Body Contouring
Body Contouring involves body fat removal by applying cold, heat, lasers, or through surgical procedures to tighten specific body regions. This approach effectively addresses stubborn areas that do not improve with diet modification and exercise. While surgical body contouring offers more definitive results, it carries higher risks and requires a longer recovery.
What is body contouring?
Body Contouring, also known as Body Sculpting, is an innovative technique for body shaping that focuses on dissolving excess fat and tightening sagging skin. This procedure helps achieve a firmer, more toned appearance, making it ideal for those looking to improve their physique and boost their self-confidence.
Body contouring techniques
Non-surgical body contouring methods:
- Cryolipolysis: Fat reduction through the application of cold temperatures.
- Injection Lipolysis: Dissolving fat cells by injecting deoxycholic acid.
- Laser Lipolysis: Using laser technology to break down fat cells.
- Radiofrequency Lipolysis: Utilizing radiofrequency energy to heat and break down fat cells.
Surgical body contouring methods:
- Surgical Lifts and Tucks: Procedures such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, and chin fat reduction surgery.
- Liposuction: A procedure to remove excess fat deposits through vacuum suction.
Why opt for body contouring?
Body contouring is not about weight loss; it is an option to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing figure. This procedure helps eliminate sagging skin, resulting in smoother and more youthful-looking skin. It also addresses sagging and wrinkles that come with aging. Areas amenable to contouring include the legs, back, abdomen, love handles, buttocks, neck, chin, and thighs.
Body contouring procedures
Before the procedure
The physician will explore the patient's medical history, including allergies and previous surgeries. They will also inquire about current medications and supplements, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and drug use.
The targeted areas for contouring will be examined and measured, with markings made on the skin for reference. The doctor will take photographs for comparison purposes.
The physician will discuss various treatment options, detailing the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure, such as the risk of anesthesia and postoperative pain.
The patient must sign a consent form if they agree to proceed.
Some patients may need additional blood tests or physical examinations. Additionally, the physician will recommend smoking cessation and discontinuing certain medications, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements before the procedure.
During surgical body contouring
- The physician will mark the areas targeted for contouring.
- The patient changes into a hospital gown, lies supine on the surgical table, and receives anesthesia.
- The physician will aseptically scrub the skin in the surgical field, make incisions, remove excess fat, trim redundant skin, and then suture the incisions closed.
During non-surgical body contouring
The patient will change into a hospital gown. The physician will mark the areas targeted for contouring. Then, the physician will use specialized devices to deliver ultrasound waves, lasers, cold, or heat to the targeted areas. Multiple sessions may be required for the patient to achieve the desired results.
After the procedure:
For patients undergoing surgical body contouring, the physician may insert drainage tubes to remove excess fluids from the surgical site and will explain how to manage the drainage and change the dressings. The physician will also discuss potential complications and give guidance on home care during recovery. These may include avoiding certain activities to prevent blood clots, staying out of direct sunlight, and taking prescribed painkillers or antibiotics as directed.
People undergoing non-surgical body contouring can resume their daily activities immediately without requiring a hospital stay.
Benefits of body contouring
- More pleasing body contours.
- Slimmer appearance and more youthful look.
- Smoother skin.
For those undergoing surgical procedures, the results are immediately noticeable. However, non-surgical contouring may require several weeks or months to discern significant improvements.
Risks and complications of body contouring
Surgical body contouring carries certain risks and potential complications, including:
- Asymmetrical results
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Nausea and vomiting due to anesthesia
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, or muscles
- Hematoma
- Slow wound healing
- Infection
- Numbness or weakness from nerve damage
- Prolonged swelling and pain
- Heart and lung complications
- Scarring, skin irregularities, and changes in skin color
- Non-Surgical Body Contouring:
- Non-surgical methods have fewer risks but can still result in rash, pain, swelling, and redness.
How long is the recovery?
After undergoing surgical body contouring, it may take several weeks or even months for full recovery, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Non-surgical body contouring methods require significantly less recovery time, with most patients able to return to work or resume daily activities immediately after the treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if there is bleeding from the surgical wound, swelling, redness, chest pain, dizziness, high fever, nausea, vomiting, or if pain persists despite taking medication.
A note from MedPark Hospital doctors
Body contouring can help dissolve fat and refine the shape of your body, especially in areas that are resistant to exercise and diets. This innovative procedure is an excellent option for enhancing body image and boosting self-confidence.