Your Body Contouring Questions Answered
- Will Body Contouring Help Me Lose Weight?
Body contouring procedures are not meant to be a weight loss solution. Body contouring procedures may result in a rather insignificant weight loss of only 3-5 pounds on average (possibly less for brachioplasty and medial thigh lift surgeries). In fact, it is recommended that you are within 10 pounds of your ideal body weight and that you maintain that weight for at least six months prior to surgery. An ideal weight is a weight that feels good for you and that you can easily maintain with your regular, healthy eating habits and exercise routine. The reason it is important to be at the right weight is that a stable weight means the surgeon can deliver optimal results and weight fluctuations will affect your results over time. To understand more about weight and its relationship to body contouring surgery, read Do I Need To Lose Weight Before Abdominoplasty? - Can Body Contouring Tighten My Skin?
Body contouring itself will not tighten your skin. Loose skin has lost its elasticity. If loose skin is the concern you want to address with body contouring it is important to consider which procedure is right for you. For example, liposuction is a great way to permanently remove stubborn fat cells beneath the skin of your belly. Your plastic surgeon can use this procedure to sculpt your stomach for a tighter, sleeker abdominal contour. But for the best results from liposuction, you need to have healthy skin elasticity. If your abdominal skin has lost elasticity, an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) will remove stubborn fat AND excess, loose skin and give you better results. - How Soon After Body Contouring Will I See Results?
All surgical forms of body contouring will deliver significant and amazing results, but they are not always immediately apparent. Cosmetic surgery requires healing and recovery. There can be post-surgical bruising and swelling. You will notice a difference in your body contour quite soon after surgery, but it can take a while to see the final results. Here is when you expect to see results after body contouring:
- Abdominoplasty: Recovery time is approximately 3-4 weeks. Noticeable results soon after surgery. Optimal results in 6 months to one year.
- Liposuction: Depending on the treatment area, recovery time is a few days to a couple of weeks. Results are apparent almost immediately after treatment. Optimal results in 6 months to one year.
- Brachioplasty: Recovery time is approximately 2-4 weeks. Optimal results in 6 months to one year.
- Medial Thigh Lift: Recovery time is approximately 2-4 weeks. Apparent results in 3-6 weeks. Optimal results in 6 months to one year. - Are Body Contouring Results Permanent?
Yes and no. Fat cells that are removed during your body contouring procedure will never grow back. For this reason, the results of treatments like liposuction are considered permanent. But, unless you maintain a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise, remaining fat cells in your body can grow larger. This means that you can develop deposits of fat in other areas of your body, even adjacent to the treatment area resulting in undesirable changes to your contoured silhouette. Likewise with loose skin: your surgeon will remove excess skin resulting in a tighter, more toned profile, but without proper skin care and healthy habits, the remaining skin is still prone to stretching. - Are There Any Risks Associated With Body Contouring?
Although body contouring is considered safe there are risks associated with any type of surgery. These include:
- Complications associated with local and general anaesthesia
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Hematoma
- Nerve damage
- Severe scarring
- Post-surgical pain
Although these are fairly uncommon, it is important to choose a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon and to be assessed for suitability before choosing any body contouring procedure.
Learn More About Body Contouring At Alberta Plastic Surgery
Body contouring can help you achieve the smoother, more sculpted silhouette you desire after weight loss and pregnancy, or to address changes due to aging and genetics. Understanding the risks associated with body contouring and having realistic expectations about recovery and expected results can help you make the most informed decision. If you are considering abdominoplasty, liposuction, brachioplasty, or a medial thigh lift, book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak and explore your options for transformative and effective body contouring treatments.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: What cosmetic procedures can help me refine my body after my dramatic weight loss?
A: Congratulations! You have already done the hard work necessary to achieve a healthy weight! Now that you are at a weight you are comfortable with, there are many options to get the svelte, smooth silhouette to show off your hard work. Read Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss: 5 Body Contouring Procedures To Consider for more information.
Q: Can I combine body contouring procedures?
A: Liposuction is a natural complement to any body contouring procedure, but it can also be ideal to combine other procedures to reduce surgical risks and overlap recovery periods. If you are interested in more than one body contouring treatment, book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your options for multiple procedures and what outcomes you hope to achieve from surgery.
Q: Why do I still have a belly after my tummy tuck?
A: Abdominal swelling after a tummy tuck is very typical for a cosmetic surgery this extensive. So don’t feel dismayed that your surgery did not work. You can learn more about why your belly is not completely flat after abdominoplasty here.
