Body contouring is a set of procedures aimed at reshaping the body by removing fat, tightening skin, and addressing areas of concern. These procedures can range from non-invasive treatments to surgical interventions, depending on an individual's needs and physical condition.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, patients interested in body contouring begin with a comprehensive evaluation by a plastic surgeon who specializes in these procedures. The surgeon collaborates with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan based on available surgical options and individual goals.
Candidates for body contouring often include those who have experienced significant weight loss or post-pregnancy changes that result in excess skin and persistent fat deposits. Factors such as the amount of weight lost, age, and skin type influence whether the skin’s elasticity has been compromised. Excess skin after weight loss can affect daily life by making it difficult to find properly fitting clothing, causing rashes or infections where skin folds rub together, producing unpleasant odors due to trapped moisture, leading to discomfort such as pain or itching, limiting mobility due to heaviness, and impacting self-confidence.
Body contouring procedures can address excess skin on multiple areas including the face, neck, chest, back, abdomen, arms, and legs.
The evaluation process at Ohio State involves a thorough review of lifestyle and medical history along with a physical examination. Surgeons discuss potential surgical options and may request blood work or other diagnostic tests before recommending a course of action. Weight management is an important factor; candidates should have stable weight before undergoing surgery. For patients who have had bariatric surgery, it is recommended to wait until their weight has stabilized for at least six months—often 18 months after surgery—before proceeding with body contouring.
The timeline for body contouring varies based on the number and extent of procedures required. Surgeries are scheduled at one of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s facilities once candidates are deemed suitable.
Recovery from body contouring typically involves swelling and pain during the initial days following surgery. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity but should move around regularly to prevent blood clots. Full recovery usually takes six to eight weeks; however, some may return to sedentary work within one to three weeks depending on their procedure and recovery progress. Surgeons provide guidance on when normal activities can be resumed.
Risks associated with body contouring include infection, bleeding, scarring, fluid accumulation under tissues, asymmetry, numbness in the skin, wound separation and tissue loss. According to staff at Ohio State: “At Ohio State, we minimize risks and improve outcomes with proper patient selection based on the patient’s medical history and a thorough physical examination that’s necessary to address all areas of concern as safely as possible.”
Insurance coverage for these procedures may be available if excess skin causes functional problems or health issues like rashes or open wounds. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance providers about coverage criteria using CPT codes provided after consultation. If insurance does not cover the procedure or denies an appeal for review, patients can request a cosmetic fee quote from the patient coordinator.
The decision about whether to proceed with body contouring should involve weighing potential risks against benefits in consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon: “As with any operation, it’s a priority to evaluate the risks versus the benefits before deciding on the best course of treatment. And, importantly, a plastic surgeon who has experience in this type of procedure is highly recommended.”
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