For patients who desire specific enhancement of their muscular contours, Body Augmentation Surgery with silicone implants or fat grafting can be used to achieve their goals. Muscles can be smaller or missing due to congenital conditions, previous trauma, or other reasons. Muscles which can be enhanced include the pectoralis major (chest), biceps (arm), triceps (arm), gluteal (buttock), and calf (leg) muscles. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Li will analyze your body in detail and discuss whether Body Augmentation Surgery is a good option for you.
The procedure varies according to the site of body augmentation, but generally involves placement of a shaped silicone implant or fat grafts above or inside the muscle, to create the effect of a larger muscle without altering its function. Access incisions are usually kept in hidden areas (e.g. knee creases, elbow creases) to camouflage them. Of note, silicone implants can be custom-made with 3D imaging if desired, for best match to your body.
KEY POINTS
SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHETIC
GO HOME THE SAME DAY (DAY SURGERY)
RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN 4 WEEKS
IMPLANTS/FAT GRAFTS ACCENTUATE EXISTING MUSCLE
RESTORE SYMMETRY AND/OR IMPROVE BODY PROPORTIONS
HIDE SCARS IN INCONSPICUOUS AREAS
FAT GRAFTS GLOBALLY AUGMENT MUSCLE
IMPLANTS PROVIDE MORE FOCAL MUSCLE AUGMENTATION
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY
You will be evaluated by Dr. Li at the time of your initial consultation to determine if Body Augmentation Surgery is the best option for you
You will be required to quit smoking and oral contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery
You will need to complete testing before surgery, which may include a physical with your PCP/primary physician, blood work, and an ECG
Prescriptions for your surgery will be sent to your local pharmacy, please obtain these medications ahead of time and bring them to your surgery
A deposit is required to secure your surgery date
Full payment is required 2 weeks before surgery; payment options include cash, cashier's check, or credit through Alphaeon or CareCredit
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
General anesthesia can sometimes cause generalized body soreness and fatigue for a couple of days
Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve
You will not be allowed to engage in any significant exercise (e.g. running, lifting weights) for 4 weeks
You will be provided a compression garment to wear; it is recommended that you wear this for 6 weeks to help shape your body and minimize swelling
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, or a burning sensation involving your surgical area; bruising and swelling takes several weeks to improve; numbness takes a couple months to normalize
Scars may be red and firm for approximately 6 months before they soften and fade