Many people want firm, slim, and sculpted bodies. However, it can be difficult to achieve these results through diet and exercise alone, which is why many are drawn to body contouring procedures. Yet choosing to have body contouring plastic surgery is a big decision, and there are several factors to consider before starting your journey. Here, we discuss how to plan for body contouring procedures and what factors to consider prior to your surgery.
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Planning for Body Contouring
Many of us have an idea of what our ideal body looks like. Often, this perfect image involves smooth, firm skin and slim yet defined body contours. Yet, it can feel discouraging to try to achieve your body goals for an extended period through diet and exercise without seeing the results of your efforts. This can be especially challenging when excess skin and stubborn fat keep you from wearing the clothes you want and feeling confident on a daily basis.
Body contouring plastic surgery offers an option for individuals with excess skin and fat to redefine their body contours. There are several types of body contouring procedures, each targeting various areas and allowing you to achieve your ideal look. Upper and lower body lifts can address multiple areas at once, tummy tuck surgery can transform the abdomen, and arm lifts can slim and sculpt the upper arms.
If you’re planning on getting one of these body contouring procedures, it is essential that you do some research and prepare yourself for the surgery and recovery.
Factors to Consider Before Body Contouring Plastic Surgery
One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful body contouring procedure is to consider the following factors prior to surgery.
Reaching Your Goal Weight
There seems to be a common misconception that body contouring procedures can be used as a weight loss method. While patients may experience some weight loss after plastic surgery due to the excess skin and fat removed, any weight changes are usually minor. It is recommended that patients are at or near their goal weight before body contouring surgery to ensure the best possible results. It is essential to understand that plastic surgery procedures can offer body contouring results, but they are not meant to achieve weight loss.
Maintaining a Stable Weight
Similar to the reason for already being at your goal weight before surgery, it is important to maintain a stable weight before and after surgery. This is because weight fluctuations after surgery can negatively affect your results and may cause the need for revision surgery to restore your results. Many surgeons require their patients to maintain a stable weight for three to six months before surgery to ensure that the patient can manageably maintain their weight.
Taking Time Off Work
When planning for body contouring surgery, many patients think about the preoperative instructions and clearing their schedules for the day of their appointment. However, it is equally important to prepare for the recovery process. During recovery, rest is needed to allow your body to heal, which means that you’ll need to take time off work and other daily responsibilities. The amount of time required off of work will vary based on the particular procedure and patient. Many body contouring procedures will require you to take one to two weeks off work so you can rest at home and recover.
Consulting with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Choosing the right plastic surgeon for your procedure is extremely important, as it will greatly impact your results and overall experience. Be sure to consult with a board-certified surgeon who specializes in body contouring surgeries and can show you before and after pictures from previous patients.
Want to Know More About Body Contouring in Dallas, TX?
Are you contemplating body contouring surgery? If so, allow Dr. Al Aly to help you along your plastic surgery journey. Call Dr. Aly’s Dallas office at (214) 645-3565 or complete the online contact form to schedule your consultation.