Surgical

hand of a surgeon drawing black dotted lines on a woman's face

surgical beauty in johnson city, tn

Your Dream Body

Here at The Caudle Center, we work hard to give all of our patients the body that they’ve always wanted.

Our entire staff and surgical team are constantly learning so that our patients can get the best body in the easiest way possible. They are always learning new and better ways to improve the body in both surgical and non-surgical ways.

Once you have had your initial examination, we would be glad to explain all of your options. We will be happy to discuss the procedures, along with the associated recovery and the cost. Use this time wisely. Be sure to ask any questions that you may have so that we can alleviate all of your concerns.

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Arm Lift

Our arm lift procedure is perfect for those who are looking to improve the appearance of their arms. If you have loose skin or excess fat on your arms, our procedure can help. We'll remove the unwanted tissue and give you the toned, shapely arms you've always wanted.

Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing you with the best possible experience, and we are confident that you will be satisfied with your results.

Our Surgical Arm Lift Methods

An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes the sagging drooping skin and excess fat that reshapes the arm into a more pleasing aesthetic appearance. Typically excess skin (and associated excess fat if present) is removed from the arm extending from the axilla (armpit) to the elbow. The option of a full arm lift or mini-arm lift will depend upon the patient’s physical findings.

While we all prefer to avoid surgery, unfortunately, diet and exercise just can’t remove excess skin. If excess arm fat is also present, then the arm lift can be combined with liposuction to improve arm contours. This technique requires general or tumescent anesthesia. After the surgery reshapes their arms into a slimmer and contoured appearance, patients feel more comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing.

A variation of the surgical arm lift requires no skin excision or mini skin excision. This new arm technique uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten the skin, dermis, and underlying connective tissue, usually without excision of any skin. This latest technique, BodyTite, allows for exceptional non-excisional tightening. One probe is inserted under the skin through a small incision and a second probe sits on top of the skin allowing for well-controlled heating of the skin and deeper tissues.

However, severe cases of arm laxity with sagging skin will still be best treated with the traditional arm lift (Brachioplasty). This procedure can be combined with RF microneedling (next section) to obtain enhanced results. This energy-based device has faster results and requires general or tumescent anesthesia.

Nonsurgical Arm Tightening

Nonsurgical arm tightening is a nonsurgical procedure that tightens the loose skin around the arm to yield a more contoured and slimmer appearance. Nonsurgical arm tightening has similar goals as a surgical arm lift but is limited to patients who have a mild to moderate excess skin or excess fat.

A set of 24 microneedles penetrates the skin to the deep dermis and uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying deep tissue to cause contraction of the supporting structures and collagen and promote additional subdermal collagen and elastin production to reduce the appearance of loose skin. This energy-based device has faster results and requires topical or tumescent anesthesia. Usually, noticeable results occur after one treatment, with the best results after 2 to 3 treatments. There is minimal downtime.

Uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying tissue to encourage subdermal collagen and elastin production to reduce the appearance of loose skin. This technology allows for noninvasive skin tightening, with no anesthesia required for treatment. There is no downtime, but it requires multiple treatments to obtain results.

FAQ's About Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Patients who are in reasonably good health.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients that have a significant amount of upper arm skin laxity.
Patients that have a significant amount of upper arm adiposity.
Patients who don’t smoke.
Patients looking for a more youthful or contoured arm body shape.

Patients who are not in reasonably good health with serious or poorly controlled health problems.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who are excessively obese.
Patients who smoke.
Patients who want absolute perfection.
Patients who do not want a scar on the inside of their arms (see other options above).

All of the above-mentioned procedures will produce long-lasting results for years. The surgical arm lift will yield the longest results. The less invasive procedures will yield a shorter length of results. After a surgical arm lift (Brachioplasty) in which skin is removed, the arm’s new shape is more or less permanent. Liposuction permanently removes and destroys fat cells. After liposuction, the arm’s new shape is also more or less permanent.

If a person gains weight after liposuction, the area treated by liposuction will not accumulate as much fat as other not treated body areas. Fat accumulates in every area of the body in proportion to the number of fat cells in each area. A person may look disproportionate if they gain excessive amounts of weight. Aging and weight change will affect the subsequent appearance of the arm. Final results may not be evident for six months for most.

Weight Loss – For more information.
Surgical Arm Contouring – See Option 1 and 2 above.
Nonsurgical Arm Contouring – See Option 3 and 4 above.
Nonsurgical and Non-invasive – See Option 5 above.
Arm Contouring by any means is never absolutely necessary.

That depends upon the procedure that you choose. Surgical arm lift (skin removed) yields the quickest results but generally has more risks. Most patients will see 90% of their ultimate arm lift results within six weeks after surgery. The other procedures yield the initial best results at 6 weeks to 3 months with improvements seen even at 6 months. For the first few weeks after surgery, there is postoperative swelling. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon’s surgical technique and method for postoperative care. Final results may take six months or longer.

The surgical arm lift (Brachioplasty) can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office, depending upon various patient factors and the amount of correction needed. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort. With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area.

The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. They can also reposition themselves to allow for better liposuction results.

The nonsurgical arm tightening can be performed with either topical or tumescent anesthesia.

Arm lift (Brachioplasty) or RF BodyTite procedure

The time required for either of these procedures depends on the extent of the skin excision or treatment area and whether liposuction will be necessary as an adjunct to obtain the best results. Generally, your stay from the time you arrive at the facility until you are discharged will require several hours.

Nonsurgical Arm Tightening

Nonsurgical & Non-invasive Arm Tightening

The time required for radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening is usually 60 minutes requiring 6 sessions and requires no anesthesia.

The fee for an Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) or RF BodyTite procedure has a fairly large range depending upon the extent of correction needed, possible anesthesia fee, possible facility fee, and ancillary treatments such as liposuction. The RF BodyTite procedure can usually be performed with tumescent anesthesia resulting in lower costs.

