Posted March 01, 2019 in Body Contouring
Whether it is due to the result of aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, both men and women can develop excess skin and fat deposits in the upper and lower body. While some people can effectively achieve a slimmer waistline through strict diet and exercise, others are not as fortunate. For this reason, patients of all ages typically seek plastic surgery as a safe and effective solution. However, many patients often wonder which body contouring procedure would be the right option for them. Below we have provided some helpful information that will determine which surgery and technique will help you achieve the results you desire.
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring typically involves undergoing specific surgical procedures, such as tummy tuck surgery, thigh lift surgery, liposuction, or butt lift surgery, to address excess fat and skin.
Many post-bariatric patients undergo lower body lift surgery to correct loose skin and excess fat that was left after losing a significant amount of weight. The upper body is also a concern for massive weight loss patients and post-pregnancy patients who wish to restore tone and firmness to their chest and arms. People who seek body contouring procedures have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess fat deposits
- Sagging or hanging skin
- Loose abdominal muscles
- Stretch marks
Addressing the Upper Body
Breast Surgery
Many women notice that their breasts change due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, and gravity. Breast lift surgery can be performed to raise the breasts to a more youthful position. During your procedures, excess skin will be removed as the breast tissue is sculpted to produce more flattering contours. Patients who would like to add volume to their sagging breasts may also combine their breast lift surgery with breast augmentation. This involves using saline or silicone breast implants to increase the size and enhance breast shape.
Arm Lift
After experiencing significant weight loss, many patients can be left with loose, flabby skin under their arms. Arm lift surgery can address the arms to create a more slim and toned appearance. During your surgery, excess skin and fat are removed to reduce the circumference of the upper arms as the remaining skin is then tightened. Arm lift surgery can also be combined with liposuction to improve what is often referred to as “bat wing deformity.”
Addressing the Lower Body
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that can reshape the abdomen, thighs, back, and other parts of the body by permanently removing stubborn fat deposits. During your procedure, a thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through a tiny incision made along the treated area. After the cannula has gently moved back and forth to separate fat cells from the underlying tissues, the fat is then suctioned out, and the incisions are closed. While liposuction can produce slimmer contours, it cannot help correct sagging or hanging skin, loose abdominal muscles, or stretch marks.
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, can surgically remove loose skin from the midsection while tightening the weak abdominal muscles to create a more defined and contoured stomach. Incisions are made along the abdomen as excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. Stretch marks may also be removed during your procedure if they are located on the skin that is excised. Once the abdominal muscles are tightened, the remaining skin is redraped and the incisions are closed.
To find out which body contouring procedures may be best for you, please call our office at (954) 659-7760 or (877) 250-8117. You may also schedule a consultation with us online today!
