Body contouring is the name given to a set of surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and stubborn deposits of fat while improving the shape and proportions of the body. Body contouring is most commonly performed after dramatic weight loss due to surgery or changes in lifestyle.
The procedures involved in body contouring are highly individualized according to each patient’s aesthetic goals, and may include a facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck, brachioplasty (arm lift), thighplasty (thigh lift), or others.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BODY CONTOURING?
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and deposits of fat gathered in specific parts of the body become more difficult to reduce or eliminate. If surgery or a lifestyle change has led to major weight loss and you find that some areas of the body sag or you have noticeable excess skin, body contouring may be an ideal solution.
Candidates should be in generally good physical health, non-smokers, and without any medical conditions that may affect the healing process. You should also reach your weight-loss goals before undergoing body contouring. If you believe that body contouring may be for you, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR CONSULTATION
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we understand that each patient’s aesthetic goals are unique. Dramatic weight loss can lead to a healthy increase in self-esteem and confidence, but excess and sagging skin can be a hindrance to your self-image.
When you schedule a consultation with our practice, you will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. You and your plastic surgeon will review your medical history to ensure that you are a good candidate for body contouring, and your surgeon will suggest treatment options that are right for your body type and goals. We will never perform any procedure unless we are certain that it is the best course of treatment for you.
HOW BODY CONTOURING IS PERFORMED
To begin, a general anesthetic is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. The process itself varies according to the individual needs of the patient. Incision sites for body contouring are usually larger than most plastic surgery procedures due to the removal of excess skin; however, your plastic surgeon will place the incisions as strategically as possible and attempt to conceal them within natural folds and contours of the body.
Body contouring is usually performed in stages. Your plastic surgeon will outline each stage and discuss the particular process for each individual procedure during your consultation. The procedures typically involved in body contouring may include:
The details and process for each of these procedures can be read by clicking the link above.
RECOVERY AFTER BODY CONTOURING
The recovery period is different for each of the procedures that may be involved in body contouring. Most of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so patients will usually be able to return home the day of surgery. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medications and give specific instructions for post-surgical care. It is very important to follow all of these instructions to mitigate any potential risks that are associated with any of the procedures involved in body contouring.
Each subsequent stage of body contouring can be performed after the previous stage has fully healed. Results of each procedure are usually apparent right after surgery, but the full aesthetic results may not be visible until swelling and bruising subsides, which may take six to eight weeks.
POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH BODY CONTOURING
Any surgical procedure involves some potential risks; in general, the risks of the procedures involved in body contouring may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma (blood clot)
- Changes in skin sensation
- Skin discoloration
- Scarring
At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we take every precaution to avoid potential complications by employing the safest and most innovative techniques. You can further reduce the potential for risk by carefully following all instructions from your plastic surgeon, both before and after a procedure.
WHAT DOES BODY CONTOURING COST?
Due to the highly individualized process of body contouring, the associated cost varies too widely to be able to give an average. The cost may further be affected by your location, your plastic surgeon, and the surgical center at which the procedure is performed. Be sure to speak to your plastic surgeon during your consultation about the cost of body contouring, including any payment options that may be available. Medical insurance rarely covers the cost for body contouring, since it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are bothered by sagging or excess skin after major weight loss, body contouring may be right for you. If you would like to know more about the procedure, or if you have questions about body contouring, schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago. We will be happy to speak with you and perform an evaluation to see if body contouring is the best fit for you and your aesthetic goals.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
PATIENT REVIEWS
For a long time I disliked my large crooked schnoz due to a sports injury and middle eastern genetics. However, I long hesitated due to the cost and my worry that it wouldn't turn out right. Fortunately I met Dr. Patel, who is very highly recommended by a number of referring physicians I'd spoken with. Dr. Patel put me completely at ease with his excellent bedside manner and expertise. I decided to take the plunge before my 40th birthday and go through with it, and I am so glad I did. He did a beautiful job! No complications and an overall wonderful experience. The improvement has been dramatic - a cute perfect nose. My husband and friends comment that I could model now! I will be returning for a tummy tuck for my post-mommy muffin top.
