If you're considering surgical body sculpting in the Bay Area ...

All body contouring procedures require incisions in order to remove excess skin. The size, length, and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and the region of the skin to be removed. For example, to remove sagging skin in the upper arms, an incision along the inside of the upper arm will be made. A complete lower body lift typically requires an incision around the entire circumference of the body (at the waistline) to remove that belt of excess skin. A breast lift typically requires an incision around the areola and another extending from the areola to the breast crease, then horizontally along the crease.

Advanced surgical techniques allow most incisions to be made where they are out of plain view—under swimsuits and other clothing. This is not the case with all incisions, however. At one of his San Francisco Bay Area locations, Dr. Mosser will explain in detail what you should expect well ahead of your body contouring surgery.

General anesthesia is most typically used for body sculpting surgery, though sedation and local anesthesia may also be used.

You will find swelling at the incision sites the day after your body contour surgery. This is normal. Some of these areas may be wrapped in elastic bandages to ease swelling and to help your skin support your new contours as you heal. Dr. Mosser may insert small tubes under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood. He will give you detailed instructions about how to care for the surgical site and drains. He will also help you with pain management through medication.

The body contouring surgery incision sites will typically take seven to fourteen days to heal, during which time sutures may be removed, if necessary. While every body contour surgery is different, patients are typically urged to do the following:

• begin light walking as soon as possible in order to avoid blood clots and other complications
• avoid bending or lifting for several days or weeks
• if tightening of the abdomen or thighs is involved, avoid standing fully upright, or otherwise straining sutures
• do not engage in heavy lifting or vigorous exercise, even after you’ve returned to normal activity
• avoid direct sunlight on incisions

You’ll see results from your body contouring surgery almost immediately. As swelling fades, the results will become more noticeable. However, it may take one—even two years—for visible scars to shrink and for the final results of your body contour surgery to become apparent. The results of the surgery are generally long lasting so long as you maintain your weight and general health.

Learn more about body contouring surgery basics.