Jessica Belz, MD

Products And Services

• 

  Tummy Tuck

  TUMMY TUCK A variety of factors can affect your abdominal contour, including weight changes, childbirth, prior surgeries and genetics. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is designed to restore your abdominal contour and improve appearance by removing excess skin and fat and tighten your underlying abdominal muscles. This allows for a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. A mini-abdominoplasty is a technique reserved for individuals with less excess tissue isolated to the lower abdomen and does not require re-positioning of the umbilicus; an extended abdominoplasty may be beneficial depending on your body habitus. HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE PERFORMED? Dr. Belz offers abdominoplasty under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. To perform the procedure, an incision is made on the lower abdomen for better concealment. The upper abdominal skin is lifted and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Excess fat is removed either by direct excision or liposuction. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down and excess tissue is excised to tighten the abdomen and restore the contour. The umbilicus is re-positioned when necessary. Drains are placed at the time of surgery. The incision is closed carefully and dressings are applied. An abdominal compression garment will be placed for support; it also helps with post-operative swelling. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS FROM A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE? During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss your surgical options and the procedure, review the risks and benefits of surgery, and clarify the post-operative recovery course. Bruising and swelling are common after a tummy tuck. Patients will need to walk in a flexed position for approximately one week after surgery. Surgical drains are usually removed within five to ten days. Most patients may return to work after two to three weeks. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for six weeks. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Liposuction

  LIPOSUCTION Liposuction helps recontour and reshape the body by removing areas of localized fat deposits. Sometimes, despite proper diet and exercise, the body accumulates excess fat leading to unpleasant bulges in the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, love handles, arms and other areas. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. While liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite or obesity, it does help treat focal areas of excess fat deposits. HOW IS LIPOSUCTION PERFORMED? Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. IV sedation or general anesthesia is administered, and discreet incisions are made near the affected area. Local anesthesia is infiltrated prior to introducing a thin, hollow tube, known as a cannula, into the fatty deposit. Using a controlled back and forth motion, the excess fat is loosened and then removed via suction. Dr. Belz assesses symmetry and fat thickness carefully to avoid contour deformities. A compression garment is placed at the end of the procedure. Dr. Belz will discuss your area(s) of concern, review the procedure, risks and benefits, and post-operative course during your personalized consultation. WILL THERE BE ANY BRUISING AFTER A LIPOSUCTION? Bruising and swelling may occur after liposuction but usually improve over several weeks. Many individuals return to work after one week, however strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks or until released by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Body Contouring After Weight Loss

  BODY CONTOURING AFTER WEIGHT LOSS Following significant weight loss with or without bariatric surgery, excess skin may hinder your function, undermine your sense of well-being, and hide your slimmer self. Surgical body contouring involves the removal of excess fat and skin to reveal one’s reduced body shape. Dr. Belz offers numerous body contouring procedures, including facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck, lower body lift, arm lift, and thigh lift. She understands that drastic weight loss is a result of hard work and dedication. During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss the procedure (or combination of procedures) that will suit your personal needs and help you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Arm Lift

  ARM LIFT Fluctuations in weight, age, and genetics can lead to a droopy, sagging appearance of the upper arms. This excess tissue cannot be corrected through exercise and may be uncomfortable, unsightly, and restrict wardrobe options. An arm lift (also known as a brachioplasty,) reduces the excess skin and fat and restores definition and shape to the upper arm. The procedure may also include liposuction to the area and is often performed in conjunction with other body contouring procedures. HOW IS THE ARM LIFT PROCEDURE PERFORMED? An arm lift is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes approximately 2-3 hours. An incision is made on the inside aspect of the arm and typically extends from the axilla to above the elbow. Excess skin and fat is removed and internal sutures are placed to help re-contour the upper arm. The skin is then closed meticulously to maximize wound healing. A temporary drain may be placed to drain excess fluid. While every effort is made to minimize scar length, the scar will be visible depending on the position of your arm. Dr. Belz will review the procedure, risks and benefits, and post-operative course during your personalized consultation. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER AN ARM LIFT PROCEDURE? Diligent elevation and the use of a compression garment help minimize bruising and swelling, which commonly occur after a brachioplasty. Most individuals are able to resume light activity and return to work 7-10 days after surgery. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks or until released by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Thigh Lift