The fee for Nonsurgical Arm Tightening depends on whether the radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening which requires no anesthesia but 6 sessions or the radiofrequency (RF) deep skin tightening with microneedles is selected with topical or tumescent anesthesia.

For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending on extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort, you may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is usually expected for the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to bed bath the first few days and then shower rather than bathe. Discuss with your surgeon for his recommendation.
Diet: Generous fluids are recommended for the first 24 hours. Resume light foods as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical and nonsurgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All procedures have some degree of complications. The nonsurgical procedures have the smallest risks, while the surgical options have more risks. Most are minor and rarely affect the cosmetic results, and only occasionally occur, such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, injury to the underlying nerves or blood vessels, numbness, persistent pain, the possible need for revisional surgery, bleeding or hematomas, or seromas. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve or may be permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on arm lifts, or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 926-2400.

a smiling woman wearing a white bra is measuring her breast with a yellow measuring tape.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Fat transfer and other less invasive procedures are available at The Caudle Center and are excellent for less severe breast deflation (loss of breast volume) and breast droopiness.

RF energy is an excellent choice for women who want mild to moderate improvement in breast ptosis (droopy breasts) to raise the nipple. These procedures can be done with tumescent anesthesia without the need, expense, and risks of general anesthesia.

Augmentation with fat transfer is an increasingly requested service due to the more natural result with no foreign body associated problems. Many women also desire some degree of breast lifting for a more “perkier” look. Augmentation can be done with implants for more immediate and greater enhanced results. A traditional breast lift requires general anesthesia, long incisions, more risks, and greater contouring skills.

Many women may only desire a mild to moderate enhancement in breast size or breast lift. Traditional breast implants or breast lifts will still be necessary for those women desiring greater breast enhancement in size or women with a greater degree of breast ptosis (saggy breast) or more moderate to severe cases of breast deflation. We will only address fat transfer and other less invasive procedures for breast augmentation and breast lift.

As with the rest of your body, those choices are personal and individualized. However, enhancing the appearance of your breast may improve self-confidence, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being. If it is your desire to enhance your breast, that is good; don’t do it to satisfy anyone else. As with all cosmetic procedures, the surgeon can only enhance what God has given you.

An advantage of fat grafting to the breasts is that it requires liposuction of another area of the body which can be simultaneously contoured along with breast enhancement. There are two choices to choose from to satisfy the patient’s desires and goals to increase the size, shape, and lift of the breasts.

Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

The method that is most appropriate for your particular circumstances and physical features will be determined by your cosmetic surgeon according to your aesthetic goals at the time of your consultation. Generally, the amount of fat transferred to each breast depends on the volume of each breast recipient site (the larger the breasts, the more fat transfer is possible). However, the smaller the breasts, the more noticeable the difference post-fat transfer.

Generally, the volume of fat transferred ranges from 300cc to 900cc, which will increase the size of the breasts from one half a bra size to a full bra size larger. However, immediate results will be temporary as the body reabsorbs the fat cells that die. The final breast size will depend upon the extent of baby fat cells that survive, mature, and enlarge. The final results will not be apparent for 6-9 months.

Skin Tightening for Breast Lift

The most appropriate method for your particular circumstances and physical features will be determined by your cosmetic surgeon according to your aesthetic goals at the time of your consultation. Generally, the amount of lift obtained on each breast depends on the size of each breast (the larger the breasts, the less lift) and the quality of the skin (thicker good quality skin allows for more lift). However, the smaller the breasts, the more noticeable the difference posts treatment. All larger breasts will require the traditional surgical breast lift to obtain a satisfactory breast lift.

However, sometimes women are more interested in obtaining a more forward nipple projection with some lift without a full lift, which can be done with less invasive skin tightening surgery and avoid the long incisions. Results will take several months as the body remodels and soft tissue contracts from new collagen deposition. Improvements in lift and projection can be seen up to six months to a year later.

FAQ's for Breast Augmentation / Lift

Patients who are in good overall health, including those individuals with well-controlled medical problems.
Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance (too small or asymmetric) of their breasts.
Patients who desire to increase the size, shape, or lift of their breasts.
Patients who have sagging or deflated breasts from aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients committed to good nutrition, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

Patients whose general health is compromised.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who smoke.
Patients who want absolute perfection.

It is the goal of either Breast Fat Transfer / Lift to permanently improve the size, shape, and projection of your breasts. The amount of improvement depends on a number of factors. As with all things in life, age, gravity, and time will eventually change the size, shape, projection, and overall appearance of the breasts.

General Description of Breast Fat Transfer

Either tumescent or general anesthesia is available.
Fat is harvested from the donor site(s).
The harvested fat is prepared for reinjection.
The sterile fat is reinjected into the breasts.

General Description of Breast Lift

Either tumescent or general anesthesia is available.
The radiofrequency device (BodyTite) is used to contract the skin and soft tissue of the breast.

The preliminary enhanced results are seen immediately but are temporary. The initial improvement is followed by loss of volume as the body reabsorbs the fluid and the fat that doesn’t survive the fat transfer, followed again by gradual enhancement over the next 6 months to a year as the new fat cells grow into mature fat cells.

Breast Augmentation with fat transfer (requires liposuction to harvest the fat) can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or in the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office, depending on various patient factors and considerations. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort.

The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. The tumescent anesthesia technique, in many cases, eliminates the need for general anesthesia along with its additional risks and costs.

From the time that you arrive at the facility until the time that you are discharged home will require several hours. Usually, it takes several hours to for liposuction and fat augmentation and less time for less invasive radiofrequency breast lift. Either procedure depends upon the extent of the procedure and if tumescent or general anesthesia is administered.