I had a great experience with Dr.Patel. I met with several doctors prior to meeting Dr.Patel and instantly felt that he was the right choice for both my Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty. He has a great attitude and focuses on improving the traits we already have, rather than making major and unnecessary changes.
I had been thinking about getting a breast augmentation for years and finally decided it was time. I am ecstatic with the result and would recommend it to anyone searching for larger and fuller breasts. Dr. Patel was recommended to me by a friend and I am very happy that I chose him as my surgeon.
Dr. Patel is an excellent doctor - even though he is a younger doctor he treats his patients like doctors used to. Very caring and concerned about the well being of his patients. He would check up on me regularly after surgery and I am very thankful for his work. It's been 4 months since my rhinoplasty and I look like a better version of myself, not a completely different person. I am very thankful for his work and would recommend him highly to anyone searching for a down to earth and caring doc.
I had liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, and back. My waist line a 32 and now it is a 28 3 months post op. I love the new contour of my body that I have always been dreaming of. Dr. Patel is fantastic. He explained the procedure in detail and what I should expect. There were no surprises and my recovery was smooth. 10 stars if I could.
What a fabulous boutique plastic surgery office in downtown Chicago. Love Dr. Patel and staff.
Dr. Patel and staff were more than amazing. I had a cosmetic procedure 6 months ago and I can't say enough about how wonderful my whole experience was with this office. I look and feel natural, which was my goal from the very start and why I chose Dr. Patel. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
My visit with Dr. Patel was my first breast augmentation consultation. I was nervous but I did my due diligence researching the best plastic surgeons in Chicago. Dr. Patel blew me away with his down to earth demeanor and bed side manner. He was very informative and explained to me what would best fit what I was hoping for. After my consultation, I was at ease with the whole process and the plan. There aren’t words to express how grateful and happy I am with your expertise, attention to detail, and perfection. You helped me choose the right size for my body. I am elated with my new body and improved self image. Thank you so much for being so kind and available for me after the surgery.
Perfection. I had an excellent experience with Dr. Patel. Dr. Patel is a warm and personable doctor. He is meticulous with his techniques and very patient. I feel like I asked a million questions but he was patient with me and answered all of them. Amazing results. I highly recommend!!
I have a demanding schedule and the Dr. and Staff scheduled me in and did a great job. Above and beyond my expectations. Would highly recommend.
Dr. Patel is amazing!! I was hesitant to get plastic surgery, but he put me at ease and I couldn't be happier with the procedure I had. He obviously has tons of experience and knew exactly how to help me. I'll definitely go back, and have recommended him to all my friends. Plus, his office is beautiful!!
Dr. Patel is extremely professional and highly skilled. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Patel to anyone considering plastic surgery. Dr. Patel listens to what your personal goals are and then talks through realistic expectations. Additionally, Dr. Patel's office and location reflects his professionalism towards excellence. If you are considering plastic surgery, I recommend that you contact Dr. Patel!
Top notch place! I had fillers placed in my lips and I love the results. Not overdone, just perfect. If you are looking for natural results, this is the plastic surgeon to go to in Chicago.
Dr. Patel and staff were awesome. He knows the best treatments for each person whatever the age and ethnicity. He is very meticulous and professional. I didn't have to wait to be seen and the office runs smoothly. He took the time to explain the different procedures that would help me the most. The receptionist is very kind and informative and the office is beautiful. 5 stars all around. I have sent my friends to Dr. Patel and will definitely return in the future.
Amazing Amazing experience. I had fillers in my nose for a non surgical rhinoplasty and my nose looks like I had a surgery. My results look perfect. I don't have a bump on my nose and my tip is not droopy anymore. Dr. Patel took his time and explained the entire procedure. He periodically showed me the results to put me at ease. Also I hate needles and the procedure was painless. I have a beautiful nose without having had surgery. Extremely happy!!
