Body contouring and after weight loss surgeries refer to different procedures that pretty much achieve the same outcome. The medical terminologies surrounding these two medical procedures can be somewhat hazy. It therefore does not come as a surprise that so many people think these two procedures refer to the same thing. Despite the differences though, it is important to note that both procedures call for skilled professionals. It is also important to note that body contouring is not in any way a weight loss method but rather an option to help patients improve their body shape after gaining weight. Read on to learn more about what makes these procedures different.
Body Contouring
Body contouring is all about the shape of your body. It has nothing to do with size or weight. It stands out as one of the most recommended procedures for patients who have already lost some weight through diet, work out routines or bariatric surgery. It is also ideal for women who wish to address effects of aging or pregnancy. The procedure is further categorized into three main options.
- Tummy tuck – it is an invasive surgical procedure done to tighten stretched out muscles in the abdomen region. It is also done to remove excess skin from the belly area.
- Liposuction – it is also an invasive surgical procedure done to reduce isolated fat pockets. It can also be used to sculpt more aesthetically and desirable proportions on different parts of the body.
- Body lifting –it is mainly done on the arm lift, lower body lift and thigh lift areas so as to remove excess hanging skin. Just like tummy tuck and liposuction, body lifting is an invasive surgical procedure.
After Weight Loss Surgery
It is a form of invasive surgery designed to strengthen weaken tissues that crop up as a result of extensive or rapid weight loss. The surgery’s main aim not to help one lose weight but to have an improved appearance complete with smooth body contours.
Note that after weight loss surgery is in most cases, an aftermath of body contouring. Think of it as painting gloss on a wooden surface to give it a magnificent finish. That’s because while losing weight is a desirable thing, it usually comes along with unwanted effects like lose skin and undesirable body shape. After weight loss surgery steps in to fix all these unwanted effects.
Bariatric Surgery
It is hard to talk of body contouring and after weight loss surgery without mentioning a thing or two about bariatric surgery. These three terms are often mistaken to mean the same thing. Bariatric surgery is done to activate weight loss. Body contouring on the other hand is all about shaping your body as already explained. Bariatric surgery is also complex. It may involve bypass, gastric sleeve or lap band which are all aimed at restricting your caloric intake by shrinking the size of your stomach. It is in short, an effective way of losing weight. Another key difference here is the fact that body contouring and after weight loss surgeries have no effect on appetite while bariatric surgery has.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
