Various body contouring treatments are considered by a vast number of people nowadays in order to address a variety of concerns. You may have achieved that weight loss milestone that you have been always aiming for and now want to fine-tune the results, or are struggling with separated abdominal muscles. There are a variety of surgical and non-surgical body contouring options that are available. These include tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, liposuction and Cool Sculpting. To select the right procedure that is perfectly suited for you, you must have a lengthy consultation with a skilled and experienced surgeon and know certain things before the body contouring procedure.

Questions to ask before considering body contouring

Which is the right body contouring procedure for me?

There are various factors that determine the right body contouring procedure for you, such as your goals, body type, and body shape. For example, if you have recently been able to achieve a long term physical fitness goal, you may find that you have ended up with loose skin in certain parts of the body, especially in the area around the abdomen. In such a scenario, your best option may be a tummy tuck followed by a liposuction procedure. While the former helps tighten the excess skin, the latter can address stubborn fat that is not responding to diet and exercise alone.

What are the other procedures to consider?

There are various other procedures and body contouring methods that may apply to different people. For instance, women who have had children may look for addressing loose skin, sagging breasts, and stubborn fat and thus can be good candidates for a mommy makeover. Men and women who wish to tighten their bodies or fine-tune their workout results may go for nonsurgical body contouring options like Cool Sculpting.

Am I the correct candidate for a body contouring procedure?

The first sign that tells you that you are an ideal candidate for a body contouring procedure, is when you are very close to your target weight. However, if you are not, you can always start planning ahead and working on your fitness goals. Once you touch your weight loss target, you can consult with your plastic surgeon and discuss ways to improve your body contouring results.

What are the results that I can expect from a body contouring procedure?

First of all, before you ask this question, you should know that you cannot expect any dramatic changes and thus should have realistic aspirations. Your plastic surgeon should be absolutely transparent with you about the benefits and shortcomings of each body contouring treatment so that you can make an informed and conscious decision about the best options for you.

Are there any risks or chances of side effects?

You should learn about all the advantages and limitations involved in a body contouring procedure before you decide to go for it. Like all other plastic surgery procedures, body contouring comes with its own set of risk or side effects. However, the risks are significantly lower in case of non-surgical treatments than they are in the case of surgical treatments. You should have a lengthy discussion with your plastic surgeon about any potential complication associated with your procedure that may arise before, during, or after the treatment.

Advantages of body contouring

• You can have a chance at a more defined and well-shaped body
• You can also have an overall younger and thinner appearance
• Your skin will become smoother
• You may also see symptomatic improvement

Some risks and complications associated with the procedure

• Asymmetry where each side looks different
• Certain complications from anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting or trouble waking up
• Bleeding and blood clots
• Significant damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or organs
• Hematoma that may require draining
• Hair loss near the incision sites
• Infections
• Swelling and pain that may last longer and be more severe than expected
• Injury to nerves causing weakness, numbness or changes in the way skin feels
• Heart and lung problems
• Scarring, rippling, discoloration of the skin, skin irregularities
• Requirement for a follow-up surgery

Risks and complications that may arise in case of non-surgical procedures

• Swelling
• Unsatisfactory results lead to a requirement for repeat sessions
• Hives or rash
• Pain or soreness
• Red skin

What is the recovery time period I should be expecting?

If you undergo a surgical procedure, the recovery period will be much longer than a non-surgical treatment and may take several weeks or even months. It completely depends on the amount of work done and the length and depth of the incisions.

If you are interested in body contouring at Shah Plastic Surgery and reside in Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island and surrounding areas of NY, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shah.