Sometimes, it can feel impossible to achieve the slim, toned figure we desire despite our best efforts with diet and exercise. Factors like genetics, ageing, sun damage, and weight fluctuations can all contribute to loose, sagging skin in areas like the stomach, arms, thighs, and buttocks. Stubborn pockets of fat may persist as well and not respond to your efforts at weight loss. This combination can create an undesirable silhouette.
Body contouring surgeries offer a way to address these issues and sculpt a more slimming shape. For those struggling with significant skin laxity, rashes, infections, or limited mobility, body contouring can provide dramatic improvements in comfort, and health. Irrespective of the motive behind seeking body-shaping surgery, reaching the desired outcome typically involves a series of procedures. For instance, if you desire a flatter stomach, you might require not only a tummy tuck but also additional procedures such as a panniculectomy to remove excess skin in the lower abdomen or liposuction in other areas to maintain proportions.
The procedures you choose should align with your unique physical needs and aesthetic goals. Depending on what you want from your body, there are different surgical options to choose from to achieve the results you want.
Reshaping Waist or Stomach
In cases of pregnancy or significant weight loss, extra skin on the abdomen area can be left behind that is saggy and impossible to get rid of. A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. This can help flatten the stomach area and narrow the waistline. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made horizontally between the hip bones, allowing the surgeon to repair weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat. After tightening the remaining skin, it is sutured to secure the tissue in place.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery that aims to get rid of extra or tough-to-remove fat from certain parts of the body, such as the thighs, belly, arms, and more. It’s done by skilled plastic surgeons and can give individuals a smoother and more attractive body shape. This procedure can be done alone or alongside other surgeries to make sure the body looks well-proportioned. The goal is to help patients achieve the slim and appealing body outline they’ve dreamed of.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift removes loose, sagging skin from the upper arm. During surgery, an incision is made from the underarm area down to the elbow. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. Arm lifts are often combined with liposuction to slim the upper arms. This procedure can help give the arms a more toned, fit appearance.
Thighplasty
A thighplasty, also called thigh lift, reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the remaining skin. Incisions are made in the inner thigh or groin area, allowing the inner and outer thigh skin to be lifted and tightened. Thighplasty is a standard post-bariatric surgery procedure, used to contour the thighs after massive weight loss.
Body Lift
After undergoing substantial weight loss, a comprehensive body lift procedure becomes especially beneficial. This surgical procedure targets the reduction of overall excess fat and skin, as well as the improvement of cellulite. Beyond these benefits, the body lift technique plays a pivotal role in reshaping either the upper or lower body, leading to more desirable contours. An upper body lift focuses on refining the appearance of the arms, back, and breasts, while a lower body lift addresses concerns in the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Interestingly, a body lift can even extend to rejuvenating the chin and face, often involving complementary procedures like liposuction.
When considering body contouring surgery, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about results. It’s also vital to choose a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure to discuss your goals, medical history, and expected recovery period to determine if body-shaping surgery is right for you. Following proper post-op care instructions can help ensure your best results as well.
