Posted January 24, 2013 in Blog, Body Contouring
Because all bodies change over time, it can be difficult to maintain a slim, sexy physique. If you find yourself constantly worrying about your clothing choices to make sure they hide problem areas, it may be time for a change. Whether you’ve recently lost a large amount of weight, have had several children, or are simply dissatisfied with the way your figure looks, there are a variety of body re-shaping procedures also known as Body Contouring that may benefit you depending on the change you desire.
Curious about Body Contouring?
Body contouring consists of one or more surgical procedures to improve your overall physique. Generally, the procedures focus on removing excess fat and reducing sagging or flabby skin. Body contouring options range from “touch ups” consisting of liposuction alone to combinations of procedures that produce more dramatic results post-childbearing or post-weight loss. A plastic surgeon can recommend the most appropriate procedures based on your problem zones—just be sure to clearly express your concerns during your consultation.
How Can Body Contouring Help Me?
Liposuction, tummy tucks, upper arm lifts, and thigh/buttock lifts are each considered body contouring surgeries and can help you reach your goals. Here are some common concerns we hear from our patients:
- I want to get rid of my love handles. Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits such as love handles that won’t respond to diet and exercise. If the area of concern is limited, as can be the case with love handles, liposuction alone may create the desired results. Liposuction is also called liposculpture because of its ability to sculpt the body, and it is used on many different areas with great success.
- I want my pre-baby body back. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and eliminates a drooping stomach. Technically known as an abdominoplasty, it tightens the abdominal muscles as well as the skin of the abdominal wall, producing a slim, toned belly. Many women who have had multiple pregnancies or previous surgeries are left with weak abdominal muscles and/or loose skin. The popular group of surgeries called “mommy makeovers” generally include a tummy tuck in addition to a breast rejuvenation procedure. Liposuction can enhance tummy tuck results.
- I want to look better in jeans. If you’ve been bothered by saddlebags, liposuction surgery might create the change you’re after. If the issues are more extensive, a thigh/buttock lift, sometimes called a thighplasty, tightens the skin and improves the appearance of your lower body, slimming your overall figure. Incision sites can vary depending on individual needs or desires; surface skin irregularities can also be remedied through this procedure.
- I have excess skin from losing weight. A combination of body contouring procedures are sometimes appropriate after losing a large amount of weight. A tummy tuck, an upper arm lift, or a thigh-buttock lift could be part of the surgical plan, and liposuction might be used to complement the effects of these procedures. An upper arm lift removes excess skin and tightens the supporting tissue to create taut arms, although it can also address the loss of skin elasticity in the upper arms due to aging or genetic predisposition. A thigh/buttock lift might be included to remove sagging skin around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
What Are the Benefits?
A 2012 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, found that individuals who had undergone body contouring services following weight-loss surgery experienced a significantly higher quality of life. Other benefits of body contouring include feeling more confident, looking better, and experiencing more acceptance in social situations. Body contouring procedures have also been shown to improve self-confidence and self-esteem in women dissatisfied in their post-pregnancy bodies.
According to a survey of U.S. patients, liposuction and tummy tuck were the 3rd and 5th most popular cosmetic procedures– meaning that if you add up all the different body contouring procedures performed, they are likely the most popular class of cosmetic procedures.
Because it eliminates unwanted fat, removes excess skin, and sculpts your overall figure, body contouring gives you a sleek body that looks years younger. And looking better means feeling better about yourself! Schedule a consultation to determine whether body contouring can achieve your goals.
