BODY CONTOURING IN SAN ANGELO, TEXAS
Body Procedures.
Designed Around You.
Sometimes diet and exercise alone cannot address stubborn areas of fat, loose skin, or changes in body contour following pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss. Body contouring procedures offer surgical options for addressing these concerns.
Dr. Don M. Lewis is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience serving San Angelo and West Texas. His approach emphasizes careful evaluation, realistic expectations, and individualized surgical planning.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION EXPLORE BODY PROCEDURESUNDERSTANDING BODY CONTOURING
Different Procedures for Different Body Contouring Goals
Body contouring encompasses procedures that remove localized fat, reduce excess skin, tighten selected tissues, or reshape particular areas of the body. Each procedure addresses different anatomical concerns.
Some patients are primarily concerned about stubborn fat deposits that remain despite healthy habits. Others experience loose abdominal skin after pregnancy, skin folds following major weight loss, or changes in the thighs and buttocks.
Because fat distribution, skin elasticity, underlying muscle structure, and overall health vary from person to person, the appropriate treatment must be determined individually. Body contouring is not a substitute for weight management, and maintaining a relatively stable weight can be important for long-term results.
SURGICAL BODY CONTOURING OPTIONS
Explore Our Body Procedures
Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits through small incisions using a narrow surgical tube called a cannula. It is designed to improve body shape and proportions rather than produce significant weight loss.
Common treatment areas may include the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, and other areas where unwanted fat persists despite weight management efforts. Liposuction removes fat cells from treated areas, although remaining fat cells can enlarge with future weight gain.
Depending on the amount of fat being removed, the treatment area, and the patient's medical needs, liposuction may be performed in an office setting with local anesthesia or in an operating room with additional anesthesia.
Good skin elasticity is an important consideration because liposuction primarily reduces fat rather than tightening significant amounts of loose skin. Patients with substantial skin laxity may benefit from a different or additional procedure.
Common goals: Reducing stubborn fat deposits, refining body contours, and improving proportions in selected areas.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, reshapes the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and, when indicated, tightening weakened or separated abdominal wall tissues.
Pregnancy, substantial weight changes, and aging can leave loose abdominal skin and changes in abdominal contour that do not fully respond to exercise. Abdominoplasty addresses these concerns through surgical removal of excess tissue and repositioning of the remaining skin.
Depending on the patient's anatomy, the procedure may include repair of separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as rectus diastasis. The amount of skin removal, incision placement, and need for muscle repair vary among patients.
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss operation. Patients considering future pregnancies or major weight changes should discuss how those plans may affect the timing and longevity of surgery.
Common goals: Removing loose abdominal skin, improving abdominal contour, and tightening selected abdominal wall tissues.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and, when appropriate, reducing additional fat to create smoother contours and improved proportions.
Loose thigh skin can develop following significant weight loss, aging, or changes in skin elasticity. In some patients, excess skin may cause rubbing, irritation, or discomfort during daily activities.
The surgical approach depends on the amount and location of excess tissue. Some procedures focus on the inner thighs, while others require more extensive skin removal. Incision placement and the resulting scars depend on the technique selected.
Thigh lifts may sometimes be combined with liposuction when both excess fat and loose skin contribute to the concern.
Common goals: Reducing loose thigh skin, improving thigh shape, and creating smoother lower-body contours.
Post-Weight-Loss Procedures (Panniculectomy)
After significant weight loss, some patients are left with a substantial apron of loose skin and tissue that hangs below the waistline. This overhanging tissue is called a pannus.
A panniculectomy removes the excess hanging skin and underlying tissue from the lower abdomen. The procedure may be considered when the overhang creates hygiene difficulties, skin irritation, or other functional concerns.
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a panniculectomy primarily focuses on removing the hanging tissue. It does not ordinarily involve tightening the abdominal muscles or performing the same degree of cosmetic abdominal reshaping.
Although often associated with major weight loss, a panniculectomy may also be considered for patients with substantial abdominal overhang who have not undergone weight-loss surgery. Medical evaluation is necessary to determine candidacy and the appropriate timing.
Common goals: Removing overhanging lower-abdominal tissue, reducing associated discomfort, and improving daily function.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift addresses sagging or loose skin in the buttock region by removing excess tissue and repositioning the remaining skin to improve contour.
Significant weight loss and reduced skin elasticity can leave the buttocks looking deflated or drooping. A lift may improve the position and shape of the buttocks, particularly when loose skin is the primary concern.
A buttock lift is different from buttock augmentation. Lifting removes and tightens tissue; it does not necessarily add volume. Some patients may need a separate volume-enhancing approach if fullness is also a concern.
The location and extent of incisions depend on how much excess skin must be removed. Patients should discuss the tradeoff between contour improvement and permanent surgical scars.
Common goals: Reducing sagging buttock skin, improving shape, and restoring more defined lower-body contours.
Buttock Augmentation
Buttock augmentation is intended to increase fullness and improve the shape or proportions of the buttocks. Approaches may include silicone implants or fat grafting, commonly called a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
With fat grafting, fat is removed from another part of the body through liposuction, processed, and transferred to the buttocks. Implant-based augmentation uses specially designed implants to increase volume.
These procedures differ in candidacy, recovery, and risk. Fat-transfer buttock augmentation carries particularly serious safety considerations, including the risk of fatal fat embolism if fat enters deep tissues or blood vessels. Current safety guidance emphasizes placing transferred fat only in the subcutaneous layer above the gluteal muscle, with appropriate safeguards.
Not every patient is a suitable candidate for buttock augmentation. Dr. Lewis can discuss the options relevant to your goals, including whether a particular technique is appropriate and what safety measures would be required.
Common goals: Increasing buttock fullness, improving projection, and refining lower-body proportions.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES
Which Body Contouring Procedure Addresses Your Concern?
