Indeed, when choosing the right weight loss surgery, most people’s #1 concern is…Navigating through this complex world of bariatric procedures.

This decision separates those merely considering surgical intervention from those ready to take control of their health. But you might never reach your desired weight goal if you don’t know how to sift through these surgeries effectively. Making sense of all these options isn’t easy.

Consider one individual I recently spoke with; they were so overwhelmed by information overload that they postponed their consultation indefinitely out of fear and confusion. Their journey towards healthier living has now hit a roadblock due to apprehension about making an informed choice among various weight loss surgeries.

No wonder!

An Overview of Weight Loss Surgery Types

Bariatric surgery procedures designed to modify the digestive system for long-term weight loss and improved health have become popular in combatting obesity. These surgical interventions are designed to modify your digestive system, aiding in long-term weight loss and overall health improvement.

These surgeries’ primary function is to limit food intake or decrease nutrient absorption from consumed meals. The result? Significant weight loss that can be sustained with regular physical activity and dietary modifications is a godsend for those grappling with obesity who haven’t succeeded through conventional methods like dieting or exercise alone.

Different bariatric surgery procedures exist today, each with a unique protocol and specific benefits and risks. Some involve altering your stomach (like gastric bypass), while others change how you process nutrients by modifying your small intestine (such as biliopancreatic diversion). In some cases, both techniques are combined for maximum effect. So let’s learn more about Weight Loss Surgery Types.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

This form tops the list regarding common forms of bariatric surgery performed today. Gastric bypass involves creating a smaller pouch within the stomach, which limits food consumption and rerouting part of the small intestine, leading to decreased nutrient absorption.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy sees about 80% percent removal of the patient’s stomach, leaving behind only a narrow tube-like structure known commonly as ‘sleeve’. This aids significantly in reducing hunger sensations, resulting in lower calorie intake, thus facilitating losing weight more effectively than before.

Biliopancreatic Diversion With Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

This one is slightly more complex compared to gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy but has been observed frequently, yielding greater results concerning weight-loss outcomes. It employs both restrictive and malabsorptive approaches by drastically shrinking down stomach size alongside re-routing substantial portions from among our body’s longest organ, the small intestine.

Keep in mind that these surgical solutions may pave the way towards healthier Body Mass Index figures; however, they necessitate serious commitment post-surgery regarding lifestyle changes.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Comprehensive Look

Regarding weight loss surgery, gastric bypass is a term often tops the list. It’s not just popular; it has been around for years and evolved into various types.

Eligibility for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Wondering if you meet the requirements for this bariatric surgery procedure? Well, here’s your answer: If your body mass index (BMI) stands at 40 or above, then yes. But even those with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 can qualify if they are battling health conditions related to obesity, like diabetes or hypertension.

Preparing for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Preparation is key to ahead of any surgical procedure – especially as significant as gastric bypass. You’ll undergo medical evaluations first, including comprehensive tests such as blood workups and heart assessments.

The journey doesn’t stop there, though, because psychological readiness also plays an integral role in determining success post-surgery. Hence, expect mental health checks, too.

The Procedure and Recovery from Gastric Bypass Surgery

What do we see if we peek behind the scenes during a typical gastric bypass operation? Small incisions dot the abdomen where surgeons perform laparoscopic surgery, creating smaller stomach pouches by separating part of the stomach away from its larger portion – all aimed towards long-term weight loss goals. Mayo Clinic.

Your recovery will involve staying in hospital care, usually two to three days, depending on individual circumstances, before returning home armed with dietary restrictions until healing progresses sufficiently, along with other guidelines provided by your bariatric surgeon.

Sleeve Gastrectomy – Another Effective Weight-Loss Procedure

This surgical procedure offers an effective route for those seeking long-term weight loss by significantly reducing the size of their stomachs.

This bariatric surgery plays a dual role in helping patients lose and maintain weight over time.

The Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure: What To Expect

This process involves making small incisions in the abdomen through laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will remove most of your stomach and form what’s left into a banana-shaped “sleeve.” It’s crucially important that, unlike gastric banding or gastric bypass surgeries, sleeve gastrectomies are irreversible because they permanently alter the size and shape of your stomach.

Recovery from Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

1. You’ll need to follow strict dietary guidelines, starting with liquids, then gradually moving on to pureed foods, and eventually regular meals over several weeks.
2. Regular physical activity post-surgery can aid in faster recovery while helping maintain long-term results.
3. Your bariatric surgeon’s pre-and-post operative instructions should be followed meticulously for a safe healing process and successful outcomes.

Like any other major surgical intervention, potential risks, such as infection or blood clots, are involved, so following all medical advice is critical.

Understanding Adjustable Gastric Banding

The journey to weight loss can seem like a steep mountain climb. But with adjustable gastric banding, one of the most recommended bariatric surgery procedures, you might find that summit more reachable than ever.

This surgical method involves placing an inflatable device around your stomach’s upper part – think of it as creating a smaller pouch for food. The result? You feel full faster and eat less overall, aiding in losing weight without feeling starved all day.

A Closer Look at the Procedure

So, how does this process work exactly?

Your surgeon places an inflatable silicone ring around your stomach during the procedure. Once secure, they fill up this ring through an access port placed under your skin using saline solution, like inflating a tiny balloon inside you.

The real kicker here is adjustability:

• Your doctor can add or remove fluid from the band post-surgery based on individual progress and needs over time, a level of personalization not often seen in other weight-loss surgeries.

