Body Sculpting and Contouring Procedures at VedaNu Wellness
Our plastic surgery clinic in San Diego offers an array of body procedures spanning targeted fat removal, skin tightening, post-weight-loss recontouring, combination makeovers, intimate rejuvenation, and gender-affirming care. Each procedure below links to a dedicated page with detailed information on candidacy, technique, recovery, and results.
Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) uses your own fat to add volume and shape to the buttocks. Dr. Chao harvests fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs through liposuction, purifies it, and strategically reinjects it to create a fuller, rounder contour. The procedure accomplishes two goals at once: slimming donor sites and sculpting the buttocks with natural tissue rather than implants.
Gender Affirming Surgery
VedaNu Wellness provides gender affirming surgical procedures, including breast augmentation (top surgery), body contouring, laser hair removal, and other customized procedures designed to help align your physical appearance with your gender identity. Dr. Chao works closely with each patient to sequence procedures appropriately and create a tailored surgical plan. Every consultation and procedure is delivered in a safe, affirming environment where dignity and psychological well-being come first.
Granny Makeover
The Granny Makeover is a customized combination of body contouring surgeries that address age-related changes across multiple areas. This may include a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction, performed during a single surgical session or staged over time. It’s designed for patients whose bodies have changed through decades of living, not just a single area of concern.
Mommy Makeover
A Mommy Makeover combines breast and body procedures, commonly a breast lift or breast augmentation with a tummy tuck and liposuction, to restore pre-pregnancy body contours in a single surgical plan. Dr. Chao customizes each makeover to the specific changes pregnancy and breastfeeding produce. Combining procedures in a single session reduces total recovery time compared to scheduling each procedure separately.
Vaginoplasty
Vaginoplasty tightens the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues. Patients commonly seek this procedure after childbirth or as part of addressing age-related laxity that affects physical comfort and sensation. Dr. Chao uses precise internal and external techniques to restore tone and function, maintaining a natural result.
Labiaplasty
Labiaplasty reshapes the labia minora, labia majora, or both to reduce excess tissue, correct asymmetry, and relieve physical discomfort. Many patients seek this procedure after enlarged or uneven labia cause irritation during exercise, interfere with clothing fit, or affect intimacy. Dr. Chao uses precise surgical techniques to create a balanced, comfortable result with natural-looking proportions.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, flanks, and back. This body sculpting procedure works best on localized fat pockets that resist diet and exercise. Dr. Chao uses advanced techniques to contour the body, achieving smooth, even results with minimal irregularity.
Liposuction for Men
Male liposuction targets the specific fat distribution patterns common in men, including resistant deposits around the abdomen, flanks (love handles), chest, and neck. The surgical approach accounts for differences in male skin thickness, fat density, and aesthetic goals. Most men seeking liposuction want a more defined, athletic midsection rather than dramatic size reduction.
Post-Op Scar Treatment
Post-operative scar treatment uses targeted medical therapies to minimize the appearance of surgical scars as they heal. VedaNu Wellness offers protocols including medical-grade silicone scar gel, topical recovery products, steroid injections for raised or keloid scars, and CO2 laser resurfacing timed to your healing stages. Starting scar care early, during the active-healing window, yields the most favorable long-term results.
Scar Revision
Scar revision improves the appearance of existing scars from prior surgeries, injuries, or other causes. Depending on the scar type and location, treatment may involve surgical re-excision, laser resurfacing, or a combination approach. The goal is a less visible, flatter, and more naturally blended scar that sits closer to your surrounding skin texture and tone.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area and repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). The procedure creates a flatter, firmer midsection and repositions the belly button for a natural appearance. Abdominoplasty is one of the most requested body contouring procedures and delivers long-lasting improvements to core shape and function.
Tummy Tuck Revision
Tummy tuck revision addresses concerns from a previous abdominoplasty, such as residual skin laxity, asymmetry, visible scarring, or incomplete muscle repair. Dr. Chao evaluates your prior surgical result, identifies the specific issues, and creates a corrective plan. Revision surgery requires a surgeon experienced in working with altered anatomy and prior scar tissue.
