Cosmetic Body Contouring Surgery in La Jolla, Coronado and San Diego

Body Contouring Procedures

Individuals who would like tighter, more fit-looking physiques can choose from a variety of body contouring procedures offered by Dr. Moneer Jaibaji. Cosmetic surgery options such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction can eliminate excess fat and skin that has been resistant to diet and exercise, and a thigh or buttock lift can provide the body with more shapely, youthful-looking proportions. Body contouring can be extremely effective for those who have lost large amounts of weight - including post-bariatric surgery patients - helping them get rid of excess skin folds and firm up their new, slender bodies. View examples of Dr. Jaibaji's work in our before-and-after gallery.

Mommy Makeover

In a woman's life journey, motherhood is perhaps one of the most important transformational experiences – for many, it is the essence of what it means to be female. For all of the challenges and difficulties that raising a child entails, nothing can compare to holding that beautiful baby in your arms and feeling its pure innocence, warmth, and wide-eyed wonderment.

After child birth, the abdominal muscles are stretched, the weight is often difficult to lose, and the breasts may droop or sag. Nowadays, women have the option to change that, and the Mommy Makeover is now a very popular option for mothers wishing to get back their pre-pregnancy looks.

There are different ways to restore pre pregnancy appearance. Many women will need a combination of techniques or procedures. Most procedures can be performed in one surgery. These procedures include:

Liposuction - reshapes the body by removing fat deposits around the waist, hips and flanks that were put on during pregnancy.

Tummy tuck - removes excess abdominal skin and fat; tightens the muscles. Liposuction alone does not get rid of the appearance of hanging abdominal skin, which is caused by the severe stretching of the stomach skin during pregnancy. Only a tummy tuck actually corrects the problem by tightening the lax abdominal skin and muscles.

Breast Augmentation - corrects breast volume reduction which is common after pregnancy. Many women are surprised by the degree of “shrinkage” that they see in their breasts. Breast implants can easily replace the lost volume and restore shape.

Breast Lift - correcting sagging and/or asymmetrical breasts. The effects of time, age and gravity, the breasts can become saggy and out of shape. Breast lift, with or without an implant, can restore the shape of the breast.

Breast Reduction - breasts may become significantly enlarged because of hormonal changes during pregnancy, and if the breasts are too large, they may become uncomfortable – even painful. Patient s may complain of neck, back and shoulder pain. Breast reduction surgery will remove the excess skin, fat and breast tissue and restores nipple position.

Abdominoplasty

While abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, surgery is not an alternative to a healthy weight loss program, it can be a great option for those looking to trim down their midsections and give the abdominal area a tighter, more toned aesthetic. Patients requesting abdominoplasty are often relatively physically fit but suffer from loose, excess skin brought on by pregnancy, weight loss, or a genetic predisposition. A tummy tuck addresses these stubborn leftover fat deposits in the abdominal region that you simply can't get rid of, no matter how hard you try. Contact Dr. Moneer Jaibaji for more information.

A flat and toned abdomen is something many women strive for through exercise and weight control. These methods help reducing the fat and toning the muscles, but will not get rid of the excess skin.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of loose saggy abdomen include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Significant fluctuations in weight
  • Aging
  • Prior surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Candidate for tummy tuck:

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • You have realistic expectations
  • Completed your family
  • You do not smoke

Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be reduced by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning significant weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies are advised to postpone tummy tuck.

Dr. Jaibaji will ask you questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. He will also ask you about your expectations, Medical conditions, allergies and prior surgeries.

Dr. Jaibaji will also discuss your options and recovery. He will also discuss the likely outcome and potential complications.

Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated into the new scar.

Instructions you receive before tummy tuck surgery will include:

  • What to do on the day of surgery
  • The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
  • Post-operative care and follow-up
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Surgical Procedure

The abdominoplasty procedure begins with an incision made from hip to hip, typically placed just below the bikini-line. Dr. Jaibaji will make this incision as discreetly as possible, and any residual scarring can be easily hidden under clothing or swimwear. Dr. Jaibaji will separate the navel from the skin and then tighten the underlying muscles, a step that narrows the waistline and firms up the midsection. Excess fat is removed, the navel is repositioned, and the skin is pulled taut around the stomach. The incision is then closed with sutures. The entire procedure typically takes about two to four hours to complete and is usually performed under general anesthesia. A tummy tuck can be performed on an outpatient basis, and it is essential that you arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you after the procedure.

The road to recovery

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect to minimize swelling after tummy tuck surgery.

You will be given specific instructions to aid your recovery from tummy tuck surgery: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Mini Abdominoplasty

Mini abdominoplasty is a quicker, less invasive procedure than the full tummy tuck. Patients who have just a small amount of excess abdominal skin and those who are experiencing minor skin sagginess due to aging are often good candidates for a mini abdominoplasty.

