Daniel Casso, MD, FACS
Experience, Compassion & Results
2020 Nasa Parkway #260 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | Phone: 281-333-3500 | Fax: 281-333-9455 | dancasso@drcasso.com
Select a procedure:
Body Contouring Surgery
Abdominoplasty
Problem.
Loose or sagging abdominal wall skin and/or relaxation of the abdominal wall muscles.
Who is a candidate?
- A person whose loose abdominal skin and muscle are resistant to exercise.
- A person who has had multiple pregnancies or prior surgery.
Procedure description.
The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), performed under general anesthesia, tightens abdominal skin and muscles. Dr. Casso carefully removes the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen with an incision near the bikini line. Loose abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures. Two suction drains typically remain in place for about a week. A mini-tummy tuck tightens only the lower abdominal wall skin and muscle, leaving a shorter scar.
Recuperation and healing.
The hospital stay at CHRISTUS ST. JOHN is usually one to two days, and pain is controlled with intravenous medications such as Demerol or Morphine.
This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other surgery, such as breast reduction or hysterectomy.
Walking is encouraged as soon as possible after surgery, and light activity is permitted three to four days after the surgery. Although sedentary work is allowed after one week, vigorous exercise and heavy lifting is not permitted for six weeks.
Thigh/Buttock Lift
Problem.
Loose, sagging skin and fat in the inner or outer thighs and buttocks.
Who is a candidate?
- Persons who have lost a significant amount of weight and who have loose, dimpled, or sagging skin.
Procedure description.
The thigh-buttock lift (thighplasty) is performed under general anesthesia at CHRISTUS ST. JOHN HOSPITAL. Incisions are made in the inner or outer thigh, and if necessary, over the buttocks. Excess skin and fat are removed and the resulting wound is closed with sutures, resulting in lifting and toning of sagging tissues.
Recuperation and healing.
Patients spend one to three days at CHRISTUS ST. JOHN HOSPITAL. Initial pain is controlled with intravenous pain medication. Patients begin walking the day after surgery and are discharged when comfortable on oral pain medication.
Circumferential Body Lift
Problem.
Significant skin laxity and fat excess in the lower abdomen, hips, flanks, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Who is a candidate?
A person who, because of significant weight loss, or genetics, has a substantial excess of skin in the truncal area, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks.
Procedure description.
The circumferential body lift is performed under general anesthesia at CHRISTUS ST. JOHN HOSPITAL. A 2 to 3 day hospital stay is required.
Incisions are made low in the abdomen, and extended to the flank region, and to the back. Excess skin and fat in the truncal area is removed. Tightening of lax abdominal musculature is performed with sutures. The wounds are repaired, resulting in tightening and flattening of the abdomen, lifting of the buttocks, and narrowing of the waist.
Recuperation and healing.
Initial post-surgical pain is controlled with Morphine or Demerol. Early ambulation is encouraged. Patients are usually discharged after 2 or 3 days in the hospital. Most patients may return to sedentary work in about 10 days, but physical exertion is not allowed for 6 weeks.
Liposuction
Problem.
Excess subcutaneous fat which is resistant to diet and exercise.
Who is a candidate?
- Anyone wishing to change the contour of his/her body to have a more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing.
- Most patients are near normal weight.
- Now, with the improved techniques that allow larger amounts of fat removal with minimal risk and blood loss, liposuction can be useful in heavier persons as well.
- The most commonly involved areas are trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, and under the chin.
Procedure description.
Dr. Casso performs all liposuction (suction-assisted lipectomy) procedures at CHRISTUS ST. JOHN HOSPITAL, except submental (under the chin) liposuction, which can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. General anesthesia is used on procedures performed in the operating room. During the procedure, fluid is injected in areas to be treated to minimize bruising and bleeding. Small suction tubes (cannulae) are inserted through very short incisions made in inconspicuous locations near the fat deposits. Excess fat is removed via the cannulae.
Recuperation and healing.
After liposuction, there is some initial discomfort which is controlled with oral medication. A compression garment covering the treated areas is advisable for at least one month to help reduce swelling and achieve the final result more quickly. Afterward, spandex exercise clothing will suffice. Bruising and swelling usually subside in two to four weeks. The final results will take shape over two to three months.
Brachioplasty
Problem.
Sagging skin on the underside of the arm.
Who is a candidate?
- Anyone wishing to minimize loose skin on the underside of the arm, which is present due to aging, genetics, or weight loss.
Procedure description.
The upper arm lift (brachioplasty) involves an incision that runs from near the elbow to the armpit. Dr. Casso removes the unwanted skin and fat and sutures the incision. A general anesthesia is required.
Recuperation and healing.
After surgery, the upper arm is wrapped with gauze, and initial healing occurs in 10 to 14 days. The sutures are removed within the first 10 days, in most cases. The swelling and bruising of the arm gradually disappears over three to four weeks and all swelling is generally gone in three to six months.