With many celebrities and influencers unapologetically owning their cosmetic choices, the curtain on what was a taboo topic is slowly being pulled back. Everyone has the right to like the way that they look without being judged for having cosmetic surgery. And, while those who choose to go under the knife may face less judgement, there is still one thing holding many people back from overcoming their insecurities – a lack of knowledge.
It’s fair to say that there is still a lot to learn about body contouring treatments, even in the age of social media where everyone has access to resources on the available procedures. But with the right knowledge, you can confidently choose a body contouring procedure to help you achieve your goals. With our 101-guide to body contouring treatments, you can discover all you need to know.
What Is Body Contouring?
As the name suggests, body contouring, also known as body sculpting is a surgical procedure that is designed to eliminate excess fat, remove extra skin, and reshape a particular body part.
For some people, excess skin can plague weight loss journeys, leading to feelings of discomfort and self-consciousness. In such cases, body contouring treatments effectively tighten the skin, such as tummy tucks and arm lifts.
Remember, body contouring is not a solution to extreme weight loss. Instead, treatments are designed to shape the body and address specific areas to improve your quality of life after weight loss. This means that those who have seen no physical reward for their time spent exercising and eating healthily can easily remove stubborn pockets of fat.
The Different Types of Surgical Body Contouring Procedures
A number of years ago, tummy tucks were thought to just be a procedure for the rich and famous. Today, they are one of the most popular contouring procedures performed, helping to remove excess skin and tighten muscles to improve the appearance of the midsection.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten lax muscles, creating a smoother abdominal contour. This procedure can be especially helpful for women who have experienced dramatic weight loss or who have had children.
Generally, tummy tucks are accompanied by liposuction to assist in sculpting the waist and provide definition. Liposuction involves the removal of excess fat from underneath the skin through suction, allowing you to feel more confident in your own skin.
Breast lifts, arm lifts, facelifts and neck lifts are common body contouring procedures, enhancing the shape and elasticity of tissue and removing excess fat and skin for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The Different Types Of Non-Surgical Body Contouring Treatments
For many years, surgical procedures were the gold standard of body contouring. Today, however, there are a number of non-surgical body contouring treatments that deliver noticeable results that you can appreciate without the risks or downtime of going under the knife.
The Benefits Of Body Contouring
While it is possible to build muscle in certain areas through specific exercises, it is extremely difficult to lose fat in targeted areas. Instead of burning fat based on small-muscle fatigue, the body burns fat based on general fitness. Understandably, this can be pretty frustrating if you are looking to get a flat stomach without losing shape and volume in the areas you love. But the good news is that with body contouring treatments, you can achieve the silhouette of your dreams.
On the surface, body contouring may only change how you look on the outside. However, the reality is that you can expect benefits beyond just improvements to your physical appearance. The truth is that body contouring can improve how you feel on the inside, making you feel a lot more confident and comfortable.
You’ll be surprised by just how effective body contouring can be. Not only can these procedures improve your body image but they can also instill a greater sense of achievement and motivation, potentially encouraging a lifestyle of healthy eating and regular exercise to maintain your fantastic results.
The Risks Of Treatment And Recovery
Like most things in life, body contouring is not without its risks. Most notably, the invasiveness of surgical body contouring procedures is something to take into consideration. While most surgical instruments are made to be gentle and provide minimal discomfort, many people choose to undergo non-surgical treatments instead. Non-surgical treatments are less painful and cause little to no discomfort, making them a perfect alternative to surgical contouring.
Not to mention, the downtime required following surgical body sculpting procedures can make this option less ideal. Of course, there are things you can do to speed up the recovery process, such as wearing compression garments. That being said, the length of recovery periods can vary depending on the type of procedure, as well as how your body responds to the treatment. During this time, there will be restrictions on your daily activities and you may have to take time off work until you are fully recovered.
With non-surgical procedures, you can return to work and engage in strenuous exercise immediately after treatment. However, non-surgical treatments require multiple treatment sessions before you can achieve dramatic results. For example, patients looking for a non-surgical BBL are advised to undergo a full course of at least ten sessions using Isogei technology.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Body Contouring?
If you’re considering body contouring, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Body contouring is not a remedy for weight loss or even a healthy lifestyle, for that matter. It’s best suited for people who are already near their ideal weight and are committed to maintaining their results. With the right procedure, you can finally achieve the physique you’ve always wanted.
Ina graduated from a medical college in Lithuania and worked as a nurse for 9 years in a hospital and clinic. She has also worked for many years as a certified beauty therapist and as a treatment specialist for VIP Line Plus and LPG Endermologie. She owns and operates Beauty and Bloom studio located in central London.