Body Contouring Archives - Doctor Beam, MD

August 20, 2020November 8, 2023

Enhancing the Contours of Your Body with Liposuction

Liposuction is a versatile body contouring technique that plays a role in several popular cosmetic surgery procedures. If you are unfamiliar with liposuction, the treatment is quite simple: a small metal tube is inserted through an incision in the skin. Then, fat is removed from the treatment area using a vacuum system. Now that you understand the basics of the liposuction technique, lets take a look at how liposuction can be used to contour different areas of the body. With contouring of your body you have to remember this is a life style change. You have to continue to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

The Abdomen

When it comes to body contouring, the majority of people share one concern: the desire for a flat stomach. Whether you want to achieve a chiseled 6-pack or simply drop a few pounds, the stomach can be one of the most difficult areas to target. This is what makes liposuction so powerful. With liposuction, we can target the stubborn pockets of fat that are holding you back from a flat stomach or toned abs. With strategic lipo techniques, we can target certain areas of fat to enhance the shape of the abs and other attractive contours around the stomach. Liposuction is also a vital component of the tummy tuck procedure.

The Arms & Legs

The arms and legs are another priority for many patients. Even with the proper weightlifting regimen, you might be restricted by a small amount of fat that simply refuses to respond to your efforts. Liposuction is great for areas like this, as it can remove fat from even the smallest areas in order to enhance the overall appearance of the body. Liposuction is often incorporated into arm lift and thigh lift procedures because it can produce the sculpted look that many patients desire.

How Can I Get Started with Liposuction?

If you are considering a liposuction treatment, or if you’d like to discuss how liposuction could be beneficial to you, contact us today at Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery. We are proud to offer liposuction and other body contouring treatments to men and women throughout Connecticut.

July 9, 2020November 8, 2023

Liposuction vs. Fat Freezing (CoolSculpting®)

Liposuction is one of the oldest and simplest procedures for removing stubborn, unwanted fat. And for many years, it was the best way to enhance the contours of the body when diet and exercise just couldn’t do the trick. Today, however, there are many other fat reduction techniques available. Treatments like CoolSculpting® are changing the cosmetic industry by offering fat reduction treatments that don’t require surgery. If you are considering a fat reduction procedure, lets take a closer look at these options so you can determine the treatment that is right for you.

The Treatment

The first difference between liposuction and CoolSculpting® is the treatment approach. Liposuction is a surgical technique done as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia which involves making small incisions in the skin. Through these incisions, a metal tube, called a cannula, is inserted. Targeted body fat will then be vacuumed out through this tube, creating the desired results. CoolSculpting®, on the other hand, is a fat freezing treatment done in the office. The CoolSculpting® device freezes fat cells from the skin’s surface, killing them instantly. After treatment, the body will gradually flush these destroyed fat cells from the system, producing a slimming effect in the treatment area. While liposuction is surgical and CoolSculpting® is non-surgical, both treatments are equally safe when performed by a medical professional.

The Results

With liposuction, the results are visible almost immediately. This is because the fat is removed from the body during the treatment process. You will have some bruising and swelling which will greatly improve over 4 – 6 weeks after surgery. With CoolSculpting®, the results may not be visible right away. It can take several weeks for the body to fully eliminate the treated fat cells from the system. Furthermore, with CoolSculpting®, it may take multiple treatment sessions to deliver optimal results. With liposuction, you can effectively target and remove all desired fat in a single procedure.

The Recovery

As a surgical procedure, liposuction does require significantly more downtime than CoolSculpting®. Liposuction can cause swelling, bruising, discomfort and related side effects in the treatment area. These symptoms typically only last a few weeks, but they will require you to take time away from work and other activities. With CoolSculpting®, patients are able to return to their usual activities immediately following treatment. While there are some minor side effects such as redness or numbness in the skin, you won’t need to take time off of work or even exercise.

The Cost

Since CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical technique, it typically has a lower treatment cost than liposuction procedures. However, you need to keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on how many treatments it takes to deliver your desired results. To discuss the cost of your treatment or further discuss either of these effective treatment options, contact us today at Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery. We’ll help you narrow down your treatment options and achieve the figure you’ve been dreaming of.

