For patients in search of the ideal body contour — or those seeking to restore a fit and youthful profile — Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Craft offers a wide array of proven solutions. The choices range from liposuction to newer non-invasive techniques such as CoolSculpting and SculpSure.

In choosing which approach is right for you, there are many variables to consider, including muscle integrity, locations of fat pockets, and your own expectations. Here, Dr. Craft describes the benefits of each popular option.

Liposuction

Liposuction is perfect for those areas of the body that seem immune to lifestyle changes, such as excess fat in the hips and thighs that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a remedy for obesity, however. Some types of fat cannot be eliminated by liposuction. In many obese individuals, the abdominal fat that produces the unwanted overhanging belly profile surrounds internal organs and cannot be safely removed.

Tummy Tuck

Adominoplasty targets the loose skin that remains after substantial weight loss. Depending on your skin’s elasticity, it may be unable to shrink sufficiently to fit snugly over your smaller abdomen. Tummy tuck also tightens abdominal muscles that may have weakened or separated during pregnancy.

Lower Body Lift

Known as a belt lipectomy, this procedure tightens and reshapes the hips, abdomen, back of the thighs, outer thighs, inner thighs and buttocks. It is a combination procedure that can be performed in a single operation.

Thigh Lift

Thighplasty sculpts the thighs by removing excess skin and sometimes pockets of fat, producing a more appealing shape for the upper leg.

Arm Lifts

Arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess hanging skin from the underarm and reshapes the under part of the upper arm, from the armpit area to the elbow, allowing you to wear short sleeve fashions once again.

Breast Lift

As women age or lose large amounts of weight, the breasts can sag and appear flatter. Breast lift is a way to restore a youthful, perkier shape.

Non-Surgical Choices

When it comes to removing stubborn pockets of fat, there are several effective non-invasive alternatives: SculpSure uses laser-generated heat to disrupt fat cells. CoolSculpting relies on the opposite end of the temperature spectrum, freezing cells in the flabby “pinchable” areas of body fat. These crystallized cells are then absorbed by the body over a period of weeks or months.

If you would like more information about body contouring options, schedule a personal consultation with experienced Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Craft today.