Body Contouring
Dr. Wiser holds a holistic approach to body contouring. During his assessment, he follows steps that are similar to the way the brain summarizes and grades the components of beauty - defined by the four “S” categories: Symmetry, Shape (Proportion), Size (Volume), and Surface (Skin Texture).
What is Body Contouring?
The term “body contouring” usually refers to the torso (the breasts are addressed separately), and the upper and lower limbs. The most common challenges to achieve an attractive figure include: excess skin, fat deposits, belly distension and stretch marks.
Excess Skin
Excess skin is the result of chronic stretching of the skin from underlying increased fat deposits. Weight gain and pregnancy are the most common causes of excess skin. As we age, the skin loses its ability to retract after weight loss or pregnancy and remains loose. This correlates directly with its elasticity which is also nutrition dependent.
That is the reason we see the most severe forms of excess skin in massive weight loss patients who have a combination of high degree of fat loss with poor nutrition.
Fat Deposits
The torso zones of fat accumulation include the lower abdomen (apron), the waists, the buttocks and hips, and the chest rolls. As we gain weight, fat accumulates mostly beneath the skin, but not in an even fashion. Gender plays a role as well, because fat grows differently in men and women.
Belly Distention (Diastasis Recti)
The slimness of the belly area is not dependent only on the amount of skin fat. Loss of tightness of the abdominal wall (the muscles and connective tissue encircling the abdominal organs) leads to forward bulging of the belly (as shown in the image).
Unfortunately, physical exercise, diet, and even liposuction cannot correct this condition. The only aesthetic solution for this condition is performed with abdominoplasty (known as a tummy tuck) where the abdominal wall is exposed and tightened with sutures.
Stretch Marks
Skin irregularities and loosening are both common following repeated weight gain and loss, pregnancy, and patients with familial predisposition to this condition. It is extremely difficult to treat and can be partially improved, at best. The most effective solution is to surgically remove it which will help the patient achieve tighter skin and a reduction in the appearance of stretch marks. This is usually performed through a tummy tuck procedure. However, this method is not always possible for every patient.
The second option is more conservative and involves chemical peeling the affected area to rejuvenate the skin. This option is best suited for patients with light skin. Recovery time for chemical peeling takes about 1-2 weeks and the procedure is typically repeated in order to achieve optimal results.
Types of Surgical Body
Contouring Procedures
Body contouring procedures have increased in popularity for sculpting areas of the body after significant weight loss, for a contoured, shapely physique. Dr. Wiser has a vast wealth of experience performing body contouring surgery to help patients meet their specific aesthetic goals.
Depending on the personal goals of the patient, Dr. Wiser will recommend certain procedures for reaching those objectives. In the event body contouring is the most effective choice, the following options may be utilized:
Liposuction
This procedure is highly effective at removing excess fat cells from the abdomen, arms, the thighs and hips to re-shape these areas for a more contoured appearance. Liposuction is performed by using suction to remove fat deposits and permanently eliminate them from that area of the body.
Body Lift
This procedure is ideal for patients who are bothered by skin and excess fat in areas of the body such as the abdomen, the arms, the thighs, and buttocks. Similar to the way a face lift can result in a tighter, more contoured appearance, a body lift can tighten and re-shape multiple parts of the body for a younger, smoother aesthetic.
Patients who have recently lost a lot of weight may find that a body lift can complete their new look as sagging skin is eliminated and the shape of the body revitalized.
Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty is also known as a “tummy tuck”, which targets excess skin and fat from the abdomen to give the belly a tighter, more contoured aesthetic. Women who have recently given birth or lost a considerable amount of weight may find their abdominal muscles have grown weak and the skin appears loose and saggy.
A tummy tuck will address these concerns, resulting in a flat, toned abdominal area.
