Have you ever wanted to explore how to reduce loose skin after a bariatric procedure or enhance your body shape to let the real you shine through with a body contouring procedure? You probably have many questions, though – what are your options? How long does body contouring last? What’s right for me?
Studies show that nearly 90% of post-bariatric patients develop sagging skin, mainly in the upper arms and abdomen. This causes a negative self-perception and affects psychological, social, and sexual well-being. It may feel like your efforts and hard work still have not paid off.
Let’s dive into some information about body contouring so you can understand the treatments available.
What is the Process For Body Contouring?
Typically the entire process for surgical and non-surgical body contouring treatments is six to twelve months. Thus, most patients have their ideal body in under a year, even if several body sculpting procedures are necessary.
The process begins with your first consultation appointment with the expert surgeons at Formation and ends after your recovery. The amount of downtime you experience will depend on the treatment or treatments you receive. The great news is that most non-surgical options have minimal or no downtime.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Body Contouring?
If you choose a non-invasive fat reduction procedure, you’ll start seeing results in six to eight weeks. It typically takes up to 12 weeks to enjoy the full results of the procedure. These procedures will require multiple treatments; you will need to space them out by about eight to 12 weeks, prolonging the time it takes to see results.
Those who choose a more invasive and effective procedure, such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, will see immediate differences in their bodies. However, with these procedures, you will experience swelling for the first several weeks. The full results will show in three to six months after the swelling subsides and the treatment area heals.
How Long Does Body Contouring Last?
Body contouring is a long-lasting procedure with results that can last up to ten years or more. Maintaining a steady weight, following a healthy lifestyle, and creating a regular exercise routine are critical for ensuring your treatments last.
It takes some persistence to lay down new patterns, and the staff at Formation is dedicated to your success. We have lifestyle coaches, nutrition counselors, and resources available on your journey to health, revealing the best you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out about your personal needs.
Still interested? Here are some body contouring options to achieve that look you’ve always wanted.
Non-Invasive Body Procedures
Non-surgical body sculpting treatments reduce or remove fat deposits without surgery in various problem areas. These are offered at many MedSpas by aestheticians or physician extenders. Skin laxity or underlying muscle weakness cannot be addressed by these procedures. These treatments don’t require anesthesia, incisions, or stitches and have minimal side effects. However, if you choose a non-surgical treatment, you may need several treatment sessions to get results, which can often cost the same as body contouring or more invasive procedures.
Some standard non-surgical procedures include:
CoolSculpting: uses cryolipolysis to metabolize fat cells without harming surrounding tissue
Exilis: uses radiofrequency to tighten skin on any areas of the body, including the buttocks, face, stomach, and thighs
Kybella: injectable treatment to eliminate a double-chin and unwanted fat on the neck to redefine the jawline
SculpSure: uses controlled laser technology (laser lipolysis) on targeted areas, like love handles, to break up stubborn pockets of fat under the skin
Vanquish: uses radiofrequency to reduce unwanted fat and tighten skin on the back, thighs, and waist
Vaser Shape: uses ultrasound waves to heat unwanted fat pockets and drain excess fluids
Venus Freeze: improves skin rejuvenation by reducing cellulite and helping form new collagen
With non-surgical body contouring the targeted fat cells won’t grow back, meaning the results can be lifelong! However, the remaining cells can expand, which is why ideal candidates for these procedures already adhere to a healthy lifestyle.
Surgical Body Contouring
Patients who only want to undergo one treatment may choose a surgical procedure, which a surgeon will perform. The most common types of minimally-invasive body sculpting cosmetic procedures include:
