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Body contouring procedures can provide firmer, smoother results for patients struggling with excess skin after weight loss. This blog discusses what body contouring is, the benefits, and how long you can expect your body contouring results to last.

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Excess, Hanging Skin

No one imagines their ideal body shape with hanging folds of skin. Age, sun exposure, and genetics all determine how well the skin “bounces back” after significant weight loss. For many people, the skin does not completely adjust to the body’s smaller shape, and it can become sagging and cumbersome. Some men and women find that their excess skin even makes them still appear overweight after they’ve met their weight-loss goal. Excessive girth can limit mobility even if the patient is now physically fit.

Excess skin can cause uncomfortable chafing and irritation with the added friction to every movement. Finding clothing that fits your body properly can also be challenging, as excess skin may make clothes fit tighter than normal in particular areas. For many people, it can be disheartening to feel that their bodies do not reflect the hard work they’ve put into their weight loss journeys. It often feels like they cannot enjoy their weight loss results with the excess skin hanging over their bodies.

What Is Body Contouring?

For patients looking to remove excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat, body contouring procedures can be a solution that provides transformative results. Many body contouring procedures involve eliminating stubborn fat deposits, trimming excess sagging skin, and tightening the remaining skin for a smoother appearance. Some examples of body contouring procedures include body lifts, arm lifts, tummy tucks, Mommy Makeovers, and liposuction. The goal of body contouring procedures is to improve the appearance of the skin and leave you with firm, smooth contours that complement your figure.

What Are the Benefits of Body Contouring?

Body contouring procedures will rid the body of excess skin and provide several other benefits:

1. One Procedure Can Target Many Areas of the Body

More than one body contouring procedure may be performed at the same time, depending on the extent of correction to be made. This is often convenient for those who have lost a significant amount of weight since these patients typically have excess skin in several areas. A lower body lift alone will remove skin from the thighs and midsection, which will make a significant improvement.

Similarly, a Mommy Makeover uses a customized combination of surgical techniques to improve the appearance of multiple body areas. For the Mommy Makeover, many patients want to target the body areas most affected by pregnancy, so they’ll choose procedures focusing on the stomach and breasts. Mommy Makeovers typically involve a breast procedure, a tummy tuck, and liposuction.

2. Significantly Improved Comfort

Without excess skin, the body not only appears firmer but also feels better. Even simple exercises like walking and jumping become easier and pain-free. No chafing or pulling, no excess weight or interference, and no unsightly jiggling can be found after certain body contouring procedures.

In addition to the increased physical comfort body contouring can provide, many patients also feel significantly more emotionally comfortable with their bodies post-surgery. It can feel like a big relief to finally shed that excess skin and see the results of your weight loss efforts. Patients often find clothes that fit their bodies in a flattering way, and many enjoy proudly showing off their body contouring results.

3. Stubborn Areas Are Finally Improved

Expensive lotions and wraps can temporarily improve excess skin, but nothing can provide the results of body contouring procedures. Stubborn areas, such as beneath the upper arms and the lower abdomen, can be perfected with an arm lift and a tummy tuck. Sometimes, liposuction or Coolsculpting® can be used in addition to body contouring to provide even better results.

4. Safe Techniques

Body contouring procedures have been performed for decades, and the techniques are constantly improving. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with the procedure, but choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Doezie lowers the risks significantly. During your consultation, Dr. Doezie will review all risks with you to help you determine if body contouring procedures will be right for you.

5. Results Are Long-Lasting and Superior to Many Other Options

The results of body contouring procedures are designed to be long-lasting and provide superior results to less-invasive options. Body contouring procedures can remove several inches of skin and provide more dramatic results.

Is Body Contouring Permanent?

With nearly any body-altering procedure, people want to know how long they can expect their results to last. Most body contouring procedures are intended to have long-lasting results that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Generally speaking, the results from your procedure are expected to stay with you as long as you maintain a stable weight. It is important to note that body contouring cannot stop the natural aging process. This means that over time, as you age, you will likely experience sagging skin again. However, it is typically not as much sagging as there would be if you had significant amounts of excess skin.

Want to Know More About Body Contouring in Ladera Ranch, CA?

If you’ve recently undergone significant weight loss and have excess skin you want to remove, you may be a good candidate for a body contouring procedure. Dr. Doezie is a board-certified surgeon in Ladera Ranch, CA, performing tummy tucks, arm lifts, body lifts, Mommy Makeovers, liposuction, and more to help you achieve your body goals. If you are interested in scheduling your consultation for body contouring procedures, please call Dr. Doezie’s office at (949) 481-9850 or fill out our online contact form today.