Bouncing Back After Surgery

We’ve got some good news. Unlike open surgery methods, which are invasive and require longer recovery periods, bouncing back after adjustable gastric banding is typically quicker due to its minimally invasive nature; however, remember: regular physical activity coupled with dietary changes remains crucial even after any form of bariatric surgery including adjustable gastric banding to maintain long-term results.

Potential Drawbacks To Consider

No surgical procedure comes without risks or potential drawbacks. With adjustable gastric banding, complications may include slippage or erosion of the band and problems related to the access port used for adjustments. Though infrequent, these difficulties must be considered when deciding on this procedure.

Delving into Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Bariatric surgery is filled with numerous weight-loss procedures, each unique approach. The biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a complex yet highly effective method. This surgical procedure involves two significant steps: creating a tube-shaped stomach pouch and bypassing most of your small intestine.

The first step resembles gastric sleeve surgery, where about 70% of the stomach gets removed. But unlike other surgeries that discard part of the organ, BPD/DS keeps most of your original stomach intact but disconnected from direct food flow; this forms your new, smaller-sized tummy.

In contrast to what you might think, it’s not just all about having a smaller belly. The second stage takes us deeper into our digestive system – rerouting or ‘switching’ much of our small intestine away from immediate contact with food – hence the ‘duodenal switch.’ By doing so, we’re reducing calorie absorption substantially, which aids long-term weight loss.

Benefits and Drawbacks

This bariatric surgery offers substantial benefits, including impressive long-term weight loss results and improvement or even resolution in obesity-related conditions like diabetes type-2. Plus, patients can enjoy near-normal meals post-surgery, contributing to their overall satisfaction after undergoing this major life-changing event.

Naturally, though, there are potential drawbacks as well – higher surgical risk due to its complexity compared to other types being one example. Also, because digestion changes significantly following this operation, malnutrition-related issues could require lifetime use of special foods and medications.

Candidate Suitability for BPD/DS

If you’re considering losing weight through surgical means, then know that every procedure may not suit everyone equally well. Ideal candidates for BPV/DS typically have high body mass index values, often coupled with serious health problems linked directly to excessive body weight. Check if you qualify here.

The Newer Option – Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy

Are you exploring weight loss surgery options? For those looking for a new weight loss surgery option, a single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) could be worth considering. It’s called single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S).

SADI-S is like getting two; for one it merges aspects of both gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy into a unique procedure designed to help patients lose weight effectively.

Diving Into How SADI-S Works

In this surgical procedure, we create a smaller stomach pouch ”similar to what happens during traditional sleeve gastrectomy. This step helps curb hunger by limiting food intake.

We then take it up another notch: Instead of linking the new stomach pouch further down in regular gastric bypass procedures; we connect it directly to the ileum, the last segment of your small intestine. By doing this, most parts of your digestive tract that absorb calories get skipped over cleverly.

Who Can Opt For SADI-S Surgery?

If you’re considering bariatric surgery procedures for long-term weight loss solutions but aren’t sure which route to go yet, let me tell you more about who can qualify for SADIS. Generally speaking:

1. You may be eligible if your body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40 or,
2. Your BMI is above 35, coupled with obesity-related health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.

But remember. Your suitability also depends on other factors like unsuccessful past attempts at losing weight through dieting and regular exercise alone.

Potential Risks Associated With SADI-S Surgery

Like all surgeries, including open surgery, there are inherent risks involved when undergoing any bariatric surgeon-performed laparoscopic surgery.

One specific concern related to SADIS includes nutrient deficiencies due to prolonged skipping absorption areas in the digestion tract. This can lead some patients to need vitamin supplements indefinitely after their operation.

Choosing The Right Weight Loss Surgery Types For You

The choice to undergo weight loss surgery is pivotal, and selecting the most suitable procedure for your unique needs can be challenging. Your overall health, BMI, daily habits, and desired results are essential to consider when making this important choice.

You also need to consider the potential risks associated with each type of surgical procedure. While some surgeries may promise faster results or significant initial weight loss, they might have higher chances for complications or require more intensive post-surgery lifestyle changes.

Evaluating Your Health Status and Goals

One’s general well-being is a major element in determining which bariatric surgical techniques will be most beneficial for them. Certain conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure could make some surgeries riskier than others.

In addition to medical considerations, understanding your long-term weight-loss objectives can help guide this decision-making process. Some people aim for dramatic transformations, while others prefer gradual but steady progress over time – these aspects must be discussed thoroughly before deciding to lose weight through surgery.

Weighing the Risks and Benefits

All weight-loss procedures, from gastric bypass surgery to sleeve gastrectomy, carry certain risks, including possible complications during open surgery using small incisions under general anesthesia. However, different procedures have varying levels of associated risk – something you must weigh against their benefits when choosing between them.

Besides medical implications, consider how ready you are to commit to necessary lifestyle changes after the operation, such as regular physical activity and dietary modifications required by specific surgical methods to reduce hunger.

Finding Professional Guidance

An expert consultation with a seasoned professional specializing in bariatric surgeon choices would provide valuable insights into what would work best given individual circumstances. They’d explain the nuances of various options, from gastric bypass to newer techniques such as single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Post-Surgery Lifestyle Changes

The journey towards successful long-term weight loss doesn’t end with the surgical procedure. Adopting significant lifestyle changes post-surgery is crucial for maintaining your new, healthier body mass index (BMI). These modifications typically involve regular physical activity, dietary alterations, and routine check-ups with your bariatric surgeon.

Adopting Regular Physical Activity

Regular exercise in your daily routine is vital to sustaining weight loss after surgery. Not only does it help prevent regaining weight but it also promotes overall health and wellbeing. The American Heart Association advises adults to partake in either 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise weekly.

