Myths and Facts about Body Contouring

The banana diet. The two-hour aerobics class. The raw milk fast. The magic detox suit. Weight loss techniques number as the stars. But one shines brighter than the others: body contouring.

What is body contouring exactly?

Body contouring is usually defined as any procedure intended to reshape, redefine, tighten, and tone the body that alters the shape of a particular part of the body. Some of the procedures are minimally invasive, while others require surgery.

You’ll often see the term “lift” associated with many body contouring procedures. Breast lift, face-lift, arm lift, etc. These are very common types of contouring, but there are many others, including liposuction, fat transfer and more. And some of the procedures, like liposuction, offer different ways to remove fat and return firmness to specific areas of the body. Liposuction is perhaps the most well-known—and invasive—body contouring procedure. Liposuction can certainly change your body’s shape, but its results can vary widely.

Let’s get into some of the common myths and facts surrounding body contouring.

Fact #1 : Body contouring procedures are as popular as ever
In 2017, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks were all in the top five most performed procedures.

These body contouring procedures and others have been around for several years. People looking to change their body to better fit their image of themselves seek out these procedures for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s simply to change their appearance. Other people need changes for medical conditions and as a result of previous medical procedures. And some are more emotion-based.

Fact #2: Radio frequency procedures show amazing results
A team reviewed 55 articles covering 3,649 patients, and the results showed that body contouring with radio frequency procedures were showing some of the best results in the field.

The procedure is pretty neat. Heat is produced by the radio frequency. A negative pressure is created and allows for the removal device to reach and remove fat in many areas of the body.

It’s a minimally invasive procedure with great results.

Fact #3: Body contouring is associated with long-term weight loss
It’s common for some people to undergo massive weight loss, some with procedures and others via surgery. These patients often require body contouring procedures.

Researchers reviewed multiple studies and found body contouring efforts to be effective in helping patients to maintain a normal body mass index and quality of life.

Body contouring works great for helping with large weight loss, but it can also work superbly in many other instances.

The world of body contouring is complex indeed.

Myth #1 — Liposuction is Good for Weight Loss
If you have a lot of weight to lose, you are most likely not a good candidate for liposuction. Instead, you should attempt to lose weight through diet and exercise before considering a liposuction procedure.

Ideal liposuction patients are near their target weight and want to use the procedure to target isolated areas. You can use liposuction to target many areas of the body, and you may also get a tummy tuck in conjunction with your liposuction procedure if you have excess skin or weakened abdominal muscles.

Myth #2 — Body Contouring Doesn’t Produce Lasting Results
How long your body contouring results last will largely depend on your lifestyle. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly, you may able to preserve your results for quite a while. Your age, skin elasticity, and type of procedure will also impact how your results evolve over time.

Myth #3 — Body Contouring Prevents Weight Gain
A procedure such as liposuction results in a permanent removal of some fat cells, but the remaining cells can grow if you gain a substantial amount of weight. This is another reason to be near your target weight before getting a body contouring procedure.

Body contouring cannot make up for poor lifestyle choices, but it can help you with those stubborn areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Once you have built a foundation of good lifestyle choices and achieved your target weight, body contouring can be an excellent option for putting the finishing touches on your desired body shape.

Myth #4: Body contouring only affects external appearance
A team reviewed a number of medical papers regarding body contouring for bariatric surgery patients. The team found that body contouring likely improved overall quality of life including social and psychological functioning, sexual functioning, self-esteem and more.

Obviously a main reason for interest in body contouring is outward appearance, but the benefits run much deeper. Patients feel better about themselves, and their overall quality of life improves. If you’ve been considering body contouring, take into account the possible changes that may occur to your overall quality of life.

Myth #5: Body sculpting procedures haven’t changed much
New advances keep arriving in the world of body sculpting. Many of the existing procedures have been safe and FDA-approved, but researchers and doctors continue to search for innovations.

One team recently reviewed the effectiveness of using laser face-lift procedures versus more traditional methods. The findings show that both procedures were effective, but the laser treatments are proving to be more effective and with even fewer complications.

Laser face-lift, laser neck lift and other procedures are just a couple of the innovations in body sculpting. Sure, some of the tried and true methods remain common and effective, but the best doctors are always looking for ways to improve.

Myth #6: Body Contouring will banish cellulite FOREVER!
Not true, unfortunately. Cellulite is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissues just under the skin. It’s impossible to use liposuction to remove this layer of fat and tissue. In some cases, liposuction may even accentuate the appearance of cellulite. But don’t get discouraged. It’s true that cellulite cannot be cured, but its appearance can be reduced.

Myth #7: Body Contouring hurts.
Not always. While some traditional body contouring procedures, like liposuction, are invasive and painful, there are plenty of non-invasive body contouring treatments available on the market.If you’re concerned about pain, don’t fret: body contouring offers something for everyone.

Myth #8: Body Contouring breaks the bank.
Not necessarily. Because there are so many different types of body contouring procedures, costs vary widely. However, you can find affordable non-invasive body contouring procedures, such as Elysyle Contouring Pants, for under $200. Ultimately, though, treatment costs will depend on the size of the area being treated, the number of sessions needed, and the type of results you are looking for.

Myth #9: Body Contouring poses too many risks.
Not so! Risks and complications resulting from body contouring depend entirely on the procedure itself. While invasive procedures such as liposuction have increased risks of complications, non-invasive body contouring garments such as Elysyle Contouring Pants have minimal risks involved. The most common risks and complications include infection, scarring, asymmetry, bleeding, swelling and changes in skin sensation. Talk to your doctor about your medical history before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

Now you have got the lowdown on body contouring. Make sure your decision to body contour is informed and you won’t regret it. But do keep in mind that though body contouring is not a miracle weight loss cure, it can help to redefine and reshape your body. That being said, it is imperative that you follow a healthy exercise and diet regime to maintain your results.

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