Remember, medical personnel can give your their recommendations, and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having breast augmentation surgery.

Choosing Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can achieve many different goals. Before you undergo breast augmentation you need to be well informed about the procedure, the results you can expect, and the potential risks and complications that can occur. Every woman’s decision is different and should be based on her needs, desires and expectations.

Anatomy of the Breast
The breast is made up of fatty, glandular and fibrous tissues. A layer of fat surrounds the breast to give it a soft consistency and contour. Beneath the breast is the pectoralis major muscle, which assists in arm movement. The breast implant is placed beneath the muscle, which provides a more natural appearance.

Women’s breast varies greatly in both size and shape. The size and shape of your breasts are determined by the amount of breast tissue and fat present in them. It is also affected by factors such as age, past pregnancies, heredity and skin elasticity. Even breasts on the same body may vary, making one slightly different form the other. Such variations in size and shape are normal and occur in most women.

Dr. Dion Chavis will discuss your current breast size and shape with you and assist you in determining if breast augmentation will help you obtain the appearance you desire. Some women can achieve the look they want without breast augmentation; these women may need a mastopexy (breast lift) instead. Other women require both breast augmentation and a breast lift to enhance their appearance.

The Breast Implant
Scientists are continually researching new materials that are compatible to the body. At present, the most common biocompatible material utilized in breast implants is solid silicone. The implants used by Dr. Dion Chavis is made up of a solid silicone shell filled with saline. Saline (salt water) is much like the fluid that makes up 70% of the human body. If the implant should leak and the saline is released, it can be safely absorbed by you body.

Your body will respond to breast implants by forming scar tissue around the surface of the implant. This is called the capsule. Capsule formation is a normal reaction to any implant. We recommend breast massage to help keep this scar tissue soft. No medical implant is designed to last forever.

Patient Registery
Federal law requires that all inserted breast implants be registered with the manufacturer. Therefore, your name is included in the implant manufacturer’s confidential patient registry to provide the manufacturer with the ability to inform you of any significant updates regarding breast implants, should the FDA so request.

The Surgical Incision & Placement Choices
Dr. Chavis uses a periareolar incision for breast augmentation. The periareolar incision is made along the edge of the colored area around the nipple, and the breast implant is inserted through this incision. The incision scar is well camouflaged in this area. The implant is placed beneath the chest muscle. This helps give an extra layer of protection to the implant and helps reduce sagging that may occur over the years.

Other physicians may use incisions under the arm or under the breast. Dr. Chavis feels these incisions generally result in more noticeable scarring and therefore does not use these methods. Some physicians place the implant on top of the muscle. Dr. Chavis feels that a more natural appearance is achieved if the implant is placed under the muscle.

Recovery Period
Your surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. You will be able to go home a few hours after your surgery. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. During the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery, you will experience the most discomfort. Your breasts will be swollen and very tender. Although every woman’s recovery time is different, you should be able to resume many of your regular activities after about one week. You will need to wait at least 10 days before resuming any strenuous activities.

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Breast Reduction

Deciding to have breast reduction is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. For many women breast reduction provides an enhanced sense of self-esteem and positively influences how they relate to others. The more you know about the procedure, the better equipped you will be to make the decision to have breast reduction.

Breast reduction is mostly for women who have very large, pendulous breasts. Often times, large breasts can cause medical problems such as back pain, skeletal deformities, breathing difficulties, skin irritations, and numbness in the hands. Patients often complain of indentations in their shoulders from their breasts bra straps pressing into their flesh. Psychological disorders are also known to be evident in younger patients with extremely large breasts who are going through puberty.

Dr. Dion Chavis will evaluate you and help you in determining what procedures may be appropriate for you. Along with the breast reduction operation, some patients also benefit from mastopexy (breast lift). The best candidates for this surgery is those who are mature enough too fully understands the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. A breast reduction should make you feel better about yourself, give you a chance to experience the things in your life that were not possible before, and give you the psychological boost of confidence you need to make other positive changes in your life.

Remember that medical personnel can give you their recommendations and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having breast reduction surgery.

THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU MAKE AN EDUCATED, INFORMED DECISION REGARDING BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY.