You can slowly and gradually increase intensity as you gain strength and endurance. Remember that any form of motion is superior to inactivity – strolling, paddling, or biking are incredible approaches to begin. Learn more about physical activities suitable after weight-loss surgeries here.

Making Dietary Changes

Your diet will be equally important in achieving lasting results from your bariatric surgery procedures, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Initially, you’ll be on a liquid diet before transitioning to soft foods and eventually onto solid food items.

A balanced meal plan should include lean proteins, fruits & vegetables while limiting sugar intake. Read more about recommended dietary changes post-bariatric surgery here. Also, remember hydration is key – aim for six to eight cups of water daily unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Routine Check-Ups With Your Bariatric Surgeon

Last but not least is regular follow-up appointments with your bariatric surgeon, which provide opportunities for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns promptly. Here’s why these check-ups matter so much post-weight loss surgeries.

Risks Associated With Weight Loss Surgeries

Weight loss surgeries are a game-changer for many individuals battling obesity. However, like any surgical procedure, they come with their own set of potential risks and complications.

The key to making an informed decision is understanding these risks and discussing them thoroughly with your bariatric surgeon before deciding on the best weight-loss procedure.

Potential Complications During Open Surgery

Open surgery tends to be more invasive than laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions. Open surgery carries a greater risk of infection at the surgical site and blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), compared to laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions.

The source offers detailed information about possible issues associated with open weight-loss surgeries.

Risk Of Regaining Weight Post-Surgery

Bariatric procedures provide long-term solutions for losing weight; maintaining this requires patient commitment. There’s always a risk that some or all lost weight might return if post-surgical lifestyle changes involving regular physical activity and dietary modifications aren’t adhered to diligently.

The study reveals up to 20% of patients regained some within five years after gastric bypass due primarily to lackluster adherence toward necessary lifestyle changes.

Anesthesia-Related Risks

All bariatric surgeries require general anesthesia with certain inherent risks, including allergic reactions and breathing difficulties during or after surgery. Those with existing health conditions like heart disease may face increased challenges when under anesthesia.

A comprehensive resource by source provides extensive details regarding these potential problems.

FAQs about “Understanding the Different Weight Loss Surgery Types: a Comprehensive Guide”

What are the four types of weight loss surgery?

The four main types of weight loss surgeries include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

What are the three types of weight loss surgery?

The three most common forms of weight-loss surgeries today are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.

What are the different types of fat loss surgeries?

Fat loss or bariatric surgeries range from procedures like the gastric bypass to newer methods such as single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy.

What is the most common weight loss procedure today?

Gastric Bypass Surgery remains one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures for effective long-term weight management today.

Conclusion

• Weight loss surgery can be a transformative step towards healthier living. Our comprehensive guide on understanding the different types of weight loss surgery has equipped you with valuable insights into this life-changing decision.
• You’ve learned about various bariatric treatments, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Each has unique benefits and potential risks that must be considered carefully.
• Eligibility for these surgeries depends on several factors, including your BMI and associated health conditions. Preparing for these procedures involves medical and psychological evaluations to ensure optimal outcomes.
• The journey doesn’t end at the operating table; post-surgery lifestyle changes are crucial in maintaining long-term results from your chosen procedure.
• The immense benefits often outweigh risks – improved health, increased confidence, and enhanced quality of life.

If you’re ready to take control of your health and choose a weight loss surgery types or cosmetic enhancements that boost self-esteem while promoting better wellness habits – Moein Surgical Arts is here to help. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can assist you in achieving your personal transformation goals!

The post Comprehensive Guide: Understanding Weight Loss Surgery Types appeared first on Moein Surgical Arts.

Skin blemishes are annoying no matter your age. Every teenager knows that a zit pops up the moment you have an important event coming up, such as a hot date. But even older folks are familiar with blemishes like visible aging and sun-damaged skin. Are you supposed to live with these marks on your skin forever? Absolutely not! While acne usually disappears within a few days or weeks, occasionally scarring can be left behind. And fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging aren’t going away on their own anytime soon. But worry not. There is hope. Cosmetic surgery and non-cosmetic med-spa techniques are available to reverse the sign of blemishes, and improve your skin quality, all while giving you a healthy glow.

Read our article: Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for Younger Looking Skin

This is your guide to treating skin blemishes with cosmetic surgery. Following the reading, schedule a consultation with Doctor Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts. With one or more techniques by Doctor Moein’s artistic hand, your skin is sure to look better than ever. Dial (310)597-4976 to choose an appointment time that works best for you.

Common Skin Blemishes and Recommended Cosmetic Treatments

Scars and Acne Scars

Surgical scars and skin trauma can leave pink, red, or flesh-colored marks on our skin. Some people who suffered from severe acne in their younger years ended up with deep pitting that remains visible as an adult. There are both cosmetic and non-cosmetic med-spa techniques that can rid the body of these common skin blemishes.

Skin Punch

For deep “ice pick” acne scars, the cosmetic surgeon cuts the patch of marred skin away before a skin graft is implanted to grow over the affected treatment site. The skin graft is typically taken from behind the ear and used to fill the wound.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is a fairly recent technology that uses a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy. A handheld device delivers the RF energy through the microneedles to stimulate collagen production and new skin growth. Sometimes referred to as the non-surgical facelift, Morpheus8 is able to regenerate skin cells and connective tissue. This can help with acne scars and regular scarring caused by trauma. More than one session may be necessary depending on the severity of the scarring in question.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a skin rejuvenation treatment that can treat a number of skin irregularities, including minor scarring. The technique is virtually painless, doesn’t require any incisions, and leaves zero scarring behind. The latter is what you would hope for in a treatment aimed at removing scars from your face and other parts of your body.

