Is Body Contouring a Permanent Solution for Your Figure?

Are you wondering if body contouring might be a permanent solution for your concerns about your figure? Body contouring can involve several different procedures, so it depends on what techniques are involved. The term “body contouring” covers procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, and mini-tummy tuck surgeries. Body contouring can also be included in procedures like lower body lifts, medial thigh lift, arm lift, and breast lift surgery.

Dr. Debra Johnson is skilled in helping determine which procedures may be appropriate for you, based on your desires and expectations. Let’s explore how some specific body contouring procedures change your figure, and what you can expect as a patient.

Liposuction

Liposuction can be a great way to contour your figure to get rid of stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. However, it is not a permanent weight loss solution. During liposuction, Dr. Johnson will create tiny incisions in discrete locations, which allow her to access and break up fat tissue that is then removed through gentle suction. The removal of fat cells eliminates them from the body permanently and they cannot grow back. However, it is important to be aware that remaining fat cells can get bigger, and you can still gain weight! Liposuction is best for people at a good weight who have deposits of excess fat in discrete areas they would like to contour.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” can improve your contours and create a flatter abdomen through the removal of excess fat and sagging skin. If the abdominal muscles have gotten separated by pregnancy, Dr. Johnson will repair them and can also perform liposuction as needed. Dr. Johnson performs a traditional tummy tuck by creating an incision on the lower abdomen between the belly button and pubic hairline. (The scar is therefore easy to conceal via underwear or swimsuit later on.) The skin is lifted, abdominal muscles are repaired as needed, and excess skin and tissue are removed and repositioned. Dr. Johnson performs a “drain-less” tummy tuck, instead using “quilting sutures” on the abdominal wall to prevent fluid production. Patients without drains can shower right away and have more mobility without having to worry about drains. Also, there is less risk of infection.

While tummy tucks are designed to be permanent, any significant weight gain or a new pregnancy will damage the result of the procedure. It is wise to consider whether you are planning to lose substantial weight in the future or to get pregnant. If weight loss is an achievable goal, you should do that before undergoing a tummy tuck. You should also be sure you are through having children.

Other Body Contouring Procedures

Other procedures that can result in body contouring.

• Arm lifts (brachioplasty) are performed to correct upper arm skin excess. The contouring results are long lasting, especially if you maintain a healthy weight. However, the scars are more visible if you wear tank tops or short sleeves. As you age, some natural sagging and loss of firmness may occur, however.
• Breast lift surgery (mastopexy), another form of body contouring, is performed to correct sagging breasts, with results that last many years. A lift can be combined with placement of breast implants to obtain better cleavage.
• A facelift reduces the signs of aging by removing excess skin, repositioning under-skin structures that have fallen and adding fat back to the face. While the natural aging process continues after surgery, the facelift results will always make you look eight to 10 years better than your peers!
• Finally, body contouring approaches like lower body lifts to correct a sagging abdomen, buttocks or thighs, or medial thigh lift, which contours the inner thigh, generally create permanent results. Again, however, it is important to remember that pregnancy or a significant weight fluctuation can affect results.

Contact Us

For a consultation to discuss body contouring options, contact our Sacramento plastic surgery practice today at 916-664-3391.