Introduction: Staged Body Contouring
Staged body contouring is offered to patients who have lost extreme weight loss and who require skin reduction and contouring of multiple areas. These patients are typically described by a body score of 2 to 3 on SurgiSculpt’s High Definition Liposuction (HDL) Body Scale. The first stage of body contouring includes maximizing the excision of redundant skin.
Maximizing excision of body skin may be isolated to a full tummy tuck or require a more comprehensive surgical design that has been termed the total body lift. The total body lift can include all or part of the following surgeries that include Brachioplasty, breast lift or reduction, full tummy tuck, lower body lift that includes lateral thigh tuck and buttock tuck), as well as a medial thigh tuck.
All the above maneuvers are intended to maximally remove the skin from the body thereby elevating patient HDL body scores from a range of 2 to 3 up to a 5 through 8. In many cases, skin reduction surgeries may have to be spit up to allow for surgical times to remain safe. In an outpatient setting, it is prudent to limit total operative times to less than 8 hours.
These procedures are also intended to remove any areas of skin texture changes. Skin texture changes are typically depicted as stretch marks. When stretch marks are focal, then strategic mini-tucks can be considered. This scenario describes stretch marks that be observed over the lower belly and upper pubic region well below the belly button.
In contrast, if stretch marks extend well above the belly button, then a full tummy tuck should be considered which will help eliminate more extensive skin texture changes.
Three months following the completion of their first stage of body contouring, patients may consider the second stage of body contouring to eliminate excess fat and further optimize minimal to moderate residual skin redundancy. At this second stage, we use to combination of ultrasound-assisted liposuction as well as Renuvion minimally invasive skin tightening to advance your body contouring score from the range of 5 to 8 to a near-perfect 9 or 10.
The near-perfect 9 or 10 HDL body score is what all of our patients strive for. From your first consultation, SurgiSculpt will map out your treatment course. You will have any or all of your areas evaluated on his HDL body scale and this will help determine the treatment plant that will meet your goals. For patients with extensive skin redundancy or diffuse extent of skin texture changes, the staged body contouring protocol will be recommended.
Today, patients who may have felt far gone can be reassured that an effective high definition body contouring protocol can be used to achieve high definition body contouring outcomes. Please appreciate that not all patients are seeking to become near-perfect 9 or 10. A large majority of patients are satisfied even after the first stage of surgery that transforms their body from 2 to 3 up to 5 to 8.
Now let us dive in deeper into the components of skin reduction surgeries.
What are body contouring procedure options?
Body contouring procedures are a popular choice for those looking to enhance their physique and achieve their desired body shape. From surgical options like liposuction and tummy tucks to non-invasive treatments such as CoolSculpting and laser therapy, there are a variety of procedures available to help individuals eliminate stubborn fat, tighten skin, and sculpt their bodies. Each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations, so it’s important to carefully consider which body contouring procedure is right for you.
Breast lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, includes various incision patterns to address different degrees of sagging and ptosis. The circular incision pattern, also known as a donut lift, is suitable for patients with minimal sagging and involves making incisions around the areola. The vertical incision pattern, or lollipop lift, includes an additional vertical incision from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease and is appropriate for moderate sagging. The horizontal incision pattern, or anchor lift, consists of an extra horizontal incision along the breast crease and is ideal for significant sagging.
Breast implants can be used in conjunction with a breast lift to enhance breast shape and size. This combination procedure can provide the desired fullness and improve overall breast appearance.
Fat grafting is another option for breast volume restoration. This technique involves transferring fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) to the breasts to restore lost volume and achieve a more natural-looking result.
Overall, the choice of incision pattern, the addition of breast implants, or the use of fat grafting depends on the patient’s specific aesthetic goals and degree of breast ptosis.
Arm lift
Arm lift, also known as brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess sagging skin and fat. The process typically involves making incisions on the inside of the arm, with the length and pattern of these incisions varying based on the amount of skin and fat to be addressed.
For individuals with minimal sagging skin and fat, a small incision in the armpit area may be sufficient. However, those with more significant issues may require longer incisions extending from the armpit to the elbow. In some cases, a combination of both horizontal and vertical incisions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
Once the incisions are made, supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped to create a more defined arm contour. Any excess fat is removed, and the skin is then smoothed over the new shape of the arm. This process helps to improve the overall appearance of the arms, providing a more toned and youthful look. After the procedure, patients are advised to follow post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing and optimal results.
Medial Thigh lift
The medial thigh lift is a surgical procedure used to contour the inner thighs by removing excess skin and fat to improve the overall appearance of the thighs. Two main techniques are commonly used: vertical excision and horizontal excision.
The vertical excision technique involves making an incision from the groin to the inner knee, allowing for the removal of a vertical strip of skin and fat. This method is particularly effective in correcting medial thigh skin laxity, providing reliable results in tightening and contouring the inner thigh area.