Using a handheld flash wand, the cosmetic surgeon directs beams of pulsed light directly onto the treatment area. The technique is known as photorejuvenation and works by destroying the top layers of skin. The technique is comfortable thanks to the sapphire tip that cools the area as the skin is treated. Lumecca IPL skin rejuvenation offers immediate results with only one or two sessions required compared to four or five by competing technologies.

Fractora Skin Rejuvenation

Fractora is a non-surgical procedure that delivers bipolar radiofrequency energy through the first several layers of skin by way of electrode pins affixed to a handheld wand. The pins deliver the energy, which creates micro-lesion zones that are affected by ablation and coagulation. These two effects combined make the skin more radiant, tighter, and blemish-free. The technique offers minimal risk of complications and has been shown to reduce acne scarring by up to 50%.

Cellulite

The bumpy, unsightly skin that forms on the backs of the thighs can cause your self-esteem to suffer. You may want to hide your legs underneath your clothing and forget about going to the beach or pool. Luckily, there are cellulite treatments that can lessen the appearance of cellulite or treat it entirely, so it becomes a thing of the past.

Read our article: Can Thigh Cellulite Treatments Give You Smoother Skin?

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift (thighplasty) is a body contouring procedure that aims to remove excess fatty tissue and skin from the inner thighs, outer thighs, or both. The technique can also work on cellulite if the skin to be removed also contains unsightly, bumpy skin.

There are various techniques your cosmetic surgeon can use to remove tissue from around the thighs. The inner thigh lift is most common and is used to address saggy skin that hangs on the inside of the thighs. An incision is made from the groin down to the knee and toward the backs of the thighs.

A mini thigh lift is for minor tissue removal and only involves a few small incisions along the inner thigh. Then there is the outer thigh lift that is meant to address loose skin that forms on the outside of the thighs. Otherwise referred to as the bilateral thigh lift, this surgery involves an incision that starts in the groin and extends to the hip or lower back.

The vertical thigh lift is meant to remove the skin from all around the thighs. The incision for this cosmetic procedure begins at the groin and extends to the knees. Your cosmetic surgeon will decide which technique is best depending on your aesthetic goals for the thigh lift procedure.

IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Lumecca’s intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation can help reduce the appearance of minor amounts of cellulite. The med-spa technique can also be used to tighten and tone the skin.

Fractora

Fractora, the microneedling technology that delivers radiofrequency energy into the skin to create new skin cells and collagen, can be used to treat cellulite. This procedure can smooth out wrinkled skin, improve the texture and pore size of the skin, and even out pigmentation. Fractora is safe for all skin types.

Sculptra Injectable Filler

Sculptra is a cosmetic injectable filler that contains poly-L-lactic acid, which naturally occurs in the body. Once injected into the treatment area, the filler creates more volume and causes the skin to produce new collagen. The treatment creates smooth skin with the results improving over time. It can take around six weeks for the newly formed collagen to work effectively enough to minimize the cellulite or treat it entirely.

Liposuction and Fat Grafting

Otherwise referred to as the fat transfer technique, this method of cellulite treatment uses liposuction to remove unwanted fat cells from another part of your body. The fat cells that are extracted are then purified before they are injected into another area of your body to produce lost volume. In the case of cellulite treatment, the fatty tissue can be taken from an area, such as your love handles, and injected into the backs of the thighs to smooth away the bumpy appearance of cellulite. The cosmetic surgeon may need to cut some of the connective tissue bands that give cellulite its shape before filling the area with fat from your own body. The results end up slimming one area while treating the cellulite until it is less visible or disappears entirely.

VelaShape

VelaShape is a non-invasive cosmetic technique aimed at reducing the appearance of cellulite. The treatment takes around a half-hour to complete. While the procedure is ongoing, you will feel a comfortable, warm sensation, similar to a therapeutic massage. The handheld device uses a combination of vacuum technology and massage rollers. The vacuum stretches the constricted fiber bands that give cellulite its shape. When the bands are stretched thoroughly, the skin becomes smoother. The massage implemented by the VelaShape device enacts lymphatic drainage, which helps the body remove toxins while improving blood circulation. But the key component of the VelaShape device is in the elos technology. This combines infrared light energy and radiofrequency energy to heat and contact the top layers of skin.

VelaShape may require up to six treatments, depending on your aesthetic goals. The results are immediate and leave the skin looking smooth and attractive. VelaShape may be used in conjunction with liposuction if the cellulite problem is severe

Varicose Veins, Spider Veins, and Visible Blood Vessels

Varicose veins are bulging, red, or purple veins that normally appear on the legs. Spider veins can appear on various areas of the body including the face. Some people even have visible blood vessels on the face. The following treatments are aimed at reducing the appearance of varicose and spider veins, as well as blood vessels.

Fractora

Non-invasive Fractora works by coagulating the tissue underneath the skin, which can effectively treat varicose and spider veins, as well as visible blood vessels.

Lumecca IPL Skin Rejuvenation

Pulsed light therapy can be applied directly to the offending veins and blood vessels, which generates heat and damages the walls of the vein or vessel. Eventually, the vein or vessel will shrink and disappear. The treatment does not harm surrounding tissue.

CO2 Fractional Laser Technology

A carbon dioxide laser can also be applied directly to the vein or blood vessel. Similar to IPL technology, the CO2 laser heats the walls of the veins and vessels, which causes them to eventually disappear.

Aging Skin

We are all affected by the signs of aging the older we get. From tiny lines and deep wrinkles to a loss of muscle volume in the face, these treatments can help with every aging sign under the sun.