March 26, 2020November 8, 2023

How to Get Rid of Loose Skin

They say losing weight is the hardest part of the journey, but many of our patients reveal dealing with their loose skin after their massive weight loss is just as, if not more, difficult for them. Patients who have undergone an extreme weight loss are often left with an excess of skin that just won’t spring back. Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery offers three body sculpting procedures we recommend for patients who just want to get rid of that excess skin.

Loose Skin after Weight Loss

It’s no secret that the process of losing weight involves more than just eating healthy and exercising regularly. Losing a large amount of weight can be an emotional process for many individuals, and being left with excess skin is often seen as a constant reminder of the weight they used to be. In addition to being an emotional burden, excess skin can be a physical burden, sometimes weighing as much as 30 or more pounds on its own that the patient has to carry around with them wherever they go.

What You Can Do About Your Loose Skin

Unfortunately, there is no home-remedy that can fix your excess loose skin, and minimally invasive skin tightening treatments can only go so far when the skin has been stretched for years on-end. We recommend considering the following procedures to help you get rid of your excess skin.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the abdominal area. Popular with women whose skin has stretched beyond repair during pregnancy, the tummy tuck is a safe solution to get the flat tummy you’ve worked hard for. The procedure involves an incision from hip to hip that allows Dr. Beam to tighten loose abdominal muscles in your core, stretch the skin tight over the abdomen and remove any excess skin from the area.

Arm Lift

Also known as a brachioplasty, an arm lift is similar to a tummy tuck but focuses on the excess skin around the upper arm. This procedure gets rid of the dreaded “bat wing” that we all hate to admit we have. During an arm lift, an incision will be made on the inner arm or the back of the arm, usually from elbow to armpit. The underlying tissue of the arm is then tightened and reshaped, and the excess skin in the area is removed. Some patients may also receive mild liposuction in the area to get rid of any excess unwanted fat. After your brachioplasty, you’ll have the sleek, toned arms you’ve worked hard for.

Thigh Lift

Like the tummy tuck and arm lift, the thigh lift is the last way to remove excess skin from your body. While the placement of your incision will depend on the severity of your condition prior to surgery, most incisions are made from the groin down to the inner portion of your leg. Dr. Beam then tightens and reshapes the underlying tissues before removing the excess skin, revealing newly contoured thighs.

If you are interested in learning more about getting rid of your excess skin with body sculpting procedures, call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Beam.

June 27, 2019November 8, 2023

Liposuction After 10 Years: What to Expect in Glastonbury, CT

In the immortal words of Kanye West, you are either considering or already went to the doctor and got “lipo” with your money. You may be wondering if the money you spent on liposuction was worth it; how long do these results last anyway? Below we describe what you can expect 10 years after your liposuction procedure and some of the best practices to maintain your results long-term.

What Will My Liposuction Results Look Like In 10 Years?

The human body has a set number of fat cells that expand or shrink as our weight fluctuates, which explains why we sometimes experience stubborn pockets of fat that won’t disappear regardless of healthy diet and exercise. However, with liposuction, these fat deposits are removed as a cannula suctions them out of the body. Once removed, these fat cells are gone forever and cannot return. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to regain fat in the treated areas. Fat cells that remain are still able to expand during weight gain, producing a fuller figure, albeit in better proportion to the rest of the untreated body. In essence, your results in 10 years depend entirely on whether or not you make the correct choices to maintain them.

How Can I Maintain Long-Term Results?

The most important ways to maintain the results of liposuction are to follow a regular exercise regimen, drink water, make healthy diet choices, and reduce stress. It is important to note that even the healthiest of lifestyles cannot fully pause the aging process. While creating healthy habits can increase the longevity of your liposuction results, your body will still age naturally throughout the course of a decade.

Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation

Dr. Harold E. Beam and his experienced staff provide quality liposuction procedures and long-lasting results to the people of Connecticut. To inquire for more information or to schedule a consult, contact our office today. Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery is conveniently located near Glastonbury, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, and the surrounding areas of Connecticut.

January 24, 2019November 8, 2023

Why Is It So Hard to Shed Those Last Five Pounds? Glastonbury Plastic Surgeon Has the Answer

You try and you try, but no matter what you do you just can’t seem to lose those last 5 or 10 pounds. Why is it so hard to reach your goal weight and what’s standing in your way?

