Procedure:

Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall.

Length:

2 to 5 hours.

Anesthesia:

General, or local with sedation.

In/Outpatient:

Either, depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery.

Side Effects:

Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.

Risks:

Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.

Recovery:

Back to work : 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity : 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars : 3 months to 2 years.

Procedure:

Enhance the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline.

Length:

1 to 2 hours.

Anesthesia:

Local with sedation, or general.

In/Outpatient:

Usually outpatient.

Side Effects:

Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.

Risks:

Lack of implant permanence -- surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be required to treat problems, including: deflation; the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; bleeding or infection.Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent. Mammagraphy requires a special technique.

(Note: Some women have reported symptoms similar to those of immune disorders. Ask your doctor about these and other FDA concerns.)

Recovery:

Back to work : a few days. Physical contact with breasts : 3 to 4 weeks. Fading of scars : several months to a year or more.

Duration of
Results:

Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement.

Procedure:

Raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue and nipples.

Length:

1 to 3 hours.

Anesthesia:

Local with sedation, or general.

In/Outpatient:

Usually outpatient. Sometimes inpatient.

Side Effects:

Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent scars.

Risks:

Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breast.

Recovery:

Back to work: 1 week or more. Strenuous activities : 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year.

Duration of
Results:

Variable; gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause new sagging. Results may last longer or be enhanced when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure.

Procedure:

Mechanical scraping of the top layers of skin using a high-speed rotary wheel. Softens sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth.

Length:

A few minutes to 1 hour. May require more than 1 session.

Anesthesia:

Local, numbing spray, or general.

In/Outpatient:

Usually outpatient.

Side Effects:

Temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, redness. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sensitivity to sun; loss of ability to make pigment (tan).

Risks:

Abnormal colour changes (permanent). Tiny whiteheads (temporary); infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores.

Recovery:

Back to work: 2 weeks. More strenuous activities : 4 to 6 weeks. Fading of redness: about 3 months. Return of pigmentation/sun exposure: 6 to 12 months.

Duration of
Results:

Permanent, although new wrinkles may form as skin ages.