Why body-contouring surgery is a must after major weight loss

Losing significant amount of weight is an accomplishment of a lifetime. However, major weight loss will result to physical changes which may require cosmetic surgery procedure like body-contouring. Here are some of the reasons why you should undergo body-contouring after shedding off significant weight:

Reflect new look

The skin is usually elastic. But when it is stretched for long periods due to weight gain, it doesn't return to its original condition. The results are sagging and loose upper arms, breasts, buttocks, thighs , groin and abdomen.

Body-contouring is aimed at eliminating these issues by removing excess skin. After the procedure, the body will have smoother contour and overall improved tone and proportion, which is more in line with the current condition of the patient.

Avoid skin infection

Prolonged skin to skin contact  can result to rashes and other skin conditions. If not treated well, these skin conditions can develop into full-blown infection. Body-contouring helps those who have lost major weight avoid this problem. By removing excess skin around key areas like upper arms, abdomen and thighs, prolonged skin to skin contact is eliminated.

Longer weight control

Lastly, body-contouring is essential in helping patients maintain their new weight. In a recent study by researchers in Switzerland, it was discovered that patients who went through body-contouring after major weight loss experienced improved quality of life and gained only an average of 14 pounds. On the other hand, those who haven't went through the procedure gained an average of 50 pounds.   

6 Things You Need to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Thinking about getting a nip or a tuck? Do you want to augment or trim down some parts of your body? If so, don’t forget to ask these 6 important questions before going under a knife:

1.       Ask for certifications

Before even thinking about having plastic surgery, it is imperative that one has done research. Part of the research should include finding surgeons who are certified and licensed to provide such extensive procedures. It is always best to have a talk with your chosen surgeon and ask about his or her qualifications.

2.       Years of experience

Another important point to consider is the number of years your surgeon has practiced cosmetic surgery. Experience is a great deal if you want to come out the way you envisioned yourself to look like. Also, you may inquire about the surgeon’s experience specifically, to the procedure you will be undergoing.

3.       Risks and Side effects of the procedure

This is probably one of the most important questions to ask. Any client should be well informed about the possible complications of any surgery. The severity and type of side effects vary from each procedure, but the common ones are:

─        Mild to severe asymmetry 

─        Tingling or loss of sensation

─        Infection

─        Skin irregularities

─        Fluid build up

─        Bleeding

─        Blood clots

4.       Type of anesthesia

Knowing the specific type whether general, IV sedation or local is important to prepare yourself of the possible risks. For major surgeries, clients usually go under general anesthesia which poses greater risks compared to the other types.

5.       Alternative in case of dissatisfaction

You should have a plan B with your surgeon in case things don’t go the way they were planned. Since all surgeries have risks, there should be a compromise between both parties when such instances might arise.

6.       Evidence of practice

6 Tips on How to Search for a Cosmetic Surgeon

Are you on the process of looking a cosmetic surgeon but you think that it’s difficult to find for the right one? Here are 6 tips to help you in your hunt for the best cosmetic surgeon:

 

1.       Check with the board

The board or registry for medical professional has a list of surgeons as well as their qualifications and specializations. You can start your quest from here.

 

2.       Avoid advertisements

Not all good doctors have good PR people behind them, therefore, one should never assume that cosmetic surgeons who are constantly featured in magazines are adept or experienced.

 

3.       Don’t stick to one

Never allow yourself to consult with only 1 surgeon. Find and interview as many as you can. It isn’t unusual for clients to have an appointment with more than 2-3 surgeons before they make their final decision.

 

4.       Check photo stocks for previous clients or procedures

Ask the surgeon to show you before and after shots of the procedures he has done. Most experienced surgeons have tons of photos ready whenever clients ask for it. Concentrate on photos that are similar to your procedure.

 

5.       Don’t make a decision based on online forums

Online accounts and comments are not a 100% legit. There is a great chance that these accounts were created fraudulently, therefore, it is best to avoid reading forums.

 

6.       Referrals

Don’t take referrals for granted. Your friends and families may have had undergone plastic surgery and they might be able to lead you to the right surgeon. It doesn’t mean though, that their surgeon of choice will be your final preference as well.

 

Cosmetic Surgery can Make you Happy

1,594,526 cosmetic surgical procedures were performed on about 14.6 million Americans last year. And about $11 billion were spent by Americans on breast augmentation, facelifts and botox alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Why are so many people willing to spend money and go under the knife? It’s due to one simple reason: cosmetic surgery can make you happy.

Yes, really. And that fact is backed by science.

The journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, for instance, has published a study in 2004 wherein researchers made a comprehensive examination of more than 30 published studies on cosmetic surgery involving about 3,300 patients. The review found out that majority of cosmetic surgery patients experienced better psychological health after going under the knife.

Another study, which was recently published in 2013 by professors in the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, found more concrete evidence that cosmetic surgery can make people happy. The study was a long-term research and involved 3 groups of more than 500 people. One group consisted of cosmetic surgery patients while the other two are composed of groups would-be patients who backed out prior to surgery and those who never considered undergoing cosmetic surgery. 12 months after their surgery, the first group were found to be more confident with their own selves and happier compared to the other groups.

And happiness can eventually translate to more success in life. So even if you’ll lose thousands on your bank account, it’s definitely worth the investment.