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Body Contouring: At‑a‑Glance

  • Goals: Remove stubborn fat, tighten skin, repair abdominal muscles, and refine proportions.
  • Options: Surgical (lipo 360, tummy tuck, lifts, BBL) and non‑surgical (Morpheus8 Body, BodyTite/FaceTite, RF tightening).
  • Ideal candidates: Healthy, stable weight, non‑smokers (or willing to stop), with realistic goals.
  • Downtime: Liposuction ~3–7 days for desk work; tummy tuck/lifts ~2–3 weeks; exercise 4–6+ weeks with clearance.
  • Results: Continue refining for 3–6 months; scars mature 12–18 months with guided care.

Who is a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?

Dr. Arroyo explains who would be a good candidate for body contouring. There are several techniques that sculpt the body by removing fat, tightening skin, removing excess skin, or repairing stretched muscles.

Who's a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?
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What Body Contouring Can Address

  • Localized fat resistant to diet/exercise (abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, arms, neck)
  • Loose or redundant skin after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Diastasis recti (stretched abdominal muscles)
  • Imbalanced proportions (waist‑to‑hip ratio, hip dips, buttock projection)

Body Contouring Treatment Options at Arroyo Plastic Surgery

Surgical Options

Non‑Surgical Options(when appropriate)

Note: Non‑surgical devices enhance but do not replace surgery for significant skin excess.

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Am I a Candidate For Body Contouring?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are at (or near) a stable weight and in good general health;
  • Have localized fat, loose skin, or diastasis recti;
  • Can pause nicotine and certain medications as directed;
  • Have realistic expectations and a plan for recovery support at home.

Plus‑size & post‑weight‑loss patients may qualify; we’ll discuss staged plans to optimize safety and scar placement.

Book an Appointment

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Your Body Contouring Consultation & Planning

  • Goal setting: Prioritize areas (waistline, abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks).
  • Exam & mapping: Assess skin quality, fat distribution, and muscle separation in 360°.
  • Visualization: Review before/after examples and discuss likely incision placement.
  • Plan: Single‑stage vs staged approach, garment needs, time‑off, childcare, and travel if out-of-town

Body Contouring Procedure

  • Marking & anesthesia: Detailed markings; anesthesia plan tailored to your health and case.
  • Liposuction/excision: As indicated, strategic fat removal and skin tightening/lift procedures.
  • Muscle repair: When performing a tummy tuck, repair diastasis recti and refine the waistline.
  • Fat transfer (optional): Use purified fat to enhance buttocks/hips or restore volume.
  • Closure & supports: Layered suturing, drains when indicated, and compression garments/bras.
  • Time in OR: Varies by combination; staging may be recommended to improve safety and recovery.
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What is Body Contouring Recovery Like?

  • Liposuction‑only: return to desk work in ~3–7 days; compression 4–6 weeks.
  • Tummy tuck / lifts: plan 2–3 weeks off work; avoid heavy lifting for 4–6+ weeks.
  • BBL add‑on: avoid direct sitting on grafts for ~2–3 weeks; use off‑loading cushion.
  • Scar care & comfort: personalized pain regimen, drain care (if used), garment schedule, silicone therapy/sun protection, and lymphatic massage when appropriate.

Body Contouring Risks & Safety

All procedures carry risks (bleeding, infection, seroma, contour irregularity, DVT/PE, sensation/scar changes). We mitigate risk through careful screening, VTE protocols, meticulous technique, and close follow‑up. Your consultation covers your personalized risk profile and reduction plan.

Body Contouring Cost & Financing

Pricing depends on your combination of procedures, OR time, and facility/anesthesia fees. You’ll receive an itemized estimate at your consultation.

Pay over time: Cherry (0% APR options for qualified), CareCredit, PatientFi, United Medical Credit, and Alphaeon Credit (Practice ID #22231). Our coordinators will help you compare plans. See our Financing page for more information.

Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Body Contouring? 

  • Board‑certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in aesthetic and reconstructive body procedures.
  • Safety‑first approach: VTE risk stratification, multimodal pain control, and enhanced‑recovery protocols.
  • Anesthesia advantage: TIVA (when appropriate) for a smoother wake‑up and fewer side effects than traditional general anesthesia.
  • Natural, balanced results: liposuction artistry focused on waist‑to‑hip proportion, diastasis repair when needed, and precise fat‑transfer shaping.
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Body Contouring FAQs

What is the primary goal of body contouring?

What types of body contouring procedures are available?

Can body contouring help after significant weight loss?

What should I expect during a body contouring consultation?

Is body contouring painful?

How long do body contouring procedures take?

Are the results of body contouring permanent?

Will there be visible scars after body contouring?

What is the primary goal of body contouring?

The main objective of body contouring is to reshape and sculpt your body by removing excess fat, tightening skin, and enhancing overall body proportions. This helps achieve a more toned and attractive physique.

What types of body contouring procedures are available?

Body contouring encompasses various procedures, including liposuction, tummy tucks, mini tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts, Sculptra injections, fat transfer, and mommy makeovers. Each procedure targets specific areas and concerns.

Can body contouring help after significant weight loss?

Yes, many people pursue body contouring following significant weight loss to eliminate excess skin and enhance their body shape. It helps achieve a smoother, more toned appearance and can enhance your weight loss results.

What should I expect during a body contouring consultation?

During your consultation, Dr. Arroyo will discuss your goals, evaluate your medical history, examine the areas of concern, and recommend the best body contouring procedures to achieve your desired outcomes.

Is body contouring painful?

Body contouring procedures are performed under anesthesia so that you won't feel pain during the surgery. Post-operative discomfort varies by procedure and individual but is typically managed with prescribed pain medication.

How long do body contouring procedures take?

The duration of body contouring procedures depends on the specific treatments and the extent of the areas being addressed. Procedures can range from one to several hours. Dr. Arroyo will provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

Are the results of body contouring permanent?

Body contouring results can be long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. However, natural aging and significant weight fluctuations can affect the longevity of the results.

Will there be visible scars after body contouring?

Scarring varies depending on the procedure. Dr. Arroyo uses advanced techniques to minimize scarring and place incisions in discreet locations. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.

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