What Is a Body Contouring Surgery?

Body contouring surgery refers to procedures designed to reshape and enhance the body's appearance. These surgeries are often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, leading to excess skin and tissue, or by people who want to refine and sculpt specific areas of their body for aesthetic reasons.

The main goal of body contouring is to remove excess skin, eliminate stubborn fat deposits, and tighten and tone the underlying tissues to create a smoother, more defined body shape.

Most common types of body contouring surgeries include: 

  • Liposuction

  • Abdominoplasty

  • Brazilian butt lift

  • Butt lift

  • Labiaplasty

  • Gender affirming body contouring

  • Mommy makeover

  • Arm lift

  • Thigh lift

  • Laser lipo 360

  • Skin/tissue removal after weight loss surgery

  • Calf implants

  • Peck implants

Who Might Need Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring surgery can be the ideal option for a wide range of individuals, addressing issues from aesthetic enhancements to significant physical changes and gender affirmation.

Here are the most common reasons why you might consider body contouring surgery:

  • If you have experienced significant weight loss, have excess skin or some fat deposits, body contouring can remove this excess skin and reshape the body. This is particularly helpful for individuals after bariatric surgery or substantial weight loss.

  • Women may opt for body contouring after pregnancy to address changes in their body shape, such as sagging skin or altered abdominal contours, to regain their pre-pregnancy body.

  • With age, skin loses its elasticity, leading to sagging and drooping. Body contouring can help restore a firmer, more youthful body profile.

  • If you’re struggling with localized fat deposits that don't respond to diet and exercise, body contouring procedures like liposuction can provide a solution.

  • Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals might seek body contouring as part of their transition process. For example, transgender men may opt for procedures to create a more masculine body shape, while transgender women might want to enhance their curves for a more traditionally feminine silhouette.

Types of Body Contouring Surgeries

Body contouring surgery encompasses a variety of procedures designed to reshape and enhance the body's appearance, catering to both aesthetic desires and functional needs.

The most common types of body contouring surgeries include:

1. Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck.

This procedure is ideal for removing localized fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise. Liposuction involves making small incisions and using a cannula to suction out fat, resulting in improved body contours and proportion.

2. Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and, in many cases, restores weakened or separated muscles.

This surgery is often sought by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss or women post-pregnancy, aiming to get a smoother and firmer abdomen.

3. Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances the size and shape of the buttocks without implants. It involves transferring fat from other areas of the body to the buttocks.

This procedure not only augments the buttock region but also involves liposuction from other areas, providing an overall more balanced and appealing body shape.

4. Butt Lift

A traditional butt lift is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the buttocks and thighs to lift and tighten the area. This surgery is often chosen by individuals with sagging skin due to weight loss, aging, or genetic factors, aiming to create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing buttock contour.

5. Gender Affirming Body Contouring

Gender affirming body contouring includes various procedures customized for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, aiming to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

These surgeries might include chest contouring, body sculpting, and fat redistribution to achieve a more masculine or feminine body shape, depending on the individual's transition goals.

6. Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgeries typically performed to restore a woman's body shape and appearance post-pregnancy. This procedure often includes a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction.

The goal is to address changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as sagging breasts, stretched abdominal muscles, and excess fat.

8. Thigh Lift

A thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery that aims to remove excess skin and fat from the thighs. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with sagging skin, or for those who want more aesthetically pleasing thigh contours.

The surgery results in smoother, tighter skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body.

7. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. This surgery is often sought by individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, leading to sagging skin, or due to natural aging. The result is a more toned and defined arm appearance.

9. Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves resizing or reshaping the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) or labia majora (outer vaginal lips).

Individuals opt for this surgery due to discomfort from elongated labia, aesthetic concerns, childbirth recovery, or physical irritation in everyday activities and sexual intercourse. The goal is to reduce the size of the labia or correct asymmetry.

10. Laser Lipo 360

Laser Lipo 360, also known as 360-degree liposuction, is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove fat and contour the body. It typically targets multiple areas such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, and back, providing a more comprehensive and circumferential body reshaping.

This procedure is less invasive than traditional liposuction and may result in quicker recovery times.

11. Skin/Tissue Removal After Weight Loss Surgery

Post-bariatric surgery, or post-weight loss surgery, involves removing excess skin and tissue after significant weight loss. This type of surgery can include various procedures like tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and breast lift, tailored to the individual's needs.

The goal is to improve body contours and address issues such as skin irritation and hygiene problems caused by excess skin.

12. Calf Implants

Calf implants are a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of the calf muscles.

This surgery is chosen by individuals seeking more muscular or balanced lower leg contours, often due to underdeveloped muscles that cannot be improved through exercise alone. Implants are inserted to create a more aesthetically pleasing leg shape.

13. Pec Implants (Pectoral Implants)

Pec implants is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at enhancing the size and shape of an individual's chest muscles.

This procedure is ideal for individuals who are unable to achieve their desired chest size and definition through exercise alone. It involves inserting implants under the chest muscles to create a more muscular and defined appearance.

Benefits of Body Contouring Surgery

  • Body contouring surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tucks, arm lifts, and thigh lifts can significantly improve body shape and contour, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate appearance.

  • The improvement in physical appearance often translates into increased self-confidence and self-esteem. You will likely report feeling more comfortable and confident in your clothing and in social situations.

  • Procedures like abdominoplasty, skin/tissue removal after weight loss, and laser lipo 360 effectively remove excess skin and fat, which can be particularly beneficial if you have undergone significant weight loss and are left with loose skin.

