Body Contouring Surgery
Body contouring surgery is a general term for a variety of procedures that can be used to improve the shape and contours of the body. These procedures can be used to remove excess sagging skin, tighten loose skin, and/or reshape areas of the body that have been affected by weight loss or ageing. Patients who require body contouring surgery are usually those who have lost large amounts of weight either through dieting and exercise or more commonly massive weight loss surgery (such as a gastric bypass).
Who is a good candidate for body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery is a good option for people who have:
- Excess fat in specific areas of the body
- Loose skin in specific areas of the body
- A body shape that is not proportional to their overall size
- A healthy BMI (body mass index)
- Realistic expectations about the results of body contouring surgery
What are the risks of body contouring surgery?
All surgery carries some risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness or tingling in the skin
- Fluid collection under the skin
- Scarring
- DVT/PE
- Wound dehiscence (areas of the wound opening up)
What happens during body contouring surgery?
The specific procedures that are performed during body contouring surgery will vary depending on the individual patient’s needs. However, most body contouring procedures involve some combination of liposuction, skin removal, and/or muscle tightening. Mr Jabir will provide advice on the most appropriate combinations of surgery taking into account your needs and in discussion with you during your consultation.
How long does body contouring surgery take?
The amount of time it takes to perform body contouring surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. In general, body contouring surgery takes 2-6 hours. However, t is possible that the number of areas you need to address may require longer than 6 hours. In such cases, a staged approach to body contouring is recommended for reasons of safety and recovery.
What is the recovery time for body contouring surgery?
The recovery time for body contouring surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. In general, you will need to wear a compression garment for 2-4 weeks after surgery. You will also need to avoid strenuous activity for 2-4 weeks.
What are the results of body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery can produce dramatic results, giving you a slimmer, more contoured body. However, it is important to remember that no surgery is perfect, and there will always be some scarring.
Here are some additional tips for patients considering body contouring surgery:
- Be realistic about your expectations. Body contouring surgery cannot completely erase the effects of ageing or weight gain.
- Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring surgery.
- Ask your surgeon about their aftercare plan.
- Be prepared for a lengthy recovery period.
- Be patient with your results. It can take up to a year for your body to fully heal.
Here are some frequently asked questions about body contouring surgery:
- Can I get body contouring surgery if I am overweight? If your BMI is above 30 it is recommended that you lose more weight prior to surgery. This is because there is a higher risk of surgical complications in patients with a BMI above 30.
- What is the difference between body contouring surgery and liposuction? Body contouring surgery and liposuction are both procedures that can be used to remove fat from the body. However, they work in different ways. Body contouring surgery can also involve removing loose skin and tightening muscles, while liposuction does not. Body contouring surgery typically leaves scars, while liposuction does not.
