The most common areas treated with body contouring include the breasts, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Body contouring can be an excellent option for men and women looking to refine or rejuvenate their figure. It helps remove stubborn fat pockets or excess skin that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.

Body contouring procedures are surgical in nature and performed under general anesthesia. However, there are also some non-surgical contouring options like laser fat reduction or injectable treatments. During a surgical body contouring procedure, an incision is made to target the treatment area directly. The skin and tissue are then manipulated to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.

Surgical body contouring tends to produce more dramatic, longer-lasting results compared to non-invasive treatments. However, surgical procedures also involve a more intensive recovery process. The choice between surgical and non-surgical options depends on the patient’s specific goals and needs. An initial consultation with board certified Michigan Plastic Surgeon Michelle Hardaway M.D. can help determine the best body contouring approach.

Popular Body Contouring Procedures in Michigan

Body contouring encompasses a range of surgical procedures that improve the shape and tone of the body. Some of the most popular options in Michigan include:

Ideal Candidates for Body Contouring

The ideal candidate for body contouring surgery will depend on several factors. These include your current weight and BMI, skin elasticity, age, and overall health.

BMI and Weight Considerations

In general, you will need to be at a stable weight to get optimal results from body contouring. Most surgeons recommend you be within 30 lbs of your ideal weight and have a BMI under 30. Being overweight can increase surgical complications and impair healing.

Skin Elasticity

The elasticity and tone of your skin impacts results. Patients with good skin elasticity will see better contouring effects. Older patients and those who have lost a large amount of weight may have loose, inelastic skin that can limit results.

Age Factors

Age impacts skin’s collagen levels and ability to snap back. Younger patients in their 20s and 30s tend to have better elasticity. Older patients may need additional procedures like skin tightening to address loose skin.

Overall Health

You’ll need to be in good overall health to safely undergo body contouring surgery. Chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease can increase risks. Stopping smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery is recommended.

The best candidates have achieved their target weight, are nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about the results possible for their body. Discuss your goals thoroughly with your surgeon during a consultation.

Finding a Provider in Michigan

When looking for a body contouring provider in Michigan, it’s important to do your research to find a skilled, experienced surgeon you can trust. Here are some tips for finding the right body contouring surgeon:

• Confirm board certification. Any plastic surgeon you consider should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures they have undergone rigorous training and meet high standards of patient safety and care.
• Look for experience. Choose a surgeon who performs body contouring procedures regularly and has many years of experience. Ask how many procedures they have done and look at before and after photos of their work. An experienced surgeon will have a proven track record.
• Review before and after photos. Reputable surgeons will provide many examples of their body contouring results. The photos should help give you an idea of the surgeon’s aesthetic style and skills. Make sure the photos are of actual patients and not stock images.
• Read reviews. Check online reviews from sites like RealSelf and HealthGrades to see feedback from past patients. This can give insight into the surgeon’s bedside manner, communication skills, and overall quality of care. Look for consistently positive reviews.
• Meet the surgeon. Schedule a consultation to meet the surgeon in person. This allows you to assess their demeanor, answer questions, and determine if you feel comfortable with them. A good surgeon will listen to your goals and explain options clearly.
• Consider the surgical facilities. Find out where the surgeon operates and if the surgical facility is accredited. Well-equipped facilities with accredited operating rooms can help minimize risks and optimize patient safety.

Choosing an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring can help ensure you get beautiful, natural-looking results from your procedure in Michigan.

Your Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is a critical first step for anyone considering body contouring surgery in Michigan. This appointment allows you to meet with your potential surgeon, ask questions, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedures you’re interested in.

Some key things to address during your initial body contouring consultation:

Questions to Ask

• What are your qualifications and experience with body contouring? How many procedures have you performed?
• Which procedures do you think are best suited for my body goals and concerns?
• What will the estimated timeline be for my treatment plan and recovery?
• Do you have before and after photos I can view of your body contouring patients?
• What surgical facility do you operate out of? Is it accredited?
• What type of anesthesia will be used?
• How will you minimize scarring and assist with healing?
• What is your protocol if I have any complications during recovery?

Setting Expectations

Be prepared to discuss your health history in detail, including any previous surgeries, medications, or medical conditions. Your surgeon will examine your body and assess your skin elasticity, fat distribution, muscle tone, and other factors that impact your candidacy. Have realistic expectations about the possible results – a reputable surgeon will be honest if you are expecting dramatic changes that surgery cannot deliver.

Developing a Treatment Plan

Based on your aesthetic goals, health evaluation, and their expert opinion, your surgeon will recommend a customized treatment plan. This may involve combining several body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty plus liposuction to the flanks for optimal shaping. The treatment plan will map out the timing for your procedures, recovery protocols, and follow-up care.

Ask your potential surgeon plenty of questions and pay attention to how comfortable you feel with their approach, expertise and bedside manner. This initial consultation is the perfect time to determine if they are the right fit for you.

Preparing for Body Contouring Surgery

Undergoing body contouring surgery requires careful preparation in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Proper planning and pre-op steps can help ensure the best results and recovery.

Medical Evaluations

Your surgeon will likely have you get pre-operative lab testing and medical clearance before surgery. This helps identify any underlying health issues to optimize your safety. You may need to adjust or stop certain medications prior to surgery based on your doctor’s recommendations.

Stop Smoking

It’s essential to stop smoking cigarettes or vaping at least 6 weeks before and after surgery. Smoking impairs wound healing and increases surgical risks.

Diet & Supplements

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is key to prepare your body for surgery and promote healing. Avoid crash dieting before surgery. Your doctor may advise you to take certain supplements or adjust medications.

Arrange Help at Home

You’ll need assistance with daily activities in the first few days after surgery as you recover. Make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and help out for at least the first week.

