Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, can be a great way to reduce fat from specific areas in the body to tighten the skin and create a flattering body shape.
This guide will give a brief overview of what the process involves, what to expect and what the benefits of the procedure are.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring is a surgical procedure used to reshape areas of the body. This might involve getting rid of extra skin after dramatic weight loss, removing excess fat, or contouring a certain area.
The procedure shouldn’t be used specifically for losing weight but to address problem areas you’re not comfortable with. If you’ve already lost a lot of weight, removing excess skin can help you feel more confident in your new body.
Different types of body contouring
There are four main types of lipolysis, which is a non-surgical form of body contouring. These are:
Cryolipolysis – Used to destroy fat cells with very cold temperatures
Injection lipolysis – Where deoxycholic acid is injected into the body
As for larger procedures, you’ll likely have heard of tummy tucks, face or breast lifts, and double chin surgery. All of these are elements of body contouring to help you feel your best.
The procedure
In order to book in for body sculpting, you’ll first need to speak with a plastic surgeon about your medical history, goals for the surgery, and any medications you’re taking.
The specialist will take the time to measure the areas you’d like to change and mark these with a pen to take pictures for reference. They’ll also be able to make recommendations and help you evaluate your options.
If you’re happy with the recommendations and want to go ahead, you’ll need to sign a consent form, giving the surgeon permission to do the procedure. Depending on the clinic, you may also need to have your bloods taken and a physical done by your physician before you can go ahead.
The procedure itself tends to last 45 minutes. Some patients require multiple sessions, while others may just need the one. Some treatments may require anesthesia, which will be administered by a specialist. Non-surgical treatments like Vaser Lipo shouldn’t require a general anesthetic.
The surgeon will then mark on the areas as done in your consultation and either inject the area or use a tool to deliver ultrasound waves, cold or lasers, depending on which treatment you’ve chosen.
In surgical procedures, small incisions may be made in order to move the tissue or remove the excess skin and fat.
After the procedure
The great thing about body contouring is that most people can leave the clinic on the same day – if not in the same hour. Unlike surgical procedures, which require monitoring, pills for pain, or even drains, with non-surgical procedures, you’ll be back on your daily routine within no time.
Non-surgical treatments do tend to take a few weeks or even months to be noticeable.
The benefits of body sculpting
Of course, body sculpting is all about confidence. Those that undergo treatments typically feel younger and thinner with a body shape that they love. Others will find that they have smoother skin, and any symptoms or ailments caused by their previous body style will ease.
The risks of body sculpting
As with any kind of treatment, there are risks. These risks will be outlined prior to the procedure, and you’ll sign confirming you understand everything.
Thankfully, for non-surgical procedures, there are much fewer risks than larger surgeries like a tummy tuck or lift.
These risks are really more like symptoms such as red skin, soreness, or swelling. Other risks to consider is the need for repeat sessions which would cost or not feeling particularly satisfied with the results.
When to seek help
If you notice anything out of the ordinary after your treatment, you should always seek advice from your physician. While complications are unlikely during non-surgical body contouring, surgical procedures could lead to dizziness, bleeding, vomiting, fever, or even chest pain.
No matter how small your side effects seem, it is always a good idea to seek medical advice, just in case.
Final thoughts
Body contouring is a great option for people who have found diet and exercise are ineffective for certain areas. If you are interested in treatment, you should consider whether lipolysis (non-surgical) or liposuction (surgical) is the right choice for you.
