Almost everyone experiences stubborn fat pockets that do not go away, despite they invest large amount of money and time in gym and nutritious diets. Many people also deal with excess skin after losing a ton of weight or having a baby. In both conditions, body contouring is the solution.
What is Body Contouring?
Body contouring, or body sculpting, is a surgical or nonsurgical procedure which can remove excess fat from the body, tighten skin, and strengthen muscles. The excess fat can be removed from almost any part of the body. The good news is the removed fat in surgical body contouring can be purified and injected into any part that patients would want to give volume, like the butt, cheeks, etc.
In body sculpting, patients do not usually lose weight. However, it helps improving the shape the body by attacking pockets of fat that cannot be eliminated by regular exercise or diet. Body contouring targets most parts of the body. Common sites include:
- Arms
- Back
- Belly and flanks
- Buttocks
- Neck and chin
- Thighs
Who are Best Candidates for Body sculpting?
All people who want to sculpt their body and are currently at a stable weight can do body countering. As body contouring also deals with sagging skin, it is usually the best choice for the people who have done weight loss surgery or childbirth and are looking for a way to remove excess skin.
What are Common Types of Body Contouring Procedures?
There are several body contouring procedures available today, each with their own benefits. These procedures fall into two categories: invasive and non-invasive.
What is Non-invasive Body Contouring?
Non-invasive body countering, also known as nonsurgical body contouring, is when the entire procedure takes place on the external surface of the skin. The most popular methods of non-invasive body contouring are as the followings:
- Cryolipolysis, or controlled cooling, uses freezing temperatures to attack and destroy fat cells.
- Laser lipolysis uses controlled heating and laser energy to target fat cells.
- Radiofrequency lipolysis uses controlled heating and ultrasound technology to eliminate fat cells.
Most patients see the results gradually within a couple of months after treatment. There is no need for anesthesia or incisions, and the recovery time is usually very short. This treatment is permanent because the fat cells are destroyed. However, if patients gain weight after the procedure, it could affect their body sculpting.
Some of non-invasive body countering benefits are:
- Convenience: Typically, patients can do their daily activities immediately after the treatment.
- Limited risks and side effects: It is very unlikely for anyone to experience any severe or adverse side effects with these treatments. There may usually be a slight burning, however, only slight minor side effects have been reported such as mild redness and swelling.
- Cost: For many people, non-invasive body contouring procedures may be more cost-effective.
What is Invasive/Surgical Body Contouring?
As results from surgery are more noticeable and immediate, some people may prefer surgery than nonsurgical options.
The most common invasive body countering surgeries are:
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- Liposuction
- Arm Lift
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Body Lift
- Thigh Lift
- Panniculectomy
In these treatment types, the first step is to meet a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, or other certified trained provider. One of the best ways to find a qualified surgeon is to ask from friends or family members who have had contouring procedures performed. You can also search online for surgeons who do these procedures in your area.
In the appointment, the patients give their medical history, including health conditions, allergies and previous surgeries. They discuss about any medications they are taking, as well as their use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. Then, the physician will examine and measure the area they want to change, take pictures and discuss the options and make recommendations. Physician also will inform the patients about the risks and options, as well as discussing about anesthesia and post-surgery pain.
Depending on the amount of the fat to be removed, the length of the surgery can be different. Usually, it takes around an hour or more. During the procedure, the surgical sites are marked and anesthesia — local or general — is administered. The procedure usually involves small incisions to be made in the areas having excess fat deposits. After the procedure is over, the body will be wrapped up with bandages to protect the ports while they heal. Most people go home the same day. They should wear a compression garment for a few weeks. This will speed up the healing process. The patients should avoid bending, straining, or lifting for up to two weeks depending on the type of performed procedure. A massage after the surgery will reduce swelling and hasten the recovery. The healing process usually takes a few weeks. Once bandages are taken off, the body size changes are obvious.
What are the Risks of Body Contouring Surgery?
No surgery is risk-free. Body contouring surgery risks, although very uncommon, can include:
- Infection
- Asymmetry (both sides don not look the same)
- Bleeding/ blood clots
- Problems caused from anesthesia, such as nausea or vomiting
- Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or organs
- Hair loss near incisions
- Poor incisions healing
- Nerve injury that could cause weakness, numbness or changes in the way skin feels
- Pain or swelling that lasts longer than expected
- Results you don’t like, which could require revision surgery
- Scarring
- Skin disorders and discoloration
Is Body sculpting Permanent?
Depending on the procedure, body contouring can last for a lifetime. Excess fat and skin which are removed through body contouring will not grow back. So, as long as you have a healthy and active lifestyle, including eating well and exercising, results will be permanent.
What are the benefits of Body Contouring?
Many people who perform body contouring report:
- More defined, well-shaped body parts
- Younger, thinner appearance
- Smoother skin
- Symptomatic improvement
Where to Get Cheap Body Contouring?
Here we listed three countries which have the most affordable price, but keep the high quality of service.
Mexico
Mexico offers a wide range of body contouring surgeries and procedures with cheap costs. This country is good choice for citizens of the United States who can get there quickly by plane or even by car. The rate of cosmetic surgeries in Mexico is globally high and the average pricing is about $5,000, exclusive of surgeon fees, anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees, facility fee and any other supplies needed for the surgery.
See more: https://www.medicaldepartures.com/info/liposuction/mexico
Turkey
With 1 million international patients annually, Turkey is one of the most popular countries for body contouring. It is a good choice for people from the Middle Eastern countries, Ukraine, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Libya. Compared to the UK, prices for body contouring surgery in Turkey are 70% lower.
See more: https://www.medicalcenterturkey.com/liposuction-surgery-in-turkey/
Iran
With over 400 international plastic surgeons, Iran ranks amongst the top 15 countries in the world. It is a good destination for people who want get body contouring with the highest safety standards at a reasonable cost. The costs of liposuction in Iran are comparatively much more affordable than the two above countries. The reason is mainly due to Iranian currency (rial) less value against Dollar. The low cost also applies to other relative costs such as for travel, hospital, and medicines. The body contouring cost starts from $1,800 in Iran.