Consumer Guide to Body Contouring

Are you considering body contouring? The articles in this Consumer Guide provide information on numerous body-shaping and contouring options.

You'll read about implants, redistributing body fat, panniculectomy, abdominal etching, labiaplasty, spider vein treatment, cellulite treatments, overall body lift plastic surgery, and much more.

Body Fat Transfers

For a biocompatible and non-allergenic cosmetic procedure, fat transfers offer a natural way to touch up and round out the edges of small disproportionate body features.
Learn more about fat transfers.

Body Implants

Body implant treatment is a proven method of corrective plastic surgery. Today, a select few plastic surgeons are performing this procedure, which enhances muscular appearance and corrects imbalanced areas of the body.
Find out more about body implants.

Body Lift

Whether tightening up after massive weight loss, or addressing the normal effects of aging or childbearing, a body lift ("belt lipectomy" or "lower body lift") is an excellent way to contour the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
Find out more about body lifts.

Panniculectomy

Panniculectomy is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal region that generally reaches below the belly button, extending around to the back. This surgery does not tighten muscle, as in abdominoplasty, but may be performed after abdominoplasty.
Read more about panniculectomy.

Abdominal Etching

If you already have good abs, but they are hiding behind persistent excess fat and skin, then you may want to sculpt the area to bring out your hidden six-pack.
Learn more about sculpting your abs with abdominal etching.

Labiaplasty

Cosmetic plastic surgery of the labia majora and labia minora, also known as labiaplasty, provides physical and psychological benefits for women. This highly specialized plastic surgery requires extensive experience and expertise. The few surgeons who are qualified, approach this procedure as an art, using refined techniques to produce customized results for each individual.
Learn more about labiaplasty.

Spider Veins

Spider vein treatment, known as sclerotherapy, removes spider veins and associated symptoms permanently. Not to be confused with varicose veins, spider veins are excess veins that your body does not need. So why keep them?
Read about shedding spider veins.

Cellulite

Cellulite can result from hormonal changes, bringing physiological changes to the subcutaneous fat layer. Getting rid of cellulite has proven very difficult, with past treatments focusing on surface remedies. Cellulite patients come in all sizes. Find out more about cellulite and treatments to get rid of it.

[page updated May 2008]