The fee for breast fat augmentation (liposuction with fat transfer) depends on how fat needs to be harvested and whether tumescent or general anesthesia is selected. The less invasive breast lift procedure is less expensive. Liposuction with fat transfer usually begins around $2500-3000. For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending on extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort, you may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is usually expected for the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to shower rather than bathe for 7 days after surgery.
Diet: Generous fluids are recommended in the first 24 hours. Resume light foods as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All surgical procedures have some degree of complications. Most are minor, temporary, rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, and only occasionally occur, such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding or hematomas, seromas, or fat embolism that could be lethal. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve or may be permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on breast fat augmentation, less-invasive breast lift, or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 926-2400.

woman's body in white lingerie, with emphasis on the buttocks.

Buttock Augmentation

With developments in liposuction and fat grafting techniques, there is a growing popularity of buttock augmentation. Unfortunately, not everyone was born with a curvaceous buttock, and then again, not everyone wants a fuller buttock. As with the rest of your body, those choices are personal and individualized.

However, enhancing the appearance of your buttock may improve self-confidence. If it is your desire to enhance your buttock, that is good; don’t do it to satisfy anyone else. As with all cosmetic procedures, the surgeon can enhance what God has given you but cannot give you someone else’s buttocks.

An advantage of fat grafting to the buttocks is that it requires liposuction of another area of the body which can be simultaneously contoured along with the buttock enhancement. There are three choices to choose from to satisfy the patient’s desires and goals to increase the size and shape of the buttocks.

Options for Buttock Augmentation

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or Butt Augmentation with fat grafting. This requires obtaining fat from another area of the body via liposuction, such as the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, etc. The fat removed from those areas is injected into the buttock area for overall, regional, or localized enhancement. Given the proper candidates, liposuction around the buttocks may further enhance the appearance.
Surgical Butt Lift with skin excision (Glutealplasty) is similar to a Tummy Tuck, which requires skin above the buttocks to be excised, thus lifting a sagging buttock. Fat grafting can also be done simultaneously to yield an even greater. For marked saggy buttocks, the butt lift procedure may be the best option.
Buttock / Gluteal implants will enhance the size and shape of the upper and outer parts of the buttocks and give great projection.

FAQ's for Buttock Augmentation

Patients who are in good overall health, including those individuals with well-controlled medical problems.
Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance (too small or asymmetric) of their buttocks.
Patients who desire to increase the size and shape of their buttocks (buttocks are too loose).
Patients who have sagging or depleted buttocks from aging or significant weight loss.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients committed to good nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle.

Patients whose general health is compromised.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who smoke.
Patients who want absolute perfection.

It is the goal of all three options of buttock augmentation to permanently improve the size and shape of your buttocks. If the patient gains or loses a large amount of weight, then the size and shape will change respectively and possibly be disproportionate. However, most modest weight gain or loss will not adversely affect the patient’s results. As with all things in life, age, gravity, and time will eventually change the size, shape, and overall appearance of the buttocks.

Generally, the maximum amount of fat that can be injected depends upon several different factors. Your surgeon will give you a realistic estimate and overall expected result based on your particular circumstances, fat donor sites, present buttock size, and related information. There have been serious complications due to the injection of fat in close proximity to the vascular structures. Safe guidelines have been proposed but do limit the extent of fat augmentation. The first and primary goal of any procedure is to be safe.

All three options can be performed with either tumescent or general anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be preferred depending on patient factors and desires.

The Caudle Center offers either Brazilian Butt Lift (liposuction and fat transfer) or Buttock Lift Surgery. Buttocks implants are not available at The Caudle Center.

Procedure Description for Brazilian Butt Lift

Either tumescent or general anesthesia is available.
Fat is harvested from the donor site(s).
The harvested fat is prepared for reinjection.
The sterile fat is reinjected into the buttocks.

Buttock Augmentation with liposuction and fat transfer can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or in the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office, depending on various patient factors and financial considerations. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort.

With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so that they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area and donor area. The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. The tumescent anesthesia technique, in many cases, eliminates the need for general anesthesia along with its additional risks and costs.

For the buttock lift procedure, the surgical dissection and incisions are much more extensive and would be best performed under general anesthesia.

From the time that you arrive at the facility until the time that you are discharged home will require several hours. Usually, it takes several hours to complete either the Brazilian Butt Lift or Butt Lift procedure depending upon the extent of the procedure and if tumescent anesthesia is administered.

The fee for Brazilian Butt Lift (liposuction with fat transfer) usually depends on how many areas and location(s) are treated by liposuction and the amount of fat required to be harvested. When only one area is treated by liposuction, the fee is less than when multiple areas are treated. Liposuction with fat transfer usually begins around $2500-$3000.

The fee for Butt Lift surgery includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee (general anesthesia), and facility fee.

For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending upon extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort. You may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Avoid lying on your buttocks: It is critical to avoid lying or sitting on your buttocks for the first three months as much as possible to avoid “suffocating” the transferred fat cells that are trying to survive.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is usually expected for the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to shower rather than bathe for 7 days after surgery.
Diet: Generous fluids are recommended in the first 24 hours. Resume light foods as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All surgical procedures have some degree of complications. Most are minor and rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, occur occasionally such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding or hematomas, seromas, or fat embolism that could be lethal. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve, or maybe permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on buttock augmentation, or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 926-2400.

a man's face with dotted black lines drawn around his eyes

Eye Lid / Eye Bags (Blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, is a transformative cosmetic procedure that addresses both eyelids and eye bags, revitalizing the appearance of the eyes and restoring a more youthful and rejuvenated look.

The eyelids, essential for shielding and regulating the eye's exposure to light, can lose their elasticity over time, resulting in sagging skin that may impair vision and contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Additionally, the accumulation of fat and fluid beneath the eyes can lead to the formation of eye bags, further accentuating signs of fatigue or advancing age.

Blepharoplasty offers a solution by delicately reshaping the eyelid contours, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the underlying tissues.

