Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, Liposuction, and More - Melbourne, Victoria

We currently offer our patients a variety of body contouring treatments, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and body lift. Because there are quite a number of body contouring procedures available, it is important that your plastic surgeon is trained in all techniques to ensure that the appropriate procedure is offered and undertaken to achieve the best outcome. At Bayside Plastic Surgery, we use the safest and most advanced techniques to shape, contour, and lift the body. If you are interested in tummy tuck, body lift, liposuction, or other body enhancement surgery with Melbourne plastic surgeon Dr. David Ross, please contact Bayside Plastic Surgery today.

» Liposuction
» Ultrasonic Liposuction
» Correction of Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
» Tummy Tuck
» Endoscopic Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
» Body Lift
» Upper Arm Lift
» Thigh Lift/Buttock Lift

Please click here to view Dr. Ross' personal views on body contouring surgery.

Please click here for clinical examples

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure designed to permanently remove fatty tissue from areas of the body that do not respond well to diet and exercise. During a liposuction procedure, a probe is inserted into the skin through a small incision, and excess fat is removed via suction. The body is sculpted and recontoured in just one to two hours. In most cases, the skin contracts and tightens, creating a more flattering shape.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of the liposuction procedure. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about liposuction which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to view Dr. Ross' views on liposuction.

Please click here for clinical examples

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is ideal for patients bothered by bulging pockets of fat that seem impossible to remove. Liposuction is appropriate for healthy men and women of all ages. Common areas targeted with liposuction include the lower abdomen, inner and outer thighs, hips, waist, buttocks, upper arms, calves, ankles, knees, neck, and jowls. On men, liposuction can be used to target pockets of fat near the neck, back, abdomen, and around the "love handles". Liposuction can also be used as part of a breast reduction procedure for women, and used to eliminate excess fatty tissue as part of a gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) procedure.

The goal of traditional liposuction is not weight loss; instead, the procedure is intended to sculpt and refine the shape of the body, creating a more proportionate figure. Liposuction is intended for patients who are healthy, and whose weight is relatively normal. The best results occur on patients with good skin elasticity. For anyone with loose, excess skin, liposuction should be combined with a tummy tuck or body lift at our Melbourne practice for the best results.

What can I expect during and after a liposuction procedure?

Liposuction can be performed as a short day surgery procedure, depending on the amount of fat being removed. Following surgery, there will be bruising and swelling, and patients will be asked to wear a special garment to aid the healing process and help tighten the skin. Patients can usually return to work within a week of liposuction, and full activity can be resumed after approximately two to four weeks.

While swelling will persist for several weeks following a liposuction procedure, our patients will be pleased to know that results can be seen very quickly. Even though fat removal with liposuction is permanent, significant weight gain may cause rippling in the treated areas. If skin fails to contract after a sufficient healing period, a skin tightening procedure may be necessary at a later time.

To find out if you are a good candidate for liposuction, contact our Melbourne, Victoria plastic surgery practice today.

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Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction is an alternative method of fat removal undertaken by Dr. Ross at our Melbourne, Victoria practice. During an ultrasonic liposuction procedure, a thin wand is inserted into the body, delivering sound waves that break up and emulsify fat on contact. The liquefied fat is then removed by suction, prompting the skin to contract and tighten.

Who is a candidate for ultrasonic liposuction?

While traditional liposuction is ideal for removing smaller amounts of fat and sculpting curves, ultrasonic liposuction may be a better alternative for removing larger amounts of fat and difficult fibrous fatty tissue. There are several advantages to ultrasonic liposuction, including better skin contraction and less blood loss during surgery. There is also less discomfort following an ultrasonic liposuction procedure, and less post operative swelling and bruising. Ultrasonic liposuction is ideal for the treatment of areas where skin retraction is important, including the abdomen, back, and neck; however, traditional liposuction is still the preferred method for the treatment of certain areas of the body. During your liposuction consultation at our Melbourne, Victoria practice, Dr. Ross will advise which method is appropriate.

What can I expect during and after an ultrasonic liposuction procedure?

Ultrasonic liposuction may take slightly longer than a traditional liposuction procedure, but the surgery is quite similar in method, and carries many of the same risks, including post-operative infection, loss of feeling, as well as surface skin irregularity. Because there is less damage to blood vessels during an ultrasonic liposuction procedure, there is usually less blood loss during the surgery, and often less post-operative pain and recovery time. With ultrasonic liposuction, final results can be seen within weeks, as opposed to months. Following an ultrasonic liposuction procedure at a Melbourne facility, our patients can even expect to return to work within a week.

To learn more about ultrasonic liposuction, contact Bayside plastic surgery in Melbourne, Victoria.

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Correction of Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Overgrowth of mammary tissue in males can be a cause of considerable embarrassment and is readily amenable to correction with a body contouring plastic surgery procedure. If breast overdevelopment is related to anabolic steroid usage, this medication should be ceased at least six months prior to any corrective surgical procedure. Breast development may be related to a hormone imbalance particularly in teenage boys which may need to be excluded by an endocrinologist prior to undergoing surgery. Also it is important to be at optimal body weight at the time of surgery for the best aesthetic result from surgery. Patients in the obese category should aim to have their body mass index (BMI) in the normal range prior to undergoing surgery if that is possible.

