Enhance Your Appearance With Body Contouring Surgery
Weight reduction surgery or any substantial amount of weight loss can cause the skin and tissues ton lack elasticity, rendering them unable to conform to the reduced body size. As a result, skin that has been severely stretched now is unsupported:
- Upper arms may sag and appear loose and full
- Breasts may flatten and hang with nipples pointed downward
- Abdominal area may extend around the sides and into the lower back area, resulting in an apron-like overhang
- Buttocks, groin and thighs can sag and cause hanging pockets of skin
Surgical Body Contouring can improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, as well as removing excess sagging fat and skin. This results in a more normal body appearance with smoother contours that look natural.
Is Body Contouring Right For Me?
Electing to have Body Contouring surgery is a personal decision and should only be done if it is right for you. One of the most important factors in determining if you are a candidate for Body Contouring surgery is your ability to maintain a stabilized weight. Should weight loss continue following body contouring surgery, sagging pockets may develop. Weight gain after Body Contouring surgery creates stress on the already weakened skin, causing in visible scars and stretch marks.
Good candidates for Body Contouring include:
- Adults of any age whose weight loss has stabilized
- Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body contouring can accomplish
- Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness
The Body Contouring Procedure
Body Contouring surgery consists of a number of procedures that are designed to tighten and improve body contours. Typically, procedures that may be included in body contouring surgery include:
- Lower body lift – Corrects sagging of the abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs
- Breast Lift – Corrects sagging or flattening of the breasts
- Arm Lift – Corrects sagging of the upper arms
- Thigh lift – Corrects sagging of the inner, outer and mid-thigh
Body contouring is often performed in a series of stages. All procedures will require incisions, however, the placement and amount of incisions depends on the type of procedure you are having done, as well as your long-term goals. Anesthesia is administered during the process, and our expert surgeons will discuss your options as well as which method is your best choice.
The Body Contouring process is different for each individual, and takes into account the targeted areas, your long-term goals, and the state of your health. It is important to keep in mind that the results of your Body Contouring procedure may take up to two years to complete.
Recovery from Your Body Contouring Procedure
Body contouring surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and you should be able to return home the day of your surgery. Dressings will be applied to your incisions, and an elastic bandage may also be applied to reduce any swelling that may occur. In addition, a small, thin drain may be temporarily placed beneath the skin to remove any excess blood and fluid. It is typical to have to wear some sort of compression garment to minimize swelling and provide support for your tissues.
You will be given specific post-operative instructions on caring for your surgical site, including your individual recovery period, pain expectations, and any activity or driving restrictions. It is essential to your recovery process that you follow the instructions that were given to you following your procedure. Your incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the healing process. In addition, it is important to make the necessary arrangements for follow-up visits and keep those appointments, so that our surgeons can monitor your healing process.
Any swelling will begin to subside within two weeks, and while scars may appear prominent, they will flatten and lighten in color in time. In terms of the healing process, there is no “set” time frame. The healing process differs with each individual. Generally, a person is able to resume a good portion of their normal daily activities after a few weeks.
Body Contouring Results
Just like the healing process, individual results from Body Contouring will vary depending on the individual and the procedures involved. While the results of Body Contouring are visible almost immediately, it may take as many as one to two years or more for the final results of all the recommended Body Contouring procedures to fully develop. Visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness.
How Much Does Body Contouring Cost?
Because there are many factors that can influence Body Contouring in the Pittsburgh region, it is difficult to provide a generalized estimate. The staff at Stofman Plastic Surgery Group will be happy to provide you with a more detailed estimate during your initial consultation.
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to address any concerns you have with our experienced staff. All successful surgeries begin with open and honest communication between doctor and patient. Are you considering plastic surgery? Contact us to schedule a consultation and let us educate you about your options and the procedures available.
