Stubborn fat, loose skin, and changes after pregnancy or major weight loss can remain even when you eat well and stay active. Cosmetic body contouring addresses these concerns by reshaping specific areas of the body, helping create smoother lines and more balanced proportions. Understanding the available procedures can help you decide which approach fits your anatomy and goals.
At his practice in Dallas, TX, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Zachary Farris provides a range of surgical body contouring procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and is a former assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
What Is Cosmetic Body Contouring?
Cosmetic body contouring is a broad term for procedures that reshape areas of the body by removing unwanted fat, reducing loose skin, tightening tissues, or moving fat to areas that need greater volume.
The right procedure depends on the cause of the concern. For example, liposuction may work well when excess fat is the main issue, and the skin has good elasticity. When significant loose skin is present, a lift or tummy tuck may provide more complete correction.
What Body Contouring Procedures Are Available?
Farris Plastic Surgery offers several options that can address the abdomen, waist, arms, thighs, buttocks, and other areas. These include:
- Liposuction: Removes localized fat deposits to improve body shape and definition.
- Tummy tuck: Removes skin and fat and can tighten stretched abdominal muscles. Dr. Farris commonly combines a tummy tuck with liposuction for additional contouring.
- Mommy makeover: Combines procedures based on changes related to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Common combinations may involve body contouring and breast surgery.
- Brazilian butt lift: Uses liposuction and fat transfer to add fullness to and reshape the buttocks and surrounding areas.
- Arm lift: Removes skin and tissue from the upper arms and may be combined with liposuction.
- Thigh lift: Reduces loose skin and excess tissue along the thighs to produce smoother contours.
- Post-bariatric surgery body contouring: Addresses loose skin and tissue that can remain after significant weight loss. Treatment may involve several procedures performed together or in stages.
- Fat transfer: Moves your own fat from one area to another to restore or add volume.
- Labiaplasty: Reshapes excess or unwanted labial tissue for cosmetic or functional concerns.
Some procedures can be combined when doing so makes sense for your goals and health. Dr. Farris develops the surgical plan based on your individual anatomy rather than taking the same approach with every patient.
Who Is a Candidate for Body Contouring?
Body contouring may be worth considering if you are bothered by areas that have not changed as much as you would like through diet, exercise, or weight loss. Common concerns include localized fat, loose abdominal skin, sagging upper arms or thighs, and changes after pregnancy or major weight loss.
In general, candidates should be in good health, at or close to their goal weight, and have realistic expectations. Smoking and nicotine use can interfere with healing and increase surgical risks, so patients generally need to stop using nicotine before surgery and during recovery.
What Is Recovery Like After Body Contouring?
Recovery varies considerably because body contouring can range from liposuction of a limited area to more extensive skin-removal surgery. Swelling, bruising, soreness, and temporary activity restrictions are common after surgical procedures.
You may need a compression garment, help with some daily activities, and time away from strenuous exercise. Dr. Farris will share specific instructions based on your procedure or combination of procedures.
How Long Do Body Contouring Results Last?
Fat cells removed through liposuction are permanently removed, and excess skin that is surgically excised does not return. However, remaining fat cells and tissues can still change with aging, pregnancy, and significant weight fluctuations.
Maintaining a relatively stable weight can help preserve your results. Final results may also take time to develop as postoperative swelling decreases and tissues settle.
Why Choose Farris Plastic Surgery for Cosmetic Body Contouring in Dallas, TX?
Dr. Farris brings extensive plastic surgery training and years of experience treating patients with a wide range of body contouring needs. After completing his plastic surgery training in New York City, he served as an assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and helped develop the institution's Body Contouring Program. His approach at Farris Plastic Surgery centers on individualized planning, careful surgical technique, patient education, and natural-looking proportions.
Create a Body Contouring Plan That Fits Your Goals
You may not need to change everything to make a meaningful difference in your shape. Whether your concerns involve stubborn fat, loose skin, changes after pregnancy, or the effects of major weight loss, the right cosmetic body contouring plan depends on your body and what you want to improve.
Meet with Dr. Zachary Farris in Dallas, TX, to discuss liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, body lifts, fat transfer, or a combination of procedures. Call 214-363-1073 to book a consultation and learn which options may be appropriate for you.
