Learn about some of the most sought-after procedures by women

• May 18, 2022
• By Fernando Amato

That plastic surgery is a strong ally in female self-esteem, is not disputed. But it is very important that the indication of the best type of surgery is made by a plastic surgery specialist, certified by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, so that they can individually guide which procedure will bring satisfactory results, always seeking the safety and well-being of the patient.

Below, I have gathered the main techniques sought by women to rejuvenate and harmonize the body, reducing fat, removing loose skin, and repositioning tissues. Plastic surgery must include a rigorous pre-operative and be individualized.

Abdominoplasty: A plastic surgery performed on the abdomen and indicated when there is excess skin and fat in this region, abdominoplasty is much more than just tightening the tummy; the surgery can be performed concomitantly with corrections of abdominal wall hernias and the treatment of rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis). Frequently, we indicate abdominoplasty in a reconstructive way, when the excess skin and fat form an apron, which can cover the genitalia. This can be common in post-operative bariatric surgery or in patients with significant weight loss, being an alternative to reconstruct the patient's quality of life and self-esteem.

For those who have undergone abdominoplasty and become pregnant, there are no health risks, however, the aesthetic result may be compromised after the baby's birth.

Reverse abdominoplasty or inverted abdomen: This is a surgical option for restricted cases, where the excess skin and fat are above the navel. It can be an option in cases that have already undergone a classic abdominoplasty.

Hydrolipoclasy: A liposuction technique that uses the infiltration of liquids containing saline solution, adrenaline, and local anesthetic. With the infiltration of this liquid, aspiration is performed with a syringe or surgical aspirator. The risk of this surgery increases with the imprudence of aspirating large volumes and in many regions. The ideal is always to perform the procedure in a hospital environment, preferably with the presence of an anesthesiologist, even if local anesthesia is used. In addition, many non-specialist doctors are venturing into this procedure, further increasing the risk of serious complications.

Liposuction and Lipoenxertia (Fat Grafting): One of the most performed plastic surgeries in the world, related to the treatment of fat accumulations in some body regions such as thighs, saddlebags, abdomen, back, double chin, and arms.

It is not a procedure for those who wish to lose weight and is contraindicated for people with obesity. Sometimes it can be associated with other surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty, mammoplasty, and rhytidectomy.  In liposuction, the aspirated fat can be processed and injected into other parts of the body such as the buttocks, breast, or even the face, which we call lipoenxertia. It is very important to pay attention to the aspiration limits, not being able to aspirate more than 7% of body volume nor exceed 40% of the body area.

Anesthesia can be local or even general anesthesia, but always in surgical environments. Patients who undergo proper pre-operative care minimize surgical risk.

Liposculpture: A liposuction concept where fat is removed from some areas and placed in others. It is not a surgery indicated for weight loss, but rather to improve body contour, repositioning buttocks, breasts, and abdomen.

Lipolaser: Complementary liposuction equipment, with different devices on the market, that can cause lipolysis, fat destruction, or release it without destroying it, allowing its use for fat grafting in the face, buttocks, and breasts. Lipolaser makes the procedure easier, less invasive, allowing the patient a faster recovery with fewer risks of bleeding and hematoma formation.

Lipo HD:  A modern concept in which liposuction is used to improve muscle contour and transitions, enhancing existing musculature.

Mini-lipo: This is a commercial name for small-volume liposuction, often performed on an outpatient basis, i.e., in a doctor's office. This can be a risk for those who perform it without necessary precautions or in an inadequate environment.

In addition to breast reconstruction and liposuction, my list of the most performed surgeries includes mammoplasty and mastopexy (aesthetic breast surgery with or without silicone), abdominoplasty and skin cancer.

Mammoplasty: As the name implies, it is plastic surgery of the breast. It basically involves two procedures: augmentation mammoplasty, which is commonly performed with the placement of a silicone implant, a procedure popularly known as breast implant, and reduction mammoplasty, for reducing breast volume.

Mastopexy: This is related to the repositioning of the areolae and is indicated for saggy breasts, often also with flaccidity and excess skin. It can be associated with the placement of an implant, in which case it will be called mastopexy with implant. Although all are breast surgeries, each one has its own characteristics and details in the post-operative evolution, and the scars can vary greatly depending on the technique used. The most common in breast implants is the incision in the inframammary fold, but periareolar and axillary incisions can also be performed. In addition to being able to remove a little excess periareolar skin, the most common is to remove skin and reposition the areola, creating an inverted T-shaped scar. The inverted T is the most common scar and is also used in large breast reductions.

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