Read our article: Can Aging Skin be Made to Look Younger?

Facelift

Facelift technology has come a long way in recent years. No longer are patients left with that “blown away” look. Small incisions are made behind the ears, which are easily hidden within the hairline. The remaining skin is pulled back and tightened, which smooths away fine lines to create a more youthful effect.

Silhouette InstaLift

InstaLift is known as the non-surgical facelift. The treatment takes care of lost volume in the face, wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin. The technique uses a local anesthetic and takes around forty-five minutes to complete. During the procedure, the InstaLift device is used to stimulate new collagen production around the face. The effect creates swelling, redness, and bruising that will soon absolve on their own. The results are immediate and will improve over time. The InstaLift procedure gives similar effects to the surgical Facelift without major surgery with the results maintained by several sessions repeated throughout the year.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is another procedure that is seen as an alternative to the surgical facelift. Using a combination of microneedles and radiofrequency (RF) energy, the Morpheus8 device stimulates new cell growth and collagen production. The results improve over time with only a single session usually required. Some patients require two to four treatments to achieve their aesthetic goals. Morpheus8 can treat sagging around the face, neck, and jowls, as well as skin pigmentation issues, sun damage, and slight scarring

Neck Lift

A neck lift smooths away fine lines and wrinkles from the neck, similar to what a facelift does for the face. The neck lift can also involve the removal of saggy skin to treat the condition crudely referred to as turkey neck.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is aimed at removing excess and saggy skin from the upper eyelids. The procedure can also be used to remove the fat pads from underneath the eyelids (under eye bags). In some cases, eyelid surgery can improve peripheral vision when excess skin obscures regular sight.

Brow Lift

A brow lift aims to tighten and smooth the area between the hairline and eyebrows. As we age, this area can become furrowed with fine lines that make us look older than our chronological years. A brow lift can remove years from your appearance while helping you appear more well-rested.

Fat Transfer, Dermal Implants, and Facial Implants

These techniques are all aimed at restoring lost facial volume due to age. The fat transfer technique involves removing fat from another area of your body using traditional liposuction. The fatty tissue is then sterilized before it is reinjected into strategic areas of your face, such as the cheeks. Dermal fillers work the same way, except they are synthetic as opposed to natural fatty tissue from your own body. Some dermal fillers contain substances that stimulate collagen production, which leaves your facial skin with more volume and a healthy glow. Facial implants can be used to give you a more pronounced jaw, chin, and cheeks.

Read our article: Can Injectable Fillers Prevent Aging?

Ready to Treat Your Skin Blemishes with Cosmetic Surgery?

Schedule a Consultation with Doctor Moein Today

As you can see, there are quite a few skin blemishes that can take away from your appearance. Whether you suffer from acne scars, the signs of aging, cellulite, or all of the above, there is a cosmetic treatment that is perfect for you.

Find out if you are a suitable candidate for any of the above techniques by scheduling a consultation with world-renowned cosmetic surgeon Doctor Babak Moein. Call Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California, to schedule a private meeting with Doctor Moein. You will learn about the benefits of each procedure, the fees associated with each one, the risks, and other information, such as details about medical financing. Dial (310)597-4976 to book a time that works best for you.

Read More

Common Skin Texture Problems Solved – No Surgery Required in LA

The post Guide to Treating Skin Blemishes with Cosmetic Surgery appeared first on Moein Surgical Arts.

Over 41% of US adults are overweight or obese. The obesity rate has tripled since 1975. The nation’s obesity epidemic became exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to people leading even more sedentary lifestyles than before. Incidentally, being overweight or obese makes you more susceptible to illnesses such as COVID-19, which can lead to an early death.

The coronavirus is only one disease that is linked to an elevated body mass index (BMI) score, which measures how much excess fat one is carrying. Obesity-comorbidities include high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In fact, there are over sixty weight-related ailments that can affect someone who is heavier than their ideal weight.

How do we fix this worsening problem? The medical community has worked hard to devise treatments for obesity, which include medically supervised diets, weight loss medications, and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. The latter is the most effective and permanent treatment we currently have for obesity. Procedures like gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery are effective for slimming patients down. What’s more, these popular procedures are also effective treatments for obesity-comorbidities.

If your BMI is elevated, you should know that there is hope. Weight loss surgery can boost the quality of your life. Here are ten ways the right surgery could do just that.

How Can Weight Loss Surgery Improve Your Quality of Life?

Take the Weight Off

Let’s start with the most obvious way your life can improve following a procedure like a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric sleeve surgery. We all have an ideal weight. When we speak of weight, we mean the total mass of the human body. While fat is part of that equation, your weight also includes muscle, water, bone, blood, as well as fat.

We all need some fat to survive. Fat cushions your organs, insulates the body, and stores energy. The human brain is composed of mostly fatty tissue.

The human body is so efficient that it turns the food we eat into fuel. When we consume more fuel than we need, the calories are stored as fat in the body to be used as energy during times of famine. The problem is that most of us won’t be facing a famine anytime soon. And with calorie consumption so high in most of the foods we eat (including at restaurants), it is very easy to pack on more fatty tissue than we need to survive.

The fat we gain comes on slowly. Bit by bit, a person who overeats and doesn’t exercise to burn off the excess fuel will gain weight steadily over time. Before you know it, you could end up being twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, or more pounds overweight.

Imagine a dumbbell being fifty pounds. Now picture lugging that dumbbell with you everywhere you go. That is essentially what you are doing when you carry fifty pounds of excess fat.

Surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass allow you to lose that weight when regular diet and exercise have failed to move the needle on the scale. With that weight lifted, your joints are no longer under so much pressure. You feel lighter and healthier, and you’re able to move around much better with far greater amounts of energy.

Treat Obesity-Comorbidities

According to the National Institutes for Health, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and weight-related ailments.

If you are currently taking medication for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments that are related to an elevated BMI, it is not unheard of for doctors to reduce or eliminate your medication entirely after the excess weight has come off. A recent study showed that 85% of diabetes patients no longer needed medication two years after having bariatric surgery. The same goes for high blood pressure, which tends to resolve itself two years after weight loss surgery as well.

Not only will you feel lighter after surgery, but you can become healthier as well.

Have More Energy

Procedures like gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery alter the amount of volume your stomach can hold. With less stomach volume, you end up eating less, and your body absorbs fewer calories as a result.

With your body no longer bogged down trying to digest oversized meals, your body’s metabolism works more efficiently. The result is a surge of energy and attentiveness that can make life far more enjoyable.

Experience Greater Mobility

When your body is weighed down by excess fat, every joint can seem to become inflamed. This makes general movement uncomfortable and, on occasion, downright painful.

Patients that undergo weight loss surgery report feeling less pain and having greater mobility in the first few years after weight loss surgery.

Not only will you have more energy to do the things you want to do after bariatric surgery, but your body will be in better shape to undergo activities you may have thought were impossible before, such as skydiving.

Extend Longevity

Study after study after study show that bariatric procedures such as the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are associated with a longer life span.

Bariatric procedures are not without risks. Every surgery can be risky. But doctors are often quick to remind patients that doing nothing about obesity is far riskier than undergoing weight loss surgery. The right surgery may add years to your life.

Wear Fashionable Clothes

We have discussed quite a few health benefits of weight loss surgery. Now let’s turn to your wardrobe. When you become obese, shopping for clothing isn’t as cut and dry as it should be. You often have to shop in special sections, like the big and tall department. And because fatty tissue often isn’t symmetrically balanced, you may find yourself between sizes or wearing clothing that is tight in one area and loose in another. All these factors make it difficult to dress how you would prefer.

When you undergo weight loss surgery, a whole new world opens up. Suddenly, you are able to shop in the regular clothing department like everyone else. You get to discover your new body type with fashionable clothing options.

While it can be expensive to replace your entire wardrobe, doing so is one of the most exciting aspects of losing all the excess weight.

Find Body Positivity

Losing a significant amount of weight is a major accomplishment. Weight loss surgery may sound like an easy fix, but you still must do the work. You must change your lifestyle so that you are eating healthily and getting regular exercise. When the weight finally does come off, you will be able to see the fruits of your labor staring back at you in the mirror. Weight loss surgery is a wonderful way to feel better about your body again.

There are instances where excess skin can remain after a procedure like the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. There are procedures known as post-bariatric body contouring that can remove that excess skin, which can help even more when it comes to finding body positivity following your procedure.

Better Self-Confidence

Being obese can take an emotional toll. You may feel as though you stand out and are so much different than everyone else. While body positivity movements exist in today’s society, there is still a stigma around obesity. The prevailing myth is that you chose to be the way you are. But obesity is not a choice. It’s a disease, and defeating it is a huge accomplishment.

Losing all the weight will make you feel so much better about yourself. And with more energy, greater mobility, and improved attentiveness, you will feel more capable of tackling life’s obstacles than you may have felt previously.

Improved Emotional Well-Being

Bariatric surgery patients report being in a better mood in the years following surgery. When you aren’t turning to food for stress relief or living a sedentary lifestyle without regular exercise, and since you are no longer carrying so much excess weight around, you feel more in-tune with yourself and your emotions.

It’s easy to see why weight loss surgery patients would be in a great mood. It’s easier to get in and out of the car, tie your shoes, climb stairs…the list is endless in all the ways your life can improve.

Save Money Over Time

Being obese is expensive. Studies show that billions of dollars are spent each year on medical costs related to obesity or obesity-related ailments. While weight loss surgery is not necessarily cheap (bariatric surgery can cost around $20,000 to $25,000), the surgery could end up paying for itself in the years following the procedure.

The latest estimates show that patients that go on to lose weight with procedures like gastric sleeve surgery end up saving as much as $900 each month or more on saved medical costs.

You are also eating less food than you were before. Since both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve reduce your stomach volume (gastric bypass also redirects your smaller stomach to your small intestine to reduce calorie and nutrient absorption), you end up eating less overall. Think of all the money you will save at the grocery store.

Instead of worrying about the prohibitive cost of surgery, just think of all the cost savings that will add up in the years ahead.

Which Bariatric Surgery is Right for You?

Now that you know the amazing ways your life can improve after a bariatric procedure, you have a decision to make. We have mentioned two of the most popular procedures, the gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve.

Gastric bypass surgery involves separating your stomach into an upper and lower portion. The smaller upper portion becomes your new stomach and essentially holds less food. The smaller stomach is then rerouted to your small intestine, which helps you absorb fewer calories and nutrients. The procedure can facilitate weight loss amounting to 70% or more of your excess weight. If you are currently 100 lbs. overweight, that means you could lose over 70 lbs.!

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of 80% of your stomach tissue. The tissue that is removed is responsible for creating the hunger hormone ghrelin. With that tissue removed, you no longer feel as hungry after surgery. That means you won’t feel deprived as you end up eating less. The remaining stomach tissue is converted into a banana-like sleeve, which is where you will store food on the way to digestion. The surgery can facilitate weight loss of up to 50% to 60% or more of your excess weight.

These are only two options but there are more, such as the Lap-Band, duodenal switch, gastric balloon, and others.

