Ownership disclosure: This educational information is provided by the team at Hospital Cyntar and The Ariel Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
Educational overview
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures – Educational Overview
General descriptions of frequently researched procedures. The information below is educational and is not intended as medical advice or a recommendation.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
It may help individuals who have loose or sagging abdominal skin due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Important considerations: Recovery typically involves several weeks of limited activity. Risks include scarring, infection, and changes in sensation. Results vary.
Body Lift
A body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports skin and fat. Excess sagging skin and fat are removed, and the procedure can improve a dimpled, irregular skin surface.
It is often sought by people who have experienced major weight loss and have excess skin in the abdomen, buttocks, groin, and thighs.
Important considerations: This is a major surgical procedure with significant recovery time. Scarring is common. A thorough medical evaluation is essential.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, reshapes the under portion of the upper arm from the underarm region to the elbow by removing excess sagging skin and fat and tightening the underlying supportive tissue.
It may help people with significant skin laxity in the upper arms, often referred to as "bat wings," commonly after weight loss.
Important considerations: The procedure leaves a scar along the inner arm. Recovery includes swelling and limited arm movement for a period of time.
Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)
A thigh lift reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.
It is commonly considered by individuals with excess skin on the thighs following major weight loss or due to aging.
Important considerations: Scarring is inevitable and varies depending on the technique used. Recovery involves restrictions on physical activity.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls.
It may help people experiencing age-related changes in the midface, lower face, and neck who want a more youthful appearance.
Important considerations: Results are not permanent as aging continues. Recovery includes swelling and bruising that can last several weeks.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to restore the shape and appearance of a woman's body after childbearing. It commonly addresses the breasts, abdomen, waist, and other areas.
It may help women who have changes in their bodies due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Important considerations: This is usually performed as a single-stage procedure but requires careful planning and sufficient recovery time.