Options for Blepharoplasty

There are now other options to treat upper and lower eyelids problems cosmetically to yield good results depending upon the physical findings and desires of the patient. Some surgeons feel that removing excess skin from upper eyelids (hooding effect) is treating the result of aging and not the underlying cause. One option may involve re-inflating the loss of volume in the face resulting in raising the eyebrows and pulling up the excess upper eyelid skin. Another option may involve using energy devices to tighten upper eyelid skin resulting in a lifting effect. It may be combined with an eyebrow lift or energy devices to contract the forehead skin to help correct drooping eyebrows.

There are also other options for lower eyelid surgery besides the traditional surgical removal of fat which sometimes results in a “hollowed” appearance due to the loss of fat and gives a more bony orbital look. Other options may involve chemical peels and energy devices to contract the skin of the lower eyelid resulting in tightening of the skin and improvement in the “eye bags.” Placing fat around the eyes may be another option for periorbital rejuvenation.

These procedures aim to improve droopy upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes, features that may make you look older and more tired than you feel. Sometimes to obtain the best result may require a combination of different approaches. Rejuvenating your eyes will help rejuvenate your overall facial appearance. Almost all eyelid surgeries can be done as an outpatient.

FAQ's for Eye Lid / Eye Bags (Blepharoplasty)

Patients who are in reasonably good health.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients that have excess saggy skin (droopy eyelids) or loose, saggy skin with excess fat (eye bags).
Patients that have wrinkled sun-damaged eyelid skin.
Patients who have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision.

Patients who are not in reasonably good health with serious or poorly controlled health problems.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who want absolute perfection.
Patients who smoke.
Patients who have serious eye problems.

Eyelid and periorbital surgery are almost always done as an outpatient.
Anesthesia is usually done with local anesthesia alone or conscious sedation. Initial discomfort is usually mild and controlled with oral medication.
Either a scalpel or scalpel-like device is used for skin incisions or energy-based devices with no incisions are available.
The traditional eyelid incisions are made in the natural upper lid skin crease (upper eyelids), either inside the lower eyelid, or just below the lower eyelash line (lower eyelids).
Excess skin or fat (or both if necessary) are removed.
Excessive “laxity” of the lower eyelid may require a tightening procedure (canthopexy) which can be done at the same time.

The fee for eyelid surgery depends on the type of procedure performed and the type of anesthesia if performed in an outpatient surgery center or in the surgeon’s office. The nonsurgical procedures may start as low as a few hundred dollars, upper eyelid surgery as low as $1200, or traditional outpatient surgical facility procedure to around $2500. For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Nonsurgical energy-based devices such as radiofrequency (RF) or CO2 laser devices.
Chemical peels.
Neuromodulators and/or fillers.
Forehead lift.
Fat transfer.
Eyelid surgery is never necessary except when they interfere with vision.

Pain: Discomfort is usually controlled with oral analgesics.
HomeCare: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult in most cases.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks such as to the bathroom are good. Resume light daily activities usually within a day or two. Most traditional surgical eyelid surgeries may require you to miss work only a day or two, but usually no more than a week. Nonsurgical eyelid procedures usually require minimal to no downtime. Resume exercise gradually as recommended by your surgeon.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage may be expected for usually less than 24 hours after a surgical procedure. Wound care depends on the type of treatment but usually only requires topical skincare. Bruising and possibly sensitivity to light usually subside within a week or two.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually within a few days after your procedure.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding, or hematomas. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve or may be permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

surgeon drawing lines on womans abdomen for liposuction

Liposuction - Liposculpture

The concept of liposuction is surprisingly simple. Liposuction is a surgical technique with the goal of improving the body’s contour by removing excess fat deposits located between the skin and muscle.

Traditionally liposuction was solely a fat-reduction procedure. However, over the past 10 years, newer techniques utilizing energy at the same time as traditional liposuction have developed to enhance the improvements of liposuction alone by providing better skin tightening and body shaping.

Overall, liposuction provides fat removal with usually minimal skin tightening.

The newer RF energy devices such as BodyTite is probably the best of these newer technologies that can tighten the skin and provide a more aesthetically pleasing body contouring. In some individuals with pre-existing laxity of the skin, liposuction alone may actually make the skin laxity and body contour worse, much like a grape to a raisin.

FAQ's About Liposuction

Patients who are in reasonably good health.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients that have localized areas of excess fat not eliminated with diet and exercise alone.
Patients desiring fat removal in problem areas such as the face, neck, abdomen, flanks, breast, arms or legs.
Patients looking for a more youthful or contoured body shape.
Patients who understand that this is not a weight loss procedures.

Patients who are not in reasonably good health with serious or poorly controlled health problems.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who are excessively obese.
Patients who understand that this is not a weight loss procedure.
Patients who want absolute perfection.

Liposuction permanently removes and destroys fat cells. After liposuction, the body’s new shape is more or less permanent. If a person gains weight after liposuction, the area treated by liposuction will not accumulate as much fat as other areas of the body not treated. Fat accumulates in every area of the body in proportion to the number of fat cells in each area. A person may look disproportionate if they gain excessive amounts of weight. Final results may not be evident for six months for most.

Generally, the maximum amount of fat that can be removed safely is probably about 6 to 8 pounds (3 to 4 liters). The goal of liposuction is not to remove the most amount of fat but to yield a more pleasing body contour consistent with the patient’s realistic goals and expectations. The greater the volume of fat removed on a single day, the greater the risk of serious complications. If a patient requires the removal of more than 6 to 8 pounds of fat, it is safest to divide the liposuction into separate surgical procedures, each separated by 3 to 4 weeks.

Dimpling and indentations in the skin are known risks of liposuction. However, significant skin irregularities are uncommon in the hands of a skilled surgeon. The use of large-diameter cannulas tends to increase the risk of irregularities, while the use of microcannulas (less than 3 mm in outside diameter) reduces this risk along with a crisscross liposuction pattern.

Weight Loss.
Nonsurgical Body Contouring.
Tummy tuck.
Liposuction is never absolutely necessary.
The Caudle Center provides services for weight loss, nonsurgical body contouring, and tummy tucks.

