By now, we’re all more than familiar with the concept of the Mommy Makeover, but nowadays the world of body contouring and rejuvenating procedures are much more nuanced and expansive than just the classic post-partum makeover. While there are tons of options for tightening, toning and shaping up, surgeons today can create curated plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment combinations specific to each patient, making the subsequent results quite remarkable.
For Rochester, NY plastic surgeon Calvin Young, MD, combining body procedures is an integral part of giving patients a body they can feel confident about. But, from skin consistency to health status and desired results, there is a lot to consider before you go under the knife.
Body Revitalization Consultations: What to Consider
“When considering body revitalization, it’s important to consider factors like overall skin elasticity, individual health status, and the specific areas you wish to enhance or modify,” says Dr. Young, “This differs significantly from facial procedures, where the focus is typically on enhancing symmetry, addressing fine lines and restoring volume.”
In comparison to facial procedures, body treatments focus more heavily on proportion and safely tackling larger areas of concern. “Body treatments, on the other hand, often tackle larger surface areas and might involve more extensive tissue manipulation or removal,” Dr. Young explains. “There’s also a greater emphasis on achieving proportionate body contours, which requires a different approach than the precision typically associated with facial aesthetics.”
The Latest and Greatest in Body Contouring Techniques
“In the realm of body contouring, the most effective and modern procedures we offer include tummy tucks, liposuction and body lifts,” Dr. Young begins. “These procedures are transformative in that they not only remove unwanted fat and excess skin but also sculpt the body to reveal a more youthful, toned appearance. For example, a tummy tuck goes beyond just fat removal; it also involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin, resulting in a flatter, more athletic-looking abdomen.”
If you’re not worried about excess skin but are interested in body toning, Dr. Young notes that liposuction is a great option for sculpting and contributing significantly to a youthful appearance.
Understanding Downtime and Recovery Periods
“The recovery process for body treatments can vary based on the procedure’s extent, but generally, there is some type of rest period,” Dr. Young begins. “However, the timeline may not be as long as you anticipate. Generally, we recommend limited physical activity after body rejuvenation procedures and adherence to specific post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.”
Another key component to the reduced downtime associated with body procedures today is the advancement in minimally invasive techniques within procedures like liposuction. “Enhanced recovery protocols and improved surgical techniques now allow for shorter downtime and quicker return to daily activities,” says Dr. Young. “Additionally, the use of compression garments and carefully planned post-operative care play pivotal roles in ensuring a smooth and swift recovery.”
Stacking Procedures: How to Combine Body Treatments
“Often, we find that combining procedures, such as a breast lift with augmentation or a tummy tuck with liposuction, yields the most satisfying results for patients. This combination approach is popular as it addresses multiple concerns in a single surgical session, reducing overall downtime and cost for the patient. For instance, a breast lift with augmentation not only elevates the breast position but also adds volume, creating a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing breast contour. Similarly, pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction allows for comprehensive abdominal reshaping—the tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and removes excess skin, while liposuction contours the waistline, providing a more sculpted and harmonious body profile.”
Customizing Body Treatments for Individual Patients
As with any cosmetic treatment, properly customizing body treatment plans is fundamental to achieving successful outcomes for patients. “Each patient’s anatomy, aesthetic goals and health considerations are unique, therefore, during consultations, I place great emphasis on understanding their specific desires and concerns,” says Dr. Young.
Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of a “collaborative approach” when it comes to customization to ensure that the treatment plan devised not only aligns with their expectations but is also safe. “For example, in breast augmentation, choices like implant type, size and placement are tailored to each patient’s body frame and desired outcome,” Dr. Young explains. “This collaborative process is essential to ensure that the results not only enhance the patient’s physical appearance but also boost their confidence and overall satisfaction.”
The Bottom Line
When it boils down to it, Dr. Young’s biggest piece of advice for patients considering body treatments for the first time is simple. “For those considering plastic surgery for the first time, my advice is to thoroughly research and select a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the procedure of interest. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand both the potential benefits and risks,” Dr. Young emphasizes.
In addition to research, advocating for yourself throughout your journey is another important factor. “I recommend patients to openly discuss their goals, concerns, and any questions during the consultation,” Dr. Young says. “Understanding the recovery process and the necessary commitments post-surgery is crucial for a smooth experience and optimal results. Finally, ensuring that your decision is based on personal goals, rather than external pressures, is key to achieving satisfaction with your surgical journey.”