  THIGH LIFT Excess skin of the upper and inner thighs often occurs as a result of fluctuations in weight, aging and genetics. A thigh lift tightens and re-shapes the skin envelope of the thigh by directly removing excess tissue. It is often combined with the use of liposuction to remove excess thigh fat as well. Patients who have difficulty exercising, who are uncomfortable wearing certain types of clothing, or who suffer from chafing may be good candidates for a thigh lift. A thigh lift is performed under general anesthesia. Incision patterns vary, and the procedure will be discussed in its entirety during your personalized consultation. A fitted compression garment helps to minimize swelling, which commonly occurs after a thigh lift. Dr. Belz will review all of the risks and benefits of surgery and your post-operative course at the time of your consultation. Most individuals are able to resume light activity and return to work approximately two weeks after surgery. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks or until released by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Mommy Makeover

  MOMMY MAKEOVER A “Mommy Makeover” is a term that is used to describe a combination of procedures that help a mom restore her pre-pregnancy body and self-confidence. Pregnancy and nursing can result in significant changes to a woman’s body, including, but not limited to, stretching of the skin and muscles of the abdomen, excess fat, and deflation of the breasts. The “Mommy Makeover” typically combines one or more of the following surgical procedures: breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck and/or liposuction. Dr. Belz will assist you in determining which combination of procedures will help you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Breast Augmentation

  BREAST AUGMENTATION Breast augmentation surgery or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure performed using breast implants or fat from another part of your body to increase breast volume and enhance the appearance of your breasts. Breast size and symmetry can play a valuable role in one’s self image. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST ENHANCEMENT? Women with small or asymmetric breasts or those whose breasts have changed in appearance following weight loss, pregnancy, and/or breastfeeding, may benefit from restoring their breast volume and improving the balance of their figure with a breast augmentation. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a breast lift in patients with sagging breasts. WHAT TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS CAN I GET? Breast implants may be silicone or saline and may be placed above or below the pectoralis muscle. Recommended incision placement may vary depending on the individual, but most incisions are placed along the inframammary fold or along the lower edge of the areola. Dr. Belz will thoroughly discuss the different types of implants, as well as implant and incision location, during your personalized consultation. The risks and benefits of surgery, as well as your anticipated post-operative recovery course, will also be reviewed. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR A BREAST ENLARGEMENT PROCEDURE? Breast implant procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. The immediate recovery time is approximately 3 to 5 days, although some patients opt to take a full week off before returning to work. Bruising and swelling may be present for 10 to 14 days. Once cleared by Dr. Belz, most patients are able to resume exercise or strenuous activity approximately 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. HOW MUCH DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION COST? Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Breast Lift

  BREAST LIFT A woman’s breasts may develop ptosis (sagginess) for a variety of reasons such as age, gravity, weight changes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and genetics. A breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, is a procedure performed to restore the youthful appearance and contour to your breasts. It may be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation to achieve a fuller and uplifted appearance and to replace lost volume. A mastopexy can improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts by removing excess lax skin, tightening the surrounding tissue, re-positioning the nipple higher on the breast, and often by reducing the size of the areola. HOW IS A BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE PERFORMED? A breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. As there are several different techniques used to perform a breast lift, Dr. Belz will discuss your cosmetic goals, inform you of your options, review the risks and benefits of surgery, and clarify your post-operative course during your personalized consultation. Dr. Belz is pleased to offer the SPAIR short scar technique, which reduces the scar burden in comparison to the traditional anchor-shaped scar pattern. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER A BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE? While the initial recovery time is typically several days, most patients opt to take a full week off before returning to work. Bruising and swelling may be present for two to three weeks. Most individuals are able to resume exercise or strenuous activity approximately 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once cleared by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Breast Reduction

