what is Body Contouring?
You can achieve balanced proportions through a body contouring procedure at Plastic Surgery of Houston. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Shenaq, approaches body contouring procedures with the goal of bringing symmetry to your proportions to create a harmonious fit with the lifestyle you desire. Advances in the medical field have allowed body contouring surgery to achieve impressive results, which can be very transformative for the patient. During body contouring surgery, excess skin is eliminated, small amounts of stubborn fat are removed with liposuction, and the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened before the remaining skin is pulled taut and stitched back together. Body contouring is a specialized combination of lift surgeries at Plastic Surgery of Houston that provides patients a youthful appearance. It is common to have several areas on the body that droop or sag due to weight loss, aging, genetics, and other factors.
What are the benefits of body contouring?
Body contouring is an unparalleled procedure in Houston, TX for remaking and reimagining your look at Plastic Surgery of Houston, providing benefits such as:
- Customization for your unique needs
- Sculpting and defining various areas on your figure
- Versatile treatment areas
- Reduces areas of fat that are resistant to other methods
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Am I a candidate for body contouring?
Body contouring is performed to tighten, reshape, and contour areas of the body that you are not able to change naturally with diet and exercise. Areas that are most often treated include:
- Arms
- Breasts
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Knees
- Flanks
- Face
- Neck
The best timing for body contouring is about a year after significant weight loss for natural healing and weight stabilization. The plastic surgeon considers patient health, body areas, and other factors for the best results. It's advised for those not planning future pregnancies to maintain the full surgical toning effect.
how is body contouring performed?
The overall surgical technique varies for each unique patient case. Traditionally, body contouring includes removing extra skin and reshaping the underlying tissue with minor liposuction to remove small pockets of fat. The duration of the surgery will depend on the case, and a hospital stay may be required to ensure a safe recovery. To minimize infection and avoid overwhelming the body's healing process, the surgeon may group the chosen procedures together into one single surgery or into two or more surgeries. Procedures are grouped and timed according to each patient’s personalized surgical plan. This staging reduces the overall surgical risk of complications. Most patients find that the recovery from this surgery is challenging, but visible improvements are likely seen early on to increase self-confidence in most patients, making the surgery well worth the effort.
what are the side effects of body contouring?
Like other major surgeries, body contouring will cause some scarring. The skilled body contouring plastic surgeon will consider scarring carefully in the overall surgical plan and place surgical incisions in less visible areas or in natural folds of the body. Post-surgical care and topical solutions for scar management are also provided to result in a quicker, healthier healing process. Most scars fade and blend with natural skin tone as time passes.
What can I expect after body contouring?
If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be sent home to rest and recover following. Nonsurgical treatments do not typically require rest and recovery. It is not uncommon for some patients to combine several surgical procedures on several areas of the body, which can require staying overnight. Body contouring is designed to sculpt the body, so whether you have chosen nonsurgical or surgical treatments at our Houston, TX office, or both, you will notice a tighter, thinner body and a more defined profile.
Body Contouring FAQ
How much does body contouring surgery cost?
Your cost for surgical body contouring will depend on what's part of your treatment plan. In your initial consultation, Dr. Shenaq will listen to your needs and wants before performing an exam. He can then give you recommendations and create your unique treatment plan. Once your plan is made, Dr. Shenaq will be better able to estimate costs and explain your options for payment. Plastic Surgery of Houston takes many methods, including low-interest medical financing.
Will insurance pay for my body contouring surgery?
While most cosmetic surgeries are not typically covered by insurance, there are cases where body contouring could be eligible for insurance coverage. If loose skin is causing medical conditions, like chronic infections, you might be able to apply for reimbursement from your insurance. It will depend on your insurance carrier and individual policy, but if you would like to use your insurance, please let Dr. Shenaq know in your initial consultation. A team member at Plastic Surgery of Houston will help you work with your insurance for maximum coverage.
What will be part of my body contouring surgery?
The procedure in your treatment plan will be decided during your consultation with Dr. Shenaq. Procedures might be performed in stages based on your overall physical health and how many areas are being treated. Typically, the stages will be grouped by combining either the upper body (abdomen, breasts, arms, neck, face) or lower body parts (thighs, butt, knees, hips). This staging helps minimize the possibility of complications, like blood loss and infection. This also makes your recovery easier to manage.
Will I have scarring after my surgery?
In general, body contouring surgery will leave scars. Many patients find that when the incisions have fully healed, the scarring is no longer a worry since the benefits of this life-changing surgery are so significant. As an internationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Shenaq will make every effort to minimize scarring by placing the incisions inconspicuously. Proper care after surgery is also very important. Topical ointments might be recommended to help in the healing process. In time, your scars will lighten and blend in with your normal skin tone.
How long will my body contouring results last?
With proper care, the surgical results of body contouring will last a long time. To help maintain your results, you should stay at a stable weight. Dramatic weight changes or pregnancy after your surgery may affect your results. Natural aging will continue, so you will eventually notice loose skin again as you get older. Talk to Dr. Shenaq about tips that may help your results last.
What lifestyle changes should I consider after body contouring surgery?
After undergoing body contouring surgery, Dr. Shenaq recommends adopting lifestyle changes to maintain and enhance the results of your procedure. These changes include maintaining a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoiding significant weight fluctuations is crucial as they can alter the contours achieved by the surgery. Dr. Shenaq will discuss a personalized post-surgery plan during your consultations at Plastic Surgery of Houston to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Get Your Dream Body
The body of your dreams can now be a reality with body contouring surgery. We will help you customize the treatment plan that can transform sagging, unattractive skin to a taut, toned body that you'll want to show off. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your consultation.