Body contouring – also known as body sculpting – describes one or more plastic surgery procedures that reshape the body. And in some cases, body contouring can even reduce fat. But does that mean it can replace the need for natural weight loss?
Today, we will discuss body contouring techniques, such as liposuction, what results you can expect, and whether you still need to stick to a healthy daily routine.
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring includes procedures that reduce fat and remove excess skin. The goal is to have a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Patients who undergo body contouring procedures are often happier with their bodies and experience a boost of self-confidence they feel they’ve been missing before.
What Is the Most Common Form of Body Contouring?
While body contouring can mean surgical procedures, like a tummy tuck, they may require a less invasive option, like liposuction.
In fact, according to recent statistics, liposuction is the most commonly sought form of plastic surgery in the US. Liposuction can produce results that can improve both the look of the body and one’s self-confidence levels.
Is Liposuction a Weight Loss Tool?
Can liposuction replace weight loss? The answer is most definitely no. While liposuction removes localized fat deposits from the body, it is not intended as a weight loss replacement.
For optimal liposuction results, you should be at a stable weight.
Where Is Liposuction Performed on the Body?
Liposuction can be used to contour many different parts of the body, including:
- Face/chin
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Calves and ankles
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Knees
- Waist
- Neck
- Upper arms
While this is a versatile tool, there is a limit to how much fat can safely be removed from the body at one time. This amount will vary depending on your body contour, overall health, BMI, and fat distribution.
Your plastic surgeon will advise you on how much fat you can realistically expect to remove and the areas that will most benefit from body contouring.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction’s primary mechanism is to eliminate some fat in strategic areas.
It can also be used to harvest fat from a “donor site” to be injected into a different part of the body. This is the case with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and fat transfer to the breasts.
Liposuction to remove fat is done via these steps:
1. Anesthesia
Liposuction is performed either under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Occasionally, it may be performed under local anesthesia, but this is less common. Ask your plastic surgeon which option is best for you.
2. Incision
To insert the liposuction tool — called a cannula — a small incision is made on the body near the site where the fat is to be removed.
Your plastic surgeon will attempt to make the incision in an inconspicuous area. However, there should be a nearly undetectable or entirely undetectable scar afterward.
3. Suction
The cannula is passed under the skin in a back-and-forth motion to break up the fat cells, and the fat is removed via a suction attachment.
4. Closing the Incision and Finishing the Procedure
The incision(s) will be small enough that simple tape can suffice. Sutures are not always required; if used, they are often dissolvable.
Afterward, you will be fully awakened from the anesthesia. You will be a companion to drive you home after your procedure.
Can You Gain Weight Even if You’ve Had Body Contouring?
If you revert to old habits and do not watch your nutritional intake, you will gain weight after plastic surgery. And while liposuction permanently removes fat cells, the remaining fat cells in the area can increase in size.
You may also gain weight in other areas of the body, which could give a less balanced appearance to your body.
What to Do After Body Contouring Surgery
Your best bet after liposuction or any body sculpting procedure is to ensure you’re getting adequate, healthy nutrition and stick to an exercise routine that your doctor has approved of.
Remember that body contouring surgery does not stop the natural aging process, and you may experience sagging or fat redistribution at some point.
Keep Your Goals Realistic
Remember that body contouring does not give you a brand-new body. Instead, it highlights your natural curves by reshaping treatment areas.
Ask your plastic surgeon what you can expect from your body sculpting procedure. The ideal candidate for body contouring surgery is in good physical and emotional health and knows what to expect from their surgery experience. That way, you can be happy with your result — inside and out.