Body procedures are not interchangeable. These comparisons can help you identify which treatments to ask about during your consultation.
Stubborn Fat Deposits
Consider discussing: Liposuction to reduce localized fat when skin elasticity is adequate.
Loose Abdominal Skin
Consider discussing: Tummy tuck surgery to remove excess abdominal skin and address selected abdominal wall concerns.
Hanging Lower-Abdominal Tissue
Consider discussing: Panniculectomy to remove an overhanging abdominal apron, particularly when it creates functional problems.
Loose Thigh Skin
Consider discussing: Thigh lift surgery to remove excess skin and improve thigh contours.
Sagging Buttock Skin
Consider discussing: Buttock lift surgery to remove loose tissue and improve buttock position.
Limited Buttock Fullness
Consider discussing: Buttock augmentation, with careful attention to candidacy, technique, and safety.
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Tummy Tuck vs. Panniculectomy: What's the Difference?
Although both procedures remove excess abdominal tissue, they are designed to address different concerns.
Tummy Tuck
Primary focus: Improving the shape and contour of the abdomen.
Typically involves: Removing excess skin and fat, with tightening of abdominal wall tissues when indicated.
Often considered for: Loose abdominal skin, abdominal contour changes after pregnancy, and selected muscle separation concerns.
Panniculectomy
Primary focus: Removing hanging tissue from the lower abdomen.
Typically involves: Removing the abdominal pannus without the muscle tightening generally associated with abdominoplasty.
Often considered for: Substantial lower-abdominal overhang, including after significant weight loss, particularly when skin folds cause functional concerns.
The most appropriate procedure depends on your anatomy, symptoms, medical history, and goals. Insurance coverage, when applicable, depends on medical necessity and individual policy requirements.
YOUR CONSULTATION
Planning Body Contouring With Your Long-Term Goals in Mind
The best surgical approach depends on much more than the area you want to change. Skin elasticity, the amount of excess tissue, body weight stability, overall health, and recovery needs all influence surgical planning.
Dr. Lewis can evaluate your concerns, explain relevant treatment options, and review important considerations such as incision placement, scarring, anesthesia, recovery, and potential complications.
Individual Evaluation
Your anatomy, health history, weight stability, and personal goals help determine which procedures may be suitable.
Clear Expectations
Understand the differences between fat removal, skin removal, tissue tightening, and volume enhancement.
Recovery Planning
Discuss healing, activity limitations, time away from work, follow-up care, and long-term maintenance.
COMMON PATIENT QUESTIONS
Body Contouring Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs body contouring surgery in San Angelo, Texas?
Dr. Don M. Lewis is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Angelo, Texas. His practice offers consultations for body contouring procedures including liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, thigh lifts, panniculectomy, and buttock procedures.
Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?
No. Liposuction is intended to reduce localized fat deposits and improve body contour. It does not treat obesity or replace healthy eating, physical activity, or medically supervised weight management.
Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction primarily removes fat. Although skin may retract to some degree after treatment, patients with substantial loose skin may need a skin-removal procedure to achieve the contour they want.
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction removes localized fat through small incisions. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and fat and may tighten weakened abdominal wall tissues. Some patients benefit from a combination, but this requires individualized surgical evaluation.
Is a panniculectomy the same as a tummy tuck?
No. A panniculectomy focuses on removing an overhanging apron of lower-abdominal tissue. A tummy tuck more broadly reshapes the abdomen and may include tightening the abdominal wall. Their goals, surgical techniques, and possible insurance considerations differ.
Can insurance cover a panniculectomy after major weight loss?
Some insurance plans may cover a panniculectomy when specific medical-necessity criteria are met, such as documented functional problems related to the abdominal overhang. Coverage is not guaranteed and depends on the individual policy, documentation, and insurer requirements.
Should I reach my goal weight before body contouring surgery?
Many patients benefit from reaching and maintaining a relatively stable weight before elective body contouring surgery. Significant weight changes after surgery can alter the results. Your surgeon will assess timing based on your health and circumstances.
What is the difference between a buttock lift and buttock augmentation?
A buttock lift removes loose skin and repositions tissue to improve contour. Buttock augmentation increases volume using an approach such as implants or fat grafting. They address different concerns and have different risks and recovery requirements.
What are the risks of Brazilian butt lift surgery?
Fat-transfer buttock augmentation carries risks including infection, asymmetry, fat loss, and fat embolism, which can be fatal. Safety depends on appropriate patient selection, surgical technique, and adherence to current professional guidance. Discuss these risks carefully before considering the procedure.
How long does recovery take after body contouring surgery?
Recovery depends on the specific operation and its extent. Some patients can resume light activities relatively quickly, while more extensive procedures require longer periods of restricted activity. Swelling and scar maturation can continue for months. Dr. Lewis will explain the expected recovery for your treatment.
Will body contouring surgery leave scars?
All surgical incisions produce scars. Liposuction generally uses small incisions, while skin-removal procedures require longer incisions. Scar placement, visibility, and healing vary by procedure and patient.
Can I see before-and-after photographs of body contouring procedures?
Visit the practice's photo gallery to explore available before-and-after photographs. Results vary, and photographs of other patients cannot predict or guarantee your individual outcome.
ADDITIONAL PATIENT RESOURCES
Learn More. Explore Your Options.
Find additional answers to common patient questions and explore available before-and-after photographs.
PATIENT FAQS VIEW PHOTO GALLERYPERSONALIZED PLASTIC SURGERY CARE
Let's Discuss Your Body Contouring Goals
Whether you're considering liposuction, a tummy tuck, post-weight-loss surgery, a thigh lift, or buttock contouring, Dr. Lewis can help you understand your options and determine an appropriate next step.
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