Body
If your body has developed loose, sagging skin and maybe a few lumps and bumps along the way, there is hope! You can restore a more attractive contour to your profile with Body Contouring.
With a Body Contouring procedure, Dr. Rodrigues can remove extra fat and sagging skin, and restore tone to the underlying tissues to make you look and feel better and restore a more youthful look to your body.
Dr. Rodrigues’ Body Contouring services include:
Dr. Rodrigues also offers a special suite of procedures designed especially for new mothers who want to restore their bodies to their pre-pregnancy figures called a Mommy Makeover. A Mommy Makeover helps rejuvenate sagging, drooping breasts, a flabby abdomen and pooching tummy.
Dr. Rodrigues will be happy to consult with you personally to address any of your questions or concerns and help you choose the ideal procedures and treatment plan to produce the best results.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck procedure is a procedure that focuses on tightening sagging abdominal skin. Sagging tummies are commonly a result from weakened abdominal muscles, excess skin from weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy or aging. All of these factors can stretch out the abdominal skin resulting in droopy, sagging skin. An abdominoplasty is designed to tighten the abdominal skin by removing the excess skin, tightening the abdominal muscles as well as contouring the waistline with liposuction.
Are you tired of having loose abdominal skin that never seems to improve even with diet and exercise and would like to restore the firm tight abdomen you once had? Do you have realistic expectations about the results an abdominoplasty can give? Are you in relatively good health and do not smoke? Then an abdominoplasty procedure may be right for you.
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia at an Accredited Surgery Center as an outpatient (same day) surgery or in an Outpatient Hospital Setting. The procedure is performed by making an incision along the bottom of the abdomen, just above the pubic area typically from one hip to the other. A separate incision is made around the belly button. The skin and fat layer are separated from the abdominal wall. Loose, stretched out muscles along the midline of the abdomen are tightened with sutures. The abdominal skin is then re-draped and the excess tissue is removed. The incisions are then sutured together, the belly button is reconstructed and surgical drains are placed in the abdomen to remove excess fluid. An Abdominoplasty is commonly paired with liposuction to contour the shape of the abdomen and flanks (love handles) while tightening of the abdominal skin and muscles.
Post-Operative pain will be present, but can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients will return to work within approximately 2 weeks following surgery, but will need to be able to comply with lifting and activity restrictions.
Restrictions will include no heavy lifting, exercising and heavy exercising for about 6-8 weeks following surgery. Walking or light aerobic exercise is permitted after the first 7-10 days. Abdominal exercises and toning can begin around 6 weeks after surgery. Average recovery is approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery, but individual results vary depending on the patient.
Surgical drains will be in place for approximately 10-14 days following surgery, but are dependent on each individual person as everyone heals differently. Post-Operative compression garment are worn following surgery to contour the surgical area by placing pressure to the surgical sites which also reduces post operative swelling. Compression garments are commonly worn for about 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Initially, abdominal incisions will be covered with steri-strips to protect the incision and help relieve tension to improve scar healing. The steri-strips are usually present for 2 weeks following surgery. At post-operative visits, the steri-strips will be removed and sutures will be trimmed. Scar treatments will be recommended to aid scar healing following surgery until the scars are no longer pink in color. Scars take time to heal and scar maturity will occur over the first year following surgery.
Complications can include: infection, bleeding, swelling, wound healing difficulties and decreased sensation among others. Delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, patients with diabetes or patients with histories of radiation treatment. Complications are rare, but do occur.
Body Lift
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, have had multiple pregnancies or just simply have sagging fat and skin on your abdomen and no amount of diet or exercise seems to help tone an tighten those areas, a body lift may be the solution.
A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports your fat and skin by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues of your abdomen, buttocks, groin, lower back and thighs. The result is a trimmer, more natural-looking shape that shows your natural vitality.
You may be an excellent candidate if you are in overall good health, do not smoke, and your weight is stable.
The Body Lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete. For certain cases, it may be accomplished in several stages.
Dr. Rodrigues will remove excess skin and pockets of fat and lift and tighten underlying tissues to restore a more toned, pleasing appearance. To lessen any visible scarring, Dr. Rodrigues will make incisions that be hidden by your clothing or will be in the natural folds of your skin.
Since this is considered major surgery, recovery takes several weeks, and you may be off work or away from your daily activities for a while. Any swelling and bruising will subside over the first two or three weeks, and the repositioned tissues will settle into their final appearance over the next several months.
Dr. Rodrigues consults personally with his patients to help guide them through all of the options for their desired result.
Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian Butt Lift can help give you a more shapely and rounder buttock. A Brazilian Butt Lift is a form of buttock augmentation surgery where fat is removed from one area of the body using liposuction and then relocated to a more desirable location. A Brazilian Butt Lift can help give you a more shapely, rounder and more desirable shape to your buttocks.
A Brazilian Butt Lift is also commonly referred to as fat transfer to the buttocks, microfat grafting, or augologous fat grafting, but the procedure is the same.
If you are unhappy with the current size and/or shape of your buttocks and are in relatively good health, this may be the procedure for you. An ideal candidates are those who have excess fat stores in other areas of their body to donate to the procedure.
A Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is performed by making small incisions in the surgical sites where the excess fat is harvested from other areas of the body. Extensive liposuction is performed throughout the body typically in the abdomen, flanks (love handles), back or thighs by using a small cannula (thin, hollow tube) and suction.
Once harvested, the fat is then strained to remove excess oils and serum and then re-injected into the desired location of the buttocks through small incisions in the buttocks and the buttock shape is contoured. The incisions are then closed with sutures and sterile bandages are applied.
It is normal to have some swelling and fluid retention following liposuction procedures, but as these subsite, you will be able to appreciate your new sleeker contours.
In some cases, but not all, surgical drain may be placed at the time of surgery to remove excess fluid your body produces following a liposuction procedure. Drains are typically in place for 3-5 days post operatively, but each individual patient is different dependent on their fluid output.
Post-Operative pain, swelling and bruising will be present following surgery. Pain can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients will return to work within 1-2 weeks following surgery, but will need to be able to comply with lifting and activity restrictions.
Restrictions will include: no heavy lifting, exercising and heavy exercising, sitting or direct pressure to the buttocks for about 6-8 weeks following surgery. Walking or light aerobic exercise is permitted after the first 7-10 days. Average recovery is approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery, but individual results vary depending on the patient.
It is imperative that direct, constant pressure not be applied to the buttocks following a fat transfer procedure. This means that direct pressure to the buttocks by sitting or laying flat on your buttocks or back is not permitted for 6 weeks following surgery. Direct pressure can push or move the fat graft from its desired location while it is healing to other parts of the buttocks resulting in flattening or misshaping of the buttocks. Demonstrations of how to accomplish this task will be shown during your consultation for optimal results of your surgery.
Specific Post-Operative compression garment are worn following surgery to contour the liposuction surgical area and reduce swelling, by placing light direct pressure to the liposuction surgical sites, but to alleviate pressure to the buttocks where the fat transfer was performed. Specific compression garments are commonly worn for about 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Complications can include, but are not limited to: infection, bleeding, swelling, wound healing difficulties and decreased sensation among others. Delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, patients with diabetes or patients with histories of radiation treatment. Complications are rare, but do occur.
Liposuction
You’ve done sit-ups and crunches, dieted and exercised, but no matter what you have done, there are still those problem areas that never seem to go away. Maybe they are the love handles, a lower abdominal pooch, or thigh saddlebags. Liposuction is a great option for treating and contouring different areas of the body to remove stubborn excess fat.
Dr. Rodrigues is pleased to offer liposuction treatments to sculpt, reshape, and streamline those areas where stubborn fat tends to collect. Common surgical areas may include:
- Thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Inner knee
- Chest
- Cheeks, chin and neck (facial liposuction)
- Calves and ankles
Do you have areas on your body that you just can’t seem to get rid of stubborn excess fat no matter what you do? Are you relatively healthy and are close to your goal body weight? Do you need some help with body contouring to improve the overall shape of your body? If so, you may be an excellent candidate for a liposuction procedure.
A Series of small incisions are made in the surgical sites. A cannula (thin, hollow tube) is inserted through the small incisions and used to gently loosen and remove excess fat from the surgical site. Dr. Rodrigues performs a combination of two types of liposuction, including tumescent liposuction and power assisted liposuction. Excess fat is removed by a suction machine and the surgical area is contoured to a thinner, more desirable shape. The small incisions are closed with sutures and sterile dressings are applied.
It is important to remember that liposuction is a body contouring procedure not a weight loss solution. Liposuction can permanently reduce unwanted body fat as long as you continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight, fat can collect in the treated areas.
It is normal to have some swelling and fluid retention following liposuction procedures, but as these subsite, you will be able to appreciate your new sleeker contours.
In some cases, but not all, surgical drain may be placed at the time of surgery to remove excess fluid your body produces following surgical procedures. Drains are typically in place for 3-5 days post operatively, but each individual patient is different dependent on their fluid output.
Post-Operative pain, swelling and bruising will be present following surgery. Pain can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients will return to work within 1-2 weeks following surgery, but will need to be able to comply with lifting and activity restrictions.
Restrictions will include: no heavy lifting, exercising and heavy exercising for about 6-8 weeks following surgery. Walking or light aerobic exercise is permitted after the first 7-10 days. Average recovery is approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery, but individual results vary depending on the patient.
Post-Operative compression garment are worn following surgery to contour the surgical area and reduce swelling, by placing light direct pressure to the surgical sites. Compression garments are commonly worn for about 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Complications can include, but are not limited to: infection, bleeding, wound healing difficulties and decreased sensation among others. Delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, patients with diabetes or patients with histories of radiation treatment. Complications are rare, but do occur.
Thigh Lift
A surgical thigh lift reshapes and contours the thighs by removing excess skin and fat in the inner or outer thighs. Commonly, thigh lifts are combined with liposuction to remove excess fat beneath the skin surface for contour as well as removing excess sagging skin and tissue. This results in a smoother, tighter appearance to the thighs and improves lower body shape and contour.
