What are the different types of body contouring?

What is contouring the body?

Body contouring, also known as body shaping, is a medical or surgical procedure designed to shape an part in the physique. It could involve procedures that include:

Eliminate any excess skin.
Eliminate excess fat.
Re-shape or contour the surface.

The process of body contouring doesn’t usually assist in losing weight. Instead, it can help shape your body and target particular areas in which weight loss isn’t as effective or after weight loss that result in excess skin.

What are the various types of contouring for the body?

Nonsurgical body contouring is known as lipolysis. There are a variety of lipolysis techniques:

Cryolipolysis makes use of extremely cold temperatures to kill fat cells (for instance, CoolSculpting(r)).
Injection lipolysis is the process of injecting deoxycholic acids into the body to specifically target fat cells.
Laser lipolysis makes use of lasers to eliminate fat cells (for instance, Zerona(r)).
Radiofrequency lipolysis makes use of energy from ultrasound as well as heat in order to kill fat cells (for instance, truSculpt(r)).

Sometimes, the outcomes can differ.

Options for body contouring surgery include:

Tucks and lifts The surgical procedures are used to remove excess fat and skin. Examples include a tummy-tuck (abdominoplasty) and facelift (rhytidectomy) and lifting of the breasts (mastopexy) as well as double Chin surgery.
Liposuction: Liposuction (lipo) suctions out fat deposits.

What is the reason body sculpting is used?

Some people choose body sculpting in order to appear and feel slimmer or to achieve a specific shape. It is often applied to specific regions of the body where the diet and exercise don’t make an impact.

Surgery options can also eliminate any extra skin cells to make your skin appear younger and more smooth. This procedure can be beneficial to those with excess skin after massive weight loss. It also helps to improve wrinkled, loose or saggy skin that is caused by natural age.

The body contouring process can target all parts of the body. The most common sites are:

Arms.
Back.
Flanks and belly (love handle).
Buttocks.
Neck and the chin.
Thighs.

Procedure Details

What happens prior to body contouring?

In the beginning, you’ll have a meeting with an aesthetic surgeon. You’ll discuss:

Your objectives.
Medical history of yours, which includes allergies, health issues and any previous procedures.
The medications you’re taking such as vitamins and other over-the-counter medications.
The use of tobacco, alcohol or other illegal substances.

The healthcare professional also:

Measure and examine the area(s) you’d like to alter.
Draw over the area(s) using the help of a marker or pen.
Make photos.
Explore your options and provide suggestions.
Examine the risks and alternatives and discuss the effects of anesthesia as well as postoperative pain relief If you’re thinking about surgery.

If you choose to go ahead, you’ll need complete a consent forms. By signing the form you grant permission to your healthcare provider to carry out the procedure. Additionally, you agree to are aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure and are realistic about your expectations.

Based on the type of body sculpting technique you select The healthcare provider may require you to:

Have a blood test or physical exams with your primary care physician.
Stop smoking.
Take a break from certain medications (for example, aspirin), NSAIDs or herbal remedies).

What happens when you perform liposuction or other contouring procedures for the body?

Most cosmetic procedures take place at a surgeon’s clinic or a surgical center, or even a hospital. The procedure may last anywhere from up to 45 minutes or hours, depending on the procedure you’re getting done.

To perform procedures that require surgery the team can:

Note the locations prior to surgery
Set yourself up on a surgery table and conduct security checks using nurses and anesthesia.
Apply anesthesia either general or local depending on the procedure.
Cleanse as well as prepare your skin around the area of surgery.
Cuts (cuts) within your skin. These are in accordance with the procedure(s) executed.
Cut, reposition, or shape the excess fat and tissue to get the look you desire.
Abdominoplasty involves tightening the muscles. This is not uncommon.
Trim excess skin.
Remove excess fat with the procedure of liposuction alone or in conjunction with other techniques.
Incisions should be closed when the procedure is completed.
Apply bandages.

What happens during non-surgical lipolysis?

The majority of lipolysis procedures on body contouring machines are performed in a clinic or in an office. Each session lasts 30-60 minutes.

The team can:

You can get a robe, and hospital dress to put on.
Set yourself up on a table or chair.
Mark the skin using the use of a marker or pen.
Inject a drug into the region where you wish to decrease the amount of fat (for the purpose of injection lipolysis).
Make use of a device (such such as paddles and a tool) to send ultrasound waves laser beams, either heat or cold, based on the kind of lipolysis.

The majority of people require several sessions of therapy to see the effects.

What happens following body contouring?

The majority of people leave on the same day, and this is even after having surgery. If you’ve undergone surgery, make sure you have someone come to your home and stay the first night. You may also have the use of a tube in one or more incisions in order to remove fluid and reduce swelling.

The surgical team of your surgeon will give you instructions on how to recover. These could include:

Care for the drains, as well as changing bandages.
Being mindful of excessive activity, but doing ambulation (moving about) to keep blood clots from forming.
Any complications that arise These will be clarified prior to the operation.
Away from the sun.
Making use of medicines (for example, ointments , or pills) to ease discomfort or stop infections.

If you opt for non-surgical body shaping it is recommended that you be able to leave the clinic or office right after the procedure. Most likely, you won’t require an automobile to get back home, and you’ll be able to carry on your normal routine.

Risks / Benefits

What are the benefits of body contouring?

A lot of people with body contouring have:

Well-defined, well-shaped parts of the body.
Thinner, younger appearance.
Skin that is smoother.
A symptomatic improvement.

The effects of surgical procedures are more evident and noticeable. If you opt for nonsurgical alternatives you may need several weeks or even months before you notice any changes.

What are the possible risks or complications that can arise from surgery?

All procedures, like tucks or lifts are considered to be surgeries and, as such, carry certain risks, though they are not common. These risks can include:

The asymmetry (both sides don’t appear the identical).
Blood clots or bleeding.
Anesthesia-related complications, such as nausea, vomiting , or difficulty waking up.
Injuries to blood vessels, nerves organs or muscles.
Hair loss near incisions.
Hematoma (a area of blood in the skin) that may need to be cleaned.
Incisions that aren’t healing properly.
Infection.
Nerve injury can lead to an increase in numbness, weakness or changes in how skin feels.
The swelling or pain persists for longer than you expected.
Heart or the lungs.
The results you aren’t happy with may need a follow-up procedure.
Discoloration, scarring, or rippling in the appearance of skin.
Skin imperfections and discoloration.

When you opt for nonsurgical alternatives, the risks are less pronounced and include:

Itching or rash.
Soreness or pain.
Red skin.
Swelling.
Not satisfied with the results and require repeated sessions.

Recovery and Outlook

How long will it take to heal after the body contouring procedure?

The recovery process for surgical procedures may take anywhere from weeks to months, based on the amount of work completed and how extensive those incisions.

The nonsurgical alternatives have faster time to recover. Many people return to work and other tasks right after treatment.

When do you need to call the doctor?

When should I visit my physician?

Nonsurgical procedures are safe and carry a low risk, which means you aren’t required to look out for any complications.

If you undergo an operation and you are a patient, you must be aware of the following symptoms in the form of infections or complications

Redness, bleeding, or swelling around the site of the incision.
Chest pain.
Dizziness.
A temperature that is greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pain that is severe and not alleviated by medication.
Nausea or vomiting.