Extended Tummy Tuck
When a standard abdominoplasty isn’t enough, an extended tummy tuck addresses excess skin and fat that wraps around the flanks and lower back. This procedure tightens separated abdominal muscles, removes a larger skin envelope, and repositions the belly button for a more proportional result. It’s a common choice for patients who have experienced significant weight fluctuations or multiple pregnancies.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button. It uses a shorter incision and involves less tissue removal than a full abdominoplasty, making it a good option for patients with mild to moderate lower belly laxity. Recovery is typically faster, and the procedure works well for patients who are close to their ideal weight but have a persistent lower abdominal pouch.
Weight Loss Surgery (Post-Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring)
After a significant weight loss, most patients are left with significant excess skin that no amount of exercise can tighten. Post-massive weight loss body contouring removes this redundant tissue from the arms, thighs, abdomen, chest, and back, often across multiple staged procedures. For patients in VedaNu Wellness’ medical weight loss program, contouring care can be coordinated with your weight management team from the start.
Your Body Contouring Journey at VedaNu Wellness
Understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery removes much of the uncertainty.
The Initial Consultation and Goal Setting
Your first visit is a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Chao. He reviews your medical history, examines the areas you would like to address, and discusses which procedures align with your goals.
During your consultation, you will cover:
- Realistic outcomes based on your anatomy and concerns
- Surgical approach and technique options
- Anesthesia choices and what to expect
- Recovery timeline and activity restrictions
- Staging and safety considerations if you are combining procedures
- Advantages of a single session versus separate surgeries
There is no pressure to decide during this visit. You leave with a clear surgical plan, cost breakdown, and answers to every question you bring.
What Happens During Your Procedure
On the day of your procedure, our surgical team walks you through each step before anything begins. Most body contouring surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Chao personally performs every procedure, and your care team monitors you throughout. Surgical times vary by procedure complexity, from 1 to 2 hours for liposuction to 4 or more hours for combination procedures.
Your Recovery and Follow-Up Care
You’ll receive a detailed recovery plan specific to your procedure that covers wound care, use of a compression garment, activity restrictions, medication management, and scheduling follow-up appointments. Most body contouring patients return to light daily activities within one to two weeks, with full physical activity cleared around four to six weeks post-surgery. Dr. Chao sees you for multiple follow-up visits to monitor healing and results.
Why Choose A Trusted Destination for Body Contouring in San Diego
VedaNu Wellness is not a one-procedure clinic. When you choose body contouring here, you’re working with a team that brings together surgical precision, academic depth, and concierge-level attention to your care. Dr. Chao holds board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and remains committed to advancing the field through research and education.
What sets this practice apart is the ability to coordinate body procedures with medical weight loss, hormone therapy, and long-term follow-up, all under one roof. Patients don’t bounce between disconnected providers. One team manages your care from first consultation through final follow-up. Book your consultation with Dr. Chao to explore your body contouring options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Contouring
How do I know which body contouring procedure is right for me?
A consultation with Dr. Chao is the best starting point. He evaluates your anatomy, skin quality, fat distribution, and the specific changes you want, then recommends the most effective approach.
Some patients benefit from a single targeted procedure, such as liposuction. Others need a combination plan, like a mommy makeover or staged post-weight-loss recontouring.
What is recovery like after body sculpting surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Liposuction patients typically resume light activities within a few days, and full tummy tuck patients may need two to three weeks before returning to work. All body contouring patients wear compression garments, attend scheduled follow-up visits, and gradually increase activity levels over the weeks that follow.
Can I combine multiple body procedures in one session?
Yes. Combining is common and often recommended. A mommy makeover, a granny makeover, or a staged post-weight-loss plan all involve multiple procedures performed together.
This approach reduces total downtime compared to separate surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Chao evaluates if combining is safe and appropriate based on your health and the procedures involved. Financing options are available to make your care accessible.
Am I a good candidate for body contouring after weight loss?
If you’ve reached a stable weight, ideally within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal, and have maintained it for at least three to six months, you may be a strong candidate. Patients who have lost significant weight through diet, exercise, bariatric surgery, or a medical weight-loss program often have excess skin that can be addressed with contouring surgery.
How long do body contouring results last?
Results are long-lasting when paired with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction removes fat cells from treated areas, and tummy tuck results hold as long as you maintain your weight and avoid future pregnancies. Your VedaNu Wellness team supports long-term outcomes through ongoing wellness guidance, including medical weight management when needed.