Brachioplasty
A brachioplasty procedure targets excess skin located along the back of the arm extending from the shoulder to the elbow. Patients who have lost a lot of weight may notice a lack of elasticity in the skin at this area of the arm and a brachioplasty can be an effective solution for addressing the issue. Dr. Wiser will remove the excess skin and tissue that has lost elasticity under the arm for a tighter, more contoured appearance after weight loss.
Thighplasty
A thighplasty or thigh lift is performed to remove excess skin along the thighs after weight loss. Some patients may have saggy and dimpled skin that requires surgery to restore a tighter and more contoured aesthetic. This remaining excess skin can also become uncomfortable as pain and irritation may occur as the thighs rub against one another when walking or running. A thigh lift can be highly effective for eliminating this issue.
Rubin’s Mastopexy
This form of breast Lift has been developed by Dr. Peter Rubin for addressing breasts that appear saggy and sunken after weight loss. The procedure involves sutures to lift the skin of the breast to remove folds and wrinkles and utilize the patient's own tissue to restore volume and contour the shape of the breast. Significant weight loss can drastically alter the appearance of the breasts as elasticity has been lost and requires cosmetic surgery to reconstruction. This method is ideal for patients who don't wish to have implants to rebuild shape and volume.
Facelift
The areas under the chin and along the sides of the face can also experience a lack of elasticity after the patient has lost a significant amount of weight. Facelift surgery can tighten these areas to restore shape and definition to the face and neck where the skin is baggy. A facelift offers the patient a rejuvenated appearance after weight loss has reduced fat volume.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Massive weight gain can have a dramatic impact on the skin. Patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight, whether due to diet and exercise or weight loss surgery, may find their skin has lost elasticity and the result is slack skin that appears saggy and loose. The folds of the skin can cause physical irritation and discomfort and have a negative impact on self-esteem.
Body contouring procedures that target the most common areas of loose and baggy skin after weight loss are necessary to help tighten the skin and bring back a greater sense of self-confidence in patients who worked hard to lose the weight,but grow frustrated when they remain dissatisfied with their reflection in the mirror. Improved shape, tone, and contour can be restored in these areas through cosmetic procedures that provide natural, long-lasting results.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Body Contouring Procedures?
Patients need to meet certain criteria in order to be a good candidate for one or more body contouring procedures. The ideal patient for this type of surgery should demonstrate an ability to remain at a stable weight for six to nine months. In addition, the patient should be experiencing symptoms of excess skin for at least three months.
Patients must also be in good overall health and have a reasonable expectation for their desired result after the surgery is complete.
Preparing for Your Body Contouring Surgery
Before any work is performed, Dr. Wiser will meet with you for an initial consultation and discuss your personal body concerns and goals. During the consultation, he will ask you some questions about your medical history including any health conditions or allergies, medications you are taking now or have taken for current health conditions, and surgeries you have had performed in the past.
Next, Dr. Wiser will discuss the areas of the body that you would like to address and the goals you have in mind for changing their appearance. He will examine these areas and recommend the most effective options for helping you reach your goals.
A good candidate for body contouring surgery is someone who is in good health and has a reasonable and realistic outlook on the benefits and expectations from these procedures.
Body contouring surgery should not be the alternative to healthy lifestyle choices and good diet. This surgery is intended to help improve body shape and it can be a smart solution for revitalizing your appearance after weight loss.
Maintaining a consistent body weight and avoiding extreme fluctuations in short periods of time is highly recommended prior to body sculpting surgery.
Risks of Body Contouring Surgery
Dr. Wiser will review the potential risks and other factors that are inherent with body contouring procedures. Guidelines and expectations from recovery will also be covered during your initial consultation.
The most common risks associated with body contouring surgical procedures are not unlike the risks that come with just about every type of surgical procedure. All surgery comes with some level of risk, as small as it may be, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.
In order to minimize the potential for risk, it's important to provide frank and honest answers with respect to medical history and motivations for having the surgery performed.
Benefits of Body Contouring
Having this surgery performed can bring many useful benefits for restoring your appearance and reclaiming your self-confidence when you look in the mirror.
