What is Body Contouring?

You may have read about it online or overheard someone chatting about the procedure in the office, but many people are still unaware of what body contouring truly is. 

Also commonly referred to as ‘body sculpting’, body contouring is a popular procedure carried out all over the world. Here, we’ll explore what it is, why people choose it and what options are available. 

The basics 

Essentially, body contouring is a popular procedure used by many to improve how the skin and tissue look, often after significant weight loss. This type of surgery can get rid of fat, as well as remove and tighten excess skin to ‘sculpt’ the body to a desired shape. 

This procedure is commonly carried out in stages and on various areas of the body to get a natural-looking result that keeps everything in proportion. 

Why have body-contouring surgery? 

Body contouring is usually done after someone has lost a lot of weight, as excess skin can cause rashes and other issues. However, many people also undergo the procedure simply to achieve their dream body. 

How we look is often extremely important to us and many people opt for body contouring as a way to boost self-confidence by achieving their dream shape. For example, getting rid of hanging skin after working hard to lose weight or tightening those areas that have started to sag in recent years can deliver a massive positivity boost that can enhance our personal and professional lives. 

Types of body-contouring procedures

You have several options when it comes to body contouring. Here are the main choices: 

  • Panniculectomy: is classed as reconstructive surgery when excess skin and tissue is removed.
  • Abdominoplasty: also called a ‘tummy tuck’, this surgery removes fat and skin from the abdominal region and can include repositioning muscles to help tighten stretched abs. 
  • Liposuction: gets rid of fat from the hips, buttocks or thighs. 
  • Brachioplasty: also known as an ‘arm lift’, removes hanging skin and re-contours the upper part of the limb. 
  • Buttock lift: gets rid of both skin and fat.
  • Upper lift: concentrates on contouring the arms, back and breasts.
  • Lower lift: focuses on the hips, thighs and stomach. 
  • Breast augmentation: restores the shape and removes fat and sagging skin (e.g. following breastfeeding). 

Remember to discuss the procedure with a professional before deciding anything.

Preparing for a body-contouring procedure 

If you’re considering the surgery, there are a few ways you can get ready for it to reduce your recovery time and make everything run more smoothly: 

  • Quit smoking.
  • Stabilise your weight.
  • Eat healthily.
  • Prioritise which area you want to concentrate on (you might only need one surgery rather than the two or more you think you need!).
  • Book time off work.
  • Get support from family and friends (you’ll need them during recovery). 

Don’t forget, general anesthesia and overnight stays are usually necessary following body-contouring surgery and it often takes between four and six weeks to fully recover. 

Thinking about body contouring? If yes, it’s vital that you carefully consider what you want done and who you want to carry out the procedure. Body contouring treatment options by Springwell Clinic, for example, can offer help and advice on the best way to go to achieve your dream look safely. 

 

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