Body Contouring Atlanta
A wide range of procedures that give you improved contours and a more youthful appearance
What is Body Contouring?
Body contouring can be complex, as it can describe any of a number of procedures involving several areas of the body. Examples include abdominoplasty, liposuction, brachioplasty (arm lift), upper or lower body lift, and thighplasty (thigh lift). When done safely and successfully, the results can be dramatic and offer relief from issues such as skin hygiene, rashes, or difficulty fitting into clothing. Body contouring options often follow massive weight loss, either after bariatric surgery or with diet and exercise.
Body Contouring consultation
Dr. Patel can combine several body contouring procedures according to your unique needs. Combining procedures is certainly an option, but not without serious risks. You have to realize that the longer “under the knife” that you are (meaning, under general anesthesia), the greater your risk for life-threatening complications such as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). All patients are instructed to wear compression stockings and are instructed to walk or ambulate as soon after surgery as possible.
If an operation is likely to last beyond six (6) hours, Dr. Patel will recommend overnight monitoring or hospital stay. He will also recommend splitting up the operation into separate procedures done anywhere from 3 to 6 months apart. For long operations, he will also prescribe a blood thinner called Lovenox (enoxaparin) for post-operative use. The dose and duration of Lovenox will depend on your overall risk profile, which will be figured out using a calculation called a Caprini score.
Body Contouring consultation
What to expect after Body Contouring
The recovery period will depend on the procedures that you have had. To keep swelling under control, you will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Bruising usually subsides after a few weeks, but it may take up to a year for scars to fully heal. You can do gentle exercise following surgery, but strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
Best candidates for Body Contouring
You’re a good candidate for body contouring if:
- You have reached or are close to your weight loss goals
- You have maintained your weight for approximately 6–12 months
- You have a realistic expectation of your post-surgical body contouring results
Body Contouring FAQs
Smoking and plastic surgery simply do not mix. You will want to be off any and all nicotine-containing substances, including vaping, for four (4) weeks prior to surgery through four (4) weeks following surgery. Being off nicotine for eight (8) weeks is even safer. Dr. Patel will arrange for a urine or blood test to ensure you have been compliant with nicotine cessation.
Ideally, you should be within 5–10 pounds of your goal weight and body mass index for a period of 6–12 months. If you have not yet achieved this goal, Dr. Patel would still be happy to evaluate your concerns and schedule a follow-up after you’ve met your weight loss goal.
Dr. Patel is highly trained in all body contouring procedures, including arm lifts (brachioplasty), upper and lower body lifts, tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), and thigh lifts (thighplasty). Many of these procedures incorporate fat removal (liposuction) with them to facilitate easier skin removal with minimal blood loss.