  BREAST REDUCTION Some women have large breasts that are out of proportion with their bodies. This can often lead to significant neck, back, and shoulder pain, among other painful symptoms. A breast reduction surgery or reduction mammoplasty, serves to reduce the size of one’s breasts by removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat. This results in a more proportionate breast size and symptomatic relief. HOW IS A BREAST REDUCTION DONE? There are many different techniques employed for a breast reduction procedure. Having trained under world-renowned breast surgeon, Dr. Dennis Hammond, Dr. Belz specializes in using a short-scar technique called the SPAIR technique. In addition to reducing the size of the breast, this technique allows for re-positioning of the nipple, a decreased scar burden, and an excellent aesthetic contour. During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will review the surgical procedure thoroughly. She will also discuss the risks, benefits, and anticipated recovery course. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and most patients are able to go home the same day. WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY LIKE? Initial recovery from a breast reduction is approximately 3-5 days, however, some patients opt to take a week off of work. Bruising and swelling may be present for 10-14 days. Once cleared by Dr. Belz, one can usually resume strenuous activity and exercise after 4 to 6 weeks. WHAT DOES BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY COST? Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Male Breast Reduction

  MALE BREAST REDUCTION Excess breast tissue in men is known as gynecomastia and can be a result of hormonal imbalances, weight gain, genetics, or certain medications and drugs. This condition can be psychologically distressing and have a negative effect on one’s quality of life. A male breast reduction surgery can improve one’s chest contour and enhance one’s self-image. HOW IS A MALE BREAST REDUCTION PERFORMED? There are several techniques that are employed in a gynecomastia procedure, including liposuction to remove fat, direct excision of excess skin and breast tissue, or a combination of both techniques. The nipple/areola may need to be re-positioned or reduced in some cases. During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss your surgical options, review the risks and benefits of plastic surgery, and clarify the post-operative recovery course. WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE FOR A MALE BREAST REDUCTION? Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Patients will be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks following surgery and should anticipate 5-7 days of downtime for recovery. Bruising and swelling may be present for two to three weeks. Strenuous activity and exercise, including weight lifting, should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Breast Revision

  BREAST REVISION Breast revision surgery may be performed for a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive reasons. Revision surgery is often needed to improve the surgical outcome from a previous breast operation, such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift. Asymmetries, capsular contracture, bottoming out, rippling, ruptured implants, and excessive implant size are a few reasons why women may be dissatisfied with their prior surgical result and desire a corrective breast surgery. Revision surgery is sometimes performed to improve congenital abnormalities, including tuberous breast deformity, breast asymmetries, inverted nipples, and enlarged areolas. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REVISION? Every breast revision procedure is unique, and Dr. Belz will discuss your specific expectations and goals during your personalized consultation. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Breast Reconstruction

  BREAST RECONSTRUCTION A diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-changing event. Luckily, there are a variety of breast reconstruction techniques available to help restore one’s image and self-confidence and make women feel whole again after a mastectomy. Depending on your cancer diagnosis and clinical situation, breast reconstruction may be performed in an immediate or delayed fashion. An immediate reconstruction is achieved at the same time as a mastectomy, while a delayed reconstruction may be done approximately three months or longer after the initial surgery. A reconstruction may be delayed for further cancer treatment and/or to allow for treated tissues to recover prior to your reconstruction. WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY? Breast reconstruction attempts to restore a women’s breast following mastectomy or lumpectomy. This can be achieved using implants, your own tissue (autologous flap), or a combination of your tissue and implants. A personalized consultation with Dr. Belz will help determine the best options for you and allow you to make an informed decision. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY? Implant-based reconstruction is the most common form of breast reconstruction. It is typically performed in a staged fashion, with a tissue expander or spacer and acellular dermal matrix placed at the time of mastectomy. Over several months, the tissue expander is filled in the office. A second procedure is performed in the operating room to remove the temporary expander and replace it with a permanent breast implant once expansion has been achieved. This is often done in conjunction with a technique known as fat grafting, which helps smoothen the contours of the reconstructed breast. On occasion, patients may be candidates for a direct to implant reconstruction. Autologous-based breast reconstruction uses one’s own body tissue. This may include tissue from your back (latissimus flap) or abdomen (TRAM or DIEP flap). Flap procedures are also usually achieved in a staged fashion with a revision surgery performed 3-6 months following the initial reconstruction. Symmetry or balancing procedures, including a breast lift, augmentation, or reduction, are often necessary on the unaffected breast in situations where a unilateral reconstruction was performed. Once a patient’s tissue has settled, a nipple reconstruction can be performed using a variety of different techniques. This is typically an outpatient procedure and usually involves a rearrangement of local tissue. During your individualized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss your reconstructive options, the risks and benefits of surgery, and the anticipated post-operative recovery course. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Upper Eyelid Surgery

