Body Contouring

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

Body Contouring Dr. Amber Allen Allen Aesthetic Surgery

Body contouring is a category of surgical procedures that aim to reshape and enhance the body’s figure.

As people age or after significant weight loss, such as post-bariatric surgery, they may experience folds of excess skin and localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise alone. If you are experiencing this phenomenon, you may benefit greatly from a body contouring procedure. Body contouring can involve several methods, like liposuction, tummy tucks, and skin tightening, all of which focus on creating a more balanced and attractive silhouette. Individuals often feel motivated to seek these procedures because they desire improved body shape, increased confidence, and overall aesthetic enhancement. Many people also find that despite diet and exercise, certain areas of stubborn fat or excess skin remain persistent obstacles.

Dr. Amber Allen is a boarded general surgeon who also has certification in cosmetic surgery with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Allen and her staff at Allen Aesthetic Surgery have developed a reputation as being among North Carolina’s finest, having helped patients from all across the East Coast and beyond achieve their aesthetic goals.

If you are interested in body contouring, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen and her staff by contacting us online or calling (919) 676-5052.

About Body Contouring

Body contouring is a spectrum of treatments designed to help sculpt the body. Body contouring has risen in popularity in recent years, especially with an increase in the number of people seeking cosmetic enhancements following a period of significant weight loss. (1) From traditional surgical options to non-invasive techniques, there are many ways to achieve desired body contours tailored to each individual’s goals and needs. Dr. Allen and her team offer a range of body contouring procedures designed to reshape and tone the body’s supporting fat, skin, and tissues. Some of the procedures we offer include the following:

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter and more toned midsection. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or post-pregnancy changes resulting in loose or sagging abdominal skin.

Liposuction

Liposuction targets and removes stubborn fat deposits from various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. This is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures in the world. (2) By suctioning out excess fat, this procedure enhances body contours and proportions, especially in fatty areas resistant to diet and exercise. For a less invasive option, Allen Aesthetic Surgery also offers VASER liposuction, which utilizes ultrasound energy to emulsify fat cells during liposuction.

Renuvion® Skin Tightening

Renuvion® is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes helium plasma energy to tighten sagging or loose skin without the need for large incisions or general anesthesia. It offers results comparable to traditional skin-removal surgeries with minimal downtime.

Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss

Following significant weight loss, excess skin can remain in areas like the arms, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. Skin removal surgery addresses this issue by eliminating redundant skin, improving both appearance and comfort.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is a surgical procedure that enhances the shape and size of the buttocks using the patient’s own fat. Fat is harvested from other areas of the body through liposuction, purified, and then injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, more lifted appearance.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the inner thighs and is combined with a lateral thigh lift to treat the outer thigh area. Results are aimed at producing smoother skin and better-proportioned leg and hip contours. It is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss leading to sagging thigh skin.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

A brachioplasty, or arm lift procedure, addresses sagging skin and excess fat in the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings.” By removing this excess tissue, an arm lift provides a more toned and youthful arm appearance.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a comprehensive approach combining various procedures such as abdominoplasty, liposuction, and breast surgery to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body. It is tailored to address individual concerns resulting from pregnancy and childbirth.

Each of these procedures is customized to meet the unique needs and goals of the patient, ensuring optimal results and enhanced self-confidence.

Benefits

Body contouring procedures can provide ample benefits to patients who pursue them, both from a physical and mental standpoint. Some of these benefits often include:

  • Improved Body Shape: Body contouring can create a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette tailored to your personal goals.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Gaining a better self-image can greatly boost your confidence and satisfaction.
  • Targeted Fat Removal: Body contouring effectively eliminates stubborn fat that may not respond to diet and exercise.
  • Skin Tightening: Procedures can remove excess skin, leading to a tighter and smoother appearance.
  • Long-lasting Results: With proper diet and exercise, the outcomes of body contouring can be long-lasting.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Surgeons can tailor procedures specifically to the individual needs of each patient.
  • Improved Comfort: Removing excess skin and fat can result in enhanced mobility and comfort when wearing clothing.