  • Some body contouring procedures can alleviate physical discomforts. For example, a thigh lift can reduce chafing and discomfort caused by excess skin, and labiaplasty can address issues like irritation or discomfort in the genital area.

  • A mommy makeover is specifically designed to address changes that occur due to pregnancy and childbirth, such as sagging breasts, stretched abdominal muscles, and excess fat, helping you to regain their pre-pregnancy body shape.

  • Procedures like pec implants and calf implants enhance the definition and tone of muscles, which may not be achievable through exercise alone, especially in cases where muscle size and definition are limited by genetic factors.

Body contouring surgery offers numerous benefits, from reshaping and enhancing physical appearance to boosting psychological well-being and self-confidence.

Here are the additional benefits of body contouring surgery:

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Body Contouring Procedure?

The recovery period following body countering surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure, each with its own timeline for healing and resuming normal activities.

The recovery period for each type of breast surgery typically varies:

Liposuction

  • Initial recovery period: Typically, a few days to a week for basic activities; may need assistance initially.

  • Full recovery: Around 4-6 weeks for most activities; complete recovery and final contouring results may take several months.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

  • Initial recovery period: About 2 weeks before returning to non-strenuous daily activities; assistance may be needed.

  • Full recovery: Generally, 6-8 weeks for most activities; full healing and results can take several months.

Brazilian Butt Lift

  • Initial recovery period: Usually 2 weeks before resuming basic activities, with special care when sitting.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery and final shaping can take up to 6 months, with 4-6 weeks for most normal activities.

Butt Lift

  • Initial recovery period: Approximately 2 weeks for basic daily activities, with careful movement.

  • Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most activities; complete healing and results may take a few months.

Gender Affirming Body Contouring

  • Initial recovery period: Varies depending on the extent of the surgery, typically 1-3 weeks for basic activities.

  • Full recovery: The full recovery period can vary widely, often taking several months, depending on the specific procedures performed.

Mommy Makeover

  • Initial recovery period: Typically, 1-2 weeks, during which time patients may need assistance with daily activities, especially if the makeover includes multiple procedures.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery and returning to normal activities, including exercise, can take about 6-8 weeks. Complete healing and final results may take several months due to the complexity and extent of the procedures involved.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

  • Initial recovery period: Basic activities can typically be resumed within a week, but you may need assistance initially.

  • Full recovery: Most normal activities can usually be resumed in about 4-6 weeks. Full recovery and final results may take several months, as swelling gradually subsides.

Thigh Lift

  • Initial recovery period: It usually takes about 1-2 weeks before you can resume non-strenuous daily activities, often with some assistance.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery, including the ability to undertake most activities, may take about 4-6 weeks. The final contouring results may take several months to become completely apparent.

Labiaplasty

  • Initial recovery period: You can return to work and basic activities within 4-7 days, although some discomfort and swelling may persist.

  • Full recovery: Complete healing and full recovery typically occur within 6 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse and using tampons for 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

Laser Lipo 360

  • Initial recovery period: Recovery time is often shorter than traditional liposuction, as you can usually return to basic activities within a few days.

  • Full recovery: Most patients can resume regular activities within 2-4 weeks. Final results and complete recovery may take 1-3 months, as the body adjusts to its new contours.

Skin/Tissue Removal After Weight Loss Surgery

  • Initial recovery period: The recovery time can vary greatly depending on the extent of the surgery, but generally, it's about 2-3 weeks for initial healing.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery and return to normal activities can take up to 6-8 weeks. Complete healing and final results may take several months, depending on the areas treated.

Calf Implants

  • Initial recovery period: You may need assistance and should avoid putting weight on their legs for the first few days. Basic activities can usually be resumed within a week.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery, including the ability to resume most activities, may take about 4-6 weeks. The final shape and healing can take several months to fully develop.

Pec Implants (Pectoral Implants)

  • Initial recovery period: It takes approximately 1-2 weeks before you can return to non-strenuous daily activities, with limited use of the arms and chest.

  • Full recovery: Full recovery and the ability to resume all activities, including exercise, can take about 6-8 weeks. The final results may take a few months to fully settle.

Schedule a Consultation for Body Contouring Surgery at Passport Surgical Partners

We understand that contemplating body contouring surgery can evoke a mix of excitement, apprehension and numerous questions.

At Passport Surgical Partners, our mission is to bridge the gap by connecting you with top-notch medical facilities and skilled surgeons. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident about the surgery and its recovery process.

Our services include arranging your surgical procedure, as well as organizing pre-operative and post-operative care, accommodations, transportation, local excursions, and guides.

Once your surgeon gives you the green light for travel, you can safely fly home. At this stage, you might still be in the early phase of recovery, which could involve tending to dressings and managing bruising.

We partner with the best surgeons in Latin America that specialize in:

  • Facial procedures

  • Breast procedures

  • Hair transplant procedures

  • Gender affirming surgeries

  • Bariatric surgeries

FAQs about Body Contouring Surgery

  • While body contouring surgeries are performed under anesthesia to prevent pain during the procedure, some postoperative discomfort and pain are expected. However, these can be effectively managed with prescribed medications and proper care.

    The level of pain experienced varies based on the type of surgery and the individual's pain tolerance.

  • Body contouring surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks, but it is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The safety of the procedure depends on factors like the patient's overall health, the specific techniques used, and the extent of the surgery.

  • The side effects of body contouring can include:

    • Swelling and bruising

    • Pain and discomfort

    • Scarring

    • Numbness or changes in skin sensation

    • Infection risks

    • Asymmetry or irregular contours

    • Prolonged recovery time

    • Potential need for revision surgery