On the other hand, the horizontal excision technique involves making an incision along the groin crease to remove a horizontal wedge of skin and fat. While this method can address mild skin laxity, it may not be as effective as the vertical excision in providing significant improvement.
It is important to note that a vertical thigh lift has the potential to pull loose posterior thigh and buttocks tissue forward, potentially worsening the appearance of the thigh gap. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals considering a medial thigh lift to discuss the potential outcomes and risks with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate technique for their specific needs.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck procedures, also known as abdominoplasty, come in various forms to address different needs. Complete abdominoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, as well as the tightening of the abdominal muscles. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with significant sagging skin and muscle laxity.
On the other hand, partial or mini-abdominoplasty focuses on the lower part of the abdomen below the belly button. It is ideal for those with less extensive skin and muscle concerns, offering a smaller incision and shorter recovery time.
When combined with VASER Liposuction, a body contouring technique that targets and removes stubborn fat deposits, tummy tuck procedures can achieve high-definition outcomes. This combination allows for comprehensive fat removal and skin tightening, resulting in a more sculpted and toned appearance.
Limited tucking procedures, such as mini-tummy tucks or extended mini-tummy tucks, can be performed alongside VASER Liposuction to specifically address localized pockets of excess fat and loose skin. By targeting specific areas, these procedures help avoid irregularities related to skin looseness and provide more targeted results for body contouring.
Lateral Thigh Tuck
The lateral thigh tuck is a popular exercise that targets the outer thighs, also known as the abductors. This exercise is great for increasing strength and toning in the outer thighs, as well as improving overall lower body stability and balance.
To perform the lateral thigh tuck, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Engage your core muscles and keep your back straight. Then, lift one leg directly out to the side, keeping the knee straight and the foot flexed. As you lift your leg, squeeze your outer thigh muscles to keep your leg lifted. Hold the position for a few seconds and then slowly lower your leg back down to the starting position. Repeat this movement for several reps on each side.
The lateral thigh tuck can be modified to increase difficulty by adding a resistance band around your thighs or using ankle weights. This will increase the intensity of the exercise and help to further strengthen and tone the outer thighs.
Incorporating the lateral thigh tuck into your regular workout routine can help to improve the appearance of your thighs, reduce the risk of injury, and increase overall lower body strength. It’s important to perform the exercise with proper form and control to get the most out of it and avoid any potential strain or injury.
Overall, the lateral thigh tuck is a simple yet effective exercise for anyone looking to target and strengthen their outer thighs. Whether you’re looking to tone and shape your legs, improve your overall lower body strength, or improve your athletic performance, adding the lateral thigh tuck to your workout routine can help you achieve your fitness goals.
Body Lift
Body lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the shape and tone of the body by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure is typically targeted towards patients who have experienced massive weight loss, leading to loose and sagging skin in various parts of the body. It is also popular among individuals who have excess skin due to aging or genetics.
The body lift procedure is a comprehensive surgery that targets multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms. The surgery is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may include a combination of procedures such as a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and buttock lift.
During a body lift procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, and the underlying tissues are tightened to create a firmer, more toned appearance. The end result is a smoother, more contoured body shape that can help improve self-confidence and body image.
Recovery from a body lift surgery can take several weeks, and patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising during this time. It is crucial for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
While body lift surgery can provide dramatic and long-lasting results, it is important for patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to preserve the improvements achieved through the procedure. Additionally, patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and be prepared for the physical and emotional challenges that may come with the recovery process.
It is recommended for individuals considering a body lift procedure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and candidacy for the surgery. A thorough evaluation and discussion with a qualified surgeon can help patients make an informed decision about whether a body lift is the right option for them.
Conclusion: Staged Body Contouring
In conclusion, staged body contouring is a highly effective and customizable approach to achieving the desired aesthetic outcomes for patients. By breaking down the procedures into multiple stages, patients can benefit from a more gradual and controlled transformation of their body shape. This approach allows for better management of patient safety and comfort, as well as the ability to address different areas of concern separately.
Staged body contouring also gives patients the opportunity to adapt to the changes in their body gradually, both physically and mentally. This can lead to higher levels of overall satisfaction with the results and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications.
Furthermore, staged body contouring offers the flexibility to tailor the procedures to each individual patient’s needs and goals. This can include combining different techniques and treatments, as well as adjusting the timing and scope of each stage to optimize the results.
Overall, staged body contouring is a strategic and effective approach to body transformation, offering patients a safe and customizable path to achieving their ideal body shape. By carefully planning and executing each stage, patients can experience significant improvements in their body contour, while minimizing the risks and discomfort associated with more aggressive or comprehensive procedures.
Staged body contouring is an essential aspect of SurgiSculpt’s body sculpting success. By identifying patients with moderate to severe skin redundancy, he can avoid the botched liposuction results that result from fat removal without consideration of skin redundancy.
If you feel that you might be a good candidate for staged body contouring, we encourage you to set up a complimentary virtual consultation with SurgiSculpt today.
A 47-year-old female patient enjoys her transformation following staged body contouring.