If you’ve managed the type of dramatic weight loss that we love to see in before-and-after photos, congratulations are in order. Research shows that keeping your weight down is a triumph that most of us don’t manage, with around 80% of dieters gaining excess weight back within a year.

Of course, you may not have expected your weight loss to create new problems, like excess fat and tissues that won’t shrink to fit your new body size. Unfortunately, even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast can’t remove extra skin on their own.

That’s where body contouring with AI Plastic Surgery comes in. If you’re hoping to shed stubborn fat and skin after a large amount of weight loss, it’s time to learn more about this procedure and start your journey to a new you.

Let’s take a quick look at the benefits of this procedure, how body contouring works, and what you can expect during the process.

What Is Body Contouring?

“Body contouring” is an umbrella term for an array of procedures that remove excess fat and skin after weight loss. These surgical and non-surgical procedures can reveal the firm, toned body beneath your loose skin and stubborn fat. You may also hear of these procedures under the term “body sculpting.”

It is important to note that these procedures are not weight loss solutions. They help address stubborn fat and loose skin that does not respond to a careful diet and exercise regimen.

Here are a few of the most common body contouring procedures we perform in our clinic:

All of these procedures can help correct sagging and excess skin in the affected areas.

Benefits of Body Contouring

Based on the summary above, the principal benefits of body contouring may be obvious. These procedures can improve your overall appearance and increase confidence.

In addition to these obvious benefits of body contouring, you may wish to opt for these procedures for several reasons:

Depending on the procedure, there may be less downtime than you think, allowing you to resume your regular activities within a few weeks.
The results of body contouring can last for years, provided that the patient follows a healthy diet and fitness regimen.
Patients can treat multiple areas at once through customized treatment plans.
Scars can be well hidden. Our surgeons take great care to minimize scarring by planning the incisions carefully and providing you with excellent scar after-care.
These procedures can significantly improve comfort for patients with large amounts of excess skin and fat. Many patients report that exercising, for example, is easier after surgery because the weight of the excess skin has been eliminated. Rashes and chafing can also be improved or eliminated.

In essence, body contouring can be a safe and efficient way to achieve a toned and firm look with long-term results.

Ideal Candidates for Body Contouring

As noted above, the ideal body contouring patient is not seeking extreme weight loss. Instead, they are committed to maintaining a healthy, stable weight close to their current weight. They should also have solid nutrition and exercise habits.

Ideal patients will also have realistic expectations of the outcome of their procedure.

Good candidates are also nonsmokers, though it’s possible to undergo a procedure after quitting for a specified time. They should be healthy, without serious medical conditions that might increase their risk of complications during and after surgery.

What to Expect From the Body Contouring Process

Knowing the details of a body contouring procedure may help you understand what to expect. Let’s take a closer look at what these procedures entail.

Body Contouring Consultation

Any patient seeking body contouring will always begin with an initial consultation.

This allows you and your surgeon to discuss your goals and any medical conditions you may have. They should also ask about your current medications and any previous surgeries. At this time, you may also discuss the type of anesthesia you prefer for the procedure.

Your surgeon will then examine you by taking measurements and evaluating your anatomy. Afterward, they will advise you on a treatment plan and explain any potential risks. This is your chance to ask any additional questions you may have.

Body Contouring Procedure

Your body contouring procedure will vary by type. Your surgeon will choose between multiple body contouring methods depending on your goals and the type of procedure. There are several types of anesthesia that can be used, including local anesthesia, “twilight” anesthesia, and general anesthesia.

Your surgeon will place your incisions strategically in order to minimize scarring and conceal the scar as much as possible. This is customized depending on the type of procedure and your individual anatomy. They will use specialized tools for removing body fat and skin. They will also shape and tighten the tissue to create your desired toned look. Skin closure is performed with meticulous, cosmetic suturing techniques.

After closing any incisions, they will finish by applying bandages to the affected areas.

Body Contouring Recovery

After the procedure, your surgeon will provide you with detailed recovery instructions.

In general, you will need to take pain medications, and you’ll need to care for the surgical site as you heal. You may also need to avoid certain movements for a while. You will need to return to see your surgeon regularly for follow-up care so they can assess your healing and give recommendations, as needed.

More specific instructions will vary from procedure to procedure. During recovery from breast augmentation surgery, for example, you’ll need to wear a supportive sports bra and promote good blood flow via breast massage. After a tummy tuck, you may need an abdominal compression garment to help recovery.

Show Off Your Weight Loss With Body Contouring

If you’ve managed a large amount of weight loss, body contouring can help you show off your success. The long-lasting results of body contouring procedures can create the toned and firm body you’ve always wanted after your fitness journey.

As you weigh your options, don’t forget that partnering with the right surgical team can be the key to achieving the physique you desire. Be sure to look through our site for more information, including our reviews, before-and-after photos, and more. For additional questions, please reach out to our patient coordinator.