Long-lasting Results
Surgical options for body contouring offer long-term results over non-surgical alternatives that may require additional treatments to maintain the contoured appearance you want.
Balanced Body Shape and Aesthetics
Surgical procedures that target specific areas of the body to address sagging skin and excess fat work toward sculpting the body for an even, balanced appearance that can improve and enhance body shape and proportion.
Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices
We have found that most people who undergo one or more body contouring surgical procedures will change their diet and lifestyle habits in the interest of maintaining their new, revitalized appearance. Whether that means eating healthier, joining a gym, or developing a routine that incorporates more activity and exercise into their daily lives, body contouring surgery can be the fresh start you're looking for to improve health and well-being.
Improvement in Quality of Life
According to multiple academic and scientific studies, patients who have undergone body contouring procedures experience an improved quality of life. Greater self-esteem in one’s personal appearance empowers the individual to be more confident in social situations and brings a positive influence on the patient’s psychological well-being.
Recovering from Surgery
Body contouring surgery will require some period of downtime and recovery as the body heals from the procedure or procedures that were performed. You may experience slight discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Dr. Wiser will explain how long you can expect to have these symptoms and steps you can take to minimize and alleviate these effects.
Some of these symptoms may last two to four weeks on average, depending on the surgery that was performed.
Most body contouring procedures are considered outpatient surgery, so you will not need to stay overnight in a hospital or medical facility. You can go home after the procedure has been completed but you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home and even stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Dr Wiser will give you postoperative instructions outlining how to change bandages or dressing and keep your incisions free from infection. Pain management will be discussed and medications prescribed to help manage any discomfort that you might be experiencing after the procedure.
Always take it easy for the first week, don't overexert yourself and ease slowly back into your normal routine. If you overdo it, you could set your recovery time back. Above all, always report any complications or changes in your condition immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery is a set of procedures designed to reshape areas of the body by removing excess fat and skin, resulting in a more contoured, shapely physique. These procedures are often performed on massive weight loss patients.
What types of body contouring procedures does Dr. Wiser perform?
Dr. Wiser performs a variety of body contouring procedures, including liposuction, lower body lift, brachioplasty, thigh lift, breast lift and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat tissue from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and hips, to contour their appearance. It's performed using a cannula (long tube) with a hole on its end, connected to a suction device. The cannula is inserted into the target fat tissue through a 5mm incision in the skin.
What is a body lift?
A body lift refers to a circumferential removal of excessive skin and fat located in either the lower or the upper torso (body), in order to restore and contour its shape. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have recently lost a lot of weight and want to eliminate sagging skin.
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, targets excess skin and fat in the abdomen, together with tightening of the abodminal. Abdominoplasty procedure aims to restore a slim and contoured look of the abdomen and can be done in combination with liposuction. It is often recommended for women who have recently given birth or lost a significant amount of weight.
Who is a good candidate for body contouring surgery?
A good candidate for body contouring surgery is someone in good health and normal body mass index (BMI) with realistic expectations about the benefits and outcomes of the procedures. It's not an alternative to a healthy lifestyle and diet but can help improve body shape after significant weight loss.
What are the risks of body contouring surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, body contouring surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. Dr. Wiser will discuss these risks during your initial consultation.
What are the benefits of body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery offers long-lasting results, a balanced body shape, and can promote healthier lifestyle choices. It can help restore your appearance and boost your self-confidence and body image.
What is the recovery process like after body contouring surgery?
Recovery from body contouring surgery typically involves some downtime, with potential symptoms like discomfort, swelling, and bruising. These symptoms may last two to four weeks on average, depending on the specific procedure. Dr. Wiser will provide detailed postoperative instructions to help optimize the healing process and ensure a smooth recovery period.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
Most body contouring procedures are outpatient surgeries, meaning you can go home the same day. However, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
What should I do if I experience complications or changes in my condition after the procedure?
If you experience any complications or changes in your condition after the procedure, you should report them to Dr. Wiser immediately.