Body Contouring: High Definition & Post-Bariatric Solutions
Restoring the Pre-Pregnancy Physique: The Mommy Makeover
The Mommy Makeover: Restoring Your Pre-Pregnancy Physique
Motherhood brings immense joy, but it also brings physical changes that are often resistant to diet and exercise. Stretched skin, stubborn fat deposits, and separated abdominal muscles (Diastasis Recti) are the badges of pregnancy—but you don’t have to live with them forever.
Dr. Thomas Colson offers the Mommy Makeover: a comprehensive, single-stage surgical plan designed to address these specific concerns, allowing you to reclaim your confidence and your body.
1. The Custom Combination
A Mommy Makeover is not a “one size fits all” procedure. It is a bespoke combination of surgeries performed in a single session to target your specific needs.
- The Breasts (Lift or Volume): Pregnancy often leaves breasts deflated or drooping. Depending on your goal, Dr.Colson performs a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) to restore position or adds an Implant/Fat Transfer to restore lost volume.
- The Abdomen (Tummy Tuck): This is the core of the makeover. We remove loose skin and stretch marks, but more importantly, we repair the Diastasis Recti—tightening the separated abdominal muscles to restore a flat, strong core.
- The Contouring (Liposuction): We use High-Definition Liposuction to sculpt the flanks (“love handles”) and waist, accentuating the hourglass figure created by the tummy tuck.
2. One Surgery, One Recovery
The primary advantage of the Mommy Makeover is efficiency. Instead of multiple surgeries and multiple recovery periods, you address all concerns at once.
- Downtime: Most patients require 2–3 weeks of initial recovery before returning to light desk work.
- ERAS Protocols: Dr. Colson implements Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. This includes the use of long-acting local anesthetics and early lymphatic drainage massage to accelerate healing and significantly reduce swelling.
3. Treating the "Pooches" (Diastasis Recti)
Many women believe their protruding belly is fat, when it is actually muscle separation.
- The Medical Reality: During pregnancy, the connective tissue between your “six-pack” muscles stretches apart. No amount of crunches will fix this.
- The Surgical Fix: Dr. Colson uses permanent internal sutures to corset these muscles back together, flattening the abdomen and improving core strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I have a Mommy Makeover after birth?
Safety is paramount. You must wait at least 6 months after giving birth and 6 months after you have finished breastfeeding. This allows your hormones to normalize, your uterus to shrink, and your breast tissue to settle into its final shape.
Can I have more children after a Mommy Makeover?
You can, but it is not recommended. A future pregnancy will likely stretch the muscles and skin again, reversing the results of the surgery. We advise waiting until your family is complete.
Is it safe to combine so many surgeries?
Yes, within limits. Dr. Colson assesses your overall health and limits the surgical time to ensure safety. Combining a Tummy Tuck and Breast Surgery is the most common and safe pairing in plastic surgery.
High Definition Body Sculpting
High Definition Body Sculpting: Artistry Meets Anatomy
Standard liposuction is about reducing volume; High Definition (HD) Liposuction is about sculpting anatomy. This advanced procedure is not a weight-loss tool, but an artistic intervention designed for patients who are near their ideal weight but desire a more defined, athletic, and “etched” appearance.
Dr. Thomas Colson utilizes a dual-technology approach—VASER for sculpting to reveal the underlying musculature that diet and exercise alone often fail to uncover.
1. VASER Technology: The Sculpting Tool
We utilize VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance), a state-of-the-art ultrasound technology.
- Selective Precision: Unlike traditional liposuction, VASER uses ultrasonic waves to selectively “emulsify” (liquefy) fat cells while preserving surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
- Superficial Sculpting: Because it is so gentle, it allows Dr. Colson to work very close to the skin’s surface. He removes fat from the “valleys” of your muscles (like the linea alba in the abdomen) to define the six-pack, deltoids,and obliques.
2. ARGOPLASMA: The "Shrink-Wrap" Effect
Removing fat can sometimes leave the skin loose. To combat this, we integrate Renuvion technology immediately after the liposuction.
- How it Works: Renuvion combines Helium Plasma with Radiofrequency (RF) energy. This is delivered under the skin through a small wand.
- The Result: The energy instantly heats the connective tissue septae (the internal structure of the skin), causing immediate contraction. This creates a “shrink-wrap” effect, ensuring the skin conforms tightly to your newly sculpted muscles.
3. Targeted Areas for HD Sculpting
- Abdomen: Creating a “six-pack” definition or a vertical “champagne groove.”
