Body Contouring

What is body contouring?

Body contouring is a group of surgical procedures that address extra body fat and skin. With body contouring, you can sculpt areas such as:

• Abdomen 
• Hips
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Upper arms
• Back

Many people who opt for body contouring surgery have more than one area of concern. The Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center team discusses your problem areas and goals to plan a customized procedure that may include several different body contouring treatments.

How does surgical body contouring work?

Surgical body contouring always includes liposuction, a procedure in which the team suctions excess fat out of your body through tiny incisions. 

Liposuction can treat both large and small pockets of fat, and it's particularly helpful in areas where you have stubborn fat or disproportionate fat distribution. 

In addition, surgical body contouring may sometimes include skin removal. For example, people who lose a large amount of weight after bariatric surgery have extra skin that prevents them from looking their best. 

Body contouring surgery can remove the skin, along with excess fat, for a greatly improved appearance.

How is body contouring different from nonsurgical fat reduction?

Nonsurgical body contouring treatments also called nonsurgical fat reduction, melt or freeze excess fat to destroy it. 

Although nonsurgical body contouring may help with minor concerns like small fat pockets, surgical body contouring removes about 10 times as much fat as nonsurgical body contouring. 

In addition, surgical body contouring is far faster than nonsurgical body contouring. With nonsurgical body contouring, it takes months to eliminate the treated fat cells through your lymphatic system; with surgical body contouring, you’ll see results right away.

Many people need a series of nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, so the treatment process can take months. However, you need just one surgical procedure to get the results you want with surgical body contouring. 

Ultimately, surgical body contouring is the best choice if you'd like a significant change in your body as quickly as possible. 

How long do body contouring results last?

Body contouring offers long-lasting results as long as you maintain a stable weight and exercise regularly. It’s normal for skin to lose tightness over the years, but you’ll still retain most of your initial results. 

If you’re interested in body contouring, call Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today.