Mommy Makeover in Corpus Christi Texas
Women experience dramatic and beautiful changes in their bodies over time. They experience the transformation of their bodies from childhood into womanhood and then again as they pass through pregnancy into motherhood. Despite the beautiful changes that occur during pregnancy, for many women the changes that occur to their bodies after pregnancy, childbirth, and breast-feeding leave them wanting to return to their pre-motherhood body. For those women throughout Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas, we offer mommy makeover surgery.
*Model. Not an actual patient.
About Body Changes During Pregnancy
Common changes that can occur to the body with pregnancy are loose abdominal skin with stretch marks and weakness of the abdominal wall
muscles. Also, breast enlargement during pregnancy with the subsequent loss of volume after breast-feeding can result in loss of the youthful upper breast fullness, as well as sag or droop to the breasts. Unfortunately, even strict diet and exercise cannot undo these changes caused by pregnancy and childbirth, so it is common for new mommies to seek cosmetic surgery to restore their youthful, pre-baby body once they have finished having children. A mommy makeover is simply the combination of an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, with either a breast augmentation by itself or a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift. The result is a dramatic restoration and reversal of the changes caused by pregnancy, and mommy gets to look as great as she feels.
What Is Done For My Breast Enhancement In Mommy Makeovers?
Dr. Rodriguez will thoroughly evaluate you in order to determine the best treatment plan for your breasts. You may be fortunate to have only lost breast volume after your pregnancy with minimal sagging or droop. If this is the case, you might be well suited for having a breast augmentation by itself.
If we determine you are indeed a good candidate for breast augmentation alone, then you might consider a transumbilical breast augmentation to avoid any breast scars. Since an abdominoplasty typically requires a circular scar around the belly button, we can modify the transumbilical approach to use this scar and avoid any additional scars on the breast.
On the other hand, if there is a significant component of sag or droop to the breasts, then a breast lift, possibly with an implant, may be necessary to not only restore but also enhance your youthful, pre-baby breast shape. Learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.
What Is Done For My Tummy In A Mommy Makeover Surgery?
The main culprits that won’t respond to diet or exercise after pregnancy are the stretched abdominal wall muscles, excess skin, and stretch marks. These are all treated with an abdominoplasty. Although some younger women with excellent skin elasticity and minimally stretched muscles can be treated with either liposuction alone or a lower abdominoplasty without any scars around the belly button, most women need a full abdominoplasty with liposuction to properly restore the youthful waist and abdominal contour.
What Is The Benefit Of Performing Mommy Makeovers?
A traditional mommy makeover surgery combines a tummy tuck and breast enhancement procedures performed as one operation. Mommy makeover and tummy tuck surgery can also be combined with additional procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy with our gynecologist. Performing multiple procedures in one operation has the benefit of combining the recovery period of the procedures, and also leads to cost savings on the facility and anesthesia fees. Since some of the steps during breast and abdominal surgery are redundant, there can be a significant time savings compared to separate surgeries, and this can result in faster recovery and lower overall costs. These procedures can be safely performed in healthy patients with minimal surgical risk when performed by a fully trained and certified cosmetic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility or hospital. Most patients who undergo mommy Makeover surgery with additional liposuction to multiple areas will require an overnight stay for observation before being sent home – especially if the procedure lasts longer than six hours.
What Other Procedures Can Be Added To My Mommy Makeover Surgery?
Since Dr. Rodriguez performs liposuction as part of an abdominoplasty procedure, many women choose to use this harvested fat to augment their butt for a Brazilian butt lift, or inject the fat into their face for volume restoration and facial rejuvenation. Such fat transfer procedures can turn a “normal” mommy makeover into a “deluxe” mommy makeover with the works!
The changes that affect your abdomen and breasts during pregnancy might also affect other parts of your body – especially if childbirth was vaginal. Just as multiple pregnancies irreversibly stretch the abdominal muscles, multiple vaginal deliveries can irreversibly stretch the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina. This can result in a stretched vaginal canal that makes it difficult to feel your partner during intercourse. More severe stretching can result in urethral prolapse anteriorly resulting in urinary incontinence, and also rectal prolapse posteriorly. In addition to treating these more severe manifestations of weakened pelvic floor muscles, many women who have had children simply want a solution to rejuvenate the vagina and achieve the best sexual experience possible. Vaginal rejuvenation via vaginoplasty or labiaplasty can be performed safely at the time of your mommy makeover. Learn more about vaginal rejuvenation.
