Athletes work hard to maintain a toned physique through a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The sports they play and their workout routines help them create the figure they want, but not every aesthetic concern can be resolved through exercise.
When it comes to specific areas of the body, diet and exercise will not make much of a difference. This is where plastic surgery for athletes can be of great help.
Plastic surgery for athletes can address cosmetic concerns that diet and exercise have no impact on. These include things like loose skin, damaged muscles, nasal abnormalities, or excess vaginal tissue.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides plastic surgery for athletes in Beverly Hills. Read on to learn more about five of the most popular plastic surgery procedures that can help athletes achieve a more balanced appearance.
1. Tummy Tuck
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess loose skin around the midsection and repair damaged abdominal muscles. Tummy tucks are not weight loss procedures; instead, they are figure-enhancing procedures that can create a more sculpted physique.
Tummy tucks are especially beneficial for athletes because they tighten and repair the underlying abdominal muscles.
Years of heavy training or injuries from contact sports can do damage to the muscles in the abdominal wall by stretching or tearing them. Once this damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed through a healthy diet or a traditional workout routine.
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Cat repairs any stretched or damaged muscles in the abdomen, creating a more sculpted and toned stomach. She also removes any excess loose skin around the midsection, which can occur with pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Dr. Cat explains the importance of tummy tuck procedures here:
“Diet and exercise, although important, often cannot repair or treat the skin and underlying muscles that have been stretched. Even some of the thinnest patients have excessive skin that they just can’t remove that a tummy tuck can help with.”
After a tummy tuck procedure, athletes find that they have a natural-looking abdomen with enhanced ab muscles. This allows them to see and appreciate all of the hard work they’ve put in to have a more sculpted midsection. Many patients feel more comfortable and confident when wearing athletic apparel like yoga outfits or swimsuits.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to remove excess fat from the body. Though the procedures may appear similar, there are a number of differences between tummy tucks and liposuction.
Using a thin tube, Dr. Cat will break down fat and remove it from the body, leaving behind a slimmer figure. This treatment is particularly helpful for people who struggle to lose weight in problem areas like the stomach, thighs, arms, back, and buttocks.
Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery for athletes because it can be used to get rid of weight that diet and exercise have not resolved. In fact, studies have shown that once liposuction is performed, fat cells in the treated areas are smaller, and more weight loss tends to occur after the procedure.
During a liposuction procedure, Dr. Cat will make small incisions around the desired treatment areas. A thin cannula, or tube, is then inserted into the incision to break apart the fat cells and gently suction them from the body. With an innovative approach, Dr. Cat is able to use liposuction to contour the body into a more flattering shape.
Dr. Cat recalls how liposuction has helped her figure below:
“Many of my patients use liposuction as a kick start towards a healthier lifestyle. I am a liposuction patient myself and had surgery about ten years ago. I have always been active and in good shape; however, I had isolated extra fat in my inner thigh and around my knees that I just could not get rid of — no matter how thin I was, there was just a bulge in both areas. Liposuction helped me get rid of those two fat pockets — even though not a lot of fat was removed, it improved the contour of my leg. Having a better contour motivated me even more to exercise and maintain my results. Honestly, I wish I had done it sooner.”
After their liposuction procedures, athletes report feeling greater motivation when they work out. This is because their new figure has given them increased confidence and inspired them to maintain their health.
3. Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the vagina by altering the labia minora and labia majora. This often involves removing labia minora tissue to make the area outside the vaginal wall tighter and smaller.
Labiaplasties are popular plastic surgeries for female athletes because excess labia minora tissue can sometimes interfere with certain sports or exercises. This tissue can experience swelling, bleeding, or tears when cycling, horseback riding, spinning, yoga, and more.
When the labia minora tissue is extended, it can become uncomfortable to wear the tight clothing required for many athletic activities, and direct pressure to the vaginal area can cause pain.
During a labiaplasty procedure, Dr. Cat can resect and remove any excess tissue in the labia minora and labia majora, reducing friction in the area. This will make it more comfortable to wear tight clothing or perform certain activities.
4. Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that decreases volume in breasts that may be too big for a patient’s frame. When breasts are too large, they can cause back pain, poor posture, and other medical issues.
Breast reduction is a common plastic surgery for athletes because large breasts can interfere with or impede athletic performance in a variety of ways.
The most common issue is that large breasts cause pain and discomfort for the athlete, typically in the form of back pain. Many find that smaller, lighter breasts interfere less with the upper body movements required for athletic activities.
Dr. Cat explains why breast reduction is a popular plastic surgery for athletes below:
“Breast reduction surgery produces some of the most dramatic results of all breast plastic surgeries. It improves the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned, and clothes fit better. Some of my happiest patients are breast reduction patients. This is personally one of my favorite procedures to perform because it is often life changing for patients.”
After having a breast reduction, many patients find that their physical activity is easier and that issues like back pain have been resolved. It may also be easier to wear tight clothing that is required for certain sports or workout routines.
5. Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that alters the bone and cartilage of the nose to create a more flattering appearance and resolve certain breathing issues. This procedure is a popular plastic surgery for athletes because it can correct damage to the nose due to sports injuries.
During a rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Cat will remove or alter the cartilage in the bone to give it a more natural, symmetrical appearance. This can correct any nasal injuries and improve certain breathing difficulties that are the result of these injuries.
Dr. Cat explains her rhinoplasty process below:
“My philosophy on rhinoplasty is that patients should always look like themselves — that changes should be natural and refined. In the long run, conservative surgery preserves results longer and minimizes scar tissue formation that can distort the nose, resulting in an ‘overdone’ look.”
Patients choose rhinoplasty procedures to correct any nasal abnormalities and injuries that have changed the appearance or function of their nose. Once performed, patients are left with a nose that looks natural and better suits their facial features.
Plastic Surgery for Athletes in Beverly Hills
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides plastic surgery for athletes in Beverly Hills. With years of experience, Dr. Cat has developed an advanced approach to a wide range of cosmetic procedures.
Specialties at her practice include tummy tucks, liposuction, labiaplasty, and more. Dr. Cat’s procedures can help athletes resolve some of the most common cosmetic issues that diet and exercise cannot address.
With numerous industry awards and recognitions, Dr. Cat has become one of the most highly regarded providers in the field of plastic surgery. In fact, patients travel from all over the world to seek treatment with Dr. Cat.
To learn more or to begin your plastic surgery journey, please call our office today.
