your upper arms to droop. Though exercise may tone your underlying arm muscles, you may have fat deposits, lack of skin elasticity, or weakened tissues may be resistant to traditional weight-loss and body-toning methods.
Desired Results of Arm Lift Plastic Surgery
An arm lift cosmetic procedure with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau will reshape your arms, giving you sleeker skin and contours. Dr. Rau will reduce any excess skin and fat in the area between your underarm and elbow. You will look and feel more toned and proportionate. Your self-confidence may be improved.
Your Individual Goals
Your brachioplasty goals will be discussed realistically with Inland Empire plastic surgeon Dr. Rau. Together you will decide the best approach to achieve your desired results. You will set a date for surgery and be given instructions about how to prepare.
Arm Lift Procedure Details
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, procedure with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau will reshape the underside of your upper arm. Your arm lift procedure will be performed with anesthesia. Dr. Rau will make an incision from your underarm to the elbow. Dr. Rau will reduce or remove sagging, excess skin, tighten the tissue that defines your arm shape, and reduce localized fat pockets in your upper arm. Some scarring is unavoidable, but your scar will improve and fade over time.
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Buttocks Lift in Redlands
It is now possible to enhance the gluteal or buttock region without the use of implants with a safe and effective procedure. The Brazilan Butt Lift, or Autologous Gluteal Augmentation, uses fat removed from “unwanted” sites such as the abdomen, love handles, thighs, hips and backs, to enhance the shape of the buttocks. The results from the Brazilian Butt Lift are often aesthetically impressive, resulting not only in shapelier buttocks, but also in flatter stomachs, smaller waist lines and more shapely backs and thighs. All this with minimal scars and down time!
The Best Candidates for Butt Lift
Anyone who is in good health and wants to improve the appearance of their buttocks, trunks and lower bodies is an excellent candidate for the Butt Lift. Some amount of body fat must be present in the abdomen, backs or thighs, as these are the common “donor” sites. Very thin patients with minimal body fat may be candidates for gluteal augmentation with implants instead, or may be advised by Dr. Rau to gain 10-15 pounds before surgery.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Although rare, complications can occur, such as bleeding, excessive swelling and bruising, infections, complications from anesthesia, and blood clots forming in the legs (DVT) that can migrate to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). In addition, expect some decrease in size of the buttocks after a few months as not all of the transferred fat may survive (fat necrosis).
The Surgery
The Butt Lift is performed under general anesthesia in Redlands, CA. Dr. Rau uses liposuction to remove fat from the abdomen, flanks, back or thighs. The fat is then specially processed and reinjected into the buttocks.
Buttock lifts are done through incisions concealed within the panty line. A segment of skin and fat is removed from the posterior hip, lower back area, and sagging buttock skin is lifted and re-contoured. Butt enhancement can be combined with the lateral thigh lift by extending the incisions.
After the Brazilian Butt Lift, special garments are required and will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Rau.
Getting Back to Normal
Dr. Rau will instruct you not to sit or lay over your buttocks for at least three weeks after surgery, as pressure can kill or displace the newly transferred fat. It is ok, however, to sit on the back of your thighs, and to lay on your sides or belly. Expect to be sore everywhere fat was harvested from and over the buttock areas for a few weeks. Exercise and return to normal activity can be anticipated after about two weeks. Swelling may last from a few weeks to a few months.
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Redlands Thigh Lift
You may desire a thigh lift with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau if diet and exercise have proved unsuccessful in reducing the size of your inner or outer thighs. Your confidence and body image may be negatively affected by thick, heavy thighs.
Desired Results of Thigh Lift Plastic Surgery
Thigh lift cosmetic surgery with California plastic surgeon Dr. Rau will reshape your thighs, reduce excess skin as well as fat, and give you smoother skin as well as thighs that are more proportionate to the rest of your body. Your thighs will be firmer and look more youthful, enhancing your self-confidence and sexuality.
Your Individual Goals
Your thigh lift cosmetic surgery goals will be discussed realistically with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau. Together you will decide the best procedural approach to achieve your desired results. You will set a date for surgery and be given instructions about how to prepare.
Thigh Lift Procedure Details
Your thigh lift cosmetic surgery procedure with Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau will be performed with anesthesia. Depending upon your specific case, Dr. Rau may make an incision beginning at your groin and extending to the back of your thigh. If your specific case allows, Dr. Rau will perform a minimal incision medial thigh lift. This procedure only requires an incision in the groin area. To address outer thigh problems, Dr. Rau may need to make an incision from your groin to hip. Though some procedures may allow for very inconspicuous incisions, others may have noticeable scarring that will improve over time. In all cases, Redlands plastic surgeon Dr. Rau will tighten and reshape your tissue as well as remove excess skin to give you smoother, more proportionate thighs.
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