If you would like to learn more about the mommy makeover surgery in Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice and all of South Texas, contact to request a consultation with Dr. Filiberto Rodriguez, a cosmetic fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon specializing in minimal scar breast enhancement and beautiful body sculpting procedures.
BODY & BUTT LIFT In Corpus Christi Texas
Almost every post-bariatric patient will need some type of abdominoplasty, whether it is an extended abdominoplasty, a Fleur-de-Lys pattern abdominoplasty, or an Around-the-World abdominoplasty. Sometimes called a Circumferential Abdominoplasty, or Belt Lipectomy, the Around-the-World Abdominoplasty refers to the combination of a tummy tuck, lateral thigh lift, and buttock lift (posterior body lift) to improve the appearance of the entire lower torso by addressing the loose skin on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks in patients who have undergone massive weight loss (lower body lift). RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center treats patients residing Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Aliceand, and all of South Texas.
What Happens During The Lower And Upper Body Lift Procedure?
The lower body lift procedure (posterior body lift) is performed under general anesthesia with additional local and tumescent anesthesia. An overnight stay in observation may be required if the procedure lasts longer than six hours when combined with a tummy tuck and liposuction to additional areas. The procedure starts in the prone position (lying on the stomach) to address the flanks and buttocks. The excess skin and underlying fat is removed, the buttocks and posterior-lateral thighs are lifted, and this smoothes the back and buttock region. Dr. Rodriguez typically performs VASER® liposuction as part of body lift procedures to further enhance the results. Recovery and exercise restrictions are similar to that of a tummy tuck. The discomfort after surgery is moderate and well managed with oral medications like Tylenol and Aleve. Walking after surgery is very beneficial and is strongly encouraged. Light cardiovascular exercise may begin four weeks after surgery and normal activity at six weeks.
*Actual patient.
Gluteal Implants Or Fat Transfer?
Due to weight loss and the effects of lifting the sagging skin, we often recommend fat transfer or gluteal implants at the time of the butt lift to address the deflated gluteal region and prevent a flat butt. Unfortunately many weight loss patients no longer have enough fat to harvest and achieve a meaningful outcome with fat transfer, and for these patients gluteal implants provide an excellent result. The long incisions associated with the butt lift procedure provide excellent access for placing the gluteal implants inside the thick gluteus muscle with no additional risks post-operatively. Our patients are often surprised how little pain is associated with butt lift surgery, with or without gluteal implants.
How Much Does Body & Butt Lift Surgery Cost?
To determine the cost of your body & butt lift procedure, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
To learn more about butt lift surgery, call us to set up your private consultation with Dr. Rodriguez, a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and an expert in gluteal contour enhancement. We proudly serve the residents of Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas.
LIPOSUCTION In Corpus Christi Texas
As one of the most popular body sculpting procedures, liposuction offers incredible sculpting capabilities and helps patients achieve the contoured figure they’ve always wanted. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we specialize in a number of liposuction procedures, offering our services to the residents of Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas, Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, sometimes called lipo or liposculpting, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes localized deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face and neck. Popular liposuction procedures include slimming the stomach, hips, flanks (the “love handles”), thighs, or eliminating a double chin. Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed today, and can be combined with a number of cosmetic procedures to achieve incredible body sculpting results. It can even be used to transfer fat to augment other parts of the body, which is a common technique for a Brazilian butt lift. Despite the abilities of liposuction, it is not a substitute for weight loss and it may not be appropriate for all patients.
*Model. Not an actual patient.
Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
The best results with liposuction are obtained in younger patients with resilient skin elasticity so that the skin will smoothly re-contour after the procedure. In some older patients, or in those with more long-standing localized fatty excess, the skin may be stretched and inelastic. In these instances, liposuction alone may be insufficient, and even laser or VASER liposuction may not be able to adequately tighten the skin. In these instances, a skin tightening procedure (such as a tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, or inner thigh lift) may be required. For women with large, saggy breasts that are mainly fatty breast tissue, liposuction, especially combined with VASER liposuction, can be used to perform breast reduction with minimal scars. VASER liposuction is also a primary treatment for gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, where there is localized accumulation of excess fat and breast tissue in men. Patients who are not good candidates for liposuction may be recommended laser liposuction or VASER liposuction instead.
Patients who are good candidates for liposuction have areas of fat in the following areas that are resistant to diet and exercise:
- Neck and lower face (jowls)
- Upper arms
- Breast fat or chest areas
- Flanks (“love handles”) and upper back
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Knees
What Happens During The Liposuction Procedure?
Dr. Rodriguez of RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center performs liposuction under a light general anesthesia in addition to the tumescent anesthesia in a surgical center. The tumescent minimizes any blood loss and bruising during the procedure, protects against “fat embolism,” and provides long-lasting pain relief both during and after the procedure. Next, small, discreet incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible, hidden in natural skin folds. Using micro-cannulas, which are small metal tubes, fat is then surgically vacuumed from the body. Dr. Rodriguez uses a multi-vector sweeping pattern with multiple entry sites to ensure a smooth contour enhancement. The procedure may take an hour or more, depending on how many areas will be treated. Our patients often combine liposuction with other procedures, which may alter the treatment process.
Can My Fat From The Liposuction Be Used Anywhere Else?
Yes. Fat transfer is a specialized process wherein the fat taken from areas of excess can be transferred to other areas where you desire increased fullness and suppleness. Fat transfer is wonderful for gluteal contour enhancement with butt augmentation as part of a Brazilian butt lift. Fat transfers can also restore the youthful contours and fullness of the face facial rejuvenation. Often, however, our patients achieve more consistent results with dermal fillers and PRP therapy in our MedSpa for facial rejuvenation, without the associated bruising of a formal fat transfer procedure.
How Is Recovery From Liposuction?
Your recuperation from liposuction surgery is relatively easy. Most patients awaken with little or no pain as a result of the tumescent anesthesia and are mobile immediately after liposuction, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Initially, you may feel somewhat swollen, stiff, and sore. The day after surgery, you should be up and walking around to promote normal circulation. Light exercise (such as leisurely walking) is usually permitted within a few days. You should expect some bruising, swelling, and pain after your procedure, which generally resolves over the first two weeks. Swelling may linger for as long as several months. The final result and skin tightening after liposuction can take up to four to six months. We recommend that patients follow a healthy diet and lifestyle following their procedure to maintain and improve their results.
Following your liposuction, you will wear special elastic compression garments provided to apply pressure, minimize swelling, and provide support while healing. These garments will be worn for several weeks after your surgery. We will give you more specific information during your consultation, and again after your procedure. There will also be additional limitations on bathing and swimming, as well as sun exposure, for a few weeks after your surgery.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
To determine the cost of your liposuction procedure, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
If you are considering liposuction or one of our other body sculpting procedures, contact us today to learn more or to schedule your private consultation. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we specialize in a range of cosmetic surgeries to help residents of Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas achieve their aesthetic goals.
POST BARIATRIC SURGERY In Corpus Christi Texas
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are able to achieve significant weight loss, but are often left with stretched, excess skin after they lose weight. RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center offers post bariatric surgery to patients in Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas who are looking to remove this excess skin and achieve a more contoured figure.
What Is Post Bariatric Surgery?
Post bariatric surgery encompasses a number of surgical techniques that are used to sculpt and tone the body after significant weight loss from bariatric surgery. Once patients lose fat, there is often a large amount of stretched skin that remains. Even though patients have accomplished significant weight loss, this excess skin can still make them feel self-conscious about their bodies. Post bariatric surgery is a cosmetic procedure that focuses on skin removal, improving a patient’s figure and restoring confidence.
What Is Involved In Post Bariatric Surgery?