The procedure requires a short incision that is made across the lower abdomen. The navel does not need to be separated from the skin. After the incision is made, underlying abdominal muscles are tightened and excess fat is removed. The skin is then pulled tight around the midsection and trimmed to create a fit, toned appearance. Mini abdominoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, typically taking about two to three hours to complete. Patients generally experience some discomfort and swelling for a few days after the procedure; however, any residual pain can be controlled with medication. Scarring from mini abdominoplasty is minimal and Dr. Jaibaji will make every effort to make the incisions as discreet as possible. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about six weeks after the procedure. Patients are usually able to resume normal daily activities within a few days after a mini abdominoplasty.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Post-bariatric surgery patients and others who have lost massive amounts of weight often are left with excess fat and loose skin folds in hard-to-tone areas such as the buttocks, outer thighs, and abdomen. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji may be able to help by performing a circumferential abdominoplasty, also known as a lower body lift.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty Procedure

This type of abdominoplasty is more complex and invasive than traditional abdominoplasty. It involves making an incision entirely around the waist. The muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin and fat are removed. The abdominal skin is then pulled taut and trimmed to create a fit and toned midsection. Additionally, the outer thighs and buttocks are lifted and reshaped, giving the lower body a completely resculpted and rejuvenated appearance.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty Recovery

Patients should prepare for an extended recovery after circumferential abdominoplasty. The procedure will need to be performed on an in-patient basis, and it generally requires at least a two-night hospital stay. Drainage tubes will be used to expel excess fluids and may need to remain in place for one to two weeks after surgery. Some swelling and bruising are to be expected around the midsection for several days after the procedure; however, medication can be prescribed to ease any discomfort. It is important that circumferential abdominoplasty patients wait for Dr. Jaibaji's approval before resuming any vigorous activity. All aspects of the procedure, including postoperative recovery steps, will be explained to you at your initial consultation.

Liposuction A - Z

Liposuction is useful when someone who is generally in good health and has worked hard to get in shape, lost some extra pounds, but can't seem to get rid of those troublesome deposits of fat in key areas no matter how diligent and devoted.

What is the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?

In general, both do the same thing, the only difference is in the amount of fat removed. Liposuction is the removal of medium to large amounts of contour fat to reduce the peaks and mounds that show a heavy and sloppy appearance. These include areas such as below the chin, upper arms, outer breasts, lower abdomen, flanks, hips and thighs. Liposculpture is the removal of small to medium amounts of fat in rather normal to full areas to sharpen features, improves the appearance of the muscles beneath and create a more cut appearance in the neck, lower cheeks, upper abdomen, outer buttocks, calves and around the ankles.

Who are good candidates for these procedures?

These procedures are for anyone who is not looking to lose large volumes of weigh and cannot obtain the trim and properly contoured look with diet and exercise. Patients who exceed their body weight by 30-50% may only be candidates for limited fat removal because of safety concerns and should undergo these procedures in stages. Patients who exceed their ideal weight well over 50% should look for other methods for weight loss as an initial step and consult a physician experienced in weight management. In other words liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and cannot be used as a substitute to other weight control remedies.

Does the removal of fat tighten the skin as well?

Not necessarily. In fact, some fat deposits on the body may be unforgiving to major fat removal and lead to more relaxation of the skin. Other methods are being used in order to test their effect on skin contraction and tightening. Ultrasonic liposuction ( Vaser), has been suggested as a stimulus to skin contraction. Unfortunately, it is the heat generated by these modalities that is believed to be the stimulus for the contraction process. If the heat of ultrasonic and laser energy combined with extensive suction pressure, is applied too aggressively near the skin, it can lead to serious skin injury. On the other hand, the use of the small cannulas at less than 3.0 mm in diameter, if applied near the skin in selected areas, can help achieve contraction as the fat is removed with minimal risk. How do I decide whether to have liposuction, liposculpture, or ultrasonic liposuction? It is best to go know what the surgeon is comfortable with and can give you the results with least complication. Some surgeons may advise ultrasonic liposuction for large volume extractions, especially in tough areas such as the back, flanks and hips. It is designed principally for the hard to extract deep fat. External ultrasonic energy can be applied and is recommended by some surgeons before or after the fat is removed by regular liposuction.

Where is the surgery performed?

The surgery can be performed in a hospital, as an inpatient or outpatient, in an outpatient surgery center, or in an accredited office surgery center. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

How is the surgery performed?

