The Different Types of Body Contouring Procedures

Body contouring or body sculpting involves surgical techniques that remove or tighten skin or tissue and remove fat to smooth out problem areas of the body that haven’t responded to any diet or exercise regimen a patient has adopted. The types of body contouring treatment Dr. Mark Prysi offers at Prysi Cosmetic Surgery include tummy tuck, ultrasonic liposuction, thigh lift, arm lift, and mommy makeover.

Tummy Tuck

Also called abdominoplasty, this surgery can eliminate fat and loose skin from the abdominal area (stomach). The abdominal muscles are also tightened, and in the end, the patient has a more slender silhouette. This is an especially beneficial procedure for patients who have undergone significant weight loss and women who have excess skin after pregnancy.

A tummy tuck is an inpatient procedure that lasts between two and five hours and is performed under general anesthesia. There are a few types of tummy tucks:

Standard Tummy Tuck

In this operation, the surgeon removes excess fat and sagging skin, tightens the muscles in the area, and stitches them in place. The belly button needs to be repositioned for this operation. This is generally good for after extreme weight loss when you have a lot of excess skin or to help heal separated abdominal muscles.

Mini Tummy Tuck

In this operation, the surgeon only takes away the fat and skin beneath the belly button (lower abdomen). When you do not have a lot of excess skin, this is a lesser invasive procedure for you.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

During liposuction, Dr. Prysi makes tiny incisions in the area to be treated, then inserts a small vacuum cannula into the incisions to remove excess fat cells. The surgeon also injects a tumescent fluid into the area which reduces bruising and swelling and improves the recovery time for the patient. The introduction of ultrasound waves causes the fat to emulsify. This makes it easier for the cannula to remove and causes less trauma to surrounding tissue. Liposuction will permanently destroy fat cells so you can expect permanent results by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Mommy Makeover

Women who have given birth and breastfed, especially if they’ve done so multiple times, inevitably have a loss of muscle tone and some skin sagging. Prysi Cosmetic surgery offers the Mommy Makeover, a procedure that often involves a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast lift or breast augmentation. This combination procedure can reduce fat and eliminate loose skin in many areas of the body. During a breast lift, or mastopexy, the doctor removes excess tissue and skin in the breast, then lifts, tightens, and reshapes it. Some breast lifts can be done with implants for a combination lift and breast augmentation.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the inner upper 1/3 of the leg, resulting in a smoother, more toned appearance. During a thigh lift, Dr. Prysi a board-certified plastic surgeon, makes incisions in areas where excess skin is most prominent, then carefully removes extra skin and tightens the underlying connective tissue. The remaining skin is repositioned to create a more natural contour of the legs. This procedure can also address fat deposits in the upper thighs, sometimes in combination with liposuction, to achieve a more sculpted look.

Arm Lift

An arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, targets sagging skin and excess fat along the upper arms, often resulting from natural aging, weight gain, weight loss, or pregnancy. Patients with stretched or loose skin in the upper arms often find that diet and exercise cannot improve the appearance, making this cosmetic procedure an effective solution. During the surgery, the plastic surgeon makes incisions along the inner arm or in less visible areas, removes extra skin and fat, and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue to create a smoother, firmer contour.

Risks and Considerations

As with any cosmetic surgery, body contouring procedures carry certain risks and require careful planning with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Potential complications, especially if patients take certain medications or have significant weight fluctuations after surgery, can include:

• Swelling
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Scarring
• Delayed healing

It’s important to maintain a stable weight and follow all post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks. Choosing an experienced surgical team and having realistic expectations about recovery time and results can help minimize risks and ensure a safe, successful outcome from your cosmetic procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about body contouring in Naples, FL and to find out which surgical procedures are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Prysi by calling our office at (239) 643-3223 or filling out our online form.