Body contouring is also known as body remodelling or body sculpting and refers to techniques (either surgical or non-surgical) aiming to improve the appearance of the skin and achieve smoother contours. A body contouring procedure is commonly undertaken following a dramatic weight loss to remove excess skin.
What Are the Different Body Contouring Techniques?
Non-surgical body contouring options include anti-cellulite creams and radiofrequency treatments. The latter eliminates fatty tissue without having an effect on surrounding structures, meaning it doesn’t cause damage to the body. Surgical body contouring procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast lift, buttock lift, thigh lift and brachioplasty (arm lift). Liposuction can also be used to get rid of excess fatty tissue.
What Happens Prior to Body Contouring Surgery?
Before the procedure, a patient will meet with their plastic surgeon to discuss issues including their goals and medical history. The areas that the patient wishes to be contoured will also be examined and measured, and the surgeon will talk about the options available and make recommendations. The risks and options will be reviewed, as well as the anaesthetic to be used and any post-operative pain control, if relevant.
Why Do People Choose to Have Body Contouring?
Body contouring procedures are often undergone by patients to achieve more defined, well-shaped body parts, a younger, slimmer appearance or smoother skin. Results from surgical procedures tend to be more immediate and noticeable, whereas it may take a few weeks or months to see a difference from non-surgical body contouring options.
Aftercare and Risks
Those in the medical field who are interested in body contouring, such as Dr Adam Alexander, know that aftercare will depend on the type of procedure that is undertaken. For example, some treatments can be completed on an outpatient basis, while a hospital stay may be required for other, more extensive, procedures. The patient’s healthcare professional will explain the relevant aftercare necessary and provide details of any follow-up appointments required.
When it comes to risks, there are several associated with both non-surgical and surgical forms of body contouring. These risks include blood clots, bleeding, asymmetry, nerve damage, hair loss, infection, haematoma, skin discolouration, scarring, swelling, skin rash and reddening of the skin. Further risks are also incisions that don’t properly heal, problems with the heart or lungs, nerve injury and complications as a result of the anaesthesia.