This is a common problem, so know that if you are experiencing this you are not alone. You watch what you eat, you exercise and you still can’t lose the weight. The body’s resistance to weight loss is actually a built-in protection mechanism that keeps us from starving and dying.

Why Can’t You Lose Those Last 5 Pounds?

There are many reasons that you are unable to lose those last five or ten pounds. Here are a few of the things you should consider.

You need to change your routine – Maybe you eat the same foods and are doing the same exercises over and over again. When this happens, your body may adjust to your routine and your weight loss plateaus. You need to surprise your body and shake things up. Try mixing up the healthy foods you are eating or try some new exercises. It could be the change you need to reach your ideal weight.

You’re eating too much – The closer you get to your goal weight you may get into the habit of letting the little things go. You’re not as strict about your diet as you were before. A bite here and there adds up and the extra calories could keep you from reaching your goal. Try keeping a food journal. Write down every single bite of food you have each day. This will help to make you more aware of what you’re putting in your mouth.

You’re eating too little – As your endurance grows and you exercise more you may need a little snack to keep your metabolism going. Otherwise, your metabolism will slow down and your body will go into starvation mode. When that happens, you will not be able to lose weight.

Your resting metabolic rate drops as your weight drops – The less you weigh, the fewer calories you need. So if you want to continue to lose weight you will have to try adjusting your diet to drop calories and increasing your calorie burn with more exercise.

Hormonal changes – The older we get, the harder it is to lose weight. Hormonal changes are the reason it is harder to lose weight as we age.

What You Can Do

There are some additional things you can do to help you lose weight:

Try building more muscle with exercise to create more lean body mass. This will help you to burn more calories.
Get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation actually slows the metabolism.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

About CoolSculpting® in Glastonbury

If you have tried diet and exercise and still cannot lose those stubborn areas of fat on your body, you could target those areas with a procedure known as CoolSculpting®. This simple non-invasive procedure is one of the few non-surgical options for fat reduction and it is quickly growing in popularity.

The CoolSculpting® procedure safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to target the fat cells underneath the skin. Treated fat cells are crystallized, and then they die. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving your body more sculpted. The results are long-term because the procedure removes the fat cells for good, without doing any damage to other healthy body cells.

CoolSculpting® can help you get the body of your dreams. It is safe, effective and it leaves no scars. There is no downtime following the treatment, so you can go about your daily activities as you normally would. (However, it may be necessary to pause your exercise routine for a couple of days.)

To find out if CoolSculpting® is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas.

January 3, 2019November 8, 2023

Liposuction vs. Fat Freezing (CoolSculpting®) in Glastonbury

Many people find that no matter what they do they just can’t seem to get rid of stubborn fat in certain body areas. If you have stubborn areas of body fat that persist even with diet and exercise, body sculpting may be the answer.

Let’s take a look at the two most popular body sculpting treatments – liposuction and CoolSculpting® – and find out which procedure is right for you. One option is surgical and one is non-surgical, but both options are effective for patients who are good candidates.

Neither procedure is a substitute for weight loss. Also, these procedures are not a solution for loose, sagging skin – if you have this problem you should ask your plastic surgeon about a surgical lifting procedure.

About Liposuction

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), liposuction is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. This surgical procedure removes body fat through a hollow tube with the assistance of a high-pressure vacuum. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of liposuction.

Advantages of Liposuction

The ability to remove large pockets of fat
Immediate results
Fat is removed in a single treatment session
Produces more dramatic results
Can be performed simultaneously with other surgical procedures

Disadvantages of Liposuction

A longer recovery time (typically a week)
Although rare, there are possible surgical risks

About CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is a safe and non-invasive procedure that works by freezing fat cells underneath the skin, which allows your body to naturally get rid of these fat cells without having to move a muscle. Treated cells are crystallized, and then they die. Over time your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving your body more sculpted. (Results are visible in as little as three weeks.) The results are long-term because the procedure removes the fat cells for good without doing any damage to other healthy body cells. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of CoolSculpting®.

Advantages of CoolSculpting®

The procedure is non-surgical (non-invasive)
It leaves no scars
Little to no downtime after treatment
Fewer risks

Disadvantages of CoolSculpting®

Requires multiple treatments
Takes longer to achieve your desired result
Results can be less dramatic than liposuction

To find out if liposuction or CoolSculpting® is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas.

