We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beauty

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Body Contouring Surgery?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,525
Share

Body contouring surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is done to remove loose skin and fat on various parts of the body. This type of cosmetic surgery is generally performed on people who have lost a significant amount of weight, which may have left them with sagging skin and body tissue as a result of the body’s loss of elasticity after significant weight gain. The surgery is commonly performed on the abdominal area, upper arms, buttocks, breasts, and thighs. Although the surgery may help restore a smoother and firmer appearance to the body, there may also be certain risks and drawbacks.

Supporters of body contouring surgery often promote an improved appearance as one of the main benefits of the procedure. If a previously obese person loses a significant amount of weight and is no longer considered to be unhealthily overweight, the remaining stretched-out skin may still give the appearance of the person being overweight. Plastic surgeons may recommend the surgery as the last step in the weight loss process because it can make the body look tighter and give it the cosmetic appearance that comes with being at a normal weight. The loose skin may also make it difficult for a person to comfortably fit into clothing.

Another possible benefit that some feel that body contouring surgery may provide is increased self-esteem. After working to lose massive amounts of weight, a person may potentially feel disheartened if he or she still has loose, hanging skin rather than the toned appearance he or she had hoped could be attained with diet and exercise. Plastic surgeons may also promote the surgery as a means for the patient to remain committed to maintaining the weight loss because once the excess skin is removed, the patient may continue to be motivated to eat healthily and exercise to keep up the firm appearance.

One possible drawback to body contouring surgery is the potential for complications during and after the procedure. Even though the procedure is cosmetic, it is still an invasive surgery and carries the same risks, such as heart complications or excessive bleeding, as non-elective surgeries. Since the procedure is quite invasive, there is also the risk of infection if the wounds are not properly care for afterwards.

Other potentially negative features of body contouring surgery may include the cosmetic and financial aspects. The surgery may reduce sagging skin and give a firmer appearance, but since it requires incisions, it can leave permanent scarring that some patients may be unhappy with. To counteract this, many plastic surgeons may try to make the incisions in areas that can be hidden more easily with clothing, but it may not always be possible. Therefore, patients may be advised to weigh the benefits of reduced loose skin with the negative aspect of permanent, extensive scarring. Additionally, since the procedure and any complications stemming from it are typically considered elective by health insurance companies and the costs are not usually covered, so patients may be responsible for coming up with the financing completely on their own.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-body-contouring-surgery.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.