Body image concerns are not exclusive to women. Men also find that their diet and exercise efforts don’t always give them the shape they want. In addition, men and women that lose substantial amounts of weight often find their skin does not conform to their new body contours, leaving loose folds of skin that interfere with their final result. Dr. Casso understands that men can also have body issues, which is why he tailors his body contouring procedures to his male – as well as his female – patients.
Liposuction
If you haven’t been able to say goodbye to your spare tire completely, despite the crunches and planks you have been performing, liposuction may be the solution. This procedure targets localized areas of fat that have not responded to your exercise efforts, leaving you with stubborn bulges that keep you from achieving your full body sculpting goals. In addition to the midsection, liposuction works on the buttocks, hips and flanks to create a smoother profile. This procedure may also be an option for some men suffering from gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts.
Dr. Casso performs tumescent liposuction, which involves the infusion of a sterile fluid at the beginning of the procedure that makes the fat cells easier to detect and remove. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, at Christus St. John Hospital, where patients can rest assured the process will be both safe and comfortable. Suction tubes called cannulas are inserted into the fat deposits using small incisions that won’t leave much scarring behind. The cannulas loosen the fat and suction it out of the body.
Abdominoplasty
For men that require more correction around the middle, Dr. Casso may recommend abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck. This more extensive procedure is advised when there is loose skin in addition to areas of fat and tissue that needs to be trimmed down. The surgery is more extensive than liposuction, but it also produces more dramatic results. Liposuction may be used in combination with an abdominoplasty as well, to create the sculpting of the midsection men often want.
Abdominoplasty is also performed at Christus St. John Hospital under general anesthesia. Dr. Casso will make an incision from hipbone to hipbone, within the underwear line, so visible scarring will be minimal. Through the incision, Dr. Casso tightens up abdominal muscles, removes excess tissue and fat and excises loose skin to create a smoother, flatter abdominal area. Patients usually remain in the hospital for a day or two before completing the recovery process at home.
Circumferential Body Lift
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, you may discover those loose folds of skin tend to settle around the hips and tops of the thighs, as well as the abdomen and buttocks. When extensive correction is required, a circumferential body lift may be the surgery of choice. This procedure extends the results of a tummy tuck around the body to smooth out skin and tissue all the way around the middle. The abdomen can also be tightened up during this procedure.
The incision for a circumferential body lift is even longer than the one used for a tummy tuck, but Dr. Casso will carefully position it so that it will be hidden in your underwear. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Christus St. John Hospital and patients will remain in the facility for two or three days before they can move their recovery to their own home. Once all the loose skin is removed, the results of both your weight loss and your surgical procedure should be extensive and permanent as long as you maintain your healthy lifestyle.
Body image concerns are not restricted to our female patients. Men can also benefit from many of these procedures. To learn more, contact Dr. Casso’s office today at 281-333-3500 to schedule your consultation.
