Body contouring is a popular type of plastic surgery because it gives patients the opportunity to undo some of the damage excessive weight gain and loss might have caused, or allow them to achieve their ideal figure and proportions. There are many types of body contouring procedures, each with unique benefits.
Breast Augmentations
Most people only think of breast implants as breast augmentation, but changing the breasts can involve several techniques. Some women who have large breasts may choose a breast reduction because their breasts cause them pain, or they want them to be more in proportion with the rest of their body.
A breast lift is another form of augmentation that might be performed, with or without implants. When your breasts lose considerable volume after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, they often sag and never fully return to their normal position. A breast lift involves removing excess tissue and lifting the breasts upward to a more aesthetically appealing position. The addition of implants can help with adding the ideal amount of volume, fullness, and shape to the lifted breasts.
Skin Removal And Lifts
Even small amounts of weight loss can contribute to sagging or loose skin. In some cases, people who had dramatic weight loss may have large amounts of loose skin that are painful, contribute to rashes, or inhibit their ability to engage in exercise.
The most common types of skin removal surgery are for the arms and midsection, since these tend to be the areas people feel most insecure about. Depending on the extent of loose skin on the abdomen and whether you need muscle tightening, a plastic surgeon might recommend removal of the lower abdominal skin or a more complicated procedure, such as a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.
Lifts usually involve the lower body and may be completed with procedures to remove excess abdominal skin. During a lower-body lift, the skin is pulled upward, much like pulling up a pair of pants. This can reduce the appearance of excess skin on the thighs and buttocks.
Fat Removal
Fat removal procedures are also popular for contouring the body. Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures because it can drastically reduce fat collections on various body parts. Some other fat removal methods, such as the less invasive cryolipolysis, can take months to see the results. Fat removal procedures are frequently used to remove pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.
In some cases, liposuction might be used in combination with other procedures, such as skin removal or lifts. When fat is removed during liposuction, it might be processed and transplanted elsewhere on the body. For example, sculpting of the buttocks often involves fat removed from the abdomen, back, and thighs, then injected in the buttocks area to give it a more full and rounded appearance.
Fortunately, there are many procedures available to help people who have significant excess skin or want a figure they cannot achieve on their own.