Body Plastic Surgery Procedures with Allyson B. Maske, M.D.
Located at our Northside Location in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Maske performs the following Body procedures:
| Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Liposuction FAQs | |
| Arm Lift | SlimLipo & Body-Jet Lipo FAQ | |
| Liposuction / Fat Reduction | Fat Transfer FAQs |
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
More commonly known as tummy tuck surgery, abdominoplasty benefits individuals who have loose abdominal muscles, skin, and fat. Typically the result of rapid weight loss, bariatric surgery, pregnancy, aging, or other factors, the “pooch” in the waist and lower abdomen is a look most people would be happy to help treat.
An abdominoplasty helps treat excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and can even reposition separated and weakened stomach muscles. The procedure works to firm and smooth the abdominal area and can be performed on its own or as part of a series of procedures like those involved in mommy makeover surgery.
During an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), Dr. Allyson Maske will make a horizontal incision below the navel, remove excess fat, and, if the patient desires, tighten the stomach muscles. Loose skin is then removed and the navel is repositioned if necessary. The incision is placed low enough so scars will be hidden by undergarments or a swim suit.
The amount of time it takes to recover from any surgery depends on the individual patient. However, tummy tuck surgery patients can usually return to their jobs and daily routine within one to three weeks of surgery. Results vary from patient to patient. More strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided until cleared by your surgeon. It is important to follow post-surgery guidelines and to wear the appropriate post-surgical garments to maximize your results and expedite recovery.
Abdominoplasty patients usually see results immediately after any swelling related to surgery has gone down. In order to maintain your tummy tuck results, it is important to ensure that you are done adding to your family and to maintain a healthy weight.
The ideal abdominoplasty candidate is an individual with loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area he or she would like to remove. For more information on abdominoplasty or to schedule a consultation to determine your candidacy, contact our office.
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Arm Lift
An arm lift, known as a brachioplasty, helps reduce excess skin and fat that often sags underneath the arm. Often useful after drastic weight loss or bariatric surgery, an arm lift creates a more toned and contoured look by getting rid of the drooping skin commonly known as “bat wings.”
During surgery, an incision is made along the inner or back of the arm, any excess fat is removed with liposuction, and sagging skin is excised. Underlying supportive tissue may also be reshaped and tightened to contour the arm to the patient’s desired cosmetic goal.
Recovery from arm lift surgery usually takes a few weeks. Depending on your situation, you may need to wear compression garments and/or keep your arms elevated for a few days after surgery. Arm lift surgery results are generally long-term as long as a healthy weight and general wellbeing are maintained.
For more information on Dr. Allyson Maske or to schedule an arm lift consultation, contact our office.
Click here to view Dr. Allyson Maske’s Arm Lift photos.
Liposuction / Fat Reduction
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a procedure that helps to reshape and slim the silhouette by removing pockets of fat that do not respond to traditional methods of fat loss including proper diet and a healthy exercise regimen. Despite efforts at exercise and toning, factors like metabolism play a part in holding on to stubborn areas of fat like those around the abdomen and waist (love handles). Liposuction works to slim your silhouette and give you the contours that you desire.
Traditional liposuction uses anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Small incisions are made in the treatment area and a sterile fluid (tumescent fluid) is injected to dislodge and loosen the fat for removal. Using vacuuming cannulas (thin metal tubes), the fat is then suctioned from the body. Depending on the treatment area(s), drains may be needed post-surgery to reduce excess fluid. Swelling after the procedure usually subsides within the first week or two with full results typically visible after two weeks. Treatment results will vary from person to person.
Dr. Allyson Maske offers SlimLipo™ laser-assisted liposuction which utilizes two wavelengths of laser energy to “melt” fat while providing a more precise liposuction option for areas requiring more precision. Dr. Maske also performs Body-Jet water-assisted liposuction for a gentler liposuction experience. Utilizing sprays of fluid to loosen fat, Body-Jet actually requires less fluid than traditional liposuction to provide a shorter recovery time.
Liposuction should not be used as a weight-loss method. The procedure is meant to help contour areas of the body as opposed to reducing pounds. The ideal liposuction candidate is someone who has tried diet and exercise to get rid of small pockets of fat, but may need extra assistance in contouring these areas.
For more information on Atlanta liposuction or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Maske, contact our office.
Click here to view Dr. Allyson Maske’s Liposuction photos.
Liposuction FAQs
What happens during a liposuction procedure?
During a typical liposuction procedure, patients are administered general or local anesthesia depending on the treatment area(s). A small incision is made near the treatment area(s) into which a sterile fluid solution is injected in order to reduce bleeding as well as loosen fat for removal. A metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the small incision to further loosen and vacuum out the dislodged fat. Depending on what type of liposuction Dr. Maske uses for your procedure, vibrating cannulas or ultrasound energy may also be utilized to release fat for removal.
Which liposuction technique would work best on me?
During a consultation, you and Dr. Allyson Maske can discuss your cosmetic goals and determine which type of liposuction would best suit your needs. Some of the factors that go into deciding which procedure will give you the best results include the location and size of treatment area(s), personal preference, health circumstances, and the amount of fat being removed. For example, ultrasound assisted liposuction works best for procedures that require precision like around the neck and chin.
