Body Contouring 

Dramatic weight loss can be followed by unpleasant aftereffects like sagging and loss of skin. A substantial amount of weight loss due to surgical procedures and lifestyle modification can negatively impact your skin's elasticity. Body contouring procedures followed by major weight loss can eliminate excess sagging skin and fat while improving the shape of the underlying supportive tissue. The result is a better-proportioned appearance with smoother contours. There are several body contouring procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical. 

If you suffer from sagging skin, consult your doctor to discuss your goals and expectations from the body contouring procedure and which technique suits you best. Read on to learn everything about body contouring.

What is Body Contouring?

Body contouring, or body sculpting, is a medical or surgical procedure that aims to reshape an area of your body. It may involve nonsurgical and surgical methods to remove stubborn excess fat, eliminate excess loose skin, and reshape the affected area. Remember that body contouring may not help you lose weight. Instead, it helps shape the body and address areas where weight loss isn't effective. 

Body contouring can target most areas in your body, including:

• Chin
• Neck
• Arms
• Back
• Belly and flanks 
• Buttocks 
• Thighs  

What Are the Types of Body Contouring?

Depending on the technique, there are two main types of body contouring procedures, namely:

Nonsurgical 

These are minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery periods and minimal complications. These are of several types, including: 

Cryolipolysis

• This method uses cold temperatures to destroy the fat cells. 

Injectables

• Injection lipolysis involves injecting special solutions like deoxycholic acid directly into the body near the targeted areas. 

Laser Therapy

• Here, special beams of laser light of different wavelengths are used to heat fat cells and target and destroy them. 

Radiofrequency Therapy

• This procedure uses ultrasound waves and heat energy to destroy the fat cells.  

Surgical 

These invasive procedures may require cutting and suturing with longer recovery time. Options may include:

Lifts and Tucks 

• These procedures remove excess fat surgically under local or general anesthesia. 
• Examples include:
• Facelifts 
• Tummy tucks 
• Breast lift 
• Double chin surgery 

Liposuction

• This procedure uses special cannulas that use a vacuum to suction out the excess fat.  

Why Do You Need Body Contouring?

Body contouring is often used when other conservative options like diet and exercise aren't making a difference. 

• You may require a body contouring procedure to make your skin look firm and toned. It helps improve loose, saggy skin, or wrinkled skin. 
• Body contouring can also help tone your body to look thinner and younger.  

What to Expect Before Body Contouring?

You will be referred to a plastic surgeon who will evaluate the area of your body that requires contouring. Remember to discuss the following at your first appointment:

• Your medical history, including your past surgeries, injuries, allergies
• The medications you have been taking, including vitamin and herbal supplements 
• Presence of any pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension
• Your lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol

You are expected to sign a consent form before going for the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the anesthetic options with you and take photos to determine the difference in appearance after the contouring. 

Depending on the type of body contouring procedure being done, your doctor may advise you to:

• Take blood tests 
• Stop smoking and alcohol at least 6 to 10 hours before the procedure
• Stop taking certain medications like NSAIDs at least a week before the procedure  

What Happens During Body Contouring?

The procedure may differ based on the type of body contouring. These may include the following:

Surgical Approach

These cosmetic surgeries occur in a clinic or hospital setup and last 45 minutes to several hours. 

Your doctor will:

• Mark the targeted sites
• Position you on a surgical table and monitor your vitals Ike blood sugar, BP, oxygen levels, and pulse 
• Administer local or general anesthesia
• Clean and prep the skin near the targeted areas
• Make cuts or incisions on your skin near the targeted area 
• Cut, reposition, remove, or reshape the tissues and excess fat
• Tighten the underlying muscles
• Trim excess skin
• Suction out excess fat 
• Close the incisions using sutures 
• Apply bandages 

Non Surgical Lipolysis 

These are minimally invasive procedures that can be performed in a clinical setup. Each session may take around 30 to 45 minutes. 

Your doctor will:

• Position you on the surgical table 
• Mark the skin to be targeted with a marker for precise reference
• Inject a special drug in the area where you want to reduce fat (injection lipolysis)

OR

• Use a hand-held tool to deliver ultrasound waves, laser beams, cold or heat, depending on the type of lipolysis 

You may require several sessions to achieve the desired results.  

What Happens After Body Contouring?

You may go home the same day after the body contouring procedure, whether a surgical or nonsurgical method is opted for. For surgical procedures, you may have a thin tube near your incision to drain fluid and prevent swelling. 

Your doctor may recommend the following recovery instructions:

• Care for your bandages and drains 
• Avoid over-straining yourself
• Move around to avoid blood clots 
• Refraining from excess sun exposure 
• Use medications (ointments or pills) to relieve pain and discomfort  

What Are the Benefits of Body Contouring?

Body contouring procedures are gaining traction due to the following benefits:

• These offer precise and quick results 
• You can either opt for surgical or nonsurgical methods depending on your preferences and needs 
• There are minimal complications involved in the procedures
• Shorter recovery periods 
• Offer a younger-looking sculpted body 
• Offer radiant and toned skin texture  

What is the Recovery Time After Body Contouring?

Recovery after body contouring depends on the type of procedure opted for. Surgical options can take weeks to months, depending on the size of the incision and the targeted area. Nonsurgical options have a much shorter recovery period. You can often return to work and other activities immediately after the treatment. 

Final Note 

Body contouring is an innovative procedure that helps eliminate excess fat and shape areas of your body. These are useful when other conservative options like diet and exercise are insufficient. Consult your doctor to discuss several body contouring options like surgical methods (liposuction) or nonsurgical methods (lipolysis), depending on the targeted areas of your body and your expectations. Body contouring procedures promise smoother, younger-looking skin and a well-toned and sculpted body. This can improve your overall quality of life.