Body Contouring (2024)

Body contouring includes many different procedures. We discuss your reasons for pursuing body contouring, your desired outcome, and your expected results. You may wish to see us before you have reached your weight loss goal so you can understand your optionsand be prepared to undergo a procedure once you have reached your weight loss goal.Sometimes procedures can be combined. We identify your problem areas and help you create a plan.

We conduct a thorough medical history, including your family history, general health status, previous operations, and any medications you may be taking.

We examine the areas of your body being considered for contouring proceduresand take photographs for your medical record.

We devise a surgical plan, which could include combining surgeries such as a lower body lift or upper body lift, depending on your needs.We discuss the potential risks and complicationsand your post-operation recovery.

Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, there are some instances when a body contouring procedure may be considered a medical necessity, which would be covered. We will review this during your exam.

This procedure removes the excess skin and tissue of the lower belly that can hang over the genitals and onto the thighs. It may be combined with a tummy tuck. The length of your incision is determined by how much skin must be removed. This procedure may be covered by insurance if the excess skin is causing a medical concern, including skin rashes. Medical documentation is required for insurance coverage.

Removes excess fatty tissue and skin, and tightens abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdomen. The incision is made across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A complete abdominoplasty requires repositioning your belly button. A partial or mini-abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat only from the lower abdomen but does not reposition your belly button.

Brachioplasty removes sagging, drooping skin from the underside of the upper arm. Excess skin and fat areremoved through an incision on the inside or back of your arm. This procedure may include liposuction to improve contours. Supportive tissue is tightened and reshaped, and the skin is smoothed over the new contour of your arm.

A thigh lift removesexcess skin and fat to reshape, tighten, and contour the inner or outerthigh. Acrescentic thigh lift removesskin from the upper inner thigh. Avertical medial thigh liftremovesexcess skin down the entire inner thigh. A lateral thigh lift, which removes skin and fatfrom the outer thigh, is combined with a buttock lift.

Excess skin and fat are removed, and the buttock is contoured to give it a smoother look. This procedure may be combined with an outer thigh lift or a buttock augmentation. In the latter, fat deposits may be implanted or added to the buttock area to improve its appearance.

Men who experience enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) may be candidates for male breast reduction surgery.

A breast lift can reshape breasts thatlose volume and shape with massive weight loss.Volume can be restoredusing your own body tissue with fat grafting. Shape can beaugmentedwith breast implants.

Liposuction is a procedure to remove excess fat deposits from the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and around the ankles. The fat deposits are removed through a hollow tube that is placed under the skin through a small incision.

Fat grafting may be combined with another procedure to enhance the cosmetic effect when too much fat is lost in certain areas. Liposuction is performed to remove fat from one part of the body -- usually your thighs, belly, or buttocks. The fat is transferred through injection to the breasts, buttocks, or face to fill out hollows, irregularities, or grooves.

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.