Dr. Morad Askari, MD, MBA

Brachioplasty, commonly referred to by patients as an arm lift to address 'bat wings,' is a procedure to remove excess skin hanging from the inside of the arms. This condition is often seen in individuals who have experienced massive weight loss and can cause functional problems like skin irritation, trauma, or impeded arm movement. The practice uses techniques to create a nicer arm and armpit contour. A long scar arm lift typically results in an incision extending from the elbow to the back of the armpit, and sometimes onto the side of the chest. While a longer incision is often necessary to achieve the desired contour, the practice prefers shorter incisions when possible, depending on whether the excess skin is along the entire arm or primarily closer to the armpit.

Dr. Askari's practice aims for patients to be pain-free for the first 72 hours after surgery, utilizing products like Exparel for effective pain relief.

After a tummy tuck or liposuction, patients are required to wear specific items within their compression garment, including foams and boards. Foams are soft, while boards are hard. These are typically introduced on day three or four post-operation, to tolerance. Specific components include a side foam, a belly board, and a small tip placed in the butt area.

Dr. Askari's practice offers RF (radiofrequency) skin tightening to enhance liposuction benefits, believing it yields better and safer results than laser-based methods like SmartLipo. While SmartLipo uses laser for fat removal and skin tightening, Dr. Askari prefers radiofrequency energy, which he finds more selective in treating tissue and inducing skin tightening. He specifically uses and recommends combining J-Plasma (a brand of radiofrequency technology) with liposuction for enhanced results. This combination is considered safer because liposuction creates a clear plane for the RF energy, minimizing harm and preventing contour deformities. Although J-Plasma can be used in areas like the face or neck without liposuction, a cannula is often still used to create the necessary space for treatment.

Yes, liposuction is considered a permanent procedure because the fat cells removed are gone and do not divide or return. The fat cells you are born with are generally the same ones you have throughout life, only changing in size. If fat cells are transferred (e.g., in a BBL), they will reside in the new location. While liposuction permanently reduces the number of fat cells in treated areas, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge if an individual gains weight, potentially diminishing or losing the aesthetic effect of the liposuction. However, there is a reduced tendency to gain weight in the treated areas.

Dr. Askari normally recommends gummy bear gel implants with a silicone fill. He notes that all breast implants, whether saline or silicone, have an outer silicone cover. Saline implants contain a fluid, water-like consistency, whereas newer generation gummy bear implants use a very viscous or cohesive gel designed to replicate natural breast tissue.

Avéli is a handheld device used underneath the skin to cut the fibrous bands that tether the skin down, which are the underlying cause of dimple cellulite.

The Revive XLift is considered the gold standard procedure for patients with high BMI or those seeking to remove excess skin, which often results from massive weight loss.