Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and while we all have a unique body type, there are characteristics that are commonly viewed as attractive. Regardless of weight and height, a beautiful body has good proportions. It has relatively smooth transitions from one area to the next, and there is no one area that stands out significantly more than others. Body contouring can be a difficult goal to achieve even when you live a very healthy lifestyle. There are many factors that affect the shape of the body, including age, pregnancy, weight changes, and gravity. Dr. Alfonso Barrera has been in private practice as a plastic surgeon in Houston since 1985 and is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in plastic surgery. We welcome you to contact our office today to schedule a personal consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals.
We are proud to offer body procedures such as the following
Abdominoplasty
It is not unusual to have a stomach pooch. Just about every adult does to some degree. In some cases, the amount of laxity is too much for one’s comfort. Pregnancy and weight changes have a massive impact on the abdominal area. Not just on the skin but also on the underlying muscle. Often, the pooch that results from these circumstances is what we call “diet-resistant.” It won’t go away naturally because the tissues involved have been stretched too much for too long to bounce back. In some cases, the abdominal muscles actually separate from the center of the abdomen where they should connect. Regardless of how severe the abdominal laxity is, there is a tummy tuck technique that can correct it. Abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery, is a customized procedure that is performed with the goals of restoring optimal muscle position and eliminating the sagging skin that has developed across the abdomen. The outpatient procedure is performed using IV anesthesia, a conservative but powerful alternative to general anesthesia. It results in a flatter, more contoured midsection.
Liposuction
Liposuction enhances body contours by removing stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. It is not a weight-loss technique, but a procedure that refines body shape with little downtime. There are several places on the body that can harbor unwanted fat. All can be good areas for the liposuction procedure. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, back, arms, neck, and chin. There is a variety of different liposuction techniques available today, several of which Dr. Barrera utilizes, and all of which can achieve outstanding cosmetic results. One of the primary benefits of liposuction is that patients can begin to appreciate a more sculpted body within the first week after their outpatient procedure. Another is that the results of liposuction can be very long-lasting when surgery is followed by healthy lifestyle habits such as a low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Often, what we find is that the results achieved with liposuction motivate patients to be more active and intentional about their lifestyle choices.
Mommy Makeover
Don’t let the description fool you, a mommy makeover isn’t just for women who have had children. The intent behind this series of specialized procedures is to restore a more youthful appearance to the areas of the body that are commonly affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. The treatment often involves breast and body procedures such as a breast lift and liposuction, abdominoplasty, or both. The goal of a mommy makeover is not necessarily to restore a patient’s pre-pregnancy appearance. It is to give the patient the body she has always wanted. It works by removing unwanted fat and excising redundant tissue from local areas such as the abdomen, breasts, or even the arms. Each mommy makeover is customized to meet the patient’s unique goals for her appearance. When you consult with Dr. Barrera, you can expect to feel seen and heard and to receive the utmost care so that you can feel like your best self.
Arm Lift
The backs of the arms can be immensely difficult to maintain. This area requires very specific exercise for optimal tone. Even with good muscle tone, the arms are susceptible to the force of gravity. The term “bat wings” is commonly used to describe this area because the skin and superficial tissue can sag away from the bone when the arms are outstretched, giving the appearance of wings. Many women are self-conscious about the shape of the backs of their arms. For some, this is the part of the body that has decided to hold on to fatty tissue. For others, the backs of the arms are particularly loose and saggy after significant weight loss or aging. The cause of laxity and excess fatty tissue is not what is most relevant. What is important is that these cosmetic concerns receive proper attention. Brachioplasty is an outpatient procedure that restores beautiful, natural contours to the backs of the arms. If you are ready to feel confident wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless tops again, an arm lift may be just right for you.
Schedule A Consultation
If you’re interested in learning more about any of our body procedures, please contact us at (713) 468-5200 to schedule a consultation at our Houston practice.
