Which Body Contouring Procedure is Right for Me?

Spring in Scottsdale is rapidly approaching; before long we will be slipping into swimsuits and shorts. If you have been eating well and exercising all winter long but are still not quite happy with what you see in the mirror, it may be time to consider a body contouring procedure to achieve the look you want.

There are multiple factors to consider when determining the best body procedure for reducing fat, addressing loose skin, or restoring a more natural body shape for any given patient; even two individuals with very similar aesthetic goals will usually require a different approach depending on each patient’s anatomy.

Let’s take a look at the spectrum of body contouring options so you can get a better idea of which procedures might suit your needs.

Liposuction: Best for Spot-Reducing Fat & Sculpting a Better Shape

Of all body contouring options, liposuction is the only one that can effectively and permanently reduce pockets of diet- and exercise-resistant fat. A skilled, board certified plastic surgeon can selectively suction out excess fat to sculpt an improved shape and slim down the treated area, enhancing a patient’s overall proportions. A good example is performing liposuction on the flanks and outer thighs to create a slimmer waistline and better define the curves of the hips and buttocks.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

While liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States, it is not a blanket solution for improving anyone’s body, and certain patients will be better suited to the procedure than others. For instance, good skin elasticity is key because liposuction relies on the ability of the overlying skin to contract to the new, slimmer contours and will do nothing to address sagging skin. In fact, liposuction can worsen the appearance of loose skin. (A tummy tuck or other body lifting procedure is needed to correct stretched or sagging skin on the body.)

Because liposuction targets fat in areas where it gathers disproportionately, removing even small amounts of fat (just two to five pounds on average) can produce beautiful results in patients who are at or near their ideal body weight. However, liposuction is not a safe choice for very overweight patients, nor can it successfully address large areas of fat. In other words, if you want or need to lose a significant amount of weight, liposuction is not the answer. It can be a good option to refine your figure after you have reached your goal weight.

Tummy Tuck: Addresses Stretched, Sagging Skin & Flattens the Belly

A tummy tuck eliminates sagging skin on the abdomen and tightens lax abdominal muscles to restore a firmer, flatter appearance to the torso. It is one of the most common procedures sought by women to correct undesirable effects of pregnancy, such as stretched stomach muscles, sagging skin, and stretch marks on the lower abdomen. A tummy tuck can also benefit those who have lost weight and have excess abdominal skin as a result.

Tummy tuck surgery is designed to correct aesthetic issues on the abdomen only and will not significantly improve the shape or appearance of the hips, thighs, or back unless another procedure is performed at the same time. A “mini” tummy tuck is often touted as a shorter-scar alternative for patients who have a modest amount of sagging skin, but in reality, this procedure will only benefit you if your “problem area” is isolated below the belly button.

Can a tummy tuck help me improve my figure?

Patients who are at a healthy body weight but have noticeably lax skin and a stretched, protruding abdominal wall will benefit most from a tummy tuck. Surprisingly little fat is removed during a tummy tuck, so if you are bothered by a “muffin top” or other fatty bulge around the middle, consider liposuction, either as a single procedure or in conjunction with a tummy tuck.

Before choosing to have a tummy tuck, do think about the future. While pregnancy after a tummy tuck is safe for you and the developing fetus, it will likely reverse your results as your body again expands to make room for baby. Similarly, if you are planning to lose weight, do so before you have a tummy tuck and be sure you are able to maintain your new weight over time. Weight fluctuations can cause the skin to stretch or become lax all over again.

Body Lifting Surgery: Removes Excess Skin and Improves Comfort After Significant Weight Loss

A body lift is the only procedure that can permanently address excess, hanging skin on the lower body beyond the abdomen, making it the procedure of choice for patients who have lost a great amount of weight. The procedure is tailored to a patient’s individual needs and may involve skin removal from the belly, thighs, buttocks, and lower back. Body lift results can provide a dramatic improvement in both a patient’s appearance and quality of life.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for body lift surgery?

Before a plastic surgeon will consider you for a body lift, your weight loss journey must be complete. While some fat is removed during a body lift, it is primarily a skin removal procedure and future substantial weight loss will likely result in more hanging skin folds.

Body lifting is considered major surgery and carries a greater degree of risk than most cosmetic procedures, so it is crucial that you are in excellent health. Time in surgery is long, anesthesia risks increase, and recovery can be quite uncomfortable for the first few weeks and requires as much as eight weeks away from physical activity.

Finally, the happiest body lift patients have realistic expectations about the procedure. Body lift surgery can substantially improve your appearance and comfort, but it is not going to give you a supermodel’s body. This surgery creates longer and more conspicuous scars than perhaps any other cosmetic procedure, and while sagging skin is tightened significantly, no surgery can restore lost elasticity to the skin.

Consider the Benefits of Combining Body Contouring Procedures

Many times, a single procedure isn’t the “best” option at all. Combining body contouring procedures can often achieve a more natural, dramatic result with nearly the same amount of recovery time. For example, by performing liposuction to the hips and flanks at the same time as a tummy tuck, a plastic surgeon can adjust the technique of both procedures to ensure a seamless, natural contour to the entire torso. A mommy makeover, which typically combines a breast lift or augmentation with a tummy tuck or liposuction, can be especially satisfying, as the breasts and body better “match” each other in terms of aesthetic appeal and proportions.

Body contouring is a broad subset of plastic surgery that I find particularly rewarding, as I see patients erase years of frustration with aspects of their appearance they cannot change on their own. If you are considering body contouring in Scottsdale, please contact my office. It will be my pleasure to discuss your options and help you determine the right approach to reach your goals.

Categorized in: Surgical Procedures