December 20, 2018November 8, 2023

Glastonbury Moms Ask: What Is a Mommy Makeover?

Having a baby will change your life – and for most women, it will also change your body. Many mothers experience frustration and depression over the unwanted changes pregnancy has made to their bodies. And in many cases, these changes are permanent unless surgery is done to reverse them.

If you’re feeling down about losing your figure after pregnancy, and diet and exercise have not been able to resolve these issues, a mommy makeover may be the solution for you. A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that are designed to help you get your pre-baby body back. These surgical procedures focus on the areas of the body that are most commonly affected by pregnancy.

A mommy makeover can be tailored to the patient’s individual needs. It can involve any combination of procedures that are right for you. Here are some of the plastic surgery procedures that may be included in a mommy makeover:

A tummy tuck and breast surgery are the most common procedures in a mommy makeover, but any combination of procedures can be performed to reach your post-baby body goals. It is easier to address all of your concerns in a single surgery so that you would only have to go under anesthesia once and you would have a single recovery and downtime.

How Pregnancy Changes the Body

Our bodies change during pregnancy. The changes you experience may include:

Breast deflation
Abdominal stretch marks
Drooping and sagging
Extra deposits of body fat that are resistant to diet and exercise
Separation of the abdominal muscles resulting in a bulging of the abdominal wall

Many of these body changes are permanent, even if you try to combat them with diet and exercise.

When Should I Have a Mommy Makeover?

Your body needs time to recover after giving birth. So if you’re thinking about having a mommy makeover, make sure to give your body time to recover and make sure that you are done breastfeeding. You should wait at least six months to have a mommy makeover. If you are considering having more children, you should wait until you are done having children to have your mommy makeover. That’s because your body will undergo significant changes every time you get pregnant. If you have another child after having your mommy makeover, you will be undoing all the work that you have done.

How Involved Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover requires general anesthesia. The procedure can take anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the various procedures that you are having done.

This is considered a very involved form of plastic surgery since it has the potential to reshape so many different areas of the body at once. Your recovery will depend in great part on the type of surgical work you are having done, but because a mommy makeover involves the reshaping of so many body areas at once, a fairly lengthy recovery time is the norm. Most women who undergo a mommy makeover will plan to take off at least three or four weeks from work.

To find out if a mommy makeover is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas.

October 4, 2018November 8, 2023

Enhancing the Contours of Your Body with Liposuction

Some stubborn areas of fat like love handles, thighs, abdomen, back and flanks can be hard to lose, even with a strict diet and exercise routine. If you’ve been struggling with localized pockets of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction could be the solution.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction slims and reshapes these targeted areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, giving you the body contours you desire.

One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S., liposuction can help you reshape your body. It is an effective way to remove areas of excess fat on the body that diet and exercise simply will not solve. Liposuction gives you the body you want so you can feel more confident.

Dr. Beam uses tumescent liposuction to deliver optimal, lasting results. First, a lidocaine and epinephrine based solution is injected into the area to reduce pain and swelling. Then, tiny incisions are made where fat can be removed. A thin tube called a cannula is used to gently suction the fat from the body.

Tumescent liposuction benefits patients with a shorter recovery time than ever before and minimal scarring, making it one of the safest and most effective liposuction options.

Who Can Benefit from Liposuction?

Men and women alike have experienced great results by having unwanted fat pockets removed in this manner. Patients who are in generally good health and who are within 25 pounds of their ideal body weight are considered good candidates for this procedure.

Liposuction can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or it can be combined with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and is not a replacement for diet and exercise.

The results of liposuction are long-lasting. They should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Any significant weight gain can reverse your results so it is important to live a healthy, active life.

To find out if liposuction is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas.

May 2, 2018November 8, 2023

Considering a Mommy Makeover? Get the Scoop!

Many women experience drastic changes in their bodies – including weight gain, stretch marks, and sagging breasts – after having a child. It can be difficult to lose this weight and return to your pre-baby body. Dr. Beam offers mommy makeover procedures to new mothers looking to restore their pre-body physique.