Stock Up on Supplies

Get everything you’ll need for your recovery ahead of time – soft foods, loose comfortable clothing, pillows, ice packs, compression garments, medications, etc. Set up your recovery space to minimize stairs and bending.

Following your surgeon’s pre-op instructions carefully will help you get cleared for surgery and set yourself up for the best possible recovery after your body contouring procedure.

The Body Contouring Process

Body contouring procedures are performed under general anesthesia, with patients asleep throughout the operation. The length of surgery can vary significantly depending on the number and type of procedures being done.

For example, a single breast surgery procedure in Michigan like breast augmentation or liposuction may take 1-2 hours. More extensive surgeries like a mommy makeover or lower body lift can take 4-8 hours.

During surgery, your provider will use various techniques to reshape and contour the body. Common techniques include:

Liposuction – This removes excess fat deposits using a cannula inserted through small incisions. Different types of liposuction include tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted.

Excision – Excess skin and fat is surgically cut out and the remaining tissue tightened with stitches. This is done in procedures like tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and arm lifts.

Fat grafting – Liposuction is first done to harvest fat, which is then purified and reinjected to enhance areas like the buttocks or breasts. This technique is used for Brazilian butt lifts and natural breast augmentation.

Energy-based skin tightening – Technologies like radiofrequency and ultrasound are used to heat tissue below the skin’s surface and stimulate new collagen growth. This causes gradual tightening over time.

Your surgeon will determine the right combination of techniques customized to your unique goals. The incisions are carefully closed, dressings applied, and you are taken to the recovery room once the procedure is complete.

Recovery and Results

Recovery timelines can vary significantly depending on the extent of your body contouring procedure. Less invasive treatments like laser liposuction or SculpSure may require little to no downtime, while more involved surgeries can take weeks or months for full recovery.

For tummy tucks and mommy makeovers, you can expect:

• 1-2 weeks off work
• 2-4 weeks until you can resume light activity
• 4-6 weeks until you can exercise and lift objects
• 3-6 months for full recovery

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and will subside gradually over the first few months. Compression garments are often recommended for 4-6 weeks post-surgery to help reduce swelling.

It’s important to walk regularly starting 1-2 days after surgery to promote blood flow and healing. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on increasing activity.

Most patients see noticeable improvements within the first month after body contouring surgery, but final results can take 3-6 months as swelling resolves. While you will see dramatic changes to your body contours, it’s crucial to maintain realistic expectations for surgical results.

Although body contouring produces longer-lasting results than non-invasive treatments, maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving your new contours long-term. Continuing a healthy diet and exercise routine after body contouring can help prolong your results.

Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry some risk, and it’s important to understand the potential complications of body contouring before undergoing treatment. Some risks and side effects may include:

• Bleeding: This is common after surgery and usually resolves on its own. Rarely, a blood transfusion or additional surgery may be required to stop bleeding.
• Infection: Infection is possible after any invasive procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection. Proper wound care and hygiene reduce this risk.
• Poor wound healing: Smokers and people with certain health conditions have a higher risk of wound healing issues. This may require special wound care techniques.
• Fluid accumulation: Fluid can accumulate under the skin after procedures like liposuction, resulting in swelling and discomfort. Your surgeon will monitor this closely.
• Skin loss: Aggressive liposuction can damage small blood vessels and kill fat cells, resulting in indentations or skin loss. Choosing an experienced surgeon reduces this risk.
• Fat embolism: Loose fat particles entering the bloodstream can block blood flow to the lungs. While very rare, a fat embolism can be life-threatening.
• Numbness: Some loss of skin sensation is common after body contouring. This usually resolves within a few weeks but can be permanent.
• Scarring: All incisions will leave some scar tissue. Scars may remain red and angry for several months before fading. Some people are prone to thick, raised scars called keloids.
• Asymmetry: No body is perfectly symmetrical. Despite a surgeon’s best efforts, there may be slight differences between treated areas after surgery.
• Revision surgery: If post-op asymmetry, irregularities, or other issues are bothersome, a revision surgery can be performed for improvements. However, additional surgeries carry added risks.

Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to minimize risks and complications from body contouring procedures. Be sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully for optimal safety and results. Inform your surgeon immediately of any concerns after surgery.

Approximate Costs and Financing

Body contouring procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, and mommy makeovers don’t come cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the extent of the procedure. Health insurance typically does not cover Michigan cosmetic surgery solely for aesthetic reasons. However, procedures done for medical reasons like removing excess skin after major weight loss may be partially covered.

When budgeting for your body contouring procedure, be sure to factor in not just the surgeon’s fees but also hospital or facility fees, anesthesia, and any pre or post-op care required. Many practices offer financing options and payment plans to help make procedures more affordable. Companies like CareCredit provide special financing for cosmetic procedures, often with zero or low interest promotional periods.

Some additional ways to save on body contouring costs include:

• Opting for less extensive procedures or staging procedures over time
• Finding a surgeon who offers competitive pricing
• Taking advantage of any seasonal promotions or specials
• Using your tax refund to cover the costs
• Applying for bad credit financing if needed

Discuss all of your options during your consultation and be upfront about your budget. A reputable surgeon will work with you to create a customized plan that targets your top priorities while staying within your financial means.

Body Contouring and Body Sculpting Surgery

Dr. Michelle Hardaway specializes in body contouring and sculpting procedures tailored to help both men and women achieve their aesthetic goals. From surgical options like liposuction, mommy makeovers, and body lifts to nonsurgical fat reduction treatments, we offer a comprehensive set of body shaping solutions. Whether you want to regain confidence after pregnancy and weight loss, reduce enlarged male breast tissue, or simply look and feel better in your own skin, we’re here to guide you every step of the way with compassionate care. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a confidential consultation.

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