The patient is prepared for surgery. Tiny cuts are made at the sites where fat is to be removed and a wetting solution, using a special cannula, is infused to provide some numbing, reduce bleeding and improve fat extraction. If just local anesthesia is used, then the wetting solution is delivered in large volumes with a high concentration of local anesthetic, to tumesce or creates a glistening tightness to the tissues, so that the fat can be comfortably removed with minimal discomfort and practically no blood loss. This requires careful monitoring of the local to avoid toxicity and must be performed by those experienced with local anesthesia. If sedation or general anesthesia is used, then lesser amounts of local anesthetic are added to the wetting solution and the solution is applied for its constriction of small blood vessels and low level of blood loss. General anesthesia does permit more areas to be treated in one session. But, one must limit the total volume of fat extracted for the safety of the patient regardless of anesthesia method. The suction instruments called cannulaes are inserted under the skin moved in a back and forth and criss-cross fashion within the fat and the fat is vacuumed away. The output of fat is measured in milliliters and should not exceed 5 liters in the majority of patients, the patient is checked for symmetry and the procedure is completed when a safe level of fat removal for that patient is achieved. A garment or a binder is then applied over the operative site. The patient is monitored for a while to make sure they have received enough fluid hydration and are able to make clear urine. A responsible adult should accompany the patient home and stay with the patient over night.

Liposuction (continued)

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, but it can be remarkably useful in eliminating stubborn areas of excess fat that regular diet and exercise can't get rid of. Furthermore, it can address virtually any area of the body, including the:

  • Abdomen
  • Buttocks
  • Legs
  • Thighs
  • Flanks (love-handles)
  • Back
  • Face
  • Chin
  • Neck

Liposuction is often performed with abdominoplasty to give an even more pleasingly contoured appearance to the midsection. Please contact Dr. Moneer Jaibaji to schedule a consultation.

Liposuction Procedure

During liposuction, Dr. Jaibaji will insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula into the area of excess fat. The incision made to allow this insertion is very small and can be easily hidden. The cannula will be eased back and forth under the skin, gently vacuuming out fat cells. The incision will then be closed. Depending upon the size of area designated for treatment, the entire liposuction procedure typically takes less than two hours to complete. Liposuction is often performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.

Liposuction Recovery

Patients can usually expect a quick recovery from liposuction surgery. There will be some swelling, bruising, and soreness, but that should completely subside within a few weeks. Patients are generally able to resume normal daily routines after one to two weeks, and more strenuous activities can be undertaken after two to four weeks. Although scars from the procedure will never completely disappear, they are typically very small and will fade with time.

Thigh/Buttock Lift

Thigh and buttock lifts eliminate excess skin and fat and give the upper legs and buttocks a tighter, more youthful appearance. Patients who have lost large amounts of weight and those who experience skin droopiness with age can often benefit from these effective procedures. If the skin around the thighs has lost its elasticity, a thigh or buttock lift may be a more appropriate cosmetic surgery option than liposuction because liposuction can not remove sagging skin, just excess fat. However, a thigh lift performed in conjunction with liposuction or abdominoplasty can maximize results and provide the lower body with a fully resculpted contour. During a thigh or buttock lift, discreet incisions are made in the treatment areas and excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is redraped and tightened, smoothing out the area and creating a firmer appearance.

  • Scarring from the procedure can be easily hidden under clothing. Patients will experience some bruising and swelling for several days after a thigh and/or buttock lift, and a compression garment will need to be worn for several weeks following surgery. Most patients are able to resume working and other daily activities after about two weeks.

Contact Dr. Moneer Jaibaji

For more information on abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, and thigh and buttock lift procedures, please contact our experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji will be happy to meet with you and discuss your aesthetic goals.

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Abdominoplasty quick information:
Type of surgery: same day surgery
Length of surgery: 3-4 hours
Estimated hospital stay: same day
Pain: usually one week, less pain when pain pump is used
Return to work:
office work: 2 weeks
Manual work: 4-6 weeks
Shower: two day after surgery
Return to full activity: 6 weeks
Abdominal binder/ Garment: for two months

Liposuction quick information:
Type of surgery: same day
Length of surgery: 2-3 hours
Estimated hospital stay: same day
Pain: usually for 1 week
Return to work: up to 1 week
Shower: 2 days
Return to full activity: 3 weeks
Abdominal binder/ Garment: 2 months

Moneer Jaibaji, M.D.
Coronado Office
THE Plastic Surgery
1001 B Avenue, Suite 108
Coronado, CA 92118

Phone: (619) 522-0821
Fax: (619) 878-2820

San Diego Office
8851 Center Dr., Suite 305
San Diego, CA 91942

Phone: (619) 522-0821

Our San Diego practice offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures using the latest techniques to help patients make their cosmetic dreams a reality. Dr. Moneer Jaibaji is a highly skilled surgeon who believes that patient care and satisfaction should be the top priority.

Moneer Jaibaji, M.D. |1001 B Avenue, Suite 108 | Coronado, CA 92118 | Ph: (619) 522-0821

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Moneer Jaibaji, M.D. | Maintained by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons