Criteria For Good Body Contouring Candidates
You may be a good candidate for certain body contouring procedures and not others, or you might qualify for procedures like a Mommy Makeover that combines several body contouring techniques to create or restore a natural-looking, ideal physique. Here are some common characteristics of a good candidate for body contouring.
At A Healthy, Stable Weight
Although certain body contouring procedures can remove stubborn pockets of fat to reveal a smoother, tighter profile, body contouring is not meant to be a weight loss solution. In fact, ideal candidates should be at or near (within 10 lbs) their target weight for optimal results. Weight should remain stable for at least 6 months, and body contouring candidates should have decided that they do not have plans for future pregnancies (you can, of course, become pregnant after body contouring, but your results may not be maintained through the weight and hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding). In addition to being a healthy weight, ideal candidates will not have any underlying health issues.
Have The Time For Recovery
Surgical body contouring procedures are considered major surgery and will require significant time for recovery. This will mean taking time off of work and away from certain activities and time commitments. Here are some recovery timelines:
- Abdominoplasty: Recovery time is approximately 3-4 weeks. Noticeable results soon after surgery. Optimal results in 6 months to one year.
- Breast Surgery: Recovery time is 4-6 weeks and results are apparent soon after surgery. But final results may not be realized until 3 or more months (up to a 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.
When you combine body contouring procedures your recovery times will run concurrently, but healing can be slightly slower.
Have Realistic Expectations
Body contouring procedures can have amazing and dramatic results, but it is still important to have realistic expectations for the outcomes of your surgery. Some goals for body contouring are just not achievable: body contouring cannot remove significant, excess fat or visceral fat (fat stores around your organs), it cannot change the underlying structures of your body (like your bone structure), and it cannot replace the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.
Committed To Overall Health And Lifestyle
The results of most body contouring procedures are considered permanent. Fat and tissue that is removed are gone for good. But remaining skin can still stretch and remaining fat cells can still expand. The ideal candidate for body contouring is willing to be committed to a healthy lifestyle for the long term. This means following your plastic surgeon’s instructions following surgery, maintaining a healthy weight by eating well and exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, practicing targeted skin care, sleeping well, and drinking lots of water.
Optimal Body Contouring Results At Alberta Plastic Surgery
Not everyone is a good candidate for body contouring surgery right now, but it is possible to take steps to prepare yourself to be ideally suited for these procedures. If you meet the above criteria for body contouring candidacy or if you want to know what you need to prepare to qualify, book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak.
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: When is the best time to have body contouring?
A: For optimal and long-lasting results, you should be at or very close to your target weight and have maintained your current weight for at least six months. Further weight loss or regaining weight after surgery can impact the quality of your results.