What can I expect during and after a male breast reduction procedure?

Surgical correction of gynaecomastia is usually undertaken as day surgery procedure. Initially the chest wall contour is corrected with liposuction and then the remaining breast tissue is surgically excised through a small periareolar incision. Usually a small drain tube is inserted and a compression garment applied to avoid swelling. The compression garment is best worn for 6 weeks to optimize healing and maintain the postoperative chest wall contour. It is possible to return to work after one week and full sporting activities after 2 months.

Please look at the outcomes of some patients who have undergone correction of gynaecomastia surgery recently. If you would like to discuss this procedure in more detail or to clarify any issues mentioned here please contact Bayside Plastic Surgery to arrange a consultation.

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is ideal for patients with excess skin and fat around the stomach area. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen, and loose or overhanging skin is trimmed away. The muscles beneath the abdominal wall are tightened, and the remaining skin is lifted and reattached. In some cases, the navel is repositioned to create a more attractive shape. Following a tummy tuck procedure, patients can expect their abdomen to look tighter and feel smoother. After the loose, unattractive skin is removed, the body will take on a more pleasing shape.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of the tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about traditional and endoscopic abdominoplasty which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to view Dr. Ross' views on tummy tuck surgery.

Please click here for clinical examples

Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is appropriate for patients of normal weight who are self-conscious about loose, sagging skin around their lower abdomen, or unattractive scars near their stomach. Candidates for a tummy tuck from Melbourne plastic surgeon David Ross, M.D., include anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight, women who have given birth multiple times, and patients who are uncomfortable with scarring from a previous surgery. Though a tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction, the goal of the procedure is not weight loss. Younger patients with excess fat in the abdomen may be better suited for liposuction if their skin remains in good condition. Women who may become pregnant are advised to hold off on the procedure, as pregnancy will diminish the results of a tummy tuck.

What can I expect during and after a tummy tuck procedure?

Occasionally, a tummy tuck can be performed as a day surgery procedure, but most patients will require a brief hospital stay. After a tummy tuck, the shape of the body will be dramatically improved. Results are permanent, barring any rapid body changes from further weight loss/gain, or pregnancy. However, expectations should be realistic, as the goal of tummy tuck surgery at our Melbourne practice is improvement, not perfection.

Following a tummy tuck, scarring will be inevitable. Dr. Ross uses the least invasive surgical techniques to minimize incision lines whenever possible. Side effects may include numbness and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen, and possibly post-operative infection. During your tummy tuck consultation at our Melbourne practice, Dr. Ross will answer any questions you may have about the surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery, contact Melbourne plastic surgeon Dr. David Ross at Bayside Plastic Surgery.

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Endoscopic Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Endoscopic abdominoplasty is a relatively new procedure aimed at improved abdominal contour with minimal scarring. The procedure has benefits in both male and female patients with abdominal contour deformity due to laxity of the abdominal wall musculature, without excessive abdominal fat deposits or skin redundancy.

Who is a candidate for an endoscopic abdominoplasty?

Dr. Ross can assess whether you are a candidate for an endoscopic tummy tuck by comparing your abdominal contour on relaxation and contraction of the abdominal muscles. If this leads to a significant difference in abdominal contour, then an endoscopic abdominoplasty should be beneficial in correcting your concerns. This procedure is particularly beneficial to women soon after completing their child bearing to tighten their abdominal musculature or in men to remove that middle age spread resulting in a flatter, tightened abdominal contour.

What can I expect during and after an endoscopic abdominoplasty procedure?

The procedure is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia. Incisions are made around the umbilicus, in the suprapubic area or a preexisting scar is used. With the use of the operating endoscope the anterior abdominal musculature is exposed through a minimal incision. The muscle is then plicated and strengthened with reinforcing sutures to create an internal girdle effect of a flatter, tighter looking abdomen.

You will probably require one or two nights in hospital to rest. When you leave the hospital you will be placed into a compression garment to prevent bruising and swelling and protect the healing wounds. It is best to rest for the first two weeks following surgery to avoid swelling, bleeding and infection. As your recovery proceeds you will be able to increase your activities to be driving after three weeks and light exercise after six weeks. Due to the abdominal muscle repair it is recommended that you wear an abdominal support garment for at least three months following your endoscopic abdominoplasty procedure. It may be four to five months before you are able to return to full sporting activities.

If you would like to discuss this procedure in more detail or to clarify any issues mentioned here, please contact our office to arrange a consultation.

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Body Lift

A body lift is a procedure designed to eliminate excess skin from the abdomen, thighs, arms, knees, back, buttocks, neck, and breasts. A full body lift can enhance virtually any area of the body where skin has begun to droop and sag. The procedure is quite complex, often requiring long incisions around the torso, along the arms, or across the bikini line. During a full body lift, loose skin is trimmed away, and remaining skin is stretched and reattached for a smoother shape. Drains are placed to remove excess fluids following the body lift, and patients are carefully monitored at a Melbourne hospital for several days.

