Breast Lift
Breast Lifting (Mastopexy) tightens and removes loose skin around a patient's natural breast tissue to create a firmer and higher breast profile. Scar location varies according to the amount of skin excess. The scars are mostly camouflaged by the breast fold and the pigmentation around the nipple. In patients who have loose skin and very little breast tissue, a lift may be performed together with an implant to provide better breast shape. Surgery is done under a general anesthetic as an outpatient. Most patients can return to work in about seven days.

Breast Reduction
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and repositions the newly smaller breast up higher on the chest to relieve pressure on the neck, shoulders and back. Typically, there is an anchor shaped scar (largely hidden in the breast fold and around the pigmented part of the nipple). Surgery is done under general anesthesia and can be done as an outpatient. Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to work in about two weeks. Some reductions are covered by insurance, depending on the medical indications and specific requirements of each insurance carrier.

Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall. Weight loss and childbearing can create loose skin even in women who are fit. Unlike muscle, skin does not tighten up with exercise. Abdominoplasties can be more (full or extended) or less (mini) extensive.

A full abdominoplasty requires freeing up the skin from the muscle layer from the pubic area to the ribs and detaching the belly button from the skin. This allows the surgeon to pull the abdominal skin downwards and cut off the excess. This results in tightening of the skin above and below the belly button. A new opening for the belly button is created. If the muscle layer is also stretched, tightening can be performed at the same time. A long, hip bone to hip bone scar low on the abdomen is created, as well as a hidden scar around the belly button. Surgery is done under general anesthesia and patients spend the night in the hospital. Recovery time is about four to six weeks.

An extended abdominoplasty requires additional skin excision in the hip and flank area and is usually necessary after massive weight loss.

A mini abdominoplasty addresses only the lower abdomen and is indicated for patients with flat tummies above the belly button, but skin excess below. The incision may be less wide and only the lower abdominal skin is freed up and pulled tight. The belly button is not detached and the abdominal muscles are usually not tightened. Surgery is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient. Recovery time is about three weeks, sometimes shorter.

Liposuction
Liposuction is not a weight loss substitute. The ideal candidate for liposuction is a fit patient at near ideal weight with a "problem area" resistant to exercise. Usual sites are the hips, mid-abdomen and inner and outer thighs. Liposuction can contour these problem areas to blend with the surrounding tissues.

Liposuction typically is done by first infusing a (tumescing) solution of saline and medication into the area to be suctioned to minimize blood loss. After allowing the solution to take effect, a blunt cannula (tube) is tunneled through the loose fatty tissue and the fat is suctioned out. Care is taken to leave the fat just below the skin to keep the skin healthy and normal in appearance. After surgery, the suctioned site will swell and bruise. Compression girdles must be worn for up to four weeks after surgery to maximize the cosmetic outcome. Surgery is usually performed under a general anesthetic. Patients go home the same day and usually need less than a week off from work.