Patients of reasonably normal weight with good skin elasticity are the best candidates. Patients that are less than optimal candidates must accept a greater likelihood of skin irregularities in return for a better appearance in clothing. The liposuction procedure involves the use of traditional tumescent technique and/or ultrasonic assisted liposuction.

The Tumescent technique involves injecting the areas of the fat to be removed with a solution of saline and local anesthetic. This numbs the area, decreases blood loss, and allows for easier removal of fat. A suction tube is passed through one or two small incisions and then moved back and forth under the skin to remove the fat.

Power Assisted liposuction (PAL) technique involves using an oscillating liposuction tip that helps to remove fat more efficiently. It is especially well suited for fibrotic areas and can lessen trauma to tissues.

Ultrasonic-Assisted liposuction (UAL)at the Straith Clinic in Bingham Farms, Michigan near Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham, MI is a procedure that uses the tumescent technique and then utilizes high frequency sound waves to liquefy the fat which is then aspirated. It is used on selective body areas.

· Anesthesia: Generally local with IV sedation.
· Length of surgery: 1 to 2 hours, or more.
· In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our accredited office operating room suite or in a hospital setting.
· Recovery: Back to work 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more.
· Duration of Results: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.

An incision is made in the lower abdomen, within the area hidden by a bikini type swimsuit. The excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen are excised and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The operation includes a repositioning of the navel to its original position. Any small hernias (weakness of the abdominal wall) can be repaired at the same time. The result is usually a significantly tighter and flatter abdominal region.

· Anesthesia: Generally local with IV sedation.
· Length of surgery: 2 to 3 hours.
· In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our accredited office operating room suite or in a hospital setting. A no charge overnight stay is provided for our patient’s comfort and convenience.
· Recovery: Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
· Duration of Results: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.

The operation may involve liposuction of the upper arm as the first step. Next, a long strip of skin and fat is excised from the inner arm. The excision starts in the axilla and can extend down to the elbow. The scar is generally visible but will be hidden when the arm is against the body.

· Anesthesia: Generally local with IV sedation.
· Length of surgery: 2 to 3 hours.
· In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our accredited office operating room suite or in a hospital setting
· Recovery: Back to work 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 8 weeks. Fading and flattening of scars: 6 months to 2 years.
· Duration of Results: Usually permanent

A Lateral Thigh Lift at the Straith Clinic in Metro Detroit is usually performed in conjunction with a Circumferential Abdominoplasty and is usually more suited for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

· Anesthesia: Generally local with IV sedation.
· Length of surgery: 2 to 3 hours.
· In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our accredited office operating room suite or in a hospital setting.
· Recovery: Back to work 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 4 to 8 weeks. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
· Duration of Results: Depends on the condition of the thigh skin. In general, skin that has lost its elasticity (skin that has stretch marks) will have a shorter duration of improvement.

The circumferential abdominoplasty performed at the Straith Clinic in Bingham Farms, MI on patients from all over Metro Detroit including Sterling Heights, Grosse Pointe, Lincoln Park and Novi, is well suited for patients that are looking for simultaneous improvement in the abdomen, lateral thighs, and buttocks. It is also known as a lower body lift. The actual procedure combines an abdominoplasty, a buttock lift, and a lateral thigh lift performed at one surgical operation. The incision is similar to an abdominoplasty in the front, but it sweeps around the back, extending all the way around the torso. The results from this operation can be quite dramatic.

Surgical risks can be categorized broadly into general risks and specific risks. General risks are the potential complications that are common to all surgical procedures, such as infection, bleeding, wound healing problems, and anesthetic complications. Specific risks are the potential complications that are unique to a specific operation. A more detailed discussion about the specific and general risks of your surgery will be carried out during your surgical consultation.

Although complications are uncommon, they can delay or affect the final result. An appropriately trained surgeon not only knows how to perform a given operation, but also knows how to manage any complications that may arise from it. Fortunately, when complications do occur, additional surgery is rarely required.

The risk of complications can be minimized with a combination of the proper knowledge, skill, sound surgical practices and by closely following your surgeon’s instructions on follow-up care during the recovery period. Cessation of smoking is strongly recommended and may be compulsory prior to procedures.

With an established track record of over 70 years, board certified surgeons, and an accredited facility, thousands of patients at the Straith Clinic have had cosmetic surgery with very rewarding results.