What to Know About Your Body Contouring Options

What to Know About Your Body Contouring Options

Body contouring is a large category of plastic surgery, with many options available to patients. These procedures are good options for many patients, including those facing signs of aging or sagging and excess tissue after pregnancy or weight loss. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start and what considerations are important for those seeking a body contouring procedure. 

Dr. Kayastha of K Plastic Surgery in Latham, NY is a board-certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs body contouring procedures. He can help answer your questions during a consultation, but before you set your appointment, here are a few things to know about your body contouring options. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Body Contouring Procedures?

Most body contouring procedures are performed after a patient has undergone a dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately, many patients have excess, loose skin after losing a significant amount of weight. This loose skin and tissue can only be removed through surgery, which can reveal the body contour these patients have worked hard to achieve. There are many types of body contouring surgeries available. 

Before choosing to undergo a body contouring surgery, it’s important to be at a stable and healthy weight. This is especially important if you have recently lost a lot of weight—wait until you are near or at your ideal, healthy weight and have maintained this weight for at least a few months before pursuing surgery. You should also be generally healthy overall and a nonsmoker. Your candidacy for body contouring surgery can be confirmed through a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. 

What Body Contouring Surgeries are Available?

There are many body contouring procedures available to remove excess skin and create a toned appearance. Typically, each of these procedures is performed under general anesthesia, and should only be performed by an experienced, knowledgeable plastic surgeon. Depending on the area or areas you are concerned about, you can choose from these several surgical options. 

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift is a relatively extensive procedure designed to remove excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen and all around the midsection. This is essentially a combination of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), lateral thigh lift, and buttock lift within a single procedure. The incisions and techniques to complete a lower body lift vary from patient-to-patient. Generally, Dr. Kayastha will make an incision around the lower midsection to remove a “belt” of excess tissue from the area. 

Arm Lift

Sagging skin from the upper arms is common among those who have lost a significant amount of weight and is also common as a result of the natural aging process. An arm lift removes the excess skin and stubborn fat that make up “bat wings.” An incision is made along the inside of the upper arm in order to complete this surgery. 

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is intended to reshape the inner thighs and remove loose or sagging tissue from the thighs and surrounding area. Typically, an incision is made from the groin to the knee along the inner thighs. 

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is common among patients who have lost a significant amount of weight or as part of a mommy makeover after pregnancy. In addition to reducing excess skin and tissue, the tummy tuck procedure also repairs the abdominal muscles, which can be damaged and separated. This creates a tight and toned appearance throughout the abdomen. 

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes excess skin from the pannus or lower abdomen. Most often, this procedure is performed because patients experience sweating or rashes as a result of this excess skin. This means that a panniculectomy is more often a functional, rather than cosmetic procedure. 

Breast Lift

A breast lift is intended to reshape and reposition the breast; unlike other breast procedures, the size of the breast is not changed through this procedure. Weight loss, pregnancy, and aging can all cause drooping or sagging of the breasts. A breast lift removes loose or excess tissue and moves the breasts to a higher, lifted position. 

Face and Neck Lift

While a face and neck lift are most often thought of as a solution for signs of aging, they can also be performed as a solution for loose or excess skin due to other causes. A face lift tightens the skin of the lower face, while a neck lift reduces “turkey neck.” 

Can I Combine Body Contouring Surgeries?

If you have multiple areas of concern, it is possible to have multiple procedures performed in combination. Many patients decide to combine their surgeries in a single setting to reduce their overall recovery period and cost of the procedure. In addition, it’s possible to combine a body contouring surgery with another procedure, such as a rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, if you choose. However, depending on your health, the extent of your surgeries, and other factors, Dr. Kayastha may recommend that you do not combine surgeries. This can be determined after a thorough consultation. 

Are Nonsurgical Options Available?

There are some nonsurgical options available for patients seeking less extensive changes. CoolSculpting is one option, which removes unwanted fat cells through a process called cryolipolysis, or “fat freezing.” Through CoolSculpting, patients can contour their bodies and remove unwanted fat cells without surgery. However, patients should note that CoolSculpting is not intended to tighten the skin. 

Who Should Perform Body Contouring Procedures?

When choosing your body contouring surgeon, it’s important to choose an educated, experienced, and trustworthy plastic surgeon. Dr. Sanjiv Kayastha is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Albany, NY at K Plastic Surgery. He was educated at top institutions including Cornell University and SUNY Buffalo, and completed a plastic surgery residency at the prestigious Michigan State – Grand Rapids program and a fellowship at The Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. You can review before-and-after photos of Dr. Kayastha’s work through our website’s gallery

Schedule a Consultation 

The first step of any body contouring procedure is to schedule a thorough consultation with Dr. Kayastha. To set up your appointment, call K Plastic Surgery at (518) 674-9060. You can also request your appointment online.

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Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.