February 6, 2013

If you've ever thought about plastic surgery, now may be the time get some free information. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise report CBS19's Stephanie Satchell is taking a look at body contouring and what you need to know about the procedure before having surgery.

Charlottesville plastic surgeon, Doctor Victoria Vastine has done her share of cosmetic surgeries over the years, known as body contouring.

"It's any process which alters the body's contours. So, it can include adding, taking away or tightening," said Dr. Victoria Vastine, Plastic Surgeon, Martha Jefferson Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Tummy tucks are the most common of the body contouring procedures and are typically done on women after pregnancy.

"The objective is to take away all of the extra skin on the front of the abdomen. It is a pretty big operation and does require about a full week's recovery period," said Dr. Vastine.

Liposuction often accompanies most body contouring procedures.

"Liposuction is taking out the fat using a very then cannula. So, basically it's like putting a straw on the fat and sucking it out," said Dr. Vastine.

Body contouring isn't a permanent fix, if you're goal is weight loss.

'You can gain weight back after any of these procedures. So, it's important that you eat healthy and continue to exercise on a regular basis," said Dr. Vastine.

Body contouring can be performed on both men and women.

Dr. Vastine is holding a free information session on body contouring Saturday February 9th at 10:30am at the Boar's Head Inn in Albemarle County.
To register, call Health Connection at 434-654-7009.