Body Contouring

Body contouring allows people to sculpt and shape their bodies after major weight loss and due to the natural aging process. The following are descriptions of various plastic surgery procedures performed to help restore the body to its natural figure.

For more information, visit the Consumer Guide to Body Contouring.

Body Fat Transfers

Body fat transfers are considered the traditional method for surgically rounding out the edges of a small localized area of the body. The beauty of a fat transfer is that the materials used to augment the desired body part are your own fat cells. This makes the procedure unquestionably biocompatible and non-allergenic.

Patients may require more than one treatment to achieve the best results. Each time the procedure is repeated, more fat is accumulated in the treated area. This tends to offer longer-lasting results, even lifetime results.

Body Implants

Body implants provide the appearance of muscular strength and volume. Implants are made of a firm semi-solid rubberized silicone material that fits in front of the bones without being absorbed by the body.

The following implant procedures are available:

Patients typically choose body implants to treat a genetically imbalanced body shape. These imbalances can undermine self-esteem. Implants help renew confidence and a more positive self-image.

Body Lift

The body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy or lower body lift, improves the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The operation is performed normally to remove excess skin and fat after massive weight loss. The best candidate for a body lift has had stable weight for as early as three months, but often six months to a year, and should be participating in a healthy exercise and dietary program.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes hanging fat and skin in the abdominal area and is typically performed after massive weight loss. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty, in that abdominoplasty tightens the muscle as well as removes excess skin and fat, but a panniculectomy only removes excess skin and fat.

Candidates may have fat extending as low as the knees, over the hips, and around the back. These conditions cause panniculectomy candidates to experience a host of health issues, including back problems, the breakdown of skin, rashes, ulcers, or skin disorders. The best candidates have stabilized their weight for at least one year and must be participating in a proper dietary and exercise plan.

Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching produces an athletic appearance by giving you a flatter, tighter stomach area, with stronger muscle definition. The best candidate for this plastic surgery has naturally athletic-looking underlying muscles that can be accentuated with abdominal etching. People who are liposuction candidates, with very localized, exercise-resistant fat deposits, can obtain additional improvements through abdominal etching.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty can relieve the emotional and physical discomfort associated with inner and outer lip conditions in the vaginal area. The goal of the surgery is to provide a balanced, comfortable appearance of the labia area. Labia appearance issues typically result from sexual intercourse, childbirth, genetics, or aging. There may also be asymmetry between the inner and outer labia lips, which may cause discomfort.

Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment, or sclerotherapy, has been used for more than forty years. The treatment has become increasingly useful for removing unwanted veins, which are commonly located on the thighs, ankles, and calves. The goal of the treatment is to remove unwanted spider veins permanently and remove the symptoms associated with spider veins.

Spider veins can occur with hormonal changes, during pregnancy, weight gain, repeated prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications. Spider veins may appear in three different ways, all of which are near the skin surface:

Spider veins are known to burn, swell, and ache. They can be unsightly and interfere with your everyday life.

Cellulite Treatments

Cellulite is a common term which describe superficial pockets of trapped fat, causing uneven dimpling or "orange peel" skin. It appears in ninety percent of post-adolescent women, where as it is rarely seen in men. Cellulite is typically found in the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.