“Dr. Polo, I think I need liposuction but I’m afraid my skin will be too loose afterwards. Is there anything you can do to prevent this?’
This is a question I get asked almost every day in my practice. Not too many years ago, the answer would have been no. Until recently, few options were available to effectively tighten loose, redundant skin on the trunk or extremities. Most approved devices are indicated for the treatment of the face and neck and have had limited capabilities, particularly when applied to the body. However, recent advances in technology have led to a new generation of energy-based devices that safely produce improved skin tightening results in all areas of the body. These include ultrasound, helium plasma and radio frequency based technology. These devices work by applying heat to the layers of connective tissue within the skin or subcutaneous fat, either from external or internal applicators.
Liposuction is consistently one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Many patients have the misconception that sagging and excess skin is almost routine after liposuction. In fact, many patients who see me for body contouring, not knowing whether they will need liposuction or a body-lift type procedure, turn out to be excellent candidates for liposuction. After the procedure, the skin contracts really well. Only when the skin quality is poor, due to a lack of thickness and elasticity, and/or when the redundancy is enough to cause large skin folds, do patients need lifting procedures such as abdominoplasty, arm lift, or thigh lift. There are, however, some patients who are borderline in terms of the degree of excess and laxity of the skin. These are the patients for whom I recommend the use of an energy-based device to improve liposuction results by optimizing skin contraction. With this combined approach, patients may avoid more invasive procedures that involve more extensive scarring.
Skin tightening with energy-based devices is often performed in conjunction with liposuction (as in the example photos included) to treat the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, back, and thighs. Likewise, energy-based treatment of these same body parts can be performed alone, without liposuction, when there is mild to moderate skin laxity in the absence of excess fat. These minimally invasive treatments are ideal for patients in their 40s or 50s who want improvement in early skin sagging but are not quite ready for a neck lift or arm lift or thigh lift.
If you are considering liposuction but are concerned about loose, loose skin, consult a surgeon board-certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery. There may now be options that will allow you to realize the results you hope for.
Dr. Max Polo.
Dr. Polo is a graduate of University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He is a certified Plastic Surgeon and a partner in Miami Plastic Surgery. He has been in practice for over 20 years during which he has remained an active member of his medical staff Baptist Hospital and South Miami Hospital. Dr. Polo is dedicated to patient safety and Plastic Surgery education and has been recognized by his peers by being elected to leadership positions such as past president of the Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons and president-elect of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons . Dr. Polo is a specialist in Cosmetic Surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His greatest expertise is in breast augmentation and moms. His practice also includes the full range of non-invasive treatments such as Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, ultrasound, lasers and radio frequencies.
Favorite points of Dr. Polo on the island include Crandon Park Golf Course, the beach at Cape Florida Light and The Spa and Rum Bar at the Ritz Carlton.
You can email him questions at mpolo@miamiplasticsurgery.com.
To read the latest column by Dr. Polo, click here.
