What Is the most common body procedure?

 

Overall, the most popular of our cosmetic procedures is breast augmentation. Breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgery since 2006 nationwide. Of those procedures, 85 percent have been with silicone implants, with 15 percent placing saline implants.

 

As for purely body procedures, liposuction is our most popular procedure. That’s because everyone, no matter what kind of shape they’re in, has pockets of stubborn fat that are highly resistant to changes in diet and exercise. Liposuction removes those pockets and helps to slim and contour the treatment area. Nationwide, liposuction has also been the second-most popular cosmetic surgery after augmentation.

Who is an ideal candidate for body procedures?

Patients sometimes assume some of these procedures, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, can be used as weight-loss procedures. But that’s not the case. Dr. Walker requires her patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight, and to have maintained that weight for a 

period of time. This is important because if you are still losing weight, you will create more sagging skin after your body contouring procedures. Obviously, this makes no sense. Conversely, if you put weight back on after your body contouring, you can develop large stretch marks and scars on the sensitive skin that is still recovering 

from surgery. Bottom line — Dr. Walker wants her body contouring patients to be committed to their new healthier weight and lifestyle. That way, body contouring can provide very gratifying results for the rest of your life.

Patients also need to have realistic goals before heading into these surgeries. While any cosmetic surgery can change the way you see your body and can increase your self-confidence, it’s not a panacea. During your consultation with Dr. Walker, she’ll discuss what you can expect from your surgery and the changes she thinks you can expect.

Is there an age restriction for those seeking a body procedure?

Patients need to be at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit. The only requirement is that the patient is healthy enough to handle the stresses of surgery and recovery.

Who is an ideal candidate for a body procedure at Plastic Surgery Center of Dallas?

Patients sometimes assume some of these procedures, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, can be used as weight-loss procedures. But that’s not the case. Dr. Walker requires her patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight, and to have maintained that weight for a period of time. This is important because if you are still losing weight, you will create more sagging skin after your body contouring procedures. Obviously, this makes no sense. Conversely, if you put weight back on after your body contouring, you can develop large stretch marks and scars on the sensitive skin that is still recovering from surgery. Bottom line — Dr. Walker wants her body contouring patients to be committed to their new healthier weight and lifestyle. That way, body contouring can provide very gratifying results for the rest of your life.

 

Patients also need to have realistic goals before heading into these surgeries. While any cosmetic surgery can change the way you see your body and can increase your self-confidence, it’s not a panacea. During your consultation with Dr. Walker, she’ll discuss what you can expect from your surgery and the changes she thinks you can expect.

Can I combine body procedures into a single appointment?

Different body procedures can be combined into a single surgical session with Dr. Walker. Of course, mommy makeovers already combine three procedures — a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction — into a single surgical session. This is true of most of the surgical procedures Dr. Walker performs. For instance, with her breast reductions, Dr. Walker usually combines nipple reduction. A breast lift is often combined with breast augmentation, as the same incisions used for the lift can be used to place the implants.

 

Tummy tucks can be expanded to include the flanks by extending the incision from the hipbone out around the flanks. This can add an outer thigh lift and even a buttocks lift to the tummy tuck.

 

Facial procedures are often combined. For instance, people sometimes misunderstand that facelifts don’t address the entire face, but only from below the eyes down through the jawline. So, they will combine a facelift with a brow lift for more extensive rejuvenation. Eyelid surgery is also a good combination.

 

So, yes, you can combine different surgeries into a single session with Dr. Walker. During your consultation, the two of you can discuss adding potential other procedures to the main procedure you’re interested in.

How long is recovery after body procedures at Dr. Walker’s practice?

Recovery times vary, as you would expect, with the procedure. The most involved recovery is with a tummy tuck. This is due to the long incision, which stretches from hip bone to hip bone descending down into the pubic area.

 

All of your incisions will be covered with bandages and dressings. Drainage tubes will be placed in certain locations to prevent the accumulation of fluid and blood. Although you will be instructed to move around early on in your recovery, any strenuous activity and any lifting will be off limits for up to two months. Because many of the areas addressed in body contouring surgery are weight bearing, such as your lower abdomen and your thighs, special attention must be made to not stress those areas during your recovery.