Most patients will see 80-90% of their ultimate liposuction results within one to three months after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery, there is postoperative swelling. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon’s surgical technique and method for postoperative care. Final results will take six months or longer.

Liposuction can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or in the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office, depending on various patient factors and financial considerations. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort.

With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so that they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area. The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. They can also reposition themselves to allow for better liposuction results.

The tumescent anesthesia technique, in many cases, eliminates the need for general anesthesia along with the additional risks and costs.

Your stay from the time you arrive at the facility until the time you are discharged home will require several hours. Usually, it takes 1 to 3 hours to complete the liposuction procedure, depending on the extent of the procedure and if tumescent anesthesia is administered.

The fee for liposuction usually depends on how many areas and their location are treated by liposuction. When only one area is treated by liposuction, the fee is less than when multiple areas are treated and usually begins at around $1500. For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending on extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort, you may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is expected for usually the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to shower rather than bathe for 7 days after surgery.
Diet: Generous fluids are recommended for the first 24 hours. Resume light foods as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding or hematomas, or seromas. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve or may be permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on liposuction or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 926-2400.

Lipedema

Over the last decade, a condition termed “lipedema” has become better understood and studied. This condition results in patients who have large amounts of disproportionate accumulated fat in areas such as the arms, legs, and buttocks that may be associated with symptoms such as pain and swelling or joint pain and functional impairment that can affect the person’s quality of life.

Lipedema also causes a significant body dysmorphic appearance, which can cause the individual to suffer considerable quality of life issues such as embarrassment, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or work issues. In these cases, liposuction or lipocontouring may be essential to prevent further worsening of the condition and to rid the patient of the symptoms that cause a significant degree of lifestyle issues.

More information can be found at http://www.curelipedema.org.

Before & After Pictures

man with excessive enlargement of his breast area

Male Breast Reduction

Men who have excessive enlargement of their breast area are frequently self-conscious and embarrassed about it. The male image is one of a flat chest. Enlargement of the male breast area is a result of either male breast tissue hypertrophy (usually hormonal stimulation), excessive adipose (fatty) tissue from obesity, or a combination of both excessive fat and breast tissue enlargement.

Sometimes, as a result of either liposuction alone of a male breast with loose skin or as a result of the loss of weight, the male breast may become saggy, much like a woman’s saggy breast. Male breast tissue reduction aims to restore the male breast to a more natural appearance.

Excess Breast Fat / Excess Breast Tissue (Gynecomastia)

The workup will include a review of the medical history, a physical exam, and a lab evaluation. If a breast mass is present, then a biopsy and possibly a mammogram or breast ultrasound are needed. An evaluation will help explain the reason for the breast enlargement. Frequent causes of gynecomastia are hormonal imbalances, side effects from herbal medicines or prescription medications, liver disease, obesity, and pituitary or testicular tumors, among others.

Most cases of gynecomastia can be managed by liposuction alone or in combination with a skin tightening procedure if excess skin is present. If too much excess skin is present, then a surgical male breast lift is indicated for optimal results. In some cases, the male breast tissue is too dense to be removed with liposuction. In those cases, surgical removal of the male breast tissue is necessary. A cosmetic surgeon can help men reduce the appearance of enlarged chests with surgery. If the issue is isolated to fat, liposuction alone may be enough to achieve the desired results.

FAQ's for Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

A male patient who is in reasonably good health.
A male patient who has reasonable and realistic expectations.
A male patient who is unhappy with a significant amount of breast area enlargement.
A male patient who is unhappy with a significant amount of breast skin laxity.

A man who is not in reasonably good health, with serious or poorly controlled health problems.
A man who does not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
A man who is excessively obese.
A man who smokes.
A man who wants absolute perfection.

Liposuction alone.
Liposuction combined with a less invasive skin tightening procedure.
Male breast lift with incisions, much like a female breast lift.
Limited breast surgery to remove a localized area of dense breast tissue under the nipple-areolar area.

Anesthesia options include either general anesthesia or local tumescent anesthesia.
Liposuction requires several small incisions to allow cannula extraction of the excess fat and breast tissue.
A limited incision is made at the areola or just below the breast, depending on whether fat or dense breast tissue will be removed and on the cosmetic surgeon’s experience.
Radiofrequency energy-based devices may be utilized to assist with skin tightening if needed.
Incisions are closed with sutures.
A dressing will be placed, and either an ace wrap or a male chest compression garment will be applied.

All of the above-mentioned procedures (male surgical breast lift, excisional breast surgery, or liposuction) will produce permanent results. Liposuction permanently removes and destroys fat cells. After liposuction, the chest’s new shape is also more or less permanent. If a person gains weight after liposuction, the area treated by liposuction will not accumulate as much fat as other not treated areas of the body.

Fat accumulates in every area of the body in proportion to the number of fat cells in each area. A person may look disproportionate if they gain excessive amounts of weight. Aging and weight change will affect subsequent appearance over time. The final results may not be evident for several months.

Liposuction, male breast lift, and surgical breast removal can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or in the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office, depending upon various patient factors and the amount of correction needed. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort.

With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area. The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. They can also reposition themselves to allow for better liposuction results.

Nonsurgical skin tightening can be performed with no anesthesia, topical anesthesia, or tumescent anesthesia, depending on the selected technique.

Liposuction

The time required for either of these procedures depends on the size of the skin treatment area and whether RF BodyTite skin tightening or the RF Morpheus skin tightening procedure will be necessary as an adjunct to obtain the best results. Generally, your stay from the time you arrive at the facility until the time you are discharged home will require several hours.

radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening

The time required for radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening is usually 60 minutes requiring six sessions, needing no anesthesia, and can be done at a different time.

radiofrequency (RF) deep skin tightening with microneedles

The time required for the radiofrequency (RF) deep skin tightening with microneedles requires more time since it requires approximately 45-60 minutes for the application of topical anesthesia or administration of tumescent anesthesia. Generally, a total of about 2-3 hours is needed to perform the radiofrequency deep skin tightening with microneedles procedure. The RF Morpheus skin tightening procedure can be done at the same time as a liposuction or a male surgery lift or at a separate time.