Candidates for a thigh lift would include patients who have drooping or sagging in their inner or outer thighs that are looking for improved shaped and contour. Patients that are in good health who have excess skin or tissue that does not improve with diet and exercise. Ideal patients would be non-smokers and close to their goal body weight for optimal results.
A thigh lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia at an Accredited Surgery Center as an outpatient (same day) surgery or in an Outpatient Hospital Setting. First, small incisions are made and liposuction is performed to remove excess fat beneath the surface of the skin to shape and contour the thighs. Incisions are then made, typically in the groin crease and occasionally along the medial thigh to limit visibility of scarring. Incision placement depends on the amount of skin tightening that is required for each individual person and will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Rodrigues.. After incisions are made, excess skin is removed and the tissue is tightened. Sutures are placed and the incisions are closed. Sterile dressings are then applied to the surgical sites.
Initially, incisions will be covered with steri-strips to protect the incision and help relieve tension to improve scar healing. The steri-strips are usually present for 2 weeks following surgery. At post-operative visits, the steri-strips will be removed and sutures will be trimmed. Scar treatments will be recommended to aid scar healing following surgery until the scars are no longer pink in color. Scars take time to heal and scar maturity will occur over the first year following surgery.
Commonly, post-operative surgical drains will be in place for approximately 7-10 days following surgery, but are dependent on each individual person as everyone heals differently. Post-Operative compression garment are worn following surgery to contour the surgical area by placing pressure to the surgical sites which also reduces post operative swelling. Compression garments are commonly worn for about 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Post-Operative pain will be present, but can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients will return to work within approximately 2 weeks following surgery, but will need to be able to comply with lifting and activity restrictions.
Restrictions will include: no heavy lifting, exercising and heavy exercising for about 6-8 weeks following surgery. Walking or light aerobic exercise is permitted after the first 7-10 days.. Average recovery is approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery, but individual results vary depending on the patient.
Complications can include, but are not limited to: infection, bleeding, swelling, wound healing difficulties and decreased sensation among others. Delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, patients with diabetes or patients with histories of radiation treatment. Complications are rare, but do occur.
Upper Arm Lift
An upper arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty is commonly performed to reshape and contour the upper arms. Arm lifts are often combine with liposuction to remove excess fat beneath the skin surface for contour as well as removing excess sagging skin and tissue. This results in a smoother, tighter appearance to the upper arms.
If you have lost firmness or tone in your upper arms and your arms have begun to sag or flap you may be an excellent candidate for a brachioplasty. It is preferred that you are in overall good shape, do not smoke and have realistic expectations regarding results and scarring.
There are two types of an arm lift depending on the amount of tissue required for excision as well as the scar placement.
These types include:
- Full Brachioplasty
- Short Scar Brachioplasty.
Full brachioplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an Accredited Surgery Center as an outpatient (same day) surgery or in an Outpatient Hospital Setting. First, liposuction is performed to removed excess fat and contour the arm shape. Incisions are then made along the axillary/armpit crease and extend along the middle upper arm to the elbow. Excess skin is removed, drains are placed and the skin is sutured in place resulting in a tighter, more contoured appearance to the upper arms.
Post-operative surgical drains are used to remove excess fluid from the surgical site and are typically in place for 5-7 days dependant on the amount of fluid output following surgery.
Post-operative surgical garments will be worn over the surgical site to apply pressure to control swelling at the surgical site as well as aid in contour of the liposuctioned tissue. Post-operative surgical garments are typically worn for about 6-8 weeks following surgery.
Short scar brachioplasty commonly has a smaller, less visible scar that is placed in the axillary or armpit crease, but does not extend to the elbow. This procedure is more common for patients that do not have an excess of fat in the area as liposuction is not alway performed and only minor skin tightening is required.
A short scar brachioplasty can be performed in the office procedure room under local anesthetic injection in addition to an oral sedative to help you relax during your surgical procedure. Specific qualifications must be met to qualify for in-office procedure and will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Rodrigues.
Initially, incisions will be covered with steri-strips to protect the incision and help relieve tension to improve scar healing. The steri-strips are usually present for 2 weeks following surgery. At post-operative visits, the steri-strips will be removed and sutures will be trimmed. Scar treatments will be recommended to aid scar healing following surgery until the scars are no longer pink in color. Scars take time to heal and scar maturity will occur over the first year following surgery.
Post-Operative pain will be present, but can be controlled with pain medication. Most patients will return to work within approximately 2 weeks following surgery, but will need to be able to comply with lifting and activity restrictions. Bruising and swelling will also be present and is expected following surgical procedures.
Restrictions will include: no heavy lifting, exercising and heavy exercising for about 6-8 weeks following surgery. Walking or light aerobic exercise is permitted after the first 7-10 days.. Average recovery is approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery, but individual results vary depending on the patient.
Complications can include, but are not limited to: infection, bleeding, swelling, wound healing difficulties and decreased sensation among others. Delayed wound healing is more common in patients who smoke, patients with diabetes or patients with histories of radiation treatment. Complications are rare, but do occur.