Body Contouring Part 2: Surgical Options

If you read my last commentary on Non-Surgical Body Contouring with the Liposonix system and followed my advice, then you have already started a fitness program and modified your diet. If that is the case, then congratulations! This installment will add some more advanced options for dealing with the resistant pouches of fat and the extra skin that comes with weight loss.

Liposuction is the second most common cosmetic surgical procedure, with approximately 25,000 Liposuction operations being safely completed each year in Canada. It leaves minimal scars, has a relatively short recovery time, and works best on areas of fat excess where the skin is fairly tight. It is not suitable for individuals who are significantly over their ideal body weight.

Tummy-Tuck can remove extra skin and extra fat through an incision in the bikini line; the length of the scar varies depending on how much skin and tissue needs to be removed. It also has the major benefit of tightening stomach muscles that become stretched from pregnancy and weight changes; “Ab” workouts can strengthen these muscles, but can’t put them back together once they are stretched apart. Most people can return to office work 1 week after surgery, light exercise at 2 weeks, and heavy exercise at 4 weeks.

Other Body Contouring procedures such as Thigh Lift, Arm Lift and Male breast reduction (Gynecomastia) are able to remove excess fat as well as tighten the overlying skin in those areas.

Like any procedure, Body Contouring surgery has some inherent risks. The decision to undergo surgery and which procedure is right for you should be made in consultation with your Plastic Surgeon who is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and/or the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

Click HERE to read Part 1: Body contouring without surgery

Cory S. Goldberg

Medical Director at Sanctuary Day Spas
Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon
BSC, MD, MASc, FRCS(C), FACS