The fee for male breast reduction depends on the procedure performed, the choice of anesthesia, and if a facility fee and an anesthesia fee are required. There is a fairly large range from a few hundred dollars to two or three thousand dollars or more, depending on the extent of correction needed and any ancillary treatments for skin tightening.

For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending on extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort, you may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is expected for usually the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to shower rather than bathe for the first 7 days after surgery.
Diet: Resume light foods as tolerated immediately after surgery.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All surgical procedures have some degree of complications. Most are minor, rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, and only occasionally occur, such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

legs of a woman with white lines drawed on them

Thigh Lift

Thigh lifts, or thighplasty, are a procedure designed to reshape and contour either the inner or outer areas of the thighs. This technique involves removing excess fat and skin to help form a well-proportioned and more natural, toned appearance.

The specifics of a thigh lift treatment are determined and designed on a per-patient basis. Each patient has different needs and circumstances that will help dictate the number and location of the incisions.

Before treatment begins, anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable and pain-free.

The Process of Thigh Lift

During liposuction surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions along the targeted areas of the thighs to allow them to better contour the thighs and achieve the shape you desire. Once the fat and excess skin have been removed, your surgeon will carefully close each incision. After the surgeon has completed the process, the incisions will be closed, potentially leaving tiny scars. Liposuction alone usually will not help in any skin reduction. You can expect your surgeon will give you specific postoperative care instructions to help maximize your healing and recovery time. The results of your surgery will be immediately visible, but it will take time for your body to fully recover.

Surgical thigh lift will require either general anesthesia or awake tumescent anesthesia depending upon a number of factors including patient preference. Liposuction is usually performed with the surgery. A surgical incision is made in the inner thigh with the length of incision depending upon specific patient findings on exam and their desires. Surgical removal of skin yields the best skin tightening results.

FAQ's about Thigh Lift

That depends upon the procedure that you choose. Surgical thigh lift (skin removed) yields the quickest results but generally has more risks. Most patients will see 90% of their ultimate arm lift results within six weeks after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery, there is postoperative swelling. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon’s surgical technique and method for postoperative care. Final results may take six months or longer.

The surgical thigh lift can be performed with either general anesthesia in a certified outpatient surgical facility or in the surgeon’s specialized procedure room in his office depending upon various patient’s factors and amount of correction needed. Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique.

With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort. With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so that they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area. The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. They can also reposition themselves to allow for better liposuction results.

The nonsurgical thigh skin tightening can be performed with either topical anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia.

Surgical Thigh Lift Procedure

The time required for a surgical thigh lift procedure depends on the extent of the skin excision or treatment area and whether liposuction will be necessary as an adjunct to obtain the best results. Generally, from the time that you arrive at the facility until the time that you are discharged home will require several hours.

Nonsurgical RF Thigh Tightening

The time required for the radiofrequency (RF) deep skin tightening with microneedles requires more time due to approximately 45-60 minutes for the application of topical anesthesia or administration of tumescent anesthesia. Generally, a total of about 2-3 hours is needed to perform the radiofrequency deep skin tightening with microneedles procedure.

Nonsurgical & Non-invasive Thigh Tightening

The time required for radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening is usually 60 minutes requiring 6 sessions and requires no anesthesia.

The fee for an Thigh Lift or Nonsurgical RF BodyTite procedure has a fairly large range depending upon the extent of correction needed, possible anesthesia fee, possible facility fee, and ancillary treatments such as liposuction. The RF BodyTite procedure can usually be performed with awake tumescent anesthesia resulting in much lower costs.

The fee for Nonsurgical Thigh Tightening depends on whether the radiofrequency (RF) surface skin tightening which requires no anesthesia but 6 sessions or the radiofrequency (RF) deep skin tightening with microneedles is selected with topical or tumescent anesthesia.

For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks are good. Resume light daily activities the following day after your procedure. Depending upon extending the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort. You may be required to miss work from a few days to 2 weeks. Resume exercise gradually as tolerated by “listening” to your body’s messages.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is expected for usually the first several days.
Bathing: It is recommended not to shower or bathe for the first 7 days or so after surgery. Sponge bath s available.
Diet: Resume light foods as tolerated immediately after surgery.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 3-7 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical and nonsurgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All procedures have some degree of complications. The nonsurgical procedures have the smallest risks with the surgical options having more risks. Surgical options yield the best skin tightening results for severe droopy thigh skin. Most are minor and rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, occur occasionally such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, injury to the underlying nerves or blood vessels, numbness, persistent pain, the possible need for revisional surgery, bleeding or hematomas, or seromas. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve, or maybe permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on arm lifts or to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (423) 926-2400.

surgeon drawing lines on a patient's belly to do an abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an operation designed to contour and reshape the abdomen to a more pleasing and youthful look. A prerequisite for a tummy tuck is excess skin. There are also frequently excess fat and abdominal wall laxity that will need to be addressed.

During the journey of life, many things may cause stretching of the skin or the abdominal wall beyond its elastic ability to return to normal shapes, such as weight gain and weight loss, pregnancies, and aging. The abdominal wall muscles may get stretched out of normal position.

The surgical planning of placement of incisions, the extent of liposuction, and abdominal muscle tightening vary based on a number of patient factors, including the extent and location of excess skin, the condition of the skin, the extent and location of excess fat, and the status of the abdominal muscle laxity. Almost all abdominoplasties can be done as an outpatient, depending on patient factors.

Surgical Options for Tummy Tuck

Traditional abdominoplasty usually involves removing excess fat via liposuction and excess skin via excision and tighten the underlying muscles. This may require general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical facility. However in selected patients, an abdominoplasty can be done with tumescent anesthesia.

