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Body Contouring FAQ

• What is gender-focused body contouring?

• Gender-focused body contouring is a surgical procedure that will remove fat from certain areas on the body. Sometimes, that fat can also be transferred to other areas of the body, or it is removed completely. The fat is removed and transferred through liposuction. Other aspects of body contouring can include removal of excess skin. This can be beneficial for those who feel as though they have not been successful in changing their body shape using non-surgical methods. Please note that body contouring cannot change the size or location of the skeletal frame or muscles on the body.
  Gender-focused body contouring is the term GCC uses for this set of procedures that are specifically gender confirming,, as opposed to just “body contouring,” which can be performed for cosmetic purposes only.
  

• What is body masculinization?

• When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, many transmasculine people elect to have lower body liposuction to target stubborn fat stored in the hips, thighs, legs, and buttocks. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin suctioning tube to vacuum out localized pockets of fat.

• What is body feminization?

• When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, many transfeminine people consider trunk liposuction or a brazilian butt lift to be an important step in their physical transformation. Trunk liposuction is designed to target fat that accumulates around the waistline and above the hips. The result is a trimmer silhouette and more contoured body proportions. There are also surgical options to use your own body’s own natural fat reserves as a graft to the buttocks and hips to achieve natural looking body curves as well.

• What does gender-focused body contouring recovery look like?

• You are able to begin walking immediately after surgery – that same day and certainly the following day.  Within a few days however, you should be able to resume light activity. You can only lift 5 pounds until about three weeks after surgery, and can lift 20 pounds from three to six weeks after surgery.  Cardiovascular exercise can be started at three weeks after surgery.
  

• What are the major safety risks and complications of body contouring?

• Though liposuction is typically a safe and successful procedure, all surgeries carry a degree of risk and uncertainty.  Mild discomfort is common, as well as swelling, bruising and temporary numbness. Irregularities or uneven results are also possible. Serious complications associated with liposuction are rare.

  If you are worried about potential risks or have additional questions, Dr. Mosser would be happy to discuss them with you during a personal consultation.

• Can I get body contouring after my top surgery?

• Body contouring is an option at any point. In most cases, liposuction is a very straightforward procedure, and can be completed before top surgery, after top surgery or during the same procedure under the same anesthesia. Surgery is generally completed in 1-2 hours, and you can go home the same day.

• What are the benefits of getting body contouring at the same time I get my top surgery?

• There are multiple benefits.  Choosing to combine two or more procedures in the same surgical session can reduce costs related to surgery and ultimately shorten your recovery time. You are recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr Mosser to see if you are a candidate.

• Does insurance cover body contouring?

• Insurance does cover gender-focused body contouring a large amount of the time, but sometimes people don’t seek insurance approval (or don’t get contouring done at all) because they think it will not be approved. Email our Insurance Concierge to learn if your insurance plan covers gender-focused body contouring.

• What are post-op pain levels commonly like after body contouring?

• On a scale of 1-10, post-op pain levels are usually a 4-6, but taper quickly to a 2-4 within 7 days of surgery for most patients. Usually patients won’t need anything stronger than Tylenol for pain management after the first week.

• What kind of bruising and swelling is to be expected after surgery?

• Considerate bruising can be expected and generally lasts for 3 weeks after surgery. Swelling takes longer to fully resolve. Most of the swelling is gone by 2-3 months post-op. We check up on the recovery 4-6 months after surgery and usually expect swelling to have fully settled by then.

• How long are compression garments used post-op?

• It is critical that there not be any long-standing creases on the skin after surgery, so we provide compression garments that we recommend patients use for 3 weeks post-op. After that, second stage garments are used and we discuss these with patients during their consultation and follow-up appointments.

• Is neuropathy a common risk after body contouring?

• “Neuropathy” is defined as permanent nerve damage and is very uncommon. We have never had a permanent neuropathy case from our practice. However, when present, neuropathy can usually be effectively treated with gabapentin.

• What is subcutaneous induration? How common is it and how long does it last?

• “Subcutaneous induration” is firmness under the skin and it generally happens around the incisions. This kind of excessive firmness can last 2-3 months and often is due to poor lymphatic drainage from creases in the lower abdomen when sitting. Standing tall, getting lymphatic massage, and ultrasound treatments can help break up the firmness.