Choosing Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is usually performed to give physical relief rather than simply as a cosmetic procedure. Every patient’s decision is different and should be made based on needs, desires and expectations. However, before you undergo a breast reduction you need to be well informed about the procedure, the results you can expect, and the potential risks and complications that can occur. If you are considering alternatives to this surgery, they should be discussed with the surgeon in your consultation.

NOTE: SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES MAY PAY FOR A PORTION OF YOUR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY IF IT IS DEEMED MEDICALLY NECESSARY. HOWEVER, THEY MAY REQUIRE THAT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF BREAST TISSUE BE REMOVED, THAT PICTURES BE TAKEN AT YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION, DOCUMENTATION FROM A TREATING CHIROPRACTOR, AND A PREDETERMINATION LETTER FROM YOUR SURGEON. IT COMMONLY TAKES AT LEAST 6 TO 8 WEEKS TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY.

The Surgery
The surgical procedure involves the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast. The ultimate results allow the breast to be smaller and shapelier while relieving preoperative discomfort. In addition to reducing the size of the breast, based on the individual, the size of the areola (the dark pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced in size to be proportional to the newly reduced breast.

The technique used by Dr. Chavis involves an incision that circles the areola and extends downward, following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. With most patients, the nipple remains attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breast is extremely large and pendulous, the nipples and areola may have to be completely removed and grafted to a new position. Should this happen, a loss of sensation in the nipple area will occur. Sutures close the incisions, leaving scars that are concealed by a bra or bathing suit. Although the surgeon will make every effort to minimize the appearance of any visible scarring, it is important to understand that some residual scarring will be permanent. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Because milk ducts are transected during surgery, it is important for you to realize that breast-feeding may be difficult after having this surgery.

All tissue and fat removed during a breast reduction is sent for a pathological evaluation. A pathologist will examine the tissue from the breasts for any abnormalities. There will be a separate charge that will be billed by the pathologist.

Your Recovery
You will need to wear a surgical sports bra with dressings on your incisions. The bra helps with swelling and bruising and should be worn around the clock for several weeks. A small tube will be placed in each breast to drain excess fluid for the first one or two days following surgery. Upon your discharge, you will be instructed to cleanse your incisions to promote healing. You will have pain and discomfort for the first few days after surgery, especially when you cough or move. Your surgeon will prescribe a pain medication or you. The pain and discomfort will gradually subside as the days past. You will start feeling much better approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery.

You may notice your breast skin getting dry. If this happens, you may apply a moisturizer throughout the day, but you must be careful to keep the incisions dry. During your recovery period, you may experience some occasional shooting pains in your breasts for a few months, which is normal. Normal activities can usually be resumed within 2 to 3 weeks, but every individual is different. You will notice a decrease in your stamina, but this will gradually improve over a few weeks.

SPECIAL NOTES
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROCEDURE IS TO MAKE THE BREASTS SMALLER AND MORE PROPORTIONAL TO THE BODY.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image change. Once plagued by large, uncomfortable, unattractive breasts, you now have breasts that are in proportion to your body. Your clothing will fit better, and your self-esteem should increase as you get accustomed to your "new look."

Dr. Dion Chavis is a board certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who listens carefully to his patients and will only recommend what he feels can realistically achieve the desired result. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call our office at (317) 299-7603.

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Rhinoplasty

Deciding to have rhinoplasty is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. The nose is our most prominent facial feature, and when it is not symmetric with the face, it can detract from our appearance. Regardless of the anatomic reality of a person’s nose, when the person’s dissatisfaction is great enough, a plastic surgeon is consulted.

Because informed patients are so important to the success of any plastic surgery, Dr. Chavis prepared this information for you. It may not answer all of your questions, but it will help you understand what rhinoplasty surgery involves. The best candidates for this surgery are those who have realistic goals and expectations and who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and what it involves.

Remember, medical personnel can give your their recommendations, and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having rhinoplasty surgery.

THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU MAKE AN EDUCATED, INFORMED DECISION REGARDING RHINOPLASTY SURGERY. CHOOSING RHINOPLASTY WHILE RHINOPLASTY CAN RESHAPE YOUR NOSE, IT CANNOT RESHAPE YOUR LIFE NOR CAN IT SATISFY AN UNREALISTIC SEARCH FOR PERFECTION.

