As the temperature increases, so does the number of beach days in Charleston, which has many of us trading in sweatshirts for swimsuits and looking for ways to feel more confident and comfortable while doing it. Whether you’re hoping to smooth specific areas, sculpt your silhouette, or simply feel more at ease in your skin, body contouring can be a powerful way to support your summer goals.
These are the body contouring treatments our Charleston plastic surgeons see most often as patients prepare for bikini season, along with expert insight into what they do and how they support lasting, natural-looking results.
Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) to Flatten Your Midsection for Charleston’s Beach Season
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular surgical body contouring procedures, especially for individuals who’ve struggled to achieve a flat, toned abdomen despite consistent diet and exercise. This procedure removes excess skin and fat while also tightening the abdominal muscles when needed, creating a firmer and more sculpted midsection that pairs well with summer wardrobes and swimwear.
The surgery typically involves an incision made below the belly button. The skin is lifted away from the abdominal wall so that underlying muscles can be tightened (if necessary), excess fat and skin are removed, and the belly button is repositioned for a natural, balanced appearance.
What to Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery
- Full recovery usually takes three months to a year.
- Most patients can return to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on their job and healing progress.
- Lifting restrictions typically apply for the full 6-week recovery period.
- After surgery, small drains are inserted, and you’ll wear a compression garment for three months.
- Once the drains are removed, a compression garment is worn for an additional three months to support healing and reduce swelling.
Liposuction to Sculpt Stubborn Fat
When it comes to getting bikini-ready in Charleston, SC, liposuction is a highly effective body contouring treatment for stubborn “problem areas” that don’t respond to diet and exercise. This procedure removes localized fat deposits and enhances natural body contours, making it a popular choice for both men and women looking to achieve a more sculpted shape. While the waist and abdomen are the most commonly treated areas, liposuction can also be performed on the arms, neck, back, thighs, knees, face, and even ankles, making it a versatile option for full-body refinement.
At Charleston Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons use advanced ultrasound-assisted liposuction techniques for smoother, more refined results. The procedure begins with a small incision, through which a special fluid is injected to help break down fat. Ultrasound energy is then used to emulsify the fat before it is gently suctioned out.
What to Expect During Liposuction Recovery
- Most patients return to work within 3–5 days.
- Bruising is common in the treated areas and typically resolves within 10–14 days.
- A compression garment is worn for three months to support healing and enhance results.
- Exercise and lifting restrictions last approximately 4 weeks, though this may vary depending on the treatment area.
- Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on the areas treated and your overall recovery progress.
Breast Enhancement Surgery for Summer-Ready Proportions
Whether you’re hoping to increase volume, improve symmetry, reduce discomfort from larger breasts, or lift and reshape tissue that’s changed over time, breast enhancement surgery is one of the more frequently requested body contouring treatments by our Charleston-area patients ahead of bikini season. Each approach is tailored to the individual, and it’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore which options align best with your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Breast Augmentation for a Fuller Look
Breast augmentation is a type of breast enhancement surgery that uses implants or fat transfer to enhance fullness, shape, and overall body balance, helping many women in Charleston feel more confident in their swimwear during the warmer months. This procedure is ideal for women seeking to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or those who have always desired a fuller chest. With options for implant type, size, and placement, this surgery can be highly personalized to suit your goals and body type.
What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Most patients return to work after seven days, depending on the physical demands of their job.
- Mild swelling, tightness, and chest discomfort are common.
- A surgical bra or compression garment is typically worn for three months to support healing and implant positioning.
- Lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for four weeks.
- Full results gradually settle over several months as swelling resolves and implants drop into place.
Breast Lift to Elevate and Reshape
Over time, factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can lead to sagging breasts. A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts to a more youthful position while enhancing firmness and contour. This can be especially helpful for the summer season when strapless and fitted tops come into rotation across Charleston. This breast enhancement surgery can be performed alone or combined with augmentation for enhanced volume and lift.
What to Expect During Breast Lift Recovery
- Recovery time varies, but many patients resume light daily activities within 1 week.
- Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal.
- A supportive surgical bra is worn for several weeks to minimize movement and promote healing.
- Most patients should avoid lifting, strenuous activity, or upper body exercise for at least 4–6 weeks.
- Scars will fade over time, and the final breast shape continues to refine over the first few months.
Breast Reduction for Comfort and Confidence
Large, heavy breasts can cause physical discomfort, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as limit physical activity or affect clothing choices. Breast reduction surgery removes excess tissue and reshapes the breasts for a lighter feel and a more balanced appearance—ideal for staying cool and active during Charleston’s hot summer months. Most patients report not only aesthetic benefits but significant relief and increased quality of life after the procedure.
What to Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery
- Most patients are able to return to work within 1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and physical demands.
- Swelling, bruising, and breast soreness are common for the first few days and gradually improve.
- You’ll need to wear a supportive bra day and night for three weeks.
- Lifting and upper body exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to allow proper healing.
- Many patients experience immediate relief from physical discomfort, with final results developing over time as swelling subsides.
Body Lifting Surgery to Remove Excess Skin and Tighten Your Silhouette
For individuals who have experienced significant weight loss or aging-related changes in skin elasticity, body lifting surgery offers a comprehensive solution for removing excess skin and enhancing the results of your weight loss. These body contouring procedures can dramatically enhance the shape, firmness, and tone of underlying tissue and skin across multiple areas. In Charleston’s hot and humid summers, loose skin can feel uncomfortable and make wearing fitted clothing or swimsuits more difficult, making body lifting surgery especially popular during the warmer months.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift targets sagging skin on the inner and/or outer thighs. It can help improve skin elasticity, reduce chafing, and create a leaner leg contour. This procedure is particularly beneficial after weight loss or as part of a full lower body rejuvenation. For patients in Charleston, thigh lift treatments can make a noticeable difference in how confident they feel in shorts, swimsuits, and activewear.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
As we age, the upper arms may lose definition due to excess skin and fat. An arm lift removes this loose tissue to restore a firmer, more youthful arm contour. Whether performed on its own or alongside other lifting procedures, brachioplasty can help you feel more confident in sleeveless styles and activewear during Charleston’s warm-weather months.
What to Expect During Body Lifting Surgery Recovery
- Comprehensive body lift surgery may require three months of initial recovery time, with full activity restrictions lasting 4-6 weeks.
- Thigh lift recovery typically requires four weeks before returning to non-strenuous daily activities. Patients should avoid prolonged sitting and vigorous exercise for at least four weeks.
- Arm lift (brachioplasty) recovery is generally shorter, with most patients returning to work within two weeks.
- Compression garments are worn for three months (or longer, depending on the area) to support healing, reduce swelling, and help shape results.
- Temporary drains may be placed after larger lift procedures to prevent fluid buildup and will be removed during a follow-up visit.
- Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common after any lifting procedure and will gradually improve over several months.
Get Beach-Ready Confidence with the Best Body Contouring in Charleston, SC
Whether you’re heading to the beach or lounging poolside, feeling confident in your body can make all the difference. If you’re considering body contouring in Charleston, SC, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Charleston Plastic Surgery are here to help. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can step into bikini season with confidence. Schedule your consultation with our plastic surgery team today and take the next step toward looking and feeling your best.