Mini-abdominoplasty is a less extensive surgery that removes excess skin and fat limited mostly to the lower abdomen. This procedure can frequently be done with tumescent anesthesia in a physician’s office specialized procedure room. The abdominal wall muscle laxity, if present, may be able to be addressed. This procedure allows for more rapid recovery with less risk and costs. The incision is shorter than in a standard abdominoplasty.

Mini-abdominoplasty combined with BodyTite is also a less extensive surgery that removes excess skin and fat limited mostly to the lower abdomen but allows for skin tightening in other areas such as in the upper abdomen and flanks. Consequently, this allows more patients that may otherwise require a traditional abdominoplasty to now have a combination mini-abdominoplasty. BodyTite RF gives an enhanced contraction of skin and underlying subcutaneous tissue to reduce the appearance of excess skin. The effect can be dramatic or subtle depending upon the settings used and various patient factors.

This procedure can also frequently be done with tumescent anesthesia in a physician’s office specialized procedure room. The abdominal wall muscle laxity, if present, will not be addressed. This procedure also allows a more rapid recovery with less risk and costs than a traditional abdominoplasty.

FAQ's about Tummy Tuck

Patients who are in reasonably good health.
Patients that have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients that have excess saggy skin of the abdominal wall (and excess fat or abdominal wall laxity) not eliminated with diet and exercise alone.
Patients looking for a more youthful or contoured body shape (flatter abdomen).

Patients who are not in reasonably good health, with serious or poorly controlled health problems.
Patients who do not have reasonable and realistic expectations.
Patients who are excessively obese.
Patients who want absolute perfection.

A tummy tuck permanently removes excess skin and a variable amount of fat cells depending on patient factors and procedures performed. After a tummy tuck, the body’s new shape is more or less permanent. If a person gains a significant amount of weight or becomes pregnant after the tummy tuck, then the abdominal wall and abdominal skin will stretch again with an even less probability of returning to their normal position. A revision may be required to restore the same appearance.

Nonsurgical skin tightening. Click here.
A tummy tuck is never absolutely necessary.
Weight loss.
Non-surgical Body Contouring. Click here.

Most patients will see 80-90% of their ultimate tummy tuck results within 4-6 weeks after surgery. For the first few weeks after surgery, there is postoperative swelling that may take up to 6 months to resolve. The rate at which this swelling subsides depends on the surgeon’s surgical technique and method for postoperative care. The final results will take six months or longer.

Your post-operative pain will be the same with either anesthesia technique. With general anesthesia, you will experience no operative pain or discomfort. With awake tumescent anesthesia, patients will receive pre-operative medication to help them relax so that they can more easily tolerate the initial discomfort with administering the tumescent anesthesia into the treatment area.

The tumescent technique produces profound and long-lasting local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous fat. Since the patient is awake and relaxed, they can notify the surgeon immediately of any discomfort. The tumescent anesthesia technique in many cases eliminates the need for general anesthesia which has additional risks and costs.

From the time that you arrive at the facility until the time that you are discharged home will require several hours. Usually, it takes several hours to complete the abdominoplasty procedure depending upon the extent of the procedure and if tumescent anesthesia is administered.

The fee for a tummy tuck usually depends on a number of patient factors, such as health issues, the extent of excess skin, the extent of associated fat that may require liposuction, and the extent of abdominal wall laxity. For an accurate estimate, it is necessary to have a consultation with the surgeon.

Anesthetic options generally depend on the type of procedure selected based on individual findings.
Standard abdominoplasty usually requires general anesthesia and, less likely, the other two options.
Mini-tummy tuck frequently can be done with tumescent anesthesia with relaxation or tumescent anesthesia with conscious sedation.
Standard full abdominoplasty will tighten all of the abdominal wall skin and abdominal wall muscles through a standard flank-to-flank incision. This requires the creation of a new belly button.
Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin, only leaving a shorter scar where possible without the need for the creation of a new belly button. This can be combined with the BodyTite to tighten the upper abdominal skin.
Small suction drains are usually required with either procedure.

Pain: Discomfort is usually controlled with NSAIDs and oral analgesics.
Home Care: You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult in most cases.
Activities: Plan to rest in bed immediately after treatment. Later in the day, short walks such as to the bathroom are good. Resume light daily activities within a few days after your procedure depending upon the extent of the procedure and your tolerance for discomfort. You may be required to miss work from 2-8 weeks depending upon the type of procedure performed. Resume exercise gradually as recommended by your surgeon.
Elastic Compression Garment: Wear your compression garment for the first few weeks.
Wound Care and Drainage: Some blood-tinged drainage is expected for usually the first several days.
Bathing: It is preferable to bed bath the first few days and then showers rather than bathe. Discuss with your surgeon for his recommendation.
Diet: Generous fluids are recommended for the first 24 hours and resume light foods as tolerated.
Follow-up Appointment: Usually 1-3 days after your procedure.

As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks. The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. All surgical procedures have some degree of complications. Most are minor and rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, occur occasionally such as swelling, bruising, minor lumps and bumps, and skin numbness.

Major complications are uncommon but include significant cosmetic irregularities such as extensive lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding or hematomas, or seromas. Some major complications can take months to resolve or improve, or maybe permanent and should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the proposed procedure.

For more information on abdominoplasty please schedule an appointment, by contacting us today at (423) 926-2400.

Varicose Veins

Veins are the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body. They have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction toward the heart. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backward and pool in the vein, causing it to stretch.

Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. They often look like twisted cords, and usually appear on the calves, inside of the legs, and ankles.

Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, raising the skin surface.

Patients with varicose veins do not usually experience severe pain from this condition, although most will develop some swelling, aching, throbbing, cramping and other symptoms that may indicate a need for medical attention.

Causes and Risks Factors of Varicose Veins

While varicose veins can affect nearly anyone, they tend to occur more often in patients possessing certain risk factors, including:

Older age.
Family history of varicose veins.
Pregnancy.
Obesity.
Lack of physical activity.
Excessive sun exposure.