Most patients requesting rhinoplasty are asking to decrease the size of the nose. Some patients are also interested in removing the bump on top of the nose or having a more defined nasal tip. Because of individual differences in anatomy, it is not possible for you to "select" the nose of your choice. Dr. Chavis however, will make every effort to help you achieve the look you desire.
In almost all cases (other than cases involving congenital defects or trauma to the face), rhinoplasties are performed for cosmetic purposes only. Therefore, insurance rarely pays for rhinoplasties.

There are two other operations, which are commonly performed on the nose in conjunction with a rhinoplasty. The first operation is a septoplasty, which is an operation to correct the septum (the cartilage and membranes separating the nasal passages). This operation is usually performed to correct a deviated septum so that the patient can breathe more easily. The second operation is a revision of turbinates. Turbinates are internal nasal organs that regulate, filter and humidify airflow. In some cases, the turbinates size may impair a patient’s ability to breathe and must therefore be surgically corrected.

NOTE: INSURANCE USUALLY DOES NOT PAY FOR RHINOPLASTY SURGERY. HOWEVER, SHOULD THE SURGEON DETERMINE THAT YOU HAVE A DEVIATED SEPTUM OR THAT YOU REQUIRE REVISION OF TURBINATES, WE WILL SUBMIT PREDETERMINATION TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY ENCLOSING PHOTOGRAPHS, DOCUMENTATION FROM OTHER TREATING PHYSICIANS, AND PAST MEDICAL RECORDS. IT COMMONLY TAKES 6 TO 8 WEEKS TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM AN INSURANCE COMPANY.

Every person’s decision is different and should be made based on needs, desires and expectations. However, before you undergo a rhinoplasty you need to be well informed about the procedure, the results you can expect, and potential risks and complications that can occur

The Surgery
Your surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under a general anesthesia. If you are a smoker, it is important for you to know that smoking interferes with healing by constricting blood vessels and reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Your surgeon may ask you to stop smoking 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.

The procedure involves the removal rearrangement and/or reshaping of the bone and cartilage of the nose. Rhinoplasty is accomplished by making incision inside the nose, which are not visible. However, there is an incision across the columella (underlying portion of the nose). This incision heals fairly quickly and is usually difficult to see. During the procedure, your surgeon will readjust the bone and cartilage framework beneath the skin and sculpt it to size and shape. Your time in surgery can range from 1 to 3 hours depending on the extent of your corrections.

Because nasal surgery affects patients differently, Dr. Chavis cannot guarantee the results of a rhinoplasty. A small percentage of rhinoplasty patients require some minor revision or touch-up surgery to obtain the best result. A patient normally will see about 90% of the final result from surgery after 6 months. However, in some cases, it can take a year for complete healing. Because it is important to heal completely from you initial procedure before considering a revision; a second operation should not be done earlier than 12 months after the first surgery.

Your Recovery
Bruising around the eyes will be present for several days after surgery. Cold compresses on your eyes may reduce this postoperative bruising and swelling. Most swelling will subside in 6 to 8 weeks, but you may have some degree of swelling for as long as 3 months. A lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. This is usually removed within a week. Bleeding from the nostrils is occasionally present in small amounts during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. You should elevate your head on 2 to 3 pillows while sleeping or resting. You may blow your nose gently, only if needed. Keep passageways moist by applying Vaseline with a Q-tip into the nostrils.

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Otoplasty (External Ear Surgery)

Deciding to have otoplasty is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. The ears are one of our primary facial features and when they are excessively prominent, they can detract from our appearance. When a person’s dissatisfaction with their appearance is great enough, a plastic surgeon is consulted.

Because informed patients are so important to the success of any plastic surgery, Dr. Chavis prepared this information for you. It may not answer all of your questions, but it will help you understand what otoplasty surgery involves. The best candidates for this surgery are those who have realistic goals and expectations and who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and what it involves.

Remember, medical personnel can give your their recommendations, and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having rhinoplasty surgery.

THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU MAKE AN EDUCATED, INFORMED DECISION REGARDING OTOPLASTY SURGERY.

Choosing Otoplasty
Prior to surgery a complete medical history and physical examination are performed. The prominence and overall anatomy of the ears are documented with photographs.

Dr. Chavis will discuss in great detail the causes of the prominent ears, the treatment options and potential complications. This will allow the patient and family to have an educated understanding of otoplasty before they decide if this procedure is for them.