Mommy Makeover 411

A mommy makeover is a customized procedure that combines several treatments and/or surgeries to contour and rejuvenate the body following pregnancy and/or dramatic weight loss. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a significant impact on the body, particularly the abdomen and the breasts. Many women find it incredibly difficult to regain their pre-baby body. A mommy makeover can assist in improving a new mother’s figure. The mommy makeover often includes any combination of these procedures:

Breast Augmentation
Breast Reduction
Breast Lift
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction
Dermal Fillers and Injectables

Are You a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Women who wish to return to their pre-baby body or women that have experienced drastic weight loss are good candidates for a mommy makeover. The most common procedures new mothers seek are breast lifts and/or breast augmentations since breasts enlarge rapidly during pregnancy, resulting in sagging, loss of volume, and loose skin. Women who have experienced drastic weight loss will notice similar changes in their breasts. The mommy makeover procedure can be customized to your needs and Dr. Beam and his team will assess your individual goals and body to help you achieve the results you desire.

If you’re ready to take the next step in restoring your pre-baby body or have questions about the mommy makeover, Dr. Beam serves patients in Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas of Connecticut. We also serve patients in the Massachusetts, Lon Meadow, Springfield, Holyoke, Agawam and Westfield areas. Contact Dr. Beam today to schedule your consultation!

April 25, 2018November 8, 2023

CoolSculpting® vs. Tummy Tuck: What is Right for Me?

If you have stubborn fat deposits in your midsection that won’t go away with dieting and exercise you should know about CoolSculpting® and tummy tucks. Dr. Beam offers CoolSculpting® and tummy tuck surgery to patients looking to slim down their midsection and get rid of stubborn fat.

About CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting® is an in-office cosmetic procedure that safely eliminates stubborn body fat. Using a controlled cooling method, fat cells are frozen and killed from within the body. The body’s natural healing process gets rid of these dead fat cells, so they are gone for good. CoolSculpting® is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia or downtime.

About Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that sculpts the waistline and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck removes fat and tightens the skin of the abdomen. During the surgery, incisions are made and excessive skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles tightened.

CoolSculpting® vs. Tummy Tuck

There are several key differences between CoolSculpting® and tummy tucks. The differences can be separated into a few categories:

Treatment Area and Effectiveness

CoolSculpting® can be performed on a number of areas on the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, arms, and thighs. However, CoolSculpting® is not a transformative surgery, and it does not tighten skin in the way that surgery does.
Tummy tuck surgery focuses only on the stomach and abdomen area. A tummy tuck achieves more drastic results and tightens the abdomen.

Pain Level

CoolSculpting® is noninvasive, incision-free, requires no anesthesia and is virtually painless. The treatment time is approximately one hour per session.
Tummy tucks are invasive surgery, requiring an incision and anesthesia. Although your pain is managed, patients should expect pain that is synonymous with surgery. Tummy tuck surgery can take approximately three to four hours.

Recovery and Downtime

After a CoolScuplting® treatment patients return home the same day as the treatment and return to regular activates immediately. Full results can be enjoyed approximately 12 weeks after the last session.
The recovery period after a tummy tuck can take several weeks. On average, most patients can return to work in three to four weeks and resume exercise in six to eight weeks. Results will be fully visible in two to three months.

If you think that CoolSculpting® or a tummy tuck may be right for you or you have additional questions, Dr. Beam serves patients in Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas of Connecticut. Contact Dr. Beam today to schedule your consultation!

Starting to see Lines & wrinkles ?

The Abdomen

The Arms & Legs

How Can I Get Started with Liposuction?

The Treatment

The Results

The Recovery

The Cost

Loose Skin after Weight Loss

What You Can Do About Your Loose Skin

Tummy Tuck

Arm Lift

Thigh Lift

What Will My Liposuction Results Look Like In 10 Years?

How Can I Maintain Long-Term Results?

Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation

Why Can’t You Lose Those Last 5 Pounds?

What You Can Do

About CoolSculpting® in Glastonbury

About Liposuction

About CoolSculpting®

How Pregnancy Changes the Body

When Should I Have a Mommy Makeover?

How Involved Is a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover 411

Are You a Good Candidate for Mommy Makeover Surgery?

About CoolSculpting®

About Tummy Tuck Surgery

CoolSculpting® vs. Tummy Tuck

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