Unlock Your Best Shape: Discover How Body Contouring Can Help Reshape Your Body

Posted on: May 15, 2023

At Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we understand that body contouring surgery is a big decision. Our team of experienced cosmetic surgeons are here to help you make an informed decision about whether body contouring is right for you and to provide the highest quality care during the procedure and recovery. We offer a range of body contouring procedures, from liposuction to tummy tucks and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reshape your body and achieve your desired results.

Types of Body Contouring Procedures

Body contouring surgery is a type of cosmetic procedure used to remove excess fat and/or skin from the body to improve its aesthetic appearance. It can be performed on various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Depending on the specific procedure(s), recovery time after surgery can vary and patients may need to take time off work due to swelling and bruising. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage discomfort, and it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-surgery instructions and attend any follow-up appointments.

Abdomen

The abdomen is one of the most common areas where body contouring is performed. This procedure involves liposuction which removes excess fat from the abdominal area, as well as an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” which removes excess skin from the lower abdominal area. The combination of these two procedures can result in a flatter stomach with improved muscle tone.

Thighs and Buttocks

For individuals who have excess fat in their thighs or buttocks, liposuction can be used to remove this fat in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape. Additionally, a thigh lift or buttock lift can be performed to tighten up sagging skin in these areas that has been caused by weight loss or aging.

Arms and Neck

Body contouring can also be used to reduce fat deposits in the arms and neck area. Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat from these areas while an arm lift or neck lift can help tighten up sagging skin in these regions that may have been caused by weight loss or age-related changes in skin elasticity.

Fat Grafting/Brazilian Butt Lift

Fat grafting is a popular body contouring procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen) to another part (such as the buttocks). This procedure is known as a Brazilian butt lift since it helps create a more aesthetically pleasing shape for the buttocks area without implants or other types of artificial materials being used.

At times, patients opt for both liposuction and fat grafting at once; this combination creates even further improvement in body shape by removing unwanted fat from one area while simultaneously adding volume and fullness to another area with desired results being visible almost immediately after surgery.

Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty (also known as a “tummy tuck”) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens up weak abdominal muscles beneath it; this helps flatten out the stomach region resulting in an improved overall look for those who have experienced dramatic weight loss or aging-related changes in skin elasticity around their midsection. During this procedure, incisions are made along either side of your abdomen so that your surgeon can access underlying tissue; then they will use sutures or internal stitches to pull your muscles together before removing any extra skin that was present prior to surgery.

Arm Lift/Brachioplasty

An arm lift (also known as brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of loose skin on your upper arms caused by age-related changes or significant weight loss over time; during this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision along either side of your arm starting at your armpit and extending down towards your elbow before removing any extra skin present there before stitching you back up again afterwards using dissolvable sutures underneath your skin so that no visible scarring will remain once healed completely post-surgery.

Thigh Lift/Thighplasty

A thigh lift (also known as thighplasty) is similar to an arm lift except it focuses on improving the appearance of loose skin on your upper legs instead; during this procedure, incisions are made along either side of your leg starting at your groin area down towards either side of your knee before any extra skin present there is removed before stitching you back up again afterwards using dissolvable sutures underneath your skin so that no visible scarring will remain once healed completely post-surgery.

Neck Lift/Neckplasty

Finally, a neck lift (also known as neckplasty) is another type of body contouring surgery designed specifically for improving the appearance of loose skin on your neck caused by age-related changes or significant weight loss over time; during this procedure, incisions are made along either side of your neck starting at just below each earlobe down towards either side of your chin before any extra skin present there is removed before stitching you back up again afterwards using dissolvable sutures underneath your skin so that no visible scarring will remain once healed completely post-surgery.

Procedure
Description
Recovery Time
Abdomen
Liposuction and Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Varies
Thighs and Buttocks
Liposuction, Thigh Lift, and Buttock Lift
Varies
Arms and Neck
Liposuction, Arm Lift, and Neck Lift
Varies
Fat Grafting/Brazilian Butt Lift
Transfer fat from one part of the body to another part (i.e. buttocks) for improved shape without implants or artificial materials. Combination of liposuction and fat grafting can create further improvement in body shape.
Varies
Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck
Removes excess skin and tightens up weak abdominal muscles beneath it. Incisions are made along either side of the abdomen to access underlying tissue.
Varies
Arm Lift/Brachioplasty
Improves the appearance of loose skin on upper arms caused by age-related changes or weight loss. Incisions are made along either side of the arm starting at armpit extending down towards the elbow.
Varies
Thigh Lift/Thighplasty
Improves the appearance of loose skin on upper legs caused by age-related changes or weight loss. Incisions are made along either side of the leg starting at groin area down towards either side of knee.
Varies
Neck Lift/Neckplasty
Improves the appearance of loose skin on neck caused by age-related changes or weight loss. Incisions are made along either side of neck starting below each earlobe down towards either side of chin.
Varies

Considerations for Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring surgery is a highly personalized procedure, so it is important to consider several factors before undergoing the procedure. The amount of fat and excess skin present in the area being treated must be determined before designing a plan for body contouring. This will help the surgeon decide what type of procedure(s) are best suited for the patient’s desired outcome.