Dr. Patel is an amazing and talented Plastic Surgeon with alot of experience. I met with over 8 different Surgeons and after meeting Dr. Patel I knew he was the right fit for my procedure and I couldnt be happier!
Extremely happy with my results. Dr Patel was very informative and took his time explaining everything in detail.
If you're looking for someone who knows how to inject, definitely see Dr. Patel. He's professional, very knowledgabel and the office is super clean and sleek. Unlike most places in Chicago, he doesn't dilute his botox and mine always last up to 5 months. I've been to so many places in Chicago and my services with Dr. Patel always stands above the rest.
Absolutely gorgeous office, warm and friendly administrator at the front desk, and he was so patient as I asked questions. Injections didn’t hurt and I was in and out in less than 20 minutes. Will absolutely be back.
Excellent dr. Loved the individual attention. Beyond my expectations. Would highly recommend.
I had a rhinoplasty by Dr. Patel a few years ago and recently found out he moved and opened up his new practice. I just want to let people out there know that he is an amazing doctor and is committed to his patient's well being. My nose looks amazing and continues to look amazing after 3 years from surgery. The surgery changed my life and improved my confidence beyond my wildest dreams. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for plastic surgery in Chicago or a plastic surgeon who is excellent with noses.
Dr. Patel was fantastic! He was very professional and took time to listen to my questions and explain everything to me during my appointment. His office is very clean and Samantha was a sweetheart. I strongly recommend Dr. Patel for any procedure you need. He is a perfectionist and the outcomes could not have been better. He is the only one I will go to.
I had 2 botched nose jobs in the past where my nose was collapsed and I couldn’t breath. My nose looked so deformed that I didn’t want to leave my house. I had numerous consultations but wanted to find a dr who had experience with cases like mine. My primary dr referred me to Dr. Patel and after my consultation I knew he was the right person to fix my nose. He explained the procedure so that I could understand and told me about how he had to use my rib to fix my nose. I was terrified but fast forward 1 year and my nose is straight and has never looked this good. Most importantly I can breath. The surgery has changed my life for the better. I highly recommend this dr for any surgery of the face.
Love this doctor and place. Had my lips plumped up and couldn't be happier.
Best plastic surgeon in Chicago. He notices things that most don't and offers a reasonable way to fix them! I had a facial procedure and a tummy tuck. Best decisions I made. I feel like a new me.
I had a great experience with Dr. Patel and his staff. His office is beautiful, the staff are professional, and the service top notch. 5+ stars. I will be going back for my maintenance botox and fillers.
I love my new breasts! Next up, my botox and facial fillers!
I have been going here for the past few months for touch ups here and there. This place is about excellence and taking the best care of their patients. I always feel like I am getting the best care from my phone call to schedule an appointment, to my consultation and all the way through to checking out. Dr. Patel is an amazing doctor who truly cares about his patients.
Before finding the right plastic surgeon for me I had about 5 consultations with surgeons in Chicago and elsewhere. I met Dr. Patel and had a great feeling that I would be in good hands. The consultation and our conversation just felt natural and I knew he was the right doctor for me. It was an added bonus that he is a perfectionist, everything you want in a plastic surgeon. I had a face and breast cosmetic procedure and my results are amazing. All the small details we discussed were addressed. He did an unbelievable job and I am so grateful. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an honest and talented plastic surgeon.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. In this day an age with medicine becoming so indifferent, callous, and corporate; this practice is a refreshing reminder of how things used to be and should be. I was referred to Dr. Patel by another doctor and I can't thank them enough for the referral. There are so many options out there and there is no way to know who is good and who isn't. My consultation went very well, Dr. Patel addressed all my concerns and gave me his recommendation based on his expertise and my interests. After surgery, the office staff called me to check up on me. I felt like a had a team of people supporting me through my recovery. My results look amazing and I recovered quicker than I imagined. I recommend this practice to anyone looking for a top plastic surgeon in Chicago.
BEST CARE TEAM
