Tuck and Tone with Body Contouring

Dr. Mark Mathieson is a board-certified plastic surgeon who leads the team at Sterling Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. Mathieson uses his extensive medical and surgical skills to provide the best care available for transformational procedures such as body contouring.

Why would I consider body contouring?

It’s important to note that body contouring is not used for weight loss. Only diet and exercise can make that happen. Body contouring can, however, improve your appearance and lift your self-esteem following dramatic weight loss. 

Achieving a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your emotional and physical self. Unfortunately, losing all those excess pounds can have some unwanted side effects, namely, lots of excess skin and a less-than-toned shape. 

During a body contouring procedure, Dr. Mathieson can remove sagging skin and improve your body shape by reinforcing underlying supportive tissue where necessary. Once your surgical sites have healed, you’re left with that toned and contoured body you worked so hard to achieve.  

Liposuction, used to remove fat from targeted areas, may be an effective solution for individuals who have pockets of fat on their hips, thighs, and abdomen that have stubbornly defied your best exercise and dietary efforts.      

You may also consider body contouring once you’ve had your last child and are ready to return to, or improve upon, your pre-baby shape. 

What procedures are included in body contouring?

Depending on your needs, surgical body contouring may involve one or several regions and can include:

• Arm lift for sagging in the upper arms
• Breast lift to help correct sagging and flattened breasts
• Fat grafting to enhance the shape of your breasts and buttocks
• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten underlying muscles
• Medial (inner) thigh lift

For those who have had a significant weight loss, Dr. Mathieson may suggest a full body lift. This procedure includes skin removal and contouring of the entire trunk, including your abdomen, back, and lateral (outer) thighs. 

What can I expect before, during, and after a body contouring procedure?

Before suggesting body contouring, Dr. Mathieson completes a physical exam and careful review of your medical history. He also takes time to listen to your expectations regarding the procedure and bases his surgical recommendations on the results of your exam and discussion.

Specific details regarding your surgery depend on the procedure you’re undergoing. Dr. Mathieson explains these thoroughly before scheduling your surgery. This discussion includes postsurgical care and other information regarding the healing phase of your recovery, which can take several weeks. 

Body contouring surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay. Once you’re discharged home, you may be asked to refrain from strenuous activity or lifting for several days to weeks while your suture sites heal. 

For more information about body contouring or any of the other services we offer at Sterling Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.