What is Body Contouring?

1. WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING? David B. Brothers, MD Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody NE Rd Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-257-9888

2. David B. Brothers, MD Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Brothers was born in New York City and raised in South Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory University. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors in research in organic chemistry. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was elected to the AOA medical honor society. Dr. Brothers completed his internship at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed his residency in general surgery and trauma at the University of Miami / JMH Medical Center. While a resident, he received multiple awards for his work on both trauma and burn victims. During his general surgery residency, Dr. Brothers was trained and certified in microsurgery. His training in plastic and reconstructive surgery was at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He was then accepted for additional specialty training in cosmetic surgery with one of the most prominent and internationally respected cosmetic surgeons. This specialty training was at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. Dr. Brothers is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons and is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He is the founder of the Plastic Surgery Centre of Atlanta, PC and is currently the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Saint Joseph's Hospital and the Vice President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also on staff at Northside Hospital and Scottish Rite Children's Hospital. Dr. Brothers is a contributing author to a new textbook on Plastic Surgery. He is very well published in the field of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and is a frequent guest lecturer. Dr. Brothers was also instrumental in developing a special line of lingerie for women who have had breast augmentation surgery, Le Mystère No.9.

3. What is Body Contouring Curious about Body Contouring? What is Body Contouring? Because all bodies change over time, it can be difficult to maintain a slim, sexy physique. If you find yourself constantly worrying about your clothing choices to make sure they hide problem areas, it may be time for a change. Whether you’ve recently lost a large amount of weight, have had several children, or are simply dissatisfied with the way your figure looks, there are a variety of body re-shaping procedures that may benefit you depending on the change you desire. Body contouring consists of one or more surgical procedures to improve your overall physique. Generally, the procedures focus on removing excess fat and reducing sagging or flabby skin. Body contouring options range from “touch ups” consisting of liposuction alone to combinations of procedures that produce more dramatic results post-childbearing or post-weight loss. A plastic surgeon can recommend the most appropriate procedures based on your problem zones—just be sure to clearly express your concerns during your consultation.

4. How Can Body Contouring Help Me? Liposuction, tummy tucks, upper arm lifts, and thigh/buttock lifts are each considered body contouring surgeries and can help you reach your goals. Here are some common concerns we hear from our patients:

5. How Can Body Contouring Help Me? I want to get rid of my love handles I want my pre-baby body back.  A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and eliminates a drooping stomach. Technically known as an abdominoplasty, it tightens the abdominal muscles as well as the skin of the abdominal wall, producing a slim, toned belly. Many women who have had multiple pregnancies or previous surgeries are left with weak abdominal muscles and/or loose skin. The popular group of surgeries called “mommy makeovers” generally include a tummy tuck in addition to a breast rejuvenation procedure. Liposuction can enhance tummy tuck results. • Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits such as love handles that won’t respond to diet and exercise. If the area of concern is limited, as can be the case with love handles, liposuction alone may create the desired results. Liposuction is also called liposculpture because of its ability to sculpt the body, and it is used on many different areas with great success.

6. How Can Body Contouring Help Me? I want to look better in jeans.  I have excess skin from losing weight. A combination of body contouring procedures are sometimes appropriate after losing a large amount of weight. A tummy tuck, an upper arm lift, or a thigh-buttock lift could be part of the surgical plan, and liposuction might be used to complement the effects of these procedures. An upper arm lift removes excess skin and tightens the supporting tissue to create taut arms, although it can also address the loss of skin elasticity in the upper arms due to aging or genetic predisposition. A thigh/buttock lift might be included to remove sagging skin around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. • If you’ve been bothered by saddlebags, liposuction surgery might create the change you’re after. If the issues are more extensive, a thigh/buttock lift, sometimes called a thighplasty, tightens the skin and improves the appearance of your lower body, slimming your overall figure. Incision sites can vary depending on individual needs or desires; surface skin irregularities can also be remedied through this procedure.

7. What Are the Benefits? • A 2012 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, found that individuals who had undergone body contouring services following weight-loss surgery experienced a significantly higher quality of life. Other benefits of body contouring include feeling more confident, looking better, and experiencing more acceptance in social situations. Body contouring procedures have also been shown to improve self-confidence and self-esteem in women dissatisfied in their post-pregnancy bodies. • Because it eliminates unwanted fat, removes excess skin, and sculpts your overall figure, body contouring gives you a sleek body that looks years younger. And looking better means feeling better about yourself! Schedule a consultation to determine whether body contouring can achieve your goals.