The information below is designed to provide a brief overview of the body lift procedure. Dr. Ross has also written some further personal views about body lift surgery which we invite you to consider.

Please click here to view Dr. Ross' views on body lift surgery.

Please click here for clinical examples

Who is a candidate for a body lift?

A body lift is ideal for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and been left with unattractive folds of skin across their entire body. Anyone who has undergone gastric bypass surgery is an excellent candidate for a body lift. Those with excess skin on select areas of the body may be better suited for a targeted body lift procedure like an arm lift, breast lift, facelift, or thigh/buttock lift performed through our Melbourne practice.

What can I expect during and after a body lift?

A body lift is a long and complicated procedure that almost always requires a brief hospital stay. A full body lift calls for lengthy incisions around the abdomen, arms, and chest; as such, patients can expect noticeable scarring following surgery. Because excess skin can cause such severe embarrassment and discomfort, most of our patients are content to accept this post-operative scarring. In fact, the majority of patients who undergo a full body lift through our Melbourne practice are extremely happy with the results.

Following a body lift, patients should allow for adequate recovery time, approximately four to six weeks. Possible side effects of body lift surgery include infection, bleeding, numbness, blood clots, bruising, swelling, and more. Scars will begin to fade after six months to a year, but revisional surgery may be necessary if incisions fail to properly heal, or scarring is too prominent.

If you are interested in a full body lift, contact our Melbourne plastic surgery practice to find out more about the procedure.

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Upper Arm Lift (Brachiaplasty)

An arm lift, also known as brachiaplasty, is used to reduce loose, sagging skin around the upper arm caused by ageing, weight loss, or simply genetics. During an upper arm lift, an incision is made along the inner arm, where it will be less conspicuous, and the loose skin is trimmed away and tightened for a more pleasing shape. If there is a significant amount of fat in the upper arms, liposuction will be performed with the arm lift for maximum results.

Who is a candidate for an arm lift?

Anyone with excess, droopy skin along the upper arms is a candidate for an arm lift. An arm lift is ideal for anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight, women whose arm muscles have been weakened following pregnancy, and older patients with very little fat in the upper arm, but a significant amount of excess skin collected beneath the arm. An arm lift can also be incorporated into a full body lift at our Melbourne practice. For younger patients who are concerned with pockets of fat along the upper arm, an arm lift is only appropriate if the skin has been significantly stretched. Patients with good skin elasticity may be better suited for liposuction. Contact our Melbourne, Victoria practice to learn more about eligibility for arm lift (brachiaplasty) procedures.

What can I expect during and after an arm lift?

Most arm lift procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis; however, patients who are receiving an arm lift as part of a full body lift may require a stay at a Melbourne hospital. During surgery, Dr. Ross does his best to hide and minimise incision lines, but patients should expect to see a sizeable scar that will run along the inside of their arm. This scarring will fade with time, but for some patients scar thickening may occur, a condition that may require revisional surgery. Side effects of arm lift surgery can include bleeding, infection, bruising, and swelling. Following surgery, pressure garments are used to reduce swelling and support the arms. Patients can return to normal activities after one to two weeks, but in the interim, arm movement should be limited.

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Thigh Lift/Buttock Lift (Belt Lipectomy)

A thigh/buttock lift is a procedure designed to reduce the excess skin that collects around the inner thighs, and tighten the deep tissues of the thighs and buttocks. The procedure requires the removal of a section of skin near the bikini-line; the amount of skin will depend on the patient's particular problem areas. The incision length will also vary; an inner thigh lift only requires a short incision between the groin and buttocks, but a full thigh/buttock lift will often require incisions that extend all the way to the abdomen. Regardless, undergarments can hide most thigh/buttock lift incisions.

Who is a candidate for a thigh/buttock lift?

A thigh/buttock lift is appropriate for patients who are self-conscious about loose skin and cellulite near the thighs, knees, hips, and buttocks. For those concerned with excess skin and stubborn fat near the inner thighs, a thigh lift and body sculpting with liposuction is a sufficient solution. If skin around the thighs and buttocks has a dimpled, stretched appearance, a thigh lift can be combined with a buttock lift as part of a belt lipectomy, also known as a circumferential body lift. Dr. Ross will help you determine which procedure is appropriate after a thorough body lift consultation at his Melbourne practice.

What can I expect during and after a thigh/buttock lift?

A thigh lift alone will generally require a hospital stay, but a full thigh/buttock body lift may require more significant recuperation at a Melbourne hospital. Following less extensive surgery, pain can often be controlled with medication alone. After a larger lift, patients will require drains to collect fluids, and must wear a pressure garment to reduce swelling. They can return to normal activities after one to two weeks, and exercise may be resumed after approximately four to six weeks.

After a thigh/buttock lift, patients can expect to see dramatic changes immediately. The skin around the hip, thighs, and buttocks will be tighter, cellulite will be reduced or eliminated, and an entirely new body shape will be revealed. If you are interested in a thigh lift, buttock lift, or complete lower body lift, contact our Melbourne plastic surgeon today.

To learn more about the procedures featured on this page, including body lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck, contact Bayside Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, Victoria.

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