- Chest (Men): Defining the pectorals and correcting Gynecomastia.
- Arms: Enhancing the definition of the deltoid and tricep muscles.
- Back: Sculpting the V-taper and eliminating bra rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for HD Liposuction?
The ideal candidate is already active and near their ideal body weight (BMI under 30) but struggles with stubborn pockets of fat that hide muscle definition. If you have significant visceral fat (internal belly fat) or very loose skin, a Tummy Tuck might be a better option.
Is VASER Lipo different from Laser Lipo?
Yes. VASER uses sound energy (ultrasound) which is generally cooler and safer for the tissues than Laser Lipo (heat energy). VASER is considered the gold standard for high-definition sculpting because it preserves the viability of the fat cells (allowing for fat transfer) and protects nerves.
How long does the Renuvion tightening last?
The tightening effect of Renuvion is considered permanent in the sense that it changes the structure of the skin. However, your skin will continue to age naturally. Maintaining a stable weight is key to preserving the “shrink-wrapped” look.
Abdominoplasty: Core Restoration
Abdominoplasty: Core Restoration & Aesthetic Refinement
A flat, toned abdomen is the goal of many, but it is often unachievable with exercise alone. If pregnancy or weight fluctuations have caused the underlying muscles to separate (a condition called Diastasis Recti) or the skin to lose elasticity, no amount of crunches will restore a flat profile.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is a reconstructive procedure for the abdominal wall. Dr. Thomas Colson combines functional muscle repair with artistic skin removal to restore structural tension and aesthetic contour.
1. The Muscle Repair (Diastasis Recti)
The core of this procedure is internal.
- The Problem: The rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack”) can separate down the midline, creating a bulge or “pooch” that protrudes even when you are thin.
- The Fix: Dr. Colson acts as an internal corset-maker. He sutures these muscles back to the midline, closing the gap. This restores core tension, flattens the abdominal wall, and narrows the waistline.
2. Artistic Skin Removal & Contouring
Once the muscle wall is secured, the “apron” of excess skin and fat is carefully removed. Dr. Colson often performs Lipo-Abdominoplasty, combining the tuck with liposuction of the flanks to ensure a smooth, hourglass transition rather than a “boxy” shape.
3. The Belly Button (Umbilicoplasty)
The hallmark of a great tummy tuck is a natural-looking belly button. A poorly done navel looks circular and “stuck on” (the “operated look”).
- Dr. Colson’s Approach: He utilizes advanced techniques to create a small, vertically oriented, or slightly “hooded” navel with scarring hidden deep inside. The goal is for your abdomen to look natural, not surgical.
Which Technique is Right for You?
- Full Abdominoplasty: Addresses the entire abdomen (above and below the navel). Ideal for post-pregnancy or massive weight loss.
- Mini-Abdominoplasty: Targets only the area below the belly button. Ideal for patients with a small “pooch” and no significant muscle separation in the upper abdomen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the scar placed for a tummy tuck?
Dr. Colson places the incision very low on the pubis, specifically designing it to sit below the bikini line or underwear line. While the scar extends from hip to hip, it is easily concealed by standard swimwear.
Is the recovery painful?
We use Exparel (a long-acting local anesthetic) and ERAS protocols to manage discomfort. Most patients describe the feeling as “tightness” (like doing too many sit-ups) rather than acute pain. You will walk bent over slightly for the first few days to protect the muscle repair.
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
It is safe to do so, but not recommended. A future pregnancy will re-stretch the muscles and skin, likely undoing the benefits of the surgery. We advise waiting until you have completed your family.
Waist Narrowing: Ultrasonic Rib Remodeling
Rib Remodeling: The Ultimate Structural Waist Narrowing
For patients seeking an exaggerated “hourglass” silhouette, liposuction alone has limits. Liposuction removes fat, but it cannot change the width of your ribcage.
Dr. Thomas Colson introduces Ultrasonic Rib Remodeling, a revolutionary procedure for patients who desire a tiny waist but are limited by their skeletal structure. It is crucial to clarify: This is NOT rib removal. We do not remove bones; we reshape them.
The Technique: Piezo & Greenstick Fractures
This procedure changes the actual shape of your torso using high-precision physics.
- The Technology: Ultrasonic Piezo
We use Piezoelectric ultrasonic instruments. These advanced tools use high-speed vibrations to work on the bone without damaging the surrounding soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. This makes the procedure significantly safer than traditional osteotomy methods.
