Individuals who are in the process of losing weight, who are post-partum, or who are experiencing wrinkles and sagging skin due to aging may find themselves less confident as the skin loses its elasticity. Body contouring is a solution offered by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Critelli that can address certain problem areas by surgically trimming excess skin, tightening underlying tissues and removing pockets of fat. The physical change can be dramatic and life changing for many (especially for weight loss patients). Advances in medical technology and training allow plastic surgeons the ability to produce outstanding aesthetic results, which include a more toned and smooth appearance.
About the Surgery
The process of body contouring is specifically designed to help patients reshape, tighten and firm up problem areas of the body where loose and sagging skin is present. Common areas addressed are the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs, buttocks, and knees. It is likely that the doctor will consider a number of procedures to be combined into one surgery (where necessary). This typically involves the upper body parts or lower body parts that are staged together to minimize the risk of infection and shorten the recovery time.
During/After Surgery
During surgery, Dr. Critelli will trim away and remove excess skin and the underlying tissues will be tightened. Liposuction is often a part of this process. All procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery and the length of the hospital stay will depend on how many procedures were combined in a single operative setting. Recovery from this surgery is slow and challenging, but the improvements that are visible create a significant boost of self-confidence for the majority of patients.
Expected Cost
Schedule an appointment for a customized consultation with Dr. Critelli. During the initial consultation, a customized surgical plan will be provided with the overall cost expectations outlined, which includes recommended treatments that meet the patient’s aesthetic goals.
FAQs
Procedures I can combine?
Procedures are combined and scheduled in stages depending on the overall physical health of the patient and the body areas that need to be addressed. Typically, the grouping will be staged with a combination of either the upper body parts (abdomen, breasts, arms, neck, face), or lower body parts (buttocks, thighs, flanks, knees). This staging helps reduce the risk of complications, such as blood loss and infection, since the surgery is limited to the area. This also shortens the length of time for recovery. The combination of procedures will be outlined during the initial consultation with the surgeon.
The ideal timing?
Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight will need to be at or near their goal weight in order to proceed with a body contouring procedure. In addition, body contouring should also be reserved for those who have already had children and are not planning to become pregnant in the future. This is a recommendation only because it preserves the toned appearance created through surgery without compromising the surgical outcome.
Mommy makeover procedure?
A mommy makeover is a procedure that is in the same context of body contouring. It is a coined term for a group of body contouring procedures that address areas of the body specifically affected by pregnancy. These are the areas around the breasts, abdomen, hips and buttocks. Again, this is only a general term for body contouring reserved for those who have completed one or more pregnancies.
Will there be a lot of scars?
In general, body contouring procedures will result in scarring. Most patients report that once the incisions heal, the scarring is no longer a primary worry as the benefits of this life-changing surgery are so significant. An experienced plastic surgeon will make every effort to minimize the scars by carefully placing the incisions inconspicuously. Post-surgery care is also very important. Topical creams may be prescribed to help in the healing process. Over time, the scars will lighten and blend in with the patient’s natural skin tone.