Body Procedures

Body Contouring

Los Angeles board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hoefflin performs all varieties of body-contouring procedures. His areas of expertise include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), mini-tummy tuck, liposuction, body contouring after massive weight loss surgery/post-bariatric surgery, male body contouring, and Smart-Lipo. In 2006, Dr. Hoefflin presenting his "mini-brachioplasty" technique for arm-lifting the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) meeting.

Dr. Hoefflin performs surgery in his state-of-the-art and fully credentialed operating facilities. Because of its importance, he has lectured and interviewed on safety in outpatient plastic surgery procedures.

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Smartlipo™

Dr. Hoefflin’s body contouring procedures includes SmartLipo™, a revolutionary new method of removing unwanted fat using a laser to liquefy or "melt" the fat away. It is intended for patients who do not have significant amounts of weight to lose, but rather desire sculpting to improve their contour or shape. Smartlipo™ has many advantages over traditional liposuction techniques. Using a carefully calibrated laser, the safe and highly effective method works to tighten or shrink the skin, creating a newly sculpted appearance. It is highly safe and effective, allowing the surgeon to typically remove more fat from a given area with less risk than traditional liposuction.

Dr. Hoefflin’s SmartLipo™ techniques are typically performed under twilight sedation or can be performed under just local anesthesia, obviating the need for the operating room. Recovery is rapid, allowing patients to return to their regular activities within a week or two. Most patients report significantly less swelling and bruising compared to traditional liposuction.

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Abdominoplasty or "Tummy Tuck"

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is designed to remove your excess fat and skin, while tightening the abdominal muscles to create a more flat abdomen. It is particularly successful in women who are left with strech marks due to previous pregnancies. In addition, individuals who have lost significant weight, either through diet, exercise or weight loss surgery can benefit considerably from the procedure. The procedure can offer a result that is close to your pre-pregnancy or pre-weight gain body shape. If you are concerned about localized fat deposits, liposuction can be combined with your tummy tuck to further contour your shape and create a more youthful appearance. The abdominoplasty scar is usually located and well concealed beneath the bikini or bathing suit line. Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence

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Mini Tummy Tuck

Dr. Hoefflin performs mini tummy tuck procedures in patients who demonstrate subtle excess skin and fat in their lower abdominal regions. It can also be performed to remove previous surgical scars (such as a C-section). The scars are often much smaller than the traditional abdominoplasty or tummy tuck scar, and are well concealed within the bikini line. Additionally, the abdominal muscles can be tightened to improve the lower abdominal bulge. Only a small percentage of patients are good candidates for the mini tummy tuck procedure.

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Liposuction (Liposculpture, Lipoplasty, Suction Lipectomy)

One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today, liposuction (also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy") sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat from areas around the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although not a substitute for dieting or exercise, liposuction is highly effective in removing stubborn areas of fat that do are unresponsive to typical weight-loss methods. The ideal candidates are patients who are physically healthy with firm, elastic skin, and with realistic goals and expectations.

Dr. Hoefflin uses a variety of liposuction techniques, including Smart-Lipo™, ultrasound-assisted (UAL), vaser-assisted, and power-assisted (PAL) lipoplasty techniques, all of which provide his patients with impressive results and rapid recovery times. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with the length of the operation depending upon the amount of fat removed, and the number of areas treated. Using a tumescent anesthetic technique, patient discomfort after surgery is significantly diminished. Specialized garments are use post-operatively to minimize any swelling. Patients are typically exceedingly satisfied with the sculpted results of this procedure.

During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin will provide you will the options to achieve your aesthetic goals. In addition, customized literature will be provided that will answer all of your preoperative and postoperative questions.

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Male Body Contouring, Gynecomastia, Male Breast Reduction

Dr. Hoefflin offers a variety of body contouring procedures specifically for men. He frequently performs male breast reduction surgery or liposuction of the chest to eliminate unwanted fat deposits that can develop in gynecomastia. In addition, Dr. Hoefflin performs liposculpture or liposuction of the abdomen, waist or "love handles". Lastly, liposculpture of the face, chin, and neck are frequently performed to further define the neckline and jawline in male patients for a desired sculpted appearance.

There are individual and gender differences that must be considered when performing either liposuction or abdominoplasty in male patients. During your consultation with Dr. Hoefflin, he will discuss how each procedure can be tailored to meet your individual needs.

Dr. Hoefflin is highly experienced in all body contouring procedures, and in 2006, he lectured at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery meeting on his brachioplasty (arm lift and arm reduction) technique.

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Plastic Surgery after Massive Weight Loss / Bariatric Surgery

As a leading expert on face, breast and body contouring for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery or massive weight loss, Dr. Hoefflin performs all varieties of body contouring procedures. Patients can be confident that Dr. Hoefflin is dedicated toward patient care and providing his patients with natural and beautiful results. In patients who have lost massive weight, they are frequently left with inelastic and excessive skin that no longer can conform to their desired shape. These patients may elect to undergo facelifts, necklifts, arm lifts or reduction (brachioplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift or thigh lifting procedures.

In certain patient, the excess skin has created physical compaints, such as rashes under the skin folds, inability to wear supportive clothing, and discomfort. In those circumstances where it is deemed a medical necessity, your insurance company may reimburse you for the cost of the operation.

During your consultation with Dr. Hoefflin, he will discuss your various surgical options for obtaining the aesthetic goals that you desire.

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Lower Body Lift or Belt Lipectomy

Patients that have lost large amounts of weight, either as a result of bariatric surgery or through diet and exercise demonstrate residual excess skin around their thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. In patients who are primarily concerned about their outer thighs and buttocks, Dr. Hoefflin performs lower body lift procedures to improve their appearance. If patient’s concern extends to their abdomen, then a belt lipectomy may be necessary. The result is a re-contouring of one’s tissues, thus restoring a more youthful and attractive appearance.

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Brachioplasty (Arm lift or reduction)

Massive weight loss patients, either through the result of diet or surgery often present with excessive and redundant skin along their arms. This is a common, though unfortunate side effect from significant weight loss. Brachioplasty, or arm lift, can dramatically improve the appearance of the arms by carefully removing the excessive or redundant skin. Liposuction is often performed in combination to further enhance the shape and contour of the arms. In 2006, Dr. Hoefflin presented his mini-brachioplasty technique at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

In cases where an individual has undergone dramatic weight loss, he or she may be left with loose, sagging skin on the upper arms. This is a common, though unfortunately unattractive side effect of significant weight loss. Brachioplasty, or arm lift, can help improve the appearance of the arms by a careful removal of excess skin beneath the arms and a tightening of the flabby tissue. Dr. Mele has extensive experience helping patients after successful weight loss look and feel better in their skin.

Contact Los Angeles liposuction and brachioplasty specialist Dr. Hoefflin to learn more about arm lifting or arm reduction surgery after massive weight loss.

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