The Ins and Outs of Body Contouring: What It Can Do and Who It’s For

Have you heard of body contouring but are unsure of exactly what it is or whether it would be right for you? Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, refers to surgical procedures designed to remove fat cells and reshape specific areas of the body. 

"Surgical body contouring can be an excellent option for people who have undergone significant weight loss and now have excess skin or stubborn fat," says Dr. Heidi Harrington, board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. "Excess skin can be uncomfortable and may make patients feel self-conscious, which is where these procedures can help."

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Is Surgical Body Contouring Right For You?

Diet and exercise often can't address the issue of excess skin, especially after significant weight loss, since skin and other tissues may not have the elasticity to shrink to fit your new body. If you've lost a considerable amount of weight and are struggling with areas of sagging skin or persistent fat, surgical body contouring could be a good option. Additionally, those with sagging skin due to aging or heredity may also benefit from these procedures.

In general, you may be a good candidate for body contouring if:

• Your weight is stable and you’re not planning on losing a significant amount more.
• You are in good overall health and don’t have conditions that increase surgical risks.
• You do not smoke.
• You are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a nutritious diet.

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Types of Surgical Body Contouring Procedures

Surgical body sculpting procedures remove excess fat and skin to enhance body proportions and improve contours in targeted areas. Types of surgical procedures include:

• Arm lift: Removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms.
• Breast lift: Removes loose skin and reshapes surrounding tissues to lift the breasts.
• Facelift: Targets sagging skin on the face, particularly around the jowls and neck.
• Liposuction: Uses a suction device, called a cannula, to remove fat cells from various body areas.
• Lower body lift: Focuses on reshaping the buttocks, abdomen and thighs.
• Medial thigh lift: Smooths and tightens skin while removing fat from the thighs.
• Tummy tuck: Removes loose skin from the abdomen and tightens abdominal muscles.

"Before undergoing a surgical body contouring procedure, it’s crucial to manage your expectations," Dr. Harrington advises. "These procedures won’t stop the aging process or replace the need for diet and exercise. For some procedures, such as tummy tucks, weight gain can diminish the results. Make sure to consult with your doctor to understand what to expect from any specific procedure."

What to Consider Before Having a Procedure

The first step in considering body contouring is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can help you understand your options, along with the benefits and risks. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will review your personal goals, health history, any medications you're taking and perform a physical exam. They will also take body measurements and provide recommendations for the best treatment approach.

This is also the perfect time to ask any questions about the procedure, including recovery time and what to expect. It’s important to inquire whether the surgeon is board-certified and how many years of training they have. Additionally, be sure to consider the financial aspect: the cost of procedures can vary significantly, and many health insurance plans don’t cover body contouring. Research your out-of-pocket costs and ask about any payment plans your surgeon may offer.

Learn more about plastic surgery services at Beaufort Memorial or call 843-707-8020 to schedule an appointment.