What is body contouring?
Body contouring, also referred to as body sculpting, is a cosmetic surgical approach that incorporates various techniques to improve body shape and/or address loose or sagging skin, offering individuals a firmer and more refined appearance where needed.
During our lives, aside from the process of aging, we go through significant changes in body shape such as pregnancy and varying body weight. Body contouring can serve as a solution to enhance our body aesthetics. More than a cosmetic enhancement, body contouring plays a crucial role in regaining comfort in our daily lives. It is often an integral part of a person’s physical and mental transformation, ultimately leading to self-confidence and fulfillment.
Body contouring procedures may include:
Belt lipectomy (body lift)
Liposuction
Fat grafting
Energy-assisted skin tightening
Who is a good candidate for body contouring?
In essence, a good candidate for body contouring is someone who not only desires aesthetic improvements but is also dedicated to overall well-being. This surgical intervention is commonly sought after weight loss, with some individuals choosing it post-pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Body contouring, is most suitable for adults with stabilized body weight, optimal health, and a positive outlook. An ideal candidate for body contouring is a nonsmoker with realistic goals and a commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition and fitness.
What are the benefits of body contouring?
There are numerous advantages to undergoing a body contouring procedure, including:
Elimination of excess skin and fat
Enhancing facial and body profile
Boosting confidence and self-esteem
Promise of long-lasting results
Improvement of physical discomfort
What should you expect during a consultation for body contouring?
During a body contouring consultation, expect a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Openness and honesty about your expectations, medical history, and concerns are crucial. We will cover reasons for surgery, available treatments, and potential outcomes. We may show you photos, take measurements, and assess your overall health. Actively participate, ask questions, and address any concerns to ensure a clear understanding of the procedure, its potential results, and associated risks, to get you well-prepared and comfortable with the chosen treatment plan.
How is the surgery performed?
Arm Lift This procedure eliminates skin excess from your upper arm and is often referred to under the name brachioplasty.
Breast Lift: This procedure, also known as mastopexy, involves both eliminating drooping skin, and adjusting the positioning of the breast envelope and nipple to enhance the overall shape of the breasts.
Tummy Tuck: The abdominal muscles and wall are tightened and the waist area is refined using liposuction in addition to removal of the abdominal skin excess, to create a harmonious result.
Belt Lipectomy (Lody Lift): This is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate skin excess and fat from the waist region above the buttocks, the flank area and the abdomen (tummy tuck). The procedure significantly impacts the elevation of the outer thigh and buttock region while eliminating any excess skin in the love handles area in addition to the effects of the tummy tuck.
Thigh Lift: This procedure removes fat and and elevates skin from the thighs. The medial thigh lift achieves optimal results with a linear scar extending from the inner groin down to the knee, depending on the extent of skin excess.
Recovery & Results
After body contouring, your incisions are dressed with simple dressings. You can shower on the day after surgery. Avoid bending, straining, or lifting during recovery. For tummy tucks, your surgeon may suggest not standing fully upright and sleeping with slightly bended knees. Early walking and hydration are crucial to minimize deep venous thrombosis risk (blood clots).
The effects of body contouring are noticeable almost immediately, but the final results may take one year or more to fully manifest. Accepting scars is often a necessary aspect to attain an improved body contour. Typically, the outcomes of body contouring are long lasting, as long as you maintain a consistent weight and overall fitness. While natural aging may result in some loss of the positive effects of body contouring over time, a significant portion of the initial improvement should remain.
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