Fat Content and Distribution

The first step in determining if body contouring surgery is right for you is to assess the fat content and distribution in the area being treated. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your current body shape and discuss with you where you would like to see improvement. Your surgeon can then recommend which body contouring procedure or combination of procedures will give you the best results.

Amount of Excess Skin Present

In addition to assessing fat content, your plastic surgeon will also need to determine how much excess skin is present in the area being treated. Depending on how much excess skin there is, they may suggest removing it during surgery or performing a skin tightening procedure such as laser resurfacing or radiofrequency treatments to improve its appearance without having to remove any skin.

Abdominal Wall Laxity or Diastasis Recti

If you are considering an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), your plastic surgeon may also assess for abdominal wall laxity or diastasis recti—a condition that occurs when the muscles of the abdomen become stretched out due to pregnancy or significant weight gain/loss. If this condition exists, it can be corrected during an abdominoplasty by surgically repairing and tightening these muscles to create a more toned and sculpted abdominal appearance.

In order to ensure successful outcomes from body contouring surgery, it is essential that patients have realistic expectations about their results prior to undergoing any type of procedure. It is also important that they follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions given by their doctor closely in order to minimize any potential complications that could arise from their surgery.

Factor
Description
Fat Content & Distribution
Assessed during consultation to determine best procedure(s) for desired outcome.
Excess Skin Present
May be removed or treated with skin tightening procedure.
Abdominal Wall Laxity/Diastasis Recti
Can be corrected during abdominoplasty by surgically repairing and tightening abdominal muscles.

Recovery After Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring surgery is a major procedure that requires a period of recovery after the operation. Depending on the specific procedure(s) performed, recovery time can vary, and patients may need to take time off work due to swelling and bruising. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage any discomfort, and it is important for patients to follow their doctor’s post-surgery instructions and attend any follow-up appointments.

Swelling and Bruising

After body contouring surgery, patients should expect swelling and bruising around the area that was treated. This is normal and will usually subside within a few weeks. However, it is important to note that some degree of swelling may remain for several months or even up to a year in some cases. The amount of swelling that remains depends on many factors such as the patient’s age, pre-existing medical conditions, lifestyle habits (such as smoking), the extent of the surgery performed, etc.

Time Off Work Needed for Recovery

The amount of time off work needed for recovery after body contouring surgery will depend on the type of procedure(s) performed and the individual’s healing process. Generally speaking, most people are able to return to their regular activities within two weeks after their surgery; however, this timeline can vary depending on each person’s unique situation. Some patients may need more time off work due to excessive swelling or other complications that arise during their recovery period.

Surgical Drains Used in Some Cases

In some cases, surgical drains may be used during body contouring surgery in order to remove excess fluid from the area being treated. These drains are typically removed within one week after the operation but may need to remain in place longer if there is still an excessive amount of fluid present in the area being treated. It is important for patients to keep an eye on the drain sites and contact their doctor if they notice any signs of infection or other complications associated with having surgical drains in place.

Compression Garment Use Recommended for Swelling Control

Compression garments are often recommended following body contouring surgery in order to control swelling in the area being treated as well as provide support while healing takes place. Compression garments should be worn as directed by your doctor; typically these garments should be worn at all times except when showering or bathing until instructed otherwise by your doctor or surgeon. Wearing compression garments can help reduce pain and discomfort as well as promote proper healing so it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding wearing them throughout your recovery period.

Who is a Candidate for Body Contouring?

Body contouring surgery is suitable for individuals who have stubborn areas with excess fat that have not responded to diet and exercise, or those who have lost a significant amount of weight and still have excess skin or localized fat collections remaining.

Individuals with Stubborn Areas with Excess Fat That Have Not Responded to Diet and/or Exercise

Individuals who have tried traditional methods such as diet and exercise but are still struggling with stubborn areas of fat may be ideal candidates for body contouring surgery. The procedure can help to remove the unwanted fat from these problem areas and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Patients Who Have Lost Significant Amount of Weight and Have Excess Skin or Localized Fat Collections Remaining After Reaching Their Goal Weight

Patients who have lost a large amount of weight through diet, exercise, or bariatric procedures may find that they are unable to get rid of the excess skin or localized fat collections left behind in certain areas of their body. In these cases, body contouring surgery can be used to remove the extra skin and fat, allowing them to achieve their desired shape.

Before proceeding with body contouring surgery, it is important to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon in order to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

Candidates for body contouring are those with stubborn fat, or those who have lost significant weight but still have excess skin or fat.

At Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we understand the importance of body contouring surgery for those looking to reshape their body and enhance their appearance. Our team of experienced cosmetic surgeons can help you determine the best treatment plan to achieve your desired results. We take the time to discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations before proceeding with any procedure. We also provide detailed post-surgery instructions and follow-up appointments to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reach your aesthetic goals!