NOTE: Depending upon the severity and/or asymmetry of the ear deformity, health insurance may cover the costs of this procedure. If the deformity is considered mild to moderate, it will most likely be considered cosmetic and will not be an insurable condition. If it is your desire to submit otoplasty as an insurance claim, please be aware that it commonly takes 6 to 8 weeks to obtain approval.

The Procedure
Otoplasty is usually performed either with heavy sedation or under a general anesthetic. There are two basic operations designed to place the ears closer to the head. These involve permanent stitches to recreate the helical fold or removal of cartilage in the ear called the Conchal Bowl. Regardless of the technique, the incision is hidden behind the ear. After closure of the skin, the ears are covered with a head dressing.

Your Recovery
Postoperative pain is usually moderate and is controlled with oral analgesics. The head dressing is removed at postoperative day 2 to 3. Bruising and swelling are minimal and treated with elevation and occasional ice packs. Normal activity levels are different for each person, but are usually resumed within 2 weeks.Occasionally a revision operation is necessary if the ear prominence recurs.

Dr. Dion Chavis is a board certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who listens carefully to his patients and will only recommend what he feels can realistically achieve the desired result. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call our office at (317) 299-7603.

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Facelift

Deciding to have a facelift is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. For many people, a facelift provides an enhanced sense of self-esteem and positively changes how they relate to others. The more you know about the procedure, the better equipped you will be to make the decision to have a facelift.

Your physician will evaluate your face as a complete unit, including eyes and forehead. He will assist you in determining what areas of concern you may have and what procedures may be appropriate for you. Along with the facelift operation, some patients also benefit from a blepharoplasty (eyelift), forehead lift, chin augmentation or rhinoplasty (nose surgery).

The earlier in life you have a facelift, the longer you can enjoy the results. A facelift will not stop the clock, but it will help give you a more youthful appearance. A facelift may give you a healthy, psychological boost and the confidence you need to make other positive changes in your life.

Remember that medical personnel can give you their recommendations and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having facelift surgery.

THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU MAKE AN EDUCATED, INFORMED DECISION REGARDING FACELIFT SURGERY.

Choosing Facelift
Surgery can achieve many goals. Every patient’s decision is different and should be made based on needs, desires and expectations. However, before you undergo a facelift you need to be well informed about the procedure, the results you can expect, and potential risks and complications that can occur.

Physiology
As people grow older, the natural aging process, genetic influences, sun exposure, smoking and other factors can cause the skin to sag or wrinkle. The first signs of this process begin a 25 or 30 years of age with the appearance of fine superficial lines around the eyes and forehead. This gradually extends to the nasolabial folds (the lines that extend down from the nose on each side of the mouth which appear more prominently when we smile), and a decade later reaches the preiauricular area (area in front of the ear). Frowning creates lines between the eyebrows. In another 10 years, the skin the neck relaxes, and there is a tendency for jowl formation.

It is difficult to camouflage the inevitable process of aging. The bags of skin and sagging tissues cannot respond to the many commercially available topical applications. In these instances, the facelift operation will do more to alleviate these problems than any combination of remedies.

Anatomy
The foundation of the face is a bony framework. It supports the muscles, which give the face its various components, its size and its strength. The angles and curves of the muscles contribute to facial expression. The movement of the face, lips, neck, cheeks, ears and scalp is controlled by 24 pairs of muscles. It is the movement of these muscles, which produces the inevitable lines and wrinkles deepened by age. The facelift operation may improve the overall appearance and correct some deficiencies, but it cannot alter a gross bony abnormality.

The Surgery
An incision is made under your chin, in front of your ears, and behind both ears into your hairline. This helps to camouflage any scarring. You will also have a drain behind each ear at the surgical site. These drains are used to draw fluid away from the operative site. The drains are removed a few days after your surgery.

Your Recovery
We ask that you do not take aspirin or smoke 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your surgery. You will need to avoid all vigorous activities for a least 4 weeks. You can then increase your activity gradually. You may take a bath the next day, being careful not to get the dressings wet. In some cases, the neck area will be very tight for up to several months’ cases after surgery. This will gradually improve over time.

