Body Surgery
Body Contouring
Body contouring, body shaping, body sculpting, or body lifts are typically considered after significant weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. There are a variety of contouring surgeries available, addressing specific area of concerns. Excess skin and stubborn or unwanted fat deposits are removed. Tissues are toned and tightened to achieve the desired contour. Sometimes breast implants are incorporated.
In many cases, procedures can be combined in into session. Your surgeon will perform an in-depth analysis of your condition before recommending any specific techniques.
Types of Body Surgeries
Liposuction
Liposuction surgery is one of the most popular body contouring procedures. It can be applied to multiple areas of the body in the same procedure, and permanently removes unwanted fat cells from waist, hips, upper arms, and thighs.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, focuses on reshaping the midsection of the body. This is a common trouble spot for men and women, especially later in life or following fluctuations in weight or pregnancy. A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin, the trimming away of unwanted pockets of fat cells, and the tightening of loose abdominal muscles.
Mommy Makeover
Mommy Makeover refers to a combination of procedures that are popular among women after their last pregnancy. Specifics vary based on the patient’s desired results and trouble areas, but many procedures include a tummy tuck and a breast lift and/or breast augmentation component.
Fat Graft
Fat grafting is the surgical process by which fat is removed and transferred from one part of your body to the other. People undergo fat grafting to provide one area of the body with more shape or fullness. Fat grafts can last up to three times longer than traditional fillers.
Other Common Body Shaping Procedures
Other common body shaping procedures include brachioplasty (arm lift), breast reduction, gynecomastia, (a circumverential body lift where a “belt” of skin is removed from the midsection). Labiaplasty is also growing in popularity. Genital tissues tend to heal extremely well with little or no scarring. A breast lift (mastopexy) can be employed to lift and tighten sagging tissues and/or reposition the nipples.
Body contouring surgeries should be carefully considered and planned. Schedule a consultation a plastic surgeon. Discuss your goals, concerns, and get answers to all of your questions.
Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
A lower body lift targets the abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, and buttocks in a single, comprehensive procedure—often ideal after major weight loss when excess skin encircles the midsection.
- Benefits: Removes excess skin and fat around the trunk, lifts buttocks and lateral thighs, improves waist definition
- Candidates: Stable weight, good overall health, significant laxity of the lower torso and thighs
- Procedure: Circumferential incision (placed low to be concealed by most undergarments); skin and tissue are tightened and lifted
- Recovery: Plan several weeks of activity restrictions; swelling and bruising gradually subside; results refine over months
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty reshapes or reduces the labia to address discomfort, visibility in clothing, or cosmetic concerns. Genital tissues typically heal well with minimal visible scarring.
- Benefits: Improved comfort in clothing/exercise, balanced appearance, reduced irritation
- Candidates: Healthy, stable adults with functional or aesthetic concerns
- Procedure: Precise tissue reshaping while preserving natural contour and sensitivity
- Recovery: Most daily activities resume in a few days; avoid strenuous exercise and sexual activity as directed during healing