Top Body Contouring Surgeon Located in National Harbor, MD
For many people, diet and exercise can only get you part of the way to your ideal figure. If you’ve found that your fitness efforts haven’t achieved the contoured abdominal area and waistline you desire, then a Bella Body Lift may be the right solution for you.
The Bella Body Lift is Dr. Michael Chiaramonte’s name for a combined body contouring procedure known as lipoabdominoplasty. It brings together a tummy tuck and liposuction so loose abdominal skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and localized fat can be treated as part of the same surgical plan. At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, this combination allows Dr. Chiaramonte to contour the abdomen and surrounding waistline together rather than treating these concerns separately.
You can find out whether the Bella Body Lift is right for you and receive individualized treatment recommendations by speaking with Dr. Chiaramonte in person. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia.
How Does the Bella Body Lift Work?
A tummy tuck and liposuction reshape the midsection in different ways. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and can tighten separated or weakened abdominal muscles. Liposuction reduces localized fat. When both concerns are present, treating only the front of the abdomen may leave fullness in areas such as the flanks, upper abdomen, or back that affects the proportions of the midsection.
Dr. Chiaramonte developed the Bella Body Lift to combine these procedures during one operation. He performs the abdominoplasty portion to reshape the abdomen and uses liposuction to reduce unwanted fat around the midsection. This combination may be appropriate for men and women who are at or near a stable, healthy weight and have loose abdominal skin along with areas of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise.
What Does the Tummy Tuck Address?
There are a number of reasons why your abdominal region can lose elasticity and begin to droop, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Significant weight loss
- The aging process
- Genetic factors
A tummy tuck is designed to correct these issues. During the procedure, Dr. Chiaramonte creates a horizontal incision that extends from hipbone to hipbone. Separated or weak abdominal muscles are tightened using sutures placed in the connective tissue.
Dr. Chiaramonte will also eliminate any excess abdominal skin and adjust your navel to align with your newly contoured abdomen. The original incision is then closed with stitches and will be easily hidden below your bikini line to ensure that your scar will be discreetly located.
What Does Liposuction Address?
If you’re simply looking to remove targeted pockets of excess fat, liposuction can provide an effective solution. Many people find that with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, liposuction helps them achieve their body contouring goals.
During your liposuction procedure, Dr. Chiaramonte makes a tiny incision in the treatment region. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the unwanted fat beneath the skin. This can be accomplished with laser energy or ultrasonic vibrations, which help to break up the fat and facilitate removal.
When you undergo the Bella Body Lift surgery, Dr. Chiaramonte can avoid making secondary incisions in your treatment region since the same incision can be used for both procedures. By combining liposuction and abdominoplasty in this manner, your midsection is firmly contoured, and fat is removed in one surgical procedure.
How Does the Bella Body Lift Differ From a Traditional Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck alone will help improve any weakened muscles or lax skin in your midsection. However, it can be challenging to properly address the removal of excess fat throughout your abdominal region. By adding liposuction to a traditional tummy tuck, Dr. Chiaramonte can sculpt a beautiful abdominal profile much more effectively than is possible with a tummy tuck alone.
The Bella Body Lift addresses the abdomen and surrounding waistline during the same operation. Planning the tummy tuck and liposuction together allows Dr. Chiaramonte to consider how these areas relate to one another instead of treating each concern in isolation.
Why Choose Dr. Chiaramonte for Your Body Contouring Procedure
Dr. Chiaramonte has performed thousands of lipoabdominoplasty procedures. He understands that even a small amount of fat removal can have a powerful impact on your appearance. Throughout time, he has tested and used a number of techniques and devices to refine the Bella Body Lift.
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Chiaramonte brings leadership experience to every procedure. He completed his fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he also served as a clinical instructor and past chairman of plastic surgery. His ongoing commitment to surgical innovation and patient safety is reflected in every Bella Body Lift he performs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Recovery Typically Take After a Bella Body Lift?
Most patients need about two weeks of downtime before returning to normal daily activities.
Light movement is encouraged soon after surgery to support circulation, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. Chiaramonte will give you personalized recovery guidelines to help ensure safe healing.
How Soon After Childbirth or Weight Loss Can I Consider a Bella Body Lift?
It’s best to wait until your body has stabilized after major physical changes. For new mothers, Dr. Chiaramonte generally recommends waiting at least six months after childbirth and once you’ve completed breastfeeding.
After significant weight loss, your weight should remain steady for several months before surgery.
Are the Results of a Bella Body Lift Permanent If I Maintain My Weight?
The fat and excess skin removed during your Bella Body Lift will not return. However, maintaining a consistent weight and healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results long-term. Fluctuations in weight or pregnancy after surgery can alter your new contours.
Can the Bella Body Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures, Such as Breast Surgery or Arm Contouring?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine their Bella Body Lift with procedures like breast enhancement, arm contouring, or thigh contouring for more comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. Chiaramonte will discuss your goals and determine which combination is safe and suitable for your body.
How Much Scarring Should I Expect, and Where Will It Be Located?
The incision for a Bella Body Lift is placed low on the abdomen, extending from hip to hip, so it can be hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.
While some scarring is unavoidable, Dr. Chiaramonte uses advanced closure techniques and detailed post-care instructions to help your incision heal smoothly and fade over time.
Is the Bella Body Lift Suitable for Men as Well as Women?
Yes. The Bella Body Lift is customized for men and women who want to refine their waistline and midsection.
The goals may differ (men often seek a more defined abdominal contour, while women may want a smoother, flatter abdomen), but we can tailor the procedure to fit each patient’s aesthetic goals.
Can a Bella Body Lift Remove Stretch Marks?
Because the Bella Body Lift includes a tummy tuck, some stretch marks may be removed along with excess abdominal skin. This is most likely when the stretch marks are located on the lower portion of the abdomen where skin is excised.
Stretch marks on skin that remains after surgery will not necessarily disappear, although tightening the abdominal skin may make some less noticeable.
How Should I Prepare for a Bella Body Lift?
Good overall health is important before undergoing a Bella Body Lift. Be open with Dr. Chiaramonte about your medical history, medications, supplements, and any health concerns during your consultation.
Bella Cosmetic Surgery advises people preparing for abdominoplasty to stop smoking several weeks before surgery and throughout recovery and to make any necessary medication or supplement adjustments as directed. Dr. Chiaramonte will give you specific preoperative instructions based on your health and surgical plan.
What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of a Bella Body Lift?
As with any surgery, a Bella Body Lift carries potential risks.
Because the procedure combines abdominoplasty and liposuction, possible complications can include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, blood clots, changes in skin sensation, poor wound healing, contour irregularities, unfavorable scarring, and complications related to anesthesia.
Your individual risk can vary based on your health and the extent of surgery, so Dr. Chiaramonte will discuss the potential complications with you before you decide whether to proceed.
Contact Our Plastic Surgeon for Your Bella Body Lift
Please contact Bella Cosmetic Surgery using the form on this page or call 301-567-6767 today to schedule your consultation for a Bella Body Lift. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia.