2. The Method: “Greenstick” Fractures
Dr. Colson creates a controlled “greenstick fracture” in the lower floating ribs (11th and 12th).
- What is a Greenstick Fracture? Imagine bending a fresh, green tree branch—it bends without snapping completely apart.
- The Remodeling: Once the rib is made pliable (flexible) through this partial fracture, it is gently compressed inwards to narrow the waistline.
The Result: A Permanent Silhouette Change
Because the ribs heal in this new, narrower position, the result is structural and permanent.
- Waist Reduction: Significant reduction in waist circumference.
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio: A dramatic enhancement of the feminine curve, impossible to achieve with diet or gym alone.
- Safety: Because the ribs are reshaped rather than removed, the protective cage around your internal organs remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rib Remodeling dangerous for my internal organs?
No. Unlike old-fashioned “rib removal” surgeries where the bone was taken out, exposing the organs, Rib Remodeling keeps the ribs inside the body. They continue to protect the kidneys and other organs; they are simply positioned closer to the spine to narrow the waist.
What is the recovery like?
Recovery is less painful than one might expect because the soft tissues are not damaged by the Piezo tool.
- The Corset: The most critical part of recovery is wearing a customized corset for 6–8 weeks. This acts as a cast, holding the ribs in their new, narrow position while they heal and harden.
- Activity: Most patients return to desk work in 1 week and light exercise in 4 weeks.
Can this be combined with a Tummy Tuck?
Yes. Rib Remodeling is frequently combined with a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) or Liposuction to maximize the hourglass effect. This addresses skin, fat, and bone structure in a single operation.
Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring: The Final Step
Losing a massive amount of weight—whether through determination, Bariatric Surgery (Gastric Sleeve/Bypass), or modern medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro—is a life-changing achievement. However, for many patients, the journey isn’t truly over when the scale hits the target number.
Rapid weight loss often leaves behind significant skin laxity that diet and exercise cannot fix. This excess skin can hide your new shape, cause hygiene issues (rashes), and restrict movement. Dr. Thomas Colson specializes in the reconstructive phase of weight loss, removing this redundant tissue to reveal the body you have worked so hard for.
1. The Lower Body: 360 Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
A standard tummy tuck is often insufficient for massive weight loss patients because the loose skin extends around the back.
- The Procedure: The 360 Body Lift (or Belt Lipectomy) removes a circumferential strip of skin and fat from the entire midsection—front, sides, and back.
- The Effect:
- Abdomen: Flattens the stomach and repairs muscle separation.
- Buttocks: Lifts and firms the buttocks, which often sag after weight loss.
- Thighs: Provides a subtle lift to the outer thighs.
2. The Upper Body: Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Loose skin on the upper arms (“bat wings”) can make wearing fitted clothing or sleeveless tops difficult.
- The Procedure: Dr. Colson removes the hanging skin from the armpit to the elbow.
- The Scar: The incision is carefully placed on the inside of the arm or the back of the arm, making it invisible when your arms are down at your sides.
3. Thigh Lift (Medial Thighplasty)
Loose skin on the inner thighs often causes painful chafing and friction, making walking or exercise uncomfortable.
- The Procedure: Excess skin and fat are removed from the upper inner thigh.
- The Goal: To create a smooth contour and a gap between the thighs, eliminating friction and restoring comfort during movement.
Dr. Colson’s Note: “I consider this Reconstructive Surgery, not just cosmetic. Removing pounds of heavy, hanging skin restores your ability to move freely and exercise without discomfort. It is the final reward for your hard work.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I have skin removal surgery after taking Ozempic or Gastric Sleeve?
Stability is key. You must be at a stable target weight for at least 6 months. If you are still losing weight, or if your weight is fluctuating, surgery should be delayed to ensure the results are permanent and safe.
Can I combine a Body Lift with Arm and Thigh lifts?
Combining procedures is possible but depends on safety. A 360 Body Lift is a major surgery. Dr. Colson often recommends “Staging” your transformation: for example, doing the Body Lift first, followed by Arms and Thighs 3–6 months later. This reduces the risk of complications and makes recovery easier.
Will the scars disappear?
In post-weight loss surgery, we trade “skin for scars.” While the incisions are long, Dr. Colson places them in natural folds or areas covered by clothing (bikini lines, inner arms). Over 12–18 months, these scars fade significantly, and most patients find them a worthy trade-off for a tight, contoured body.