Varicose veins occur more commonly in men than in women, and the risk tends to increase with age. While not usually of debilitating medical concern, most patients with varicose veins are bothered by their appearance and physical symptoms as discussed earlier and seek treatment.

FAQ's about Varicose Veins

Your doctor can usually diagnose varicose veins after a physical examination of the affected area. Additional testing may also be performed, such as an ultrasound to evaluate the anatomy, structure, and blood flow within the veins. The physician will ‘map out’ and identify the bad refluxing veins from the good functioning veins.

Many people with venous disease seek cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of varicose or spider veins on the legs. Treatment usually relieves the discomfort associated with the condition such as swelling, fatigue, aching, itching, and cramps. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if veins are left untreated. Clogging of the blood in the veins can result in the formation of a clot that blocks blood flow or breaks free and travels to the heart or lungs, causing severe damage and even death.

There are several treatment options available to eliminate or reduce the appearance of veins and relieve any symptoms and may include self-care methods such as losing weight, keeping the legs elevated and wearing compression stockings.

For veins that do not respond to these remedies, more advanced treatments may be required:

Sclerotherapy treats varicose veins by injecting a chemical solution into the targeted veins that causes them to gradually disappear. The sclerosing solution used during this procedure irritates the vein lining and turns it into scar tissue that eventually fades away. In most cases, desired results are achieved after two to four treatment sessions.
Catheter-based Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats truncal varicose veins faster, safer, and effectively. Other effective modalities include endovenous foam sclerotherapy and mechanical endovenous technique. These procedures precisely target the affected veins with each modality under ultrasound guidance. The laser energy delivered to the vein damages the vein walls and shrinks the vessel so that blood can no longer flow through and is diverted to healthy veins. The endovenous foam sclerotherapy does the same using chemicals.
An ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient procedure designed and performed to remove non-truncal (tributary or branching) varicose veins through small, slit-like incisions in the skin.
High ligation and vein stripping: This procedure involves tying off a varicose vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small cuts or stripping. This requires general anesthesia and is infrequently done in the present time due to newer techniques. This is an outpatient procedure for most people. Removing the vein won't keep blood from flowing in the leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood.
Ambulatory phlebectomy: Your vein surgeon removes smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. Only the parts of the leg that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is generally minimal.

While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins from developing, there are certain life changes that can be made in order to reduce your risk of developing this condition. This may include:

Exercising regularly.
Maintaining a healthy weight.
Eating a diet high in fiber and low in salt.
Elevating the legs.
Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for too long.

Your doctor will provide you with more information as to how you can reduce your risk of varicose veins and maintain strong vascular health.

All varicose veins occur because the venous valve does not function as it should. In the standing position, blood flows the wrong way. Gradually, these areas around the valve dilate and the veins become visible. Why valves do not work right is really unknown. Hereditary plays a big factor, as well as pregnancy.

You will be able to walk but, will be sore for a few days. It is recommended that patients rest the day of surgery and take it easy on day 2. It is also advised that patients wait at least one week for vigorous exercise such as leg presses, running 2 miles, etc…

You may have some discomfort and bruising. Taking NSAIDs, using a post-treatment cream and wearing compression stockings will help minimize redness, discomfort & bruising.

It is often recommended to elevate your leg on the day of the procedure. Lying in a recliner chair or elevating your legs on a couch is fine.

Often patients will wear compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. You wear the stockings during the day only. You do not have to sleep in your stockings. Some patients wear stockings for a few days and others wear their stockings for a week.

It all varies but, the results should be good. You may develop new veins but, usually, they are less severe than what you originally had.

surgical beauty in johnson city, tn

Your Dream Body

Arm Lift

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Our Surgical Arm Lift Methods

Brachioplasty

BodyTite

Nonsurgical Arm Tightening

Radiofrequency deep skin tightening (RF) with microneedles

Radiofrequency surface skin tightening (RF)

FAQ's About Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Who is a good candidate for an Arm Lift or Nonsurgical Arm Tightening?

Who is not a good candidate for an Arm Lift or Nonsurgical Arm Tightening?

Does liposuction produce permanent results?

What alternatives / options are there to arm contouring?

How long will it be before I see results?

Will I be in pain?

How long does Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) take?

How much does Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) and Nonsurgical Arm Tightening cost?

What is the recovery like?

What are the risks of arm lift surgery?

Breast Augmentation

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Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

Skin Tightening for Breast Lift

FAQ's for Breast Augmentation / Lift

Who is a candidate for breast fat transfer / lift?

Who is not a candidate for breast fat transfer / lift?

Does breast fat transfer / lift produce permanent results?

How long will it be before I see results?

Will I be in pain?

How long does breast fat augmentation / lift take?

How much does breast augmentation / lift cost?

What is the recovery like?

What are the risks?

Buttock Augmentation

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Options for Buttock Augmentation

FAQ's for Buttock Augmentation

Who is a candidate for buttock augmentation?

Who is not a candidate for buttock augmentation?

Does buttock augmentation produce permanent results?

How much fat can be injected into the buttocks?

General description of buttock augmentation procedure

How long will it be before I see results?

Will I be in pain?

How long does buttock augmentation take?

How much does buttock augmentation cost?

What is the recovery like?

What are the risks?

Eye Lid / Eye Bags (Blepharoplasty)

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Options for Blepharoplasty

FAQ's for Eye Lid / Eye Bags (Blepharoplasty)

Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Who is not a good candidate for an eyelid lift?

General description of eyelid surgery

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

What alternatives are there to traditional eyelid surgery?

What is the recovery like?

What are the risks?

Liposuction - Liposculpture

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FAQ's About Liposuction

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

Does liposuction produce permanent results?

How much fat can be removed? How many pounds?

Does liposuction cause dimpling or indentations in the skin?

What alternatives are there to liposuction?

How long will it be before I see results?

Will I be in pain?

How long does liposuction take?

How much does liposuction cost?

What is the recovery like?

What are the risks?

Lipedema

Before & After Pictures

Male Breast Reduction

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