Body contouring is a broad category of cosmetic surgical procedures designed to reshape and refine the body. For many patients, body contouring provides the opportunity to restore smoother contours and achieve a more toned, proportional physique that better reflects their efforts toward health and wellness.
At Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta, our Harvard-trained, double board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon, Dr. John P. Connors, is proficient in numerous body contouring techniques. He takes a customized approach to every procedure, often combining multiple treatments to help patients achieve dramatic yet natural-looking results.
- Sedation: General anesthesia
- Potential Benefits: Enhanced body proportions following weight loss or pregnancy; reduction of loose skin, stubborn fat deposits, and other unwanted phenomena; increased confidence and satisfaction with body shape
- Longevity of Results: Variable
- Recovery: Variable; patients should expect to spend at least one to two weeks in recovery
Who Is a Candidate for Body Contouring Surgery?
Candidates for body contouring surgery should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for surgery. Many patients who pursue this procedure have experienced significant weight loss, whether through lifestyle changes, medical programs, or bariatric surgery.
Most surgeons recommend that patients be at or near their goal weight before undergoing body contouring. That said, body contouring can provide a pivotal step forward for patients who struggle to lose their final pounds due to loose, hanging skin. Removing excess skin can improve mobility, comfort, and confidence, often making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle and continue progressing toward overall wellness goals.
What Does the Body Contouring Procedure Involve?
All body contouring procedures are performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical center. The length of surgery and whether an overnight stay is required will depend on the specific procedures performed.
In many cases, surgeries are strategically grouped by region (e.g. the upper and lower body). Staging procedures in this way can minimize surgical risks, including blood loss and extended recovery time, while allowing the body to heal more effectively between sessions.
Dr. Connors frequently integrates liposuction into body contouring procedures to precisely sculpt the physique. He is renowned for his meticulous technique, and regularly utilizes the state-of-the-art SmartLipo™ technology to selectively remove fat while preserving smooth transitions between treated areas.
Additionally, Dr. Connors provides specialized body contouring strategies tailored to both men and women. These include abdominal etching for men and creating the coveted V-shaped waistline for women. Male patients may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery, which targets excess breast tissue to firm and define the chest.
What Is Recovery Like After Body Contouring Surgery?
Recovery following body contouring varies depending on the extent of surgery performed. Most patients can expect one to two weeks of initial downtime, though recovery timelines may be longer for more extensive or staged procedures. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common during the early healing phase and should gradually improve over time.
Some degree of scarring is unavoidable with body contouring surgery; however, Dr. Connors takes great care to place incisions in discreet locations whenever possible. In most cases, scars can be concealed beneath clothing, swimwear, or within natural skin folds. With proper aftercare and time, they should fade and become far less noticeable.
Patients are encouraged to follow all postoperative instructions closely, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and limit sun exposure to protect their results.
How Much Does Body Contouring Surgery Cost?
The cost of body contouring surgery varies widely and depends on several factors, including the number of procedures performed, the complexity of the surgery, anesthesia and facility fees, and postoperative care needs.
Our team will provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss available financing options. Please also note that Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta offers financing through CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® CREDIT to potentially make treatment more accessible for eligible patients.
No matter your unique aesthetic desires, Dr. Connors is excited to guide you through your body contouring journey. We welcome you to schedule your preoperative appointment today!