A consultation with a weight loss surgeon can help you decide which bariatric procedure is right for you.

If you live in the Southern California area, schedule a consultation with Doctor Babak Moeinolmolki of Moein Surgical Arts. Doctor Moeinolmolki is dual-board-certified as a minimally invasive surgeon and body contouring surgeon. That means he can perform weight loss surgery and post-bariatric body contouring to help you find body positivity after the excess weight has come off.

Because these procedures are minimally invasive, there is a low risk of complications, and reduced downtime.

After a physical examination and discussion of your weight loss goals and health history, Doctor Moeinolmolki can inform you of your choices with regard to the ideal bariatric surgery for you.

Get started now by calling our office to book your appointment – (310)694-4486.

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Obesity is a serious disease that has become a global epidemic. Nearly 40% of U.S. adults are suffering from obesity. As if that weren’t enough, many of these men and women are also suffering from numerous weight-related comorbidities. A concise list of these ailments includes high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and cancer.

Obesity negatively affects your quality of life, productivity, mobility, and longevity, with severe obesity reported to reduce life expectancy by an estimated five to twenty years.

According to experts, weight loss procedures are effective treatments for obesity and weight-related comorbidities, yet they are highly underutilized.

If your weight has climbed to a level of obesity or severe obesity, you may not know where to turn. Turns out, the help you need may be as close as your local cosmetic surgeon’s office. There are now several weight loss procedures you can choose that can give you a better quality of life, and potentially longer life to boot.

Here is all you need to know about these safe and effective procedures, which include both surgical and non-surgical weight loss techniques.

You can find out if you are a suitable candidate for one of these procedures by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California.

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options – When You’re Not Ready to Commit to Surgery

When your weight climbs to the level of obesity, losing weight becomes downright difficult. While cutting calories and exercising may help someone of normal weight drop a few excess pounds, for obese individuals, losing weight no longer works that way.

Your body fights against you when you become obese. You form a resistance to leptin, which is the hormone produced by the intestines that helps you feel full when you’ve had too much to eat. Your metabolism slows when you become obese, and it takes longer and more intense exercise to lose weight compared to someone of a healthy weight.

If you are struggling to lose weight, non-surgical weight loss options can help you shed the excess pounds.

Non-surgical weight loss procedures are ideal for those who aren’t quite ready to commit to bariatric surgery. The procedures offer a much-needed reprieve from yo-yo dieting, extreme fad diets, and rigorous exercise plans.

Recent advances in bariatric science have led to the development of these non-surgical medical weight loss solutions for patients who need help dropping excess weight.

Let’s explore a few of these medical innovations now.

Obalon – FDA Approved for Weight Loss Without Surgery

Obalon is a gastric balloon system. It is the first and only FDA-approved balloon treatment that you swallow. The treatment is effective and makes weight loss easier for obese individuals.

The Obalon balloon device is lightweight and easy to swallow. The device takes up room in your stomach, which forces you to eat less.

You can’t eat what you want on the Obalon balloon system. The program is designed to be paired with a professionally supervised nutrition and exercise program. The balloon doesn’t stay in your stomach forever. It is removed after six months. Here are the specifics of the treatment.

The Obalon is designed to help patients achieve weight loss without side effects. When you have the balloon installed, you will experience progressive weight loss over the course of the six months, as long as you combine it with a moderate intensity weight loss and behavior modification program.

The balloon itself is durable, smooth, and multi-layered. This lets the device withstand stomach acid, enzymes, bacteria, and other forces when placed in the stomach.

When you swallow the balloon, the device is empty. Your doctor will fill the balloon with a nitrogen gas mixture that allows the device to remain inflated during the six-month period. The gas is inserted into the balloon with an attached catheter that is easily removed once the device is filled. The balloon is leak-proof and can be viewed with digital imaging, so your doctor can ensure the device is always doing its job.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for the Obalon Balloon?

The Obalon Balloon System is reserved for individuals with a body mass index (BM) of 30 to 40kg/m2. You must also be over the age of 22. To be a candidate, you must be willing to follow a twelve-month program that includes diet and exercise. Healthy eating and physical activity must continue even after the balloon is removed after the six-month treatment.

The purpose of the Obalon gastric balloon is to teach you how to follow a healthy lifestyle, which is required to lose a significant amount of weight and keep the weight off long-term.

How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose with Obalon?

The Obalon balloon has been clinically proven to help patients drop a significant amount of weight when paired with a diet and exercise program. On average, patients lose between 15 and 50 pounds with 89.5% of the total weight loss maintained after the first year.

How is Obalon Placed in the Stomach?

The placement of Obalon takes less than ten minutes with no sedation required. You swallow a capsule, which contains a small balloon attached to a micro-catheter. Your doctor will use digital imaging and a specialized dispenser to inflate the balloon with the nitrogen gas mixture. When the inflation is complete, the catheter is detached and removed, which leaves the Obalon Balloon System to work its magic within your stomach.

How Many Balloons Are Used During a Typical Obalon Treatment?

In most cases, three balloons are placed over three months. The balloons have a volume of 250ccs and weigh less than six grams. That makes them around the size of a small orange when fully inflated. The reason three balloons are used is to help increase your tolerance and facilitate progressive weight loss throughout the six-month program. Studies show that those treated with three balloons lose more than four times as much weight as those treated with only two balloons. All three balloons are removed six months after the first balloon is placed.

How Much Does an Obalon Gastric Balloon Cost?

On average, Obalon costs between $6,000 and $9,000. The Obalon system is not covered by health insurance, but medical financing is always an option.