Our Philosophy
It is impossible to remove every wrinkle from the face, especially around the mouth and eyes. However, there are other procedures that can help with these fine lines, such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing. Skin aging continues after the facelift; but you can usually expect to continue looking younger than if the operation had not been performed. There are no age limitations to this surgery. Most patients who have had a facelift have been delighted with their more attractive, younger appearance.

Dr. Dion Chavis is a board certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who listens carefully to his patients and will only recommend what he feels can realistically achieve the desired result. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call our office at (317) 299-7603.

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Abdominoplasty

Deciding to have abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. For many people, abdominoplasy provides an enhanced sense of self-esteem and positively influences how they relate to others. The more you know about the procedure, the better equipped you will be to make the decision to have abdominoplasty surgery.

Abdominoplasty is a surgery recommended for those people who suffer from a protruding abdomen or redundant, stretched skin in the abdominal area. Pregnancy, weak abdominal muscles, and extreme weight loss all contribute to these symptoms. The objective of this surgery is to flatten, tighten and contour the abdominal area. The results include a narrower waistline, tighter abdominal muscles, and a flatter and firmer stomach.

Dr. Dion Chavis will evaluate and help determine what may be appropriate for you. Along with the abdominoplasty operation, some patients also benefit from liposuction.

The best candidates for this surgery are healthy individuals with stable weight, weak abdominal muscles, excess abdominal skin and fat, and women who no longer plan to become pregnant. There are a large number of patients who wish to have this surgery for cosmetic reasons only. Whatever your personal goals or expectations are, Dr. Dion Chavis is able to provide you with information to help in your decision-making process.

Remember, medical personnel can give you their recommendations, and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having abdominoplasty surgery.

THIS INFORMATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP YOU MAKE AN EDUCATED INFORMED DECISION REGARDING ABDOMINOPLASTY SURGERY.

Choosing Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty can help you achieve many goals and is usually performed to give physical relief as well as cosmetic improvement. Every patient’s decision is different and should be made based on needs, desires and expectations. However, before you undergo an abdominoplasty, you need to be well informed about the procedure, the results you can expect, and the potential risks and complications that can occur.

Abdominoplasty surgery may remove stretch marks or previous scars from a hysterectomy, appendectomy, or cesarean section, but only if the scars are located on the skin being removed.

NOTE: Some patients insurance companies pay for abdominoplasty if it is medically necessary. However, they may require that a certain amount of abdominal tissue be removed, that you have lost over 75 pounds within the last calendar year, that pictures taken at your initial consultation, documentation from a treating physician, and a predetermination letter from your surgeon. It commonly takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to obtain approval from an insurance company.

The Surgery
Your surgery can be done on an outpatient basis in most cases; however, there are times when the surgery is performed on an inpatient basis. Abdominoplasty is done under a general anesthesia.

The surgical procedure involves the removal of abdominal tissue, fat, and excess skin. The ultimate result allows the abdomen to be firmer, flatter and improves the overall contour of the mid-section. The goal is to create a flatter stomach and trimmer waistline.

A "U" shaped incision is made across the pubic region, from one hip to the other. A second incision is then made around the naval. The abdominal tissue is then pulled toward the center of the abdomen and sutured. Once the skin is lowered over the abdomen, the excess skin is removed. The last step of the surgery is to reconstruct the naval. This is done before the incision are closed. After the incision have been closed and the surgery is over, there will be firm elastic bandages applied to the area.

Your Recovery
You will have two drains which are placed on each side of your abdomen through the incision. These drains work by suction and catch any excess blood. While you are in recovery, you will be instructed on how to use these drains and how to chart your output. It is important that your caregiver be present while you are receiving these instructions. The drains will stay in for approximately 1 weeks after surgery depending on the output from the abdomen.

While these drains are in place, you should not shower or take a bath. You can sponge bathe, but you must be careful not to get water on the openings where the drains are placed. You also will be given a prescription for antibiotics to be taken while the drains are in place. This is to help prevent any possibility of infection.

Most of the sutures will be absorbed by your body in the postoperative period; however, some individuals will also have external sutures that need to be removed during a postoperative visit. This can be done easily and without discomfort by a clinical nurse. The incisions need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Specific instructions regarding wound care will be given to you before your surgery.

