5 Myths About Body Contouring
Body contouring has become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments, but there’s still a lot of misinformation out there. If you’ve been considering treatment, knowing what is true and what is not is very important. Let’s break down five of the most common myths.
Myth #1: Body Contouring Is a Weight Loss Solution
Body contouring is not designed for significant weight loss. Rather, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery like bypass or stomach stapling surgery) is intended to help patients lose a significant amount of weight. Instead, body contouring procedures targets stubborn fat pockets and/or extra skin that don’t respond to diet and exercise. The best candidates are already close to their ideal weight but want more definition and sculpting.
Myth #2: It’s Only for Patient’s Who Have Lost a Lot of Weight
While most body contouring patients have lost a significant amount of weigh tor are post partum, there are many patients who have undergone changes to their skin and metabolism over time. These patients also greatly benefit from body contouring procedures, whether it be liposuction alone or a total mommy makeover.
Myth #3: It’s Only for Women
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. More men than ever are turning to body contouring to enhance areas like the abdomen, flanks, and chest. The goal isn’t just slimming, but rather it’s creating a more defined, athletic appearance. Many of my patients are already athletic men who have very rigorous exercise routines and active jobs who just have a little extra stubborn fat or a small amount of excess skin.
Myth #4: The Fat Will Come Back
Fat cells and skin that are removed during treatment are gone for good. However, maintaining results depends on your lifestyle. A stable weight and healthy habits will help preserve your outcome long-term. If a patient gains weight after surgery, there are no guarantees that the results will last. Although the fat cell will not return in the treated areas or elsewhere, if there is weight gain after surgery, the other areas that were not treated by liposuction or excision may get bigger as a result of the native fat present elsewhere.
Myth #5: All Body Contouring Treatments Are the Same
Not all technologies or techniques are created equal. From non-invasive options like muscle stimulation and energy devices to surgical procedures, each approach has different benefits, recovery times, and results. Some patients may need liposuction in one small area whereas another patient may need liposuction combined with excisional procedures. One person may need contouring of just the arms liposuction and another person needs extra skin removed from the belly. Everybody is different, and every body is different. Each patient and each case has a unique approach and the surgical plan should be individualized to your own personal goals and needs.
Who is a Good Candidate for Body Contouring in NYC?
The ideal candidate for body contouring in NYC is someone who is close to their goal weight and has maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months. Good surgical candidates maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after surgery, and wants to address stubborn areas of fat or skin laxity.
Busy professionals often choose non-surgical options because they offer minimal downtime and natural-looking results, however sometimes a compromised treatment will ultimately lead to a compromised outcome. Sometimes, surgical options are the most definitive and even cost effective strategy. A consultation with an experienced provider helps determine the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.
Meet Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani
Dr. Brian Bassiri-Tehrani is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and expertise in body contouring in NYC. To make an appointment, call (212) 540-6868.
