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There are various surgical and non-surgical procedures that can be performed to enhance body contour. The term body contouring encompasses all such procedures that aim to manipulate specific areas of the body that don't conform to a patient's desires.
A doctor might perform body contouring by removing fat, tightening the skin, enhancing certain aspects of the body (the buttocks, for example), and smoothing out uneven tissue.
Different procedures employ different methods that are more or less invasive; some may require highly involved surgery and significant downtime, while others may be offered on an outpatient basis with no required downtime. Today, people who wish to change aspects of their body shape have a wide variety of options available.
Body contouring surgery
In simple terms, Liposuction – in all platforms – involves fat removal using thin cannulas attached to a suction power device. What differentiates each platform is the means by which the fat is broken down prior to removal. Here is a simplified outline of liposuction variations.
- Traditional liposuction units use cannulas with holes, with which the surgeon mechanically breaks the fat and aspirates at the same time by moving the cannula back and forth.
- Power-assisted liposuction units use an external power source, which causes movement of the cannula itself, in addition to the movement back and forth by the surgeon.
- Ultrasonic liposuction units deliver ultrasonic energy to break down the fat. Depending on the unit, fat is aspirated concurrently or separately using a suction cannula. VASER is an example of an ultrasonic liposuction unit.
- Laser liposuction, such as SmartLipo, uses light energy (i.e. laser) to break down the fat prior to removal (source: Christopher Chung, MD). See more >>
Non surgical body contouring
As we age, we need to address both the quality of the skin (thinning, looseness) and the loss of volume in the face that causes the skin and tissues to droop. This requires a multi-faceted approach rather than one procedure advertised as a panacea or cure-all. The skin gets thinner and wrinkled as we age; sun exposure and smoking exacerbate this process to harm skin texture even more.
Excessive sun exposure should be avoided, smoking should absolutely be avoided, and sunscreen should be worn consistently. Using creams containing the vitamin A derivative Retinol or Retinoid acid will help promote collagen building in your skin and will help improve your skin tone and texture.
Another option is skin tightening with radiofrequency, like Thermage. Thermage is intended to tighten the skin by directly tightening the collagen.
Dermal fillers, such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse, replace the volume that has been lost over the years. Physicians inject these fillers into the cheeks and the lower face to make the skin appear lifted and less "saggy." Repeat treatments are needed every 6-12 months. They call it the ‘liquid facelift.’
Of course none of these treatments are intended to replace surgery. Abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and other surgical procedures are designed to tighten loose skin and tissue that has been left over after weight loss.
It is important to discuss with your doctor exactly what concerns you and what each treatment will do for you. Not all people are candidates for surgery; for some it may be best to use a combination of treatments (source: Jordana S. Gilman, MD). See more >>
Cellulite is Perplexing
Cellulite has two primary causes: fat irregularities in the superficial skin and fat in the deep tissues.
Fat in the deep tissues can be globular, since fat has irregular septations that can be broken with liposculpture techniques. Many patients interpret fat around the thigh and buttock areas as being cellulite, when in fact it is just fat. Fat in the superficial tissues causing irregularities on the surface is normal to have in the teen years and beyond, and it may be treatable.
Some patients have found temporary relief with Endermologie, probably because of the temporary swelling it causes.
Some creams may also cause temporary swelling and may minimally reduce the appearance of cellulite. Weight loss and diet also reduce the superficial cellulite.
For cellulite treatment, lasers, superficial liposuction, radiofrequency treatments have been disappointing because of the damage they may cause to the subdermal plexus, the blood vessels below the skin that nourish the skin.
One thing patients can do is stay fit. People who have cellulite are genetically programmed to have it at a certain weight. Some patients are genetically "gifted" and do not exhibit cellulite despite being heavy and not exercising. However, these patients often have fat depositions in the abdomen, which is an unhealthier condition by comparison.
By reducing the body fat percentage through a sustained and effective exercise program with lots of cardio, and by restricting intake of fatty and carbohydrate-rich foods, patients may reduce their cellulite in a meaningful way (source: Brent Moelleken, MD). See more >>