Flat, tight tummies in just one visit are possible through a local team of body-contouring leaders; such a possibility prompts hope in many. AbEX -- an innovative, breakthrough technique developed by Sono Bello -- combines the center's signature TriSculpt micro-laser liposuction with excess skin removal in the full abdomen to provide a more comprehensive approach to fat removal than a traditional tummy tuck.
"While a tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia, AbEX is done under localized anesthesia, which results in fewer complications, less downtime, and faster patient recovery as we completely avoid the risk associated with general anesthesia," says Gerald Lionelli, M.D.
Located at 845 N. New Ballas Court, Suite 360, in Creve Coeur, the St. Louis Sono Bello 18-member team is part of 70-plus locations nationally. Sono Bello was founded in 2008. The company's 135-plus, board-certified surgeons have performed more than 250,000 procedures to date.
Overall, Sono Bello services include targeted area body contouring, mommy makeovers, tummy-tuck alternatives, excess skin removal, chest/gynecomastia reduction and double chin reduction.
Stephanie Naar, Sono Bello senior patient care consultant, says she's always been interested in the aesthetics field. "When the opportunity at Sono Bello became available, I knew it was the perfect fit. They continue to improve and grow, and I'm so proud to be a part of it," she adds.
As a patient care consultant, Stephanie says she appreciates having the ability to change lives by supporting patients and their transformation body goals. "On a personal level, I love the challenge my job brings every day," she says.
"I consider many of my patients my friends, so when I see them after their procedures, it excites me to see their amazing results. It really is like cheering on your best friend."
Lifestyle publisher Kelley Lamm Montgomery plans to have skin removed from five, prior emergency surgeries that she says left her hating her stomach. "It's something after all these years to transform my belly. I'd like to feel better in my skin and in my clothes," she says.
"I'm doing this for myself, something that makes me feel like me again. Age and surgeries can play a wicked game on the body. No matter what I do, what I eat, I cannot change the appearance."
Kelley encourages women to not feel guilty about wanting to have the opportunity for better body-related results.
How AbEX Works
Localized awake anesthesia
Patients remain awake throughout the AbEX procedure, receiving local anesthesia in treatment areas.
Power-assisted and micro-laser assisted liposuction
Sono Bello physicians use power-assisted technologies with micro cannulas and gentle suction to effectively remove unwanted fat. For the finishing touches, a micro-laser is used to contour unwanted fat in problem areas.
Excess skin removal
Excess abdominal sagging skin is removed to achieve a more toned and sculpted look.
Dr. Gerald Lionelli's Assurances
Feel Comfortable With Yourself Again
This is the opportunity to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. After your transformation, you'll feel more confident in your appearance, which will lead to confidence in other areas of your life.
The Results Will Come
Be patient and give your body time to heal; results aren't immediate. Continue to eat healthy and drink plenty of water to combat swelling and inflammation. Soon, you'll be amazed by your full transformation.
Keep Transforming
The fat removed during the procedure will not return, however you should use this opportunity to embrace fitness and maintain healthy eating habits.
Show Off Your New Body
After six months, you'll be so happy you came to Sono Bello.
Complimentary consultations can be scheduled.
