If you're on the fence about whether you should have aesthetic plastic surgery, there are a number of important factors to consider that can help make your decision easier.
Commonly referred to as cosmetic surgery, aesthetic plastic surgery is a term referring to those procedures that are intended to change something about a person's body that they may not like or restore a look that has been changed by time or nature. There are a number of different ways that medical professionals like Dr. John J. Corey accomplish this, including abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck), breastlift and/or augmentation, and more.
Note that this is different from general plastic surgery. In many of those cases, patients are looking to correct or restore some thing that is not simply a desire or natural change, but instead may have been suffered by disease or trauma or even a deformity from birth and may involve function as well as just appearance. Aesthetic plastic surgery is just one area of specialization in a much broader field of Plastic Surgery.
As is true with every type of medical procedure, only some are ideal candidates for aesthetic plastic surgery. If you want to determine whether this is a move you should make, there are a number of important things you'll want to keep in mind.
These procedures define and sculpt the shape of your body. Loose and sagging skin, and extra fat can be improved with body contouring. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey determines if you are a good candidate in a consultation. He is driven by providing outstanding results.At our Scottsdale practice, you receive personalized care and individualized attention. Please call us at 480-767-7700 to schedule a consultation.
What is Body Contouring?
The term body contouring refers to any procedure tightening and/or lifting the skin, as well as procedures that smooth out bumps of excess fat.
Dr. Corey performs the following:
Liposuction:
Liposuction removes excess fat cells via suction. Dr. Corey most often uses the “Tumescent Techinque” whereby fluid is first infiltrated into the target area, allowed to diffuse into the tissues for a period of 10-15 minutes and removed through a small tube or canula. Liposuction can be used on many areas of the physique.
Tummy Tuck:
Tummy tuck surgery removes the puffy fat and skin on a protruding abdomen. If you are a woman who has been pregnant before, the abdominal muscles overlying your belly may have been stretched and separated by pregnancy. In that case, a tummy tuck includes joining these muscles together to give a more toned appearance to the abdomen.
Mommy Makeover:
Mommy makeover procedures rejuvenate the body and breasts. It is a comprehensive approach to renewing your physique following pregnancy. Many patients express a desire to restore perkier breasts, a tighter tummy and shapely thighs or hips. Discuss with Dr. Corey what you would like to improve. Every procedure he performs is meticulously personalized to the patient.
How Much Do Body Contouring Procedures Cost?
The cost varies. It is one of the things we will determine at your consultation, once you and Dr. Corey have discussed a treatment plan. We do accept financing plans managed by Prosper Healthcare Lending, which you can apply for online.
What is the Recovery from Body Contouring Procedures?
Along with surgery comes downtime. Your recovery period allows your body to heal and bounce back. Rest and relax during this time. We will explain the requirements, such as:
- Number of days before you can get back to errands and everyday tasks
- Number of days you should stay home from work
- When you can resume exercise activity
- How to shower while protecting your incisions
- Medications you can take for discomfort
- Schedule of follow-up appointments
- Contacting us if you have any concerns or questions
The results of body contouring procedures are long-lasting. These procedures remove excess tissue for good, and in such a way that is not possible with diet and exercise alone. Our patients continue to enjoy their new body shape for the long run. Many times, they feel more motivated than ever to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle when they finally can see a real difference in their results.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery?
From a health perspective, a patient who is an ideal candidate for aesthetic plastic surgery will be one who is healthy and does not smoke. Note that "healthy" here is defined as someone with a BMI of less than 30. This can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome. If you don't fall within this range, you may be asked to lose weight before the procedure can take place.
The ideal candidate is also someone that is looking for a change that would make them feel good and yet understands that this is not like a spa treatment, but instead is a medical procedure that must be taken seriously, requires commitment and carries some risk.
Benefits of Body Contouring
Body contouring provides many benefits beyond aesthetics, including the following:
- Boosted Self-Confidence: Finally having your dream body shape can increase your self-esteem and confidence.
- Improved Mobility: You may find it easier to move and enjoy physical activities without carrying around excess skin or fat.
- Better Clothing Fit: Clothes should fit more comfortably and flatter your new figure, making shopping and dressing a lot more fun!
- Encouragement for a Healthier Lifestyle: You might even feel more motivated to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle after seeing the positive changes in your body. So many patients complain that going to the gym seems so pointless at times when they don't see any changes in the mirror.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Dr. Corey will begin by looking at your medical history to confirm you are a good candidate for surgery. You’ll talk about your goals and desired results, allowing Dr. Corey to understand the areas you’d like to improve.
He will then conduct a physical examination and recommend the best procedures to help you reach your goals. Finally, Dr. Corey will develop a personalized plan that should give you the best possible outcome.
Preparing for Body Contouring Surgery
To have a smooth surgery and recovery, keep these tips in mind while preparing for your surgery:
- Quit Smoking: Stop smoking a few weeks before surgery to aid healing and reduce complications.
- Adjust Medications: Certain medications may need to be paused. Dr. Corey will provide a list of those to avoid.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper hydration and balanced nutrition will support quicker recovery.
- Post-Surgery Care: Arrange for someone to drive you home and help you out during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon Can I Return to Normal Activities After Body Contouring?
For most body contouring surgeries, you’ll need to take at least one to two weeks off from work and everyday tasks. You can usually resume light activities within a few days, but more strenuous activities, like exercise, may need to wait about four to six weeks. Dr. Corey will give you recovery guidelines based on your specific procedures and health.
Are Body Contouring Results Permanent?
Body contouring results are long-lasting, but they aren’t completely permanent. Factors like weight fluctuations and future pregnancies can impact your results, so it’s important to keep a stable weight and continue healthy lifestyle habits as much as possible. While the fat and tissue removed during surgery won’t come back, significant weight changes can affect your body's appearance over time. If you plan on having more children, Dr. Corey may advise waiting until after your family is complete to move forward with your body contouring procedure.
Will I Have Visible Scars After Body Contouring Surgery?
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but Dr. Corey takes great care to minimize their visibility. Incisions are strategically placed in discreet areas, and with proper post-operative care, scars will fade over time. Following Dr. Corey’s scar care instructions, such as keeping incisions moisturized and protected from the sun, will help scars heal as inconspicuously as possible.
Can Body Contouring Remove Cellulite?
While body contouring procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks can improve the shape and contour of your body, they don’t technically remove cellulite. Cellulite occurs due to the structure of fat beneath the skin, and body contouring doesn’t address this issue.
Why Choose Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
For years, Dr. John J. Corey has worked hard to earn a reputation for himself as a leading aesthetic plastic surgery provider, proudly serving clients in and around the Scottsdale, Arizona, area. In addition to breast augmentation, he also offers breast implant replacement, breast implant correction, abdominoplasty, liposuction, and more. In his practice, he exclusively treats only breast and body.
Arrange Your Appointment with Dr. Corey
If you have any questions or want to find out if you are a good candidate, please call our practice at 480-767-7700. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Corey performs body contouring and other comprehensive aesthetic procedures in Scottsdale, Arizona. Guests visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Phoenix, Chandler.