Body

Tummy Tuck

Age, pregnancy, dramatic weight loss and other factors contribute to the size and structure of the tummy.

Formally known as an Abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to optimize the contour of the abdomen.  It involves removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the underlying abdominal wall.

An incision just above the pubic area is used to remove the excess skin and fat and the abdominal skin is drawn down to the incision site and the extra skin is removed.  Prior to closure the abdominal wall is tightened and the umbilicus is brought out through a new incision.  Conservative liposuction is sometimes applied to the hip roll for aesthetic balance.  Tummy tucks are often combined with other procedures such as breast rejuvenation or augmentation (The “Mommy Makeover”). Patients with less significant skin excess may be better suited to a “Mini-abdominoplasty” where excess skin and fat is removed through a shorter incision above the pubic bone and no incision is made around the umbilicus.  Conversely, patients with more significant excess are sometimes better suited to an “Extended-abdominoplasty” where more excess skin and fat are removed from the hip roll.  Dr. Meredith has the experience to help design the optimal operation for the appearance of your abdomen.

Patients considering a tummy tuck can expect to discuss the following important considerations with Dr. Meredith;

  • Personal reasons for the surgery, expectations and desired outcomes
  • A physical exam and thorough medical history
  • What makes a good candidate for Abdominoplasty
  • How to prepare for tummy tuck surgery
  • What to expect regarding recovery time and activities
  • Risks and potential complications
Before and After Gallery

Contouring (Liposuction)

Loose skin and sub-optimal body shape can be due to genetics, weight loss or aging.  While a healthy diet and exercise are essential to good health, they are only part of the answer to achieving your desired body contour because fat cells are genetically programmed to accumulate in distinct body areas.  While not a substitute for weight reduction, body contouring offers the opportunity to modify these skin and fat tissues to achieve the desired appearance and function necessary to be at your best.

Body contouring can be used to change the contour of hips, waist and thighs as well as abdomen and upper arms. If you are considering contouring of multiple parts of the body, this may take more than one procedure to achieve the desired results and the procedures are often done in stages.  This is determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Meredith.

A minimally invasive surgery, body contouring sometimes combines surgical excision with liposuction to remove fat between with skin and muscular fascia. Recovery from these procedures is typically rapid with anticipated return to most light activities with a week.

Prior to this procedure, typical discussions between Dr. Meredith and clients include;

  • Physical exam and thorough medical history
  • Which procedures are necessary to achieve your desired outcomes
  • Potential risks, complications and scarring
  • What makes a good candidate for liposuction
  • Typical recovery time
Before and After Gallery

Arm Lift

Referred to medically as Brachioplasty, this procedure aims to remove extra skin and fat from the arms that droops downward in order to achieve a smoother, thinner and more defined shape to the upper arm. This is achieved through liposuction of the fatty areas and removal of excess upper arm skin. The incision is typically placed on the inner aspect of the upper arm to conceal it as much as possible.

Although patients of any age may experience significant upper arm skin laxity, the loose, sagging or excess upper arm skin is most often due to skin changes caused by significant change in weight (loss), sun damage, age and genetics.

Dr. Meredith will consult with patients seeking an arm lift to discuss your goals and options as well as the following important considerations;

  • What makes a good candidate for an Arm Lift
  • A physical exam and thorough medical history
  • Risks and potential complications associated with surgery
  • Pre-surgical care and post-surgical recovery
  • Incision sites and anticipated scarring
Before and After Gallery

Thigh Lift

The shape and size of our upper thighs can be particularly sensitive to excess weight loss, aging and/or illness. This part of our body is often resistant to change through diet and exercise. Fat cells and excess skin can accumulate on the thighs making people self-conscious of their appearance.

A Thigh Lift is a way to achieve firmer and more attractive upper legs. Known as a thighplasty, this procedure involves removing excess skin, fat and tissue to redefine the upper legs. Thighplasty can be performed medially to target the inner thighs or laterally to target the outer thighs.

Candidates for Thighplasty should be in good health, have reasonable expectations and be prepared to devote time and care to their recovery.

Patients considering a thigh lift can expect to discuss the following important considerations with Dr. Meredith;

  • Personal reasons for the surgery, expectations and desired outcomes
  • A physical exam and thorough medical history
  • What makes a good candidate for Thighplasty
  • What to expect regarding recovery time and activities
  • Risks and potential complications
Before and After Gallery

Buttock Augmentation

Aging, sun damage, pregnancy, genetics and significant fluctuations in weight can contribute to poor tissue elasticity resulting in sagging of the buttock.

Buttock augmentation, also known as gluteal augmentation, is a way to improve the contour, size and / or shape of the buttocks. Dr. Meredith uses free fat grafting to borrow fat cells from areas of the body where they are less desirable, then transferring them to areas requiring more volume.

Patients considering a buttock augmentation with Dr. Meredith can expect to discuss the following important considerations in an office consultation;

  • Personal reasons for the surgery, expectations and desired outcomes
  • A physical exam and thorough medical history
  • Risks and potential complications
  • How best to prepare for gluteal augmentation and lift surgery
  • What to expect regarding recovery time and activities
Before and After Gallery

Labialplasty

Labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. The size, colour, and shape of the labia vary significantly and may change as a result of childbirth and age. Sometimes referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty is designed to alter the skin folds around the vulva.

Women seeking labiaplasty present to Dr. Meredith with a variety questions and concerns about the external appearance of their vagina.  Common reasons for seeking labiaplasty include;

  • to shorten elongated or stretched labia
  • to improve comfort during exercise and intercourse
  • to reduce hyperpigmented areas
  • to reduce visibility in bathing suites and tight fitting garments

Patients considering labiaplasty can anticipate a sensitive and thorough consultation with Dr. Meredith that will include discussion about numerous considerations;

  • Personal reasons for the surgery, expectations and desired outcomes
  • A physical exam and thorough medical history
  • What to expect regarding recovery time and activities
  • Risks and potential complications
Before and After Gallery

Post Weight Loss

Plastic surgery after dramatic weight loss to reduce excess skin and fat and to restore proportions around the face, neck, upper arms, breast, chest, abdomen and thighs.

While there will be permanent scarring, Dr. Meredith strives to hide as many scars in body creases and unobtrusive areas to minimize the amount of visible scarring. Many patients find the scars to be an acceptable trade off for their weight loss efforts and improved appearance.

Determining whether or not you are a good candidate for post weight loss plastic surgery depends on many factors and is best explored through a thorough consultation with Dr. Meredith.

Before and After Gallery