There is no shortage of potential benefits associated with body contouring procedures, which is why body contouring as a whole has seen a rise in popularity. (2)

Ideal Candidates

Several factors will impact whether or not someone is an ideal candidate for body contouring. Potential candidates for body contouring often include individuals who are struggling with areas of localized fat, sagging skin, and overall body shape concerns. Ideal candidates generally:

  • Are at or near their goal weight
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome
  • Are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery
  • Generally have good health with no severe medical conditions that could impair healing

Whether or not you are an ideal candidate for body contouring procedures offered by Allen Aesthetic Surgery will be determined during your personal consultation with Dr. Allen.

Personal Consultation

Because body contouring encompasses a wide range of procedures, the first step toward pursuing body contouring is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Allen. During this consultation, Dr. Allen will take the time to get to know you and gain a grasp on your overall aesthetic goals. She will perform assessments of your health and anatomy. The information she gathers during this consultation is used to create a personalized treatment plan that is crafted specifically to help you reach your unique cosmetic goals. This treatment plan will include recommendations for which treatments Dr. Allen feels you could benefit most from, as well as details about what the preparation and recovery processes might entail.

To get started on your journey toward an enhanced body aesthetic with body contouring procedures at Allen Aesthetic Surgery, contact us online or by calling (919) 676-5052 to schedule a personal consultation.

Preparation

To ensure a successful procedure and recovery, Dr. Allen and her staff will provide you with detailed preoperative guidelines. Some of these guidelines may include instructions like:

  • Discontinuing the usage of certain medications and supplements that may complicate surgery, particularly those with blood-thinning properties.
  • Halting nicotine consumption for effective healing.
  • Arranging for transportation to and from the surgery.
  • Planning time off work and home responsibilities to ensure adequate recovery.

Following these guidelines will help set you up for success in your body contouring journey.

Recovery

The recovery process will depend on which body contouring procedure(s) you undergo and will naturally look different for each individual. Dr. Allen and her team will provide you with guidelines for how to properly navigate the recovery process and will be available throughout your recovery to guide you every step of the way.

Results

Body Contouring Dr. Amber Allen Allen Aesthetic Surgery

Patients often witness transformative changes in their body tone following their body contouring treatment at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. Enhancements may include a tightened abdomen, improved proportions, and reduced stubborn fat, contributing to renewed confidence and a more appealing physique. Results from surgical procedures can be long-lasting when coupled with healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Allen and her staff are confident you will be satisfied with the results of your surgery.

Cost of Body Contouring Procedures in Raleigh

The cost of your body contouring treatments will depend on the type of procedures performed. Dr. Allen and her staff will be happy to provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation.

To get started on your journey toward an enhanced body aesthetic with body contouring procedures at Allen Aesthetic Surgery, contact us online or by calling (919) 676-5052 to schedule a personal consultation.

FAQ

What is the best body contouring option for me?

The best option depends on your specific goals, the areas you wish to target, and your overall health. A consultation with Dr. Allen is crucial to determine the ideal approach.

How long is the recovery after body contouring?

Recovery times will differ depending on the specific procedures performed. Generally, most patients can resume light activities within a couple of weeks, but full recovery may take longer.

Are the results from body contouring permanent?

Many results can be permanent if maintenance includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, particularly for procedures like liposuction.

Will there be scarring after a body contouring procedure?

While all surgical procedures involve some level of incision, Dr. Allen takes great care to minimize visible scarring wherever possible.

Is body contouring safe?

Like any surgical procedure, body contouring carries risks, but when performed by a skilled, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Allen, complications are rare. Proper preoperative assessment significantly enhances safety.

Can I combine different body contouring procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine procedures to achieve comprehensive results.

References

  1. Almutairi K, Gusenoff JA, Rubin JP. Body Contouring. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016;137(3):586e602e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000002140
  2. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024