Body
Welcome to Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Associates of Connecticut. We appreciate your interest, in the many procedures we perform, that will allow you to look and feel better. Dr. Melendez, his associates, and staff, will take the time necessary to get to know you and to develop a personalized and holistic treatment plan based upon your specific needs. They will also explain, in detail, all pre- and post-surgical instructions, what you may realistically expect in terms of outcome, and answer any questions you have about your care.
On this page, we will provide you with a brief explanation of the most common and popular surgeries available. All cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries should first be carefully considered and discussed with a doctor. Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Tummy tuck
Abdominoplasty flattens your abdomen by removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while tightening the muscles. The most common reasons, for electing to have a tummy tuck, is being unable to lose weight in this area, after generalized weight loss, or post-pregnancy, when the skin sags.
A patient can have either a standard or a mini-abdominoplasty. A standard abdominoplasty is a procedure in which the plastic surgeon places the scar very low, in the “bikini line,†and excess skin and fat are removed. A mini-abdominoplasty focuses on one part of the abdomen, requires a smaller scar, and is reserved for special cases. Surgery typically takes one to three hours under general anesthesia.
Prior to undergoing your tummy tuck, Dr. Melendez will discuss what to expect, outline pre- and post-op instructions, and answer any questions you may have.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Liposuction
Liposuction is also known as lipoplasty and is a technique used to remove fatty deposits from various areas of the body; hips, thighs, abdomen, or arms, in order to improve body shape and contour. This technique is best used when, due to genetics or aging, a patient is unable to lose weight on his /her own. Liposuction is performed on both men and women and is also commonly performed with other lift and reduction procedures.
The basic procedure is done with a small, thin metal tube called a cannula. Dr. Melendez will make very small incisions in the area where the liposuction is going to be done. The cannula is inserted and breaks up and vacuums away fat deposits beneath the skin. Liposuction is nearly always an out-patient procedure, unless it is done with a more invasive procedure, or when a great deal of fatty deposits are removed at one time.
Prior to electing to have liposuction, Dr. Melendez will meet with you and discuss which type of liposuction — ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted, or tumescent — will provide the best results for you. He will also answer any questions, you may have, and outline pre- and post-operative instructions.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Buttock lift
A buttock lift improves or removes excess, sagging buttocks and thigh skin, that has developed as a result of weight loss, aging, gravity, or genetics. By raising and tightening the skin over the buttocks, the area appears less saggy, dimpled, or wrinkled. This surgery is usually done as an out-patient procedure using general anesthesia. The technique used will be determined by your plastic surgeon, but most patients will enjoy full recovery in four to six months. Many patients will elect to do other enhancements, simultaneously, if their surgeon feels it is safe to do so.
Prior to your surgery, Dr. Melendez will consult with you to answer any questions you may have and to outline pre- and post-operative instructions.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Mommy Makeover
This is a pop culture term used to combine multiple plastic surgery procedures that restore, or improve, post-pregnancy body issues. While the procedures performed will depend on the woman, typically a “Mommy Makeover†includes liposuction, a tummy tuck, and one or more breast enhancement options. These are typically outpatient procedures with a recovery time of two to four weeks.
Dr. Melendez will consult with you, in order to put together a holistic approach to your surgery and recovery, as well as to advise you regarding pre- and post-operative care.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Arm lift
An arm lift, also called a brachioplasty, firms and reshapes the upper arm, from the elbow to the shoulder, in order to remove sagging skin or fat. This is an out-patient procedure, taking two to three hours, performed under general anesthesia.
There are various types of arm lifts. The minimal-incision arm lift involves making a small incision, near the armpit, and removing excess skin/fat and may include liposuction. A regular brachioplasty involves making a longer incision that stretches from the elbow up to the armpit, to remove and tighten the excess skin.
Prior to your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Melendez to discuss options and to review pre- and post-operative instructions. You will also use this time to decide if additional procedures are required to obtain your best, most realistic results.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is also called labia minora reduction, labia reduction, or inner lip reduction. This is an out-patient procedure, performed under anesthesia, which reshapes or reduces the size of the skin surrounding the vaginal opening. Enlargement of the labia may be caused by weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and/or child birth, or it may be congenital.
This procedure can be combined with other vaginal enhancement procedures or aesthetic surgeries. During your consultation, with Dr. Melendez, he will go over expected outcomes, recovery times, and pre- and post-operative instructions.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Post-bariatric plastic surgery
Post-bariatric plastic surgery is also referred to as body contouring or a body lift, however, the techniques used in this procedure are designed specifically for those patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Post- bariatric patients have excess, sagging skin and their tissues lack the elasticity necessary to conform to their new, smaller body size. Surgical body contouring involves the removal of excess fat and skin, while improving the shape of supporting tissue. Post-bariatric surgery can include; facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck, lower body lifts, medial thigh lifts and/or arm lifts.
Prior to your surgery, Dr. Melendez will consult with you to answer any questions you may have and to outline pre- and post-operative instructions.
Please call us at 203-935-8160 or click here to schedule your consultation.
Sources: Dr. Mark Melendez, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, & Web MD.