Lower Body Rejuvenation

from VOLUME 12, ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2, 2023

Conroy Center Hosts Annual Children’s Book Fair, August 8

By Dr. Ronald Finger CONTRIBUTOR

What are the problems that are seen with the lower body?

1. Cellulite is one of the most common problems seen for correction, and finally there are solutions. The cause of this deformity, which is present in mostly women of practically any age, is presence of fibrous bands between the skin and underlying tissue. This is much like the buttons on a pillow. If the cord between the buttons on each side of the pillow is cut the indentation goes away. With cellulite, the fibrous bands must be accurately cut, and occasionally any void of fat must be refilled with fat or another filler. Cellulite is present mostly on the buttocks and lateral thigh. The treatment is with a device called Cellfina, and the newest device is the Aveli, which has some advantages in my opinion. Both are performed under local anesthesia and with mild sedation if requested.

2. The next most common lower body treatment requested is the BBL or Brazilian Butt Lift. Aging often causes a decrease in buttocks volume, particularly in the outer part, and oddly an increase in volume in what is called the “muffin top” just above the lateral buttocks. The treatment is generally fat grafts, or other products, into the buttocks. The fat must be liposuctioned from one area, processed, and injected into the areas of the buttocks that need volumizing. Donor sites are often the abdomen, sides, or the “muffin top.” This is usually performed under general anesthesia according to how much liposuction must be done.

3. Saggy thighs with wrinkles or in extreme cases the “cobblestone” appearance. The treatments vary significantly according to how severe the problems are. In the mildest cases maybe only the knees are wrinkled and can be treated with the VirtueRF (radiofrequency) micro needling and with PDO threads or a mild CO2 laser, such as the Tetra. Even for more severe cases this treatment can be effective.

4. For severe cases of loose skin in the anterior thighs, a liposuction with a “basket” cannula or even what is called a “pickle fork” is used to break up the fibrous bands like those mentioned above. This is followed by the Renuvion, which is a radiofrequency device that tightens skin and any fibrous bands connecting the skin to the underlying muscles. Somewhat like shrink wrapping the skin.

When resurfacing is performed such as the mentioned lasers or VirtueRF, it is helpful to apply Exosomes to the skin for more collagen production and much faster recovery time. Most often a combination of treatments mentioned above is needed to achieve the optimal goal with the problem at hand.

Through thorough assessment with your plastic surgeon, your goals are evaluated, and the choice of treatment(s) are decided upon.

By Dr. Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

As my friends will tell you, I am an intense individual. I always believed that I was an overachiever that had to work hard to succeed. I was a good golfer as a junior and into my early adult life. However, I never “played happy’”.

I met one of my golf heroes, Nancy Lopez, about 15 years ago and she told me that you must “play happy”. I had always thought that I would be happy if I played well. Instead, Nancy Lopez told me that if you play happy you will play better. Nancy always plays with a smile on her face.

Nancy’s father, Domingo, taught her that a positive attitude is the way to play happy golf. When Nancy was a child playing golf, he got her to stop crying because he reminded her that she couldn’t see the golf ball when she was crying. Domingo would tell her when she slammed her club into the ground in anger, that you cannot focus on hitting the ball when you are angry. He admonished her to “play happy”. Domingo taught Nancy that positive attitude was as important as technical performance. When you think negative thoughts, negative things happen. Anger, frustration, and ambition can get in the way of enjoying your round. When you are angry it is because your expectations and skill level are at odds with one another. You need to matchup your expectations with your current skill level. You can either work harder to increase your skill level or adjust your expectations downward.

Finally, if golf is a big part of your life you need to make sure it brings you happiness. Remember that golf is a great way to be outdoors, enjoy nature, exercise, and spend quality time with your friends and family.