ÍøºìºÚÁÏ

Definition

Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, is a series of surgical procedures that aim to remove excess fat, sagging skin and stubborn fat while helping to tighten underlying tissues to improve muscle tone.

Alternative names

Body sculpting; Surgery after major weight loss

Description

While good dieting and exercise can help shed unwanted fat cells, these measures cannot fully address excess sagging skin or stubborn fat deposits in many cases. That’s where body contouring procedures come in to help accomplish your goals.

Body sculpting treatments

• Abdominoplasty
• Panniculectomy
• Lower Body lift
• Brachioplasty
• Thigh Lift
• Breast reduction
• Breast lift

These body contouring surgeries are more common when addressing the effects of aging, post-pregnancy, massive weight loss or hereditary factors.

Before the surgical procedure

Your surgeon will ask about your detailed medical history. Your surgeon will then examine any excess or loose skin and old scars. Tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs or supplements you are taking.

Your doctor will ask you to quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking slows recovery and increases the risks of problems. Your doctor will suggest you quit smoking before body contouring surgery.

Find someone who can help you post-surgery for 2-3 weeks.

During the week before your reconstructive surgery:

• Several days before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking medicines that make it hard for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin) and others.
• Ask your doctor about medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.

On the day of surgery:

• Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
• Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Arrive at the hospital on time.

After the surgical procedure

Depending on the location and extent of your procedure(s), you may or may not require a hospital stay.

You will have pain and swelling for few days after surgery. Your doctor will give you painkillers to help relieve the pain. You may also experience numbness, bruising and fatigue during that time.

Bandages and a compression garment are applied to keep pressure on the area, stop bleeding and help maintain shape. You may have drains which will need to be logged for output. Drains are removed typically around 1-2 weeks. You will likely need the compression garment for several weeks. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how long it needs to be worn.

You will start to feel better after about one or two weeks. You may return to work within a few days of the surgery depending on the surgery and type of work. Restrictions will be depend on Bruising and swelling usually go away within three weeks.

It may take about three months for swelling and wounds to heal. However, it can take up to two years to see the final results of the surgery and for the scars to fade.

Your surgeon may call you from time to time to monitor your healing. A follow-up visit with your surgeon will be needed.

Potential complications

The risks of standard body sculpting procedures include:

• Altered sensation
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Wounds
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Outlook (prognosis)

Although you will see immediate improvements after the cosmetic surgery, improvement will be more visible 4-6 weeks after surgery. Exercising regularly and eating healthy foods can help maintain your new shape.

Most body contouring procedures are permanent cosmetic procedures and can last a lifetime if you adjust your lifestyle.

Related specialties

• Plastic surgery