  UPPER EYELID SURGERY Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) is performed both to improve the appearance of the eyes and address functional problems with your vision. Heavy-appearing eyes as a result of loose, sagging skin are rejuvenated with this procedure. Upper blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under IV sedation or general anesthesia. A well-disguised incision is made in an upper eyelid crease and excess skin is removed. Swelling and bruising are common, but typically resolve within two to three weeks. Using ice compresses as instructed by Dr. Belz, sleeping with your head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activity aid in a safe recovery. Dr. Belz will review the entire procedure, risks and benefits, and post-operative course during your personalized consultation. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Face and Neck Lift

  FACE AND NECK LIFT Age, gravity, heredity, stress, and environmental exposures can affect one’s appearance over time. With the skin’s loss of elasticity, wrinkles and sagging of the face may occur. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is performed to improve one’s appearance and restore youthful contours. Excess skin and sagging of the mid and lower face, as well as deep creases, are addressed. This procedure is often combined with a neck lift, which targets the excess fat under the chin, jowls, neck skin laxity, and the bothersome “turkey wattle.” A facelift and/or neck lift can help one’s outward appearance match their inner youth. WHICH FACIAL REJUVENATION PROCEDURE IS RIGHT FOR ME? At your personalized consultation, Dr. Belz will help you determine which type of facial rejuvenation procedure best suits your needs. Incisions for a face and neck lift are typically disguised in the hairline or along the natural creases of your face and neck. HOW ARE FACELIFTS AND NECK LIFTS PERFORMED? Facelift and neck lifts are performed under general anesthesia. Swelling and bruising are common and most patients return to work two to three weeks after surgery. It is very important to avoid strenuous activity and exercise until released by Dr. Belz. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  Ear Surgery

  EAR SURGERY Ear surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons and may vary in complexity. An otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, is used to reposition prominent or protruding ears. Earlobe repair surgery is performed to restore the appearance of earlobes that have been stretched or torn. Patients who have earlobes stretched by gauges, torn from pulled earrings, or elongated due to age, may benefit from an earlobe repair. Dr. Belz will discuss your expectations and the procedure suited to your needs at the time of your personalized consultation. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

• 

  BOTOX

  BOTOX® COSMETIC BOTOX® Cosmetic is a popular non-surgical option for men and women for smoothening the wrinkles and fine lines caused by age, smoking, sun exposure, and repetitive facial movements. By blocking the muscular nerve signals, BOTOX® Cosmetic relaxes the muscle and diminishes those undesired lines, which restores a youthful appearance. Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic may last up to four months before subsequent maintenance treatments are necessary.

• 

  JUVÉDERM®

  SOFT TISSUE FILLERS: JUVÉDERM® Soft tissue fillers are a non-surgical means of helping reduce the visible signs of aging by restoring volume and minimizing wrinkles and folds in the skin. Dr. Belz offers a wide array of hyaluronic acid fillers that are administered by injection in the office and provide immediate results with little downtime. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Belz will discuss your aesthetic concerns and offer a facial analysis to help determine which soft tissue fillers will best meet your needs. JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC JUVÉDERM® XC JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC

• 

  KYBELLA®

  WHAT IS KYBELLA®? KYBELLA® is a unique product designed to improve the appearance and profile of the area below the chin. The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is synthetic deoxycholic acid, which helps to permanently destroy excess fat below the chin, also known as submental fat. This may improve the appearance of a “double chin” and reduce excess fullness under the chin. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belz. She is ready to provide you with personalized care and a feminine perspective to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.