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Body Contouring Q&A

What is body contouring?

Body contouring is a group of surgical procedures to remove extra tissue (skin and fat) and tighten the skin. Although you can have facial surgery for this purpose, body contouring procedures concentrate on the body, from the neck down. 

There are many different types of body contouring procedures, including: 

  • Arm lift: Corrects sagging in the upper arms
  • Breast lift: Restores sagging breasts to a higher position and may restore fullness
  • Breast reduction: Removes extra fat and skin, tightens and restores breasts
  • Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): Removes extra tissue and tightens muscles
  • Panniculectomy: Removes a panniculus (apron of hanging skin and fat in the abdomen) 
  • Lower body lift: Tightens the abdomen, buttocks, inner thighs, and outer thighs
  • Inner thigh lift: Tightens the inner thighs
  • Bilateral thighplasty: Tightens skin in the front and outside parts of the upper legs

You can also combine procedures. For example, a mommy makeover at Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island includes a customized combination of procedures that help you meet your appearance goals. Many women who have a mommy makeover have a breast lift, tummy tuck, inner thigh lift, or other procedures during the same surgery. 

Am I a good candidate for body contouring?

You might be a good candidate for body contouring if you have extra skin and fat that bother you. If you’re losing weight or planning to do so, it’s best to first focus on your weight loss goals and stabilize your weight before the procedure. Body contouring isn’t a substitute for diet and exercise. 

 

Many people who opt for body contouring have lost a lot of weight and are unhappy with the hanging skin and fatty tissue that remains. For example, many people who have bariatric surgery may choose this surgery once they’re at or near their goal weight. 

 

Some women opt for body contouring after childbirth, and others choose this surgery because they’re unhappy with the appearance of their aging bodies. No matter your reasons, the Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island team can explain what to expect and help you set realistic surgery goals. 

 

Ideal candidates for body contouring are nonsmokers who are already following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Is body contouring a cosmetic or medical procedure?

Body contouring can be either a cosmetic or medically necessary procedure. For example, tummy tucks are generally a cosmetic procedure. 

 

However, for people who’ve lost a lot of weight and have a panniculus, a panniculectomy may be a medical necessity because it could cause severe chafing, skin ulcers, and chronic back pain if not treated. 

 

If you’re interested in body contouring, call Plastic Surgery Associates of Long Island or click on the provided link to book a consultation today.