Liposuction is a common surgical technique that is used to permanently remove deposits of excess fat and to improve contours or shape. Liposuction can be performed all over the body. Laser (Prolipo or Smartlipo) or radiofrequency (Bodytite) treatments can be used to stimulate collagen and achieve some skin tightening.
Liposuction may be a good option for patients who have stubborn areas of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise or are out of proportion to the body. Patients with good skin quality are the best candidates for liposuction. Good candidates for liposuction should have realistic expectations and understand that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, nor will it get rid of cellulite.
Laser liposuction or Bodytite is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic with oral sedation, iv sedation or with general anesthesia. Small incisions, about ¼ inch long, are made near the zones to be treated. A dilute solution of local anesthesia is infused into the fatty tissues to numb the area and reduce bleeding. At this stage, if energy-assisted liposuction is being performed, the laser or radiofrequency energy is delivered to the tissue via a small probe. Then a thin hollow tube or cannula is used to separate and suction out undesired fat from the area. The small incisions are then closed with a suture and absorbent pads and a compression garment are placed over the treated areas. Dr. Kim combines laser with liposuction for the ultimate outcome. That means better skin tightening, less bruising and less down time.
It is common for patients to report some blood-tinged fluid draining from the surgical incisions for a few days following surgery, so patients should sleep on towels or absorbent pads. Often patients report mild pain, which may require medication for two to three days. Patients should sponge bathe until they are given doctor’s approval to shower. Patients can resume driving once they are off pain medication, typically around two or three days after surgery. Depending on swelling, patients can return to light work after two to three days and exercise after a week. The surgical areas may be swollen and bruised for several weeks following the procedure.
Yes! Dr Kim has been board certified in Plastic Surgery since 2004.
Liposuction is permanent fat removal using thin cannulas under the skin. Laser or radiofrequency energy can be used in areas where the skin is mildly loose to stimulate collagen, tighten skin, and liquify fat.
Fees will change depending on the number of areas being treated and the volume of fat that is removed. Small, focused areas could cost $2000, whereas a treatment involving many zones could be upwards of $5500–plus anesthesia costs, as required.
Yes! Many patients are great candidates to receive liposuction while under local anesthesia only.
Patients are often driving in two to three days and can return to sedentary/desk work within a similar time frame. Light exercise can be resumed at one week.
Dr. Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon who artistically tailors surgical and non surgical procedures to the patients' natural appearance. In addition to being renowned for his highly precise surgical work, Dr. Kim is also regarded as a caring doctor with a warm bedside manner -- from consultation all the way through the follow-up. He listens to patients and strives to achieve their goals.
DR. CHANG SOO KIM'S CREDENTIALS
Dr. Kim trained at Yale University, one of the most prestigious programs in the country, where he earned the Yale Plastic Surgery Scholastic Awards in years 2002 and 2003. Dr. Kim now practices plastic surgery in Stamford, CT and Westchester, NY. He has over 20 years of experience and has performed 1000s of procedures since the start of his career. Dr. Kim holds privileges at Stamford, Greenwich and Norwalk hospitals.
For over a two decades, Dr. Kim has carried out his life passion, helping patients achieve their own natural beauty through the latest, safest state-of-the-art cosmetic procedures. Dr. Kim is well known for his excellent bedside manner. During the consultation stage, Dr. Kim carefully listens to each patient’s goals and then provides a thorough analysis to help ensure artistic balance of the face or body for a look that is natural, not artificial. His follow-up care includes direct access via cell phone in order for him to personally address his patient’s progress and concerns.
Drawing from extensive surgical experience, Dr. Kim strives to provide safe, personalized surgery that will meet or exceed your expectations. He received his medical training at Yale University, and has received many prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Yale Plastic Surgery Scholastic Award and American Heart Association One Year Medical Student Fellowship.
Privileges at Stamford, Greenwich and Norwalk hospitals.
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Yale Plastic Surgery Society
Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT
Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Recipient of the 2002 and 2003 Yale Plastic Surgery Scholastic Award.
American Heart Association One Year Medical Student Fellowship.
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.
Many patients live an active and healthy lifestyle, yet still find themselves with sagging skin or a pocket of excess fat along the abdomen. Weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and age may all contribute to stretched abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and to repair the muscles of the abdominal wall. Generally Dr. Kim performs a lipo-abdominoplasty, which includes liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks to help flatten the abdomen and narrow the waist, providing the patient with a tighter, toned stomach.
Many plastic surgeons perform a more traditional tummy tuck with liposuction along the flanks or waistline. Dr. Kim performs a lipo-abdominoplasty which incorporates liposuction of the upper and central abdomen, as well as the flanks. This additional liposuction makes the abdominal flap thinner and tighter for more desirable results. Liposuction of the central abdomen during a tummy tuck requires a different specialized technique to preserve bloodflow to the abdominal flap. Many plastic surgeons do not use this technique. However, Dr. Kim has performed hundreds of lipo-abdominoplasties with this improved technique.
A good candidate for a tummy tuck may have stomach muscles which have become stretched or separated, a condition known as rectus diastasis which can commonly result from pregnancy. Patients with loose skin or pockets of fat due to weight fluctuations, age or other surgeries may also be good candidates for an abdominoplasty. Patients should be at or close to their ideal weight, but still have extra fat and loose skin of the abdomen.
Tummy tuck surgery is normally done as an outpatient procedure, so patients are able to walk slowly on their own after surgery and can return home on the same day. Patients will walk and sit flexed at the waist for 1 week. Patients may require pain medication for the first few days. Drains are removed in the office seven to ten days after surgery. Driving and low-intensity work can be resumed at two weeks. Patients with more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period before returning to work. Light exercise can be resumed at three weeks and patients can return to unlimited exercise at six weeks. Patients should wear compression garments for six weeks following surgery.
Surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgical setting while the patient is under general anesthesia. Surgery can take between two to four hours depending on the patient’s individual needs. A diluted local anesthetic, known as tumescent fluid, is infused into the fatty tissues to numb the area and reduce bleeding. A thin cannula is then used to suction out areas of fat.
Once the liposuction procedure is complete, a horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen. This incision is made in a similar position to where a C-section scar might be, but it extends from hip to hip. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the loose or separated rectus muscles are sewn together and repaired. Then a second incision around the belly button is made, the loose skin is pulled down tightly like a window shade, and the excess is trimmed away. A new opening is made in the skin for the belly button. Drains or thin flexible tubes are temporarily placed to relieve any bleeding or fluid. The skin is then sutured together with layers of dissolving sutures. Dressings and an abdominal compression binder/garment are placed to aid in the recovery process.
A surgical procedure that improves the shape and contours of the abdomen through liposuction, skin removal and muscle tightening.
Patients should be close to their goal weight and healthy enough to receive general anesthesia. Coordinating some friends or family members to help you in the first few days after surgery can be a great help.
Most patients only require pain medication for a few days following surgery. For the first week after surgery you will be walking and sitting flexed at the waist. Drains are typically removed one week after surgery. Most patients are driving at two weeks. Patients with desk jobs or more sedentary work can often return to work at two weeks, although those with more physical careers will take longer.
Short walks are encouraged in the early healing phases. Light exercise can begin at three weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to unrestricted exercise at six weeks.
Dr. Kim approaches each patient as an individual with unique needs and goals. Make a consultation with our staff to determine what abdominoplasty technique will give you the optimal outcome!
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.