Reshape Gastric Balloon for Non-Surgical Weight Loss

Reshape is another non-surgical balloon-based weight loss procedure. The program is designed for individuals with a lower BMI of 30 to 40 and is ideal for those who may not qualify for weight loss surgery.

Reshape is different from Obalon in that two connected balloons are used. The devices are filled with a saline saltwater mixture and are placed within your stomach in an outpatient setting. The duration of the procedure is around twenty minutes and uses light anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

During the procedure, an endoscope is used to insert the Reshape balloons into your stomach. Saline is then used to inflate the balloons as they are properly positioned. When the balloons are fully inflated, the endoscope is removed. You will keep the balloons in your stomach for six months, similar to Obalon.

Read our article: The Magic of Reshape

How Does Reshape Help You Lose Weight?

Just like the Obalon system, Reshape helps you lose weight by taking up room in your stomach. You are also encouraged to follow healthy eating and exercise habits. The balloons don’t just help you feel full faster, but you’ll feel less hungry overall.

After the six months are up, the balloons are deflated and removed using the same endoscopic method.

Why Are Two Balloons Used with the Reshape Weight Loss Program?

Reshape is a unique gastric balloon system. The two balloons are used because the connected devices are designed to conform to the natural curvature of your stomach. This helps with comfort and keeps the balloons from moving around. The latter is a safety measure. If one balloon accidentally deflates, the second balloon will keep the device from migrating to your intestines.

Since there is no surgery involved with Reshape, which means there are no incisions, scars, or permanent changes to your digestive system. There is also minimal downtime, which means you can return to work and your normal activities within a few days.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Reshape?

On average, patients lose an average of 20 to 50 pounds with the Reshape gastric balloon system.

How Much Does Reshape Cost?

Reshape costs around $7,000 with insurance not likely to cover the procedure.

Orbera Gastric Balloon – A 12-Month Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program

Orbera is a non-surgical treatment for obesity that again uses a balloon-based system. The treatment uses sedation before your doctor guides a thin, soft balloon down your throat and into your stomach.

The balloon is filled with saline until it reaches the size of a grapefruit. The duration of the procedure is between twenty and thirty minutes. You will go home the same day. After six months, the balloon is emptied the same way it is filled, then removed.

Like the other balloon systems we have discussed, Orbera takes up room in your stomach. The device typically takes up less than half the space available for food. This helps to slow the passage of food and liquid, helping you feel full faster during meals. What the system aims to do is train you to be satisfied with smaller portions and smaller meals.

While the Orbera balloon is placed, you will collaborate with a dietician and other members of your weight loss care team by following a medically supervised diet and exercise program. A food diary is typically advised to help track your progress.

Even after the balloon device is removed, your care team will provide six months of guidance and behavioral therapy to help you maintain the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term weight loss.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Orbera?

Overall, patients tend to lose between 10% to 15% of their body weight while the balloon is installed. You are encouraged to maintain the weight loss after the balloon is removed by following a sensible diet and exercise program.

How Much Does the Orbera Gastric Balloon Cost?

The average cost of Orbera is $6,925 and is not usually covered by an insurance plan.

A Surgical Option for Weight Loss

While the above systems are non-surgical in nature, which means they are reversible, there is also a non-reversible treatment for obesity that involves insurance. Let’s explore that method now.

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve – The Most Popular Weight Loss Surgery

Laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery is aimed at treating the severely overweight. Also referred to simply as gastric sleeve surgery, this procedure is quickly becoming the most popular bariatric (weight loss) surgery in the world.

You would be an ideal candidate for the gastric sleeve if you have a body mass index higher than 40. That usually means you are carrying more than 100 pounds of excess weight.

How is Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve (LSG) Performed?

A laparoscopic gastric sleeve is performed in a hospital or dedicated surgical center under general anesthesia. After you are unconscious, the surgeon makes five tiny incisions around your abdomen. The cuts are used as entry points for the laparoscopic tools.

First, a long telescope with a tiny camera and light at the end is inserted into your abdomen. Other instruments are pushed through the other incisions to perform the surgical operation. The procedure is viewed by your surgeon using a monitor in the operating room.

During the procedure, up to 80% of your stomach tissue is removed. This part is known as the fundus. After the fundus is extracted, the surgeon closes the rest of your stomach into a tube the shape of a banana. This is called a sleeve, hence the name sleeve gastrectomy.

Because your stomach is made smaller by the gastric sleeve procedure, you will end up eating less following the surgery.

A bonus of having the fundus removed is that your body will make less of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry. You eat less and feel less hungry overall following the gastric sleeve, which helps you lose the excess weight.

The entire procedure takes around two hours to complete. Most people end up staying in the hospital or dedicated surgical center for two days after surgery.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Most gastric sleeve patients lose an average of 40% to 50% of their excess weight in the first two years of having surgery. If your BMI is 60 or more, you may lose an average of 125 pounds.

The gastric sleeve doesn’t only treat obesity. Bariatric surgery is also a suitable treatment for obesity comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and many more.

How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost?

The gastric sleeve costs $15,400. Your insurance plan may cover bariatric surgery, which means some or all of the costs could be covered by your policy. Check with your insurer. But remember, medical financing is always available, such as programs like CareCredit, to help you cover the costs of this life-changing procedure.

Schedule a Weight Loss Procedure Consultation

If you have made the choice to have a non-surgical or surgical weight loss procedure, you will be pleased to know that both are now available at your local cosmetic surgeon’s office. Call Dr. Babak Moein of Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California, to schedule a consultation. We also offer a medical tourism program for those living outside the Southern California area. Dial now to learn more (310)694-4486.

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