Can I use liposuction to lose the last few pounds to reach my goal weight?
Liposuction, or lipectomy, should not be utilized as a weight loss method. Patients should expect to see a difference in inches in the treatment area as opposed to changes on the scale. Liposuction patients notice an aesthetic improvement after about 3 to 4 weeks, once swelling has subsided.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction surgery?
Any individual with realistic expectations who may be unhappy with certain pockets of unwanted fat may be a good candidate for liposuction. During a consultation, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Allyson Maske will discuss your personal health history, family history, liposuction expectations, and cosmetic goals to determine your candidacy for liposuction.
What body areas can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction is most frequently performed on the abdomen, legs, arms, buttocks, and chin, though the technique can also be utilized to reduce gynecomastia or an overdevelopment of the mammary tissue in men. The most common areas in women for liposuction include the flanks or “love handles,” lower abdomen, and legs. Most men undergo liposuction on the beck and chin as well as the abdomen.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction can be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures like tummy tuck and breast surgery in mommy makeover surgery or other post-weight loss procedures to help you achieve your desired aesthetics. It is important to remember that the more procedures you undergo in one plastic surgery session, the longer your recovery time will be.
When can I get back to work and exercise after liposuction?
Most patients are able to return to low-activity jobs within the first week after surgery. Those with more active occupations (those that require lifting or a great deal of movement) will need to wait longer to return to work. Side effects from the procedure like swelling, bruising, and/or soreness will usually disappear within two weeks of your surgery. It is important to wear the recommended post-surgical garments in order keep side effects like these to a minimum and to maximize your results. Most patients have recovered from liposuction and can return to exercise within this two-week period.
SlimLipo & Body-Jet Lipo FAQ
What is SlimLipo™?
SlimLipo is the latest in laser liposuction technology. Going beyond traditional liposuction techniques and utilizing dual laser wavelengths, SlimLipo works by “melting” the fat under the skin to better allow the suctioning cannulas to remove it. Patients benefit from this new type of liposuction because recovery time is faster, and the risk of bruising, swelling, and bleeding is reduced.
How is SlimLipo beneficial?
Laser liposuction is more precise and accurate than typical tumescent liposuction which makes it ideal for smaller areas like the neck and chin. SlimLipo laser liposuction utilizes a specific laser wavelength to melt the fat that is being removed. Along the same lines, SlimLipo produces smoother contours than other types of laser liposuction, giving you the best results possible and helping you achieve your desired aesthetic.
How does Body-Jet liposuction work?
Using gentle pulses of sterile fluid to loosen fat for removal, Body-Jet liposuction’s spraying technique dislodges fat from other tissues for easier removal and minimal downtime after the procedure. Because of the technology’s unique construction, less fluid is present in the patient than during typical tumescent liposuction, creating less discomfort after the procedure.
Fat Transfer FAQs
What is fat transfer?
Fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure in which a patient’s own liquid fat is harvested from one area of the body (usually the abdomen) through liposuction, purified, and then injected into another area. The harvested fat is usually transferred to an area that has lost volume with age like sunken areas beneath eyes, nasiolabial folds (deeper wrinkles around the nose and mouth), as well as the wrinkled areas of the forehead or upper face.
When will I be able to see the results from fat transfer?
Because the body naturally absorbs some of the fat, in fat transfer it typically takes a bit of time to notice final results. Full recovery can take up to four months depending on the treatment area(s).
What areas can fat transfer help?
While most patients use fat transfer to help reduce the signs of aging in the face (such sunken eyes, lips, cheeks, and the chin), this procedure can also be utilized in other areas of the body. The skin on the hands is often ignored when it comes to applying sunscreen and is often the first area to really show our age. Fat transfer can help to rejuvenate this area, replumping and revitalizing the thin skin of the hand. Fat transfer can also be utilized to augment the buttocks to achieve a shapelier silhouette.
Who is a good candidate for fat transfer?
Good candidates for fat transfer include individuals who have pockets of unwanted fat that they would like removed and areas on the face, hands, or body they would like re-plumped. Because our skin thins and collagen production wanes as we age, our skin often looks loose in certain areas. Anyone who would like to naturally reduce these signs of aging could use fat transfer to achieve their cosmetic goals.
How long do the results last?
When done correctly, a large percentage of the fat cells transferred from one body area to the treatment area survive and results are long lasting. In a few weeks, after the transferred fat has settled, the patient’s cosmetic goals are reached.
How is fat transfer different from facial fillers like Restylane® or Radiesse®?
Fat transfers are often considered the “natural” approach to facial filling because it uses materials from your own body. While you may be able to receive a facial filler injection and go on with your daily activities, some recovery time is needed with fat transfer since liposuction (a surgical procedure) is necessary to remove the fat being transferred. Facial fillers like Restylane® replump areas of the face with lab-made fillers, and fat transfer uses your body’s own fat to rejuvenate your face. However, unlike facial fillers, fat transfer can be used on larger areas and in larger volume.