You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you at least 48 hours. Should you live a distance, you may want to consider staying at one of our local hotels for at least the first night after your surgery to avoid the discomfort of having a long car drive immediately after your surgery. These recommendations are made on an individual basis.

Activities
You can return to work 1 to 2 weeks following your surgery, even if the drains remain in place. You may be on restricted activity for up to 6 weeks, depending upon the type of work you do. No heavy lifting is allowed for at least 4 to 5 weeks after surgery. Your physician will release you to normal activities based on your personal recovery status. You should expect your energy level to be low during your recovery period. It may take some time for this feeling to resolve.

Normally it will be 7 to 14 days after abdominoplasty surgery before you will be able to stand totally erect since the muscles and skin have been tightened and need some time to relax.

Special Notes
Once again, abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. The objective of the surgery is to improve the contour of the body by flattening and narrowing the abdomen. The amount of improvement is individual and depends upon the extent of the surgery and the patient’s skin elasticity, body build and healing potential. Dr. Dion Chavis will discuss in detail the anticipated outcome of this surgery in your initial consultation.

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Advanced Tumescent Liposuction
Although suction-assisted lipectomy, or liposuction, has been done in the United States since the early 1980’s, an amazing number of refinements, changes and improvements have evolved.
One of the improvements is the ability to decrease the amount of bleeding so that more fat can be removed. This technique is called the ADVANCED TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE. This technique involves injecting fluid into the areas, which are to be suctioned with a solution normally given through your veins at a hospital. Added to this solution is lidocaine with epinephrine, which accomplishes several additional objectives:

1. It decreases the amount of bleeding so that larger quantities of fat may be removed.
2. It decreased the postoperative pain for up to 14 hours after the surgery.
3. Your body absorbs the fluid put in over the next few days, which helps to prevent dehydration.

Prior to this technique, the people who received the most benefit were very thin people with small deposits, such as women with saddlebags. The results were great and people were pleased. However, with this technique, someone with more fat deposits can get curves back that were lost for years and can improve their body shape more dramatically than was ever possible before.

Choosing Liposuction
Deciding to have liposuction is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. For many people liposuction provides an enhanced sense of self-esteem and can positively influence how they relate to others. The more you know about the procedure, the better equipped you will be to make the decision to have liposuction surgery.

Remember that medical personnel can give you their recommendations and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having liposuction.

Fat Injection
Another new technique in liposuction is INJECTION OF FAT. Injection of fat involves taking fat from an area of your own body (usually the abdomen or inner thigh area) and injecting it into other areas. This can never be done to the breasts, since it might result in poor mammogram readings. However, it can be done in most other areas of your body, including the lips, the creases on your face and the buttocks. Some or all of this fat may be reabsorbed.

Superficial Liposuction
A third significant improvement in suction lipectomy is SUPERFICIAL LIPOSUCTION. This technique helps to make loose skin contract and tighten where needed. The technique is performed with very small cannulas (medical instruments) which allow the physician to work much closer to your skin to create tightening.

FAQs:
Question: Is this procedure done on an outpatient basis?

Answer: YES. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis. If you live out of town, you may consider staying overnight at one of our local hotels so that your travel will be easier and you will have the security of being close for one or two nights. You will need someone to assist with your care for 12 - 24 hours or longer after surgery and to transport you to and from the outpatient facility.

Question: What is the possibility of getting an infection with this procedure?

Answer: With any surgery, there are always the risks of infection. It can certainly happen and it is one of the known complications. We do give intravenous antibiotics to most patients just prior to their surgery.

Question: If I have a medical condition such as a previous heart operation, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other condition, would I still be a candidate for this operation?

Answer: You want to have all medical conditions stabilized prior to surgery and under control, and you want to be treated by a reputable physician who knows you well. We will require a letter from family your physician explaining your medical problems and stating that he/she feels your conditions are stable enough to undergo this operation at this time. Another requirement of large volume suction is that you have normal clotting factors and an excellent blood volume (hemoglobin, hematocrit). Dr. Dion Chavis does require certain pre-operative blood work to be done to make sure the procedure will be as safe as possible.

Question: How soon can I return to work after having liposuction done?

Answer: This varies from person to person and depends on what kind of work you do. For example, if you sit at a desk and you can put your feet up, you will return to work sooner than someone who stands all day. Everyone has a different tolerance. Many people having smaller amounts of fat removed are back to work in 4 or 5 days. People having larger volume of aspirate removed are able to return to sedentary work in about 10 days.

