Plastic Surgery After Major Weight Loss (Body Contouring)
People who undergo significant weight loss are often left with loose, stretched skin throughout the body. This can not only lead to self-consciousness when wearing warm weather clothing, but can impair activity, personal hygiene and even be painful. Weight loss and its maintenance requires a tremendous effort. It can be disheartening to put forth this effort yet not have achieved the contours one desires. Plastic surgery after weight loss targets the common areas of skin accumulation to restore slimmer, more toned body contours and enhance self-confidence.
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Body Contouring
Body contouring is a general term to describe a variety of plastic surgery procedures aimed at removing excess skin and subcutaneous tissue (fat). Typical body contouring procedures target excess tissue in the following areas:
- Face / neck ( facelift / neck lift)
- Breasts ( breast reduction and / or mastopexy)
- Abdomen / flanks (abdominoplasty)
- Back / hips (back lift)
- Thighs (thigh lift)
- Arms (brachioplasty)
Body Contouring FAQs
Q. How do I know which procedure(s) are needed?
A. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Gougoutas will review all areas of concern with you and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Some patients may have multiple areas of concern, but others may only have one troubling feature they want addressed.
Q. If multiple procedures are recommended, can they all be performed at the same time?
A. Body contouring procedures tend to require large incisions in order to remove redundant skin. Because of this there is a limit to the number of procedures that may be performed at the same time. If there are multiple areas of concern, Dr. Gougoutas will develop a comprehensive surgical plan with you to address all areas of concern as safely as possible with the least number of required procedures.
Q. Can I gain weight after my body contouring procedure(s)?
A. Yes. Though body contouring permanently removes excess skin and fat cells, the remaining fat cells in the treated area(s) can still increase in size (hypertrophy) with weight gain. Therefore, maintaining a stable weight by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen will best preserve your results..
Q