Often, post bariatric patients require multiple procedures to achieve the full results from post bariatric surgery. Although some procedures can be combined, many must be performed separately in the correct sequence to obtain the best result. For that reason, post bariatric treatment requires careful planning between the patient and the surgeon. Most patients typically need a combination of lower body lifts, upper body lifts, and abdominoplasty to achieve their desired results.
What Types Of Abdominoplasty Are Involved In Post Bariatric Surgery?
Almost every post-bariatric patient will need some type of abdominoplasty, a procedure also referred to as a tummy tuck. Our commonly performed abdominoplasty procedures include the following:
- Extended abdominoplasty – The extended abdominoplasty is an expanded tummy tuck procedure that can help eliminate skin on the patient’s sides. This treatment is best suited for patients who would like to eliminate love handles in addition to the typical benefits of a tummy tuck.
- Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty – A Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty is similar to the traditional tummy tuck, but it involves an additional incision made vertically down the midsection. This technique is best for patients with excess skin in the midsection, as we are better able to remove skin and address the abdominal tissue.
- Around-the-World abdominoplasty – The around-the-world abdominoplasty is a combination of a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and butt lift. This enables us to improve the appearance of the entire lower torso for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.
Some patients who have experienced significant weight loss may have considered a panniculectomy. Although this procedure is sometimes covered by insurance, it may not deliver the results that a traditional tummy tuck can. A panniculectomy targets only the overhanging skin at the bottom of the abdomen, at the waistline. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, can maximize the tightening and contouring effects by tightening the abdominal muscles as well as the surrounding tissue and the flanks. There are also several types of tummy tucks available to allow patients to further customize their results.
*Actual Patient.
What Is An Upper Body Lift For Post Bariatric Surgery?
An upper body lift is made up of a number of different surgeries that help to improve the appearance of the upper body and back. In some cases, patients will need an upper abdominal lift in addition to their tummy tuck to achieve their desired results. For most patients, however, the upper body lift will be composed of either a breast lift, an arm lift, or both.
Due to the severity of excess skin, a breast lift after massive weight loss can be much more challenging than a typical breast lift surgery. Typically, breast implants are required in addition to the lift in order to restore a firmer, more pleasing shape to the breasts. For male patients with breast enlargement or drooping excess skin, called gynecomastia, we usually recommend VASERLipo® in addition to excisional procedures. This allows us to remove the excess skin and reshape the chest to create a more masculine appearance. At this point, men can also choose to add pectoral implants to further improve the appearance of the chest.
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, eliminates redundant skin and fat hanging off the upper arm. Through an incision which runs along the inside of the arm from the elbow to the armpit, an arm lift eliminates the extra skin that many patients hate. Even though the arm lift scar is one of the hardest to hide, post-bariatric patients love their arm lift surgery because it leaves their arms with a more desirable contour. This can be performed with one of two techniques: either the full scar arm lift or the short scar arm lift. The amount of skin to be removed and the patient’s aesthetic goals will determine which technique is used.
What Is A Lower Body Lift For Post Bariatric Surgery?
A lower body lift helps improve the appearance of the buttocks, the flanks, and the legs. These procedures typically include the full lower body lift or isolate parts of the body with a butt lift, posterior body lift, or a thigh lift. In most cases, VASERLipo® is used to further enhance the results. Some patients choose to add gluteal implants to their lower body lift, as this helps patients achieve sculpted legs after their lower body lift procedures. The around-the-world abdominoplasty is a lower body lift procedure that also targets the abdomen.
What Is A Thigh Lift For Post Bariatric Surgery?
Thigh lift surgery reshapes the inner thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases, fat. This creates smoother skin and better-proportioned contours on the body. Inner thigh lift surgery is usually the final stage in the post-bariatric body contouring process. An abdominoplasty must be performed before a thigh lift because it is the anchor to the thigh lift procedure, and it helps us minimize scarring.
How Much Does Post Bariatric Surgery Cost?
To determine the cost of your post bariatric surgery, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
Dr. Rodriguez of RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center is one of the few surgeons in South Texas who performs the complex procedure that is post bariatric surgery. If you are considering this or other cosmetic procedures, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We proudly serve patients living in and around Corpus Christi Texas, Portland, Ingleside, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, and all of South Texas.