The warm summer sunshine might seem far away right now, but the truth is, planning out your plastic surgery timeline now can help you get the smooth, sleek body contouring results you want just in time to hit the beach next summer. To help you pick the perfect time for your plastic surgery, here is some helpful information about the general timeline for some of the most popular body contouring procedures.
Tummy Tuck: 3 to 6 Months
Loose skin or muscle tissue in the belly area is one of the biggest sources of self-consciousness when wearing a swimsuit or other revealing summer clothing. If this is a cosmetic concern for you, the cooler winter months could be the perfect time to schedule your tummy tuck so you can get the most out of next bikini season.
While you should see gradual improvements in the way your clothes fit and your body looks and feels, it could take several months before you see your full tummy tuck results. Keep in mind that some swelling can stick around for 3 to 6 months, so it’s best to plan your tummy tuck at least this far in advance if you want to see results by summer.
Liposuction: 3 to 6 Months
The C.L.A.S.S.® tummy tuck technique offers more rapid healing than a traditional tummy tuck, and with fewer risks of complications.
Maybe you’re more concerned with an area or two of stubborn, exercise-resistant fat, such as love handles, a belly pooch or bra rolls. If so, liposuction might make the most sense for you.
Like abdominoplasty, liposuction will cause some swelling and bruising immediately following your procedure. Generally speaking, swelling from liposuction tends to last around three to six months, but it could longer. So, you’ll want to take this into account when figuring out your plastic surgery timeline.
Alternatively, if both sagging skin and pockets of excess fat are bothering you, you could be a good candidate for a C.L.A.S.S.® tummy tuck. This procedure combines a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction for more comprehensive results and a single recovery period.
Mommy Makeover: 6 Months
As its name suggests, a mommy makeover is a common plastic surgery procedure that many women choose to have after they’ve finished having kids. The biggest benefit of mommy makeovers is that they can be completely customized to suit your individual needs. For instance, if you want to address loose abdominal muscle tissue, plus stubborn fat, plus sagging breasts, you can combine three procedures into one.
Because mommy makeovers are so customizable, your exact recovery time will vary based on which procedures you choose to include. However, most women can expect to see final results from their mommy makeover around the six-month mark.
Nonsurgical Body Contouring: 8 to 10 Weeks
There are now several different nonsurgical body contouring options to help you reach your goals without invasive surgery and in a shorter amount of time. One such option is VelaShape™ III, a handheld device that emits a combination of infrared and radiofrequency waves to dissolve targeted fat cells, while also smoothing the texture of your skin.
One of the many benefits of VelaShape is that it can be performed either in multiple shorter sessions or one longer session. Most women and men see their final results within 8 to 10 weeks after their final treatment.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