Question: If I gain weight after this operation, will the fat reappear in the areas where it was suctioned?

Answer: This operation is only one-third of the entire equation. Exercise and diet are even more important. If your weight is fluctuating widely, you should not consider this operation, since weight gain will probably take away all of the advantages that we have given you.

Question: Do some areas of the body respond better to suction than other areas?

Answer: YES. The legs have excellent skin tone and frequently give the best results. Loose skin, such as in the abdominal area, is more likely to accumulate fluid and may not tighten. Men are usually more interested in losing the love handles in the abdomen. Some men also want suction of the breast area, the back, and the flanks. Women are usually interested in the abdomen, the inner and outer thighs, and the flanks. Probably the areas that give the least satisfaction for results in suction are the arms. The skin on the arms is so thin that ridges frequently occur there.

Question: What type of garments should I wear and for what period of time?

Answer: Patients agree that the elastic garments they wear help in reducing swelling. We generally recommend that you wear the garment day and night for four to six weeks after surgery. If the garment become soiled or too tight or uncomfortable, you can remove it for a short period of time. Wearing the garment as prescribed will get the quickest results.

Question: Are there any additional problems or concerns by having a large volume of fat removed versus a smaller volume?

Answer: YES. The procedure not only takes more time but also involves greater fluid shifts in the body than a smaller procedure. There are more tendencies for fluid to form under the skin (called seroma formation) and this requires using drains for one week or more. Because of the drains, there is a slight increase in the risks of infection afterwards and certainly some discomfort in carrying these drains around. The more fat we remove, the longer it will take your skin to contract, and the longer you will have swelling after the procedure.

Question: When will I see the results of my liposuction?

Answer: The larger the volume, the more swelling you may have. Some patients will actually gain weight following surgery due to the increased amounts of fluid in the body. Results will usually be seen 2 to 3 weeks following surgery.

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Thigh Lift

Deciding to have a thigh lift is not just a medical decision; it is a personal decision. The perception you have of yourself defines who you are and how you introduce yourself to the world. For many people, a thigh lift provides an enhanced sense of self-esteem and positively influences ones body image. The more you know about the procedure, the better equipped you will be to make the decision to have a thigh lift.

Remember, medical personnel can give you their recommendations, and family members and friends may tell you what they think you should do, but only you can make the final decision about having a thigh lift.

Choosing Thigh Lift
Thigh lift can achieve many different goals. Before you undergo this procedure you need to be well informed about the results you can expect, the potential risks and complications that can occur. Every woman’s decision is different and should be bases on her own needs, desires and expectations.

How Aging Effects the Thighs
A cardinal sign of youth is supple, elastic skin. Elasticity is the ability of our skin to remain smooth and firmly adherent to the deeper tissues. As we age, or if our weight changes significantly, we gradually lose this elasticity throughout the body. With this decrease in adherence along with the constant pull of gravity, we begin to notice sagging of the skin. With time, there is even descent of the subcutaneous tissue (fat) as well.

In the thigh lift, this will appear as fullness and wrinkling, most notably at the medial of anterior thigh. If a dramatic weight loss has been experienced, the sagging can involve the entire circumference of the thigh.

Surgical Intervention
Thigh lift is the treatment of choice for loose, sagging skin and fat in this area. Liposuction alone would be inadequate because fat removal alone would address only half of the problem and may even worsen the appearance of the thighs. The incision is made high on the medial thigh and can be hidden by most undergarments. By removing a wedge of both fat and skin, the contour of the lower extremity can be dramatically improved. After a thorough history and physical examination, Dr. Chavis will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Recovery Period
Your surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. You will be able to go home a few hours after your surgery. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. During the first 24 hours after your surgery, you will experience the most discomfort. Your thighs will be swollen and very tender. You may have small drains exiting your incisions, which will need to be in place for several days. Although every woman’s recovery time is different, you should be able to resume many of your regular activities after about one week. You will need to wait at least 10 days before resuming any strenuous activities.

Dr. Dion Chavis, M.D. is a board certified Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who listens carefully to his patients and will only recommend what he feels can realistically achieve the desired result. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a consultation, please call our office at (317) 299-7603.

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