Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Category: liposuction

Why Haven’t I Seen Results from Working Out and Eating Right?

In an ideal world, all of those articles that promise us our dream body if we eat right, exercise several times a week, drink green tea, and perform the latest “miracle cleanse” would all be true. Obviously, we’re not living in an ideal world. We live in the real world, where genetic predispositions, hormones, and age control the distribution of body fat… And where dieting down to a very low body fat percentage in order to banish stubborn fat is usually more dangerous than it is healthy.

This is not to suggest, of course, that we can’t maintain a healthy body weight via natural means. Barring a medical issue, most of us can (and should). There are, however, a number of obstacles that stand in the way of achieving the “ideal” body this way, such as:

  1. Metabolic factors.

Our bodies instinctively react badly to being deprived of food. (And of course, when you look at our evolutionary history, this isn’t exactly shocking.) When we lose a significant amount of weight, our metabolisms slow down as our bodies desperately try to hold onto their stores of energy (AKA fat). This makes it extremely difficult for most of us to safely and healthily lose those “last couple inches” of stubborn belly fat.

  1. Genetic factors.

Unfair as it may be, sometimes our genetics simply work against us. If you’ve ever seen a thin person with a distinct double chin or love handles, you know that nature doesn’t always get her proportions right. If you’re genetically predisposed to having one or more deposits of stubborn fat, they’ll probably remain present in some capacity even if you’re quite slender.

  1. Motivational issues.

Because we’ve been led to believe that we’ll somehow obtain the perfect body if we just behave well enough (i.e., eat “whole” foods, do cardio, and so on), most people end up disappointed by dieting. Sure, it may shed the pounds, but it just won’t produce the really attractive shape and obvious muscle definition most of us want. This realization leads to a loss of motivation, a lack of effort, and inevitably, weight gain. In fact, numerous studies have shown that people who have cosmetic surgery following weight loss are much more likely to keep the weight off than those who don’t.

This naturally brings us to the real solution for stubborn fat: Liposuction. If you’re battling metabolic or genetic challenges, liposuction is the most effective way to safely get rid of your remaining “problem fat.” Remember: There’s no shame in turning to cosmetic surgery for assistance. You’ve done the hard work of weight loss, after all— now it’s time to reap the reward. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat for a liposuction consultation today!

Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, or Both?

Spring is coming and summer is close behind. If you want a better body this summer, it’s time to start planning. Many of our patients struggle with their middles. If you have loose skin, a little extra fat, or a permanent belly pooch, come see us. We can help you get ready for summer, but you’ll need to start this spring.

My Tummy Needs Help- What Treatments Do I Need?

Often diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to maintain a flat, tight tummy. Pregnancy, aging, weight loss and other factors all take their toll on your mid-section. If hitting the gym and eating right aren’t enough for the lean, sexy stomach you want, it may be time for a little plastic surgery. Liposuction or a tummy tuck could help you to ditch the excess and discover your best belly. Which treatment do you need? Learn a little more about each of your options below.
• Liposuction- Excess fat? Liposuction isn’t a weight loss treatment, but it is an excellent choice for those stubborn pockets of unwanted fat. A small incision is made near the treatment area, a cannula is inserted, and fat is removed using suction. Since fat cells don’t regenerate in adulthood, you’ll experience lasting results. This treatment is ideal for stubborn fat pockets in isolated areas like the tummy, love handles, waist, etc.
• Tummy Tuck- If you have excess skin on the abdomen, a tummy tuck is the way to go. This procedure removes excess skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles, and restores a flat, tight abdominal appearance. If you want to reverse post-pregnancy changes or have lost a lot of weight, a tummy tuck is probably the procedure you need.

Do I Need Both Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?

Liposuction and a tummy tuck are effective treatment options on their own, but some patients will need both for the best results. Choose liposuction and a tummy tuck if:
• You have excess fat and loose skin.
• You want the most dramatic abdominal transformation.
• You want to shape and sculpt the entire middle, not just the tummy.
• You’ve lost a lot of weight or have experienced pregnancy related changes to your body.
We can perform both procedures with a single trip to the operating room. Combining treatments is an excellent way to maximize results while minimizing downtime.
Bikini season is on its way. Is your body ready? If you need a little help with your tummy before summer, we’re here. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Mussat today.

5 Least Common Areas You Didn’t Know You Could Get Liposuction

 

Regular exercise and a healthy diet play a role in giving you a sculpted figure. There are cases, though, that these two might not be enough. There will always be stubborn fat lying around in certain areas of your body that just won’t go away.

If you’re frustrated with the slow to zero progress of your efforts, consider getting a liposuction. This minimally invasive procedure will not only trim away excess fat around your abdomen, hips, buttocks and thighs, you can also use the procedure to vacuum away the fat in other areas of your body.

That’s right! The areas that liposuction targets are not limited to these four areas alone. It can also suction fat in areas that you didn’t know could benefit from a light or small procedure.

The following are the top areas that liposuction can target to give your body a more sculpted contour.

  1. Torso

The belly usually gets the most attention with liposuction, but other areas of the torso can also benefit from this procedure. For example, a small procedure can target the back part of the torso where the love handles usually poke out. Your surgeon can also target the excess fat deposit that bulges out along the bra band. By targeting the area with precision, you can wear a swimsuit or a low-cut backless dress with confidence.

  1. Legs

The thighs are not the only ones that can benefit from the procedure. If you have bulges and folds due to excess fat around your knees and ankles, you can definitely include them in your list of target areas. The procedure can add definition to your legs and make them look more toned. Plus, it can help banish the fat that gives you the infamous ‘chunky ankles’ or ‘cankles.’

  1. Neck

As you gain weight, some of the fat settles in the upper neck area. This leads to the formation of the double chin, which may make you feel self-conscious. If you have a double chin and it’s ruining every selfie shot you take, a light procedure can banish it. In addition to that, liposuction can also give your jawline definition.

  1. Chest

Weight gain or hormonal imbalance in men causes gynecomastia, a condition that results in the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men. Most men who have this condition can greatly benefit from a light liposuction procedure to remove excess breast tissue.

  1. Arms

If you want to have toned, well-defined arms, you can use liposuction to achieve your aesthetic goal. You can also use the procedure to target the fatty bulges in the underarms while you’re at it.

By targeting these areas, in addition to your abdomen, hips and buttocks, you can have a sculpted body sooner than expected. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mussat, please call her Chicago practice today.

Post-Pregnancy Procedures: The Mommy Makeover

 

Mommies deserve more than just a salute. What you do is incredibly amazing. It’s hard to imagine a world without doting, caring, unconditionally loving moms. So, if you want to get a makeover to get your pre-baby back again, you don’t need to explain. Just go for it.

Getting pregnant, giving birth and breastfeeding changes your body in a way that make mothers feel less thrilled when they look at themselves in the mirror. If you want to look and feel young, vibrant and beautiful again, a mommy makeover can make a big difference.

A Mommy Makeover at a Glance

A mommy makeover is a combination of different cosmetic procedures, be it surgical or non-surgical, which can restore your body back to its pre-pregnancy state. More than that, it can enhance your appearance further.

The Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

Getting a mommy makeover is a choice moms can make freely. However, some wonder if it’s worth their time and effort. If you share the same sentiment, here are five good things that can happen if you decide to get a mommy makeover.

  • Increased Self-Confidence

Bodily changes, like stretch marks, flabby skin, sagging breasts and bulging abdomen, can decrease a woman’s self-esteem. The same is true for moms. Through a tummy tuck or a breast lift, physical imperfections are corrected to make you look and feel amazing again.

  • Enhanced Figure

You can use a mommy makeover to your benefit. For instance, if you’ve always wanted to have well-toned thighs, you can include a thigh lift to your surgery package. This way, you can wake up following your surgery to a completely whole new you.

  • No More Stretch Marks

If the stretch marks in your belly or thighs are keeping you from wearing a bikini every summer, then getting a tummy tuck can make the next summer something to look forward to.

  • Personalized Makeover

You definitely can personalize your mommy makeover. This way, you can achieve the results you desire and deserve. Just keep an open line of communication with Dr. Mussat so she can tailor your treatment according to your needs.

  • Improved Sex Life

Although this should not be a motivation to have the procedure, a mommy makeover can correct flaws that affect your confidence with regards to intimacy with your partner. As you gain more confidence about your body, getting intimate will no longer be an issue.

As you can see, getting a mommy makeover is beneficial to moms who want to change their appearance for the better. If you want to know if this is right for you, and if you’re a good candidate, consult with Dr. Mussat today.

 

The Best Time to Book Your Liposuction Procedure

 

Do you want to contour your body in time for the holidays? Do you want your body to be beach-ready for summer?  Liposuction can have you looking svelte in no time. The procedure is also an excellent option to remove stubborn pockets of fat in your body as well.

As you decide to get liposuction, part of the preparation is to lose weight. Although this procedure can sculpt your body and remove unwanted fat, it’s not considered a weight-loss treatment. Instead, this should be your last option to achieve your weight-loss goals. If you lose weight before getting this procedure, you can enjoy optimum results.

Timing – timing is a big factor to consider. Losing weight takes a good bit of time. You’ll need to take on the task of losing several pounds to reach at least 30% of your ideal weight. How long will this take? After you’ve calculated this length of time, then you’ll also need to look at your event calendar, and also the time of year to determine when is the best time for liposuction as you’ll need some downtime after this procedure.

The truth is you can get liposuction anytime of the year. However, if you want to know the best time, it would have to be winter. Here are some reasons that would explain why it’s better to get liposuction during the cooler months.

  1. Less Harsh Sunlight

Just like any other cosmetic procedure, liposuction patients should refrain from prolonged sun exposure during recovery. Undergoing the procedure during the cold months will help you avoid excessive sun exposure, which could then aid in a speedy recovery.

  1. Comfortable Recovery

Following the procedure, Dr. Mussat will dress the treatment area with soft bandages. You’ll also wear a compression garment to support the tissues as they heal as well as to minimize swelling. Wearing these extra, tight fitting layers can be a bit uncomfortable during the warmer summer months. Winter weather is much more forgiving when it comes to extra garments.

  1. Stylish Cover-up

As the cold season calls for scarves, jackets, sweaters and coats to stay warm, you can hide incisions easily. You don’t have to make an excuse for piling on extra layers of comfy clothes.

  1. Recovery Time

What’s also advantageous about undergoing liposuction in the winter is that you have plenty of time to heal before warmer weather hits. By the time spring and summer rolls around, incision scars, bruises and swellings will have disappeared, making your body ready for springtime dresses, summertime shorts, and beach-ready bikinis.

  1. Quality Indoor Time

The cold weather is the perfect excuse to stay indoors. During your recovery, you don’t need to explain why you’re not going out as much. Staying in and curling up with a good book, a good flick or a good nap is perfectly acceptable.

You can request for a liposuction any time of the year. If you want comfort and convenience, though, it’s best to book it during the cold months. So, if you’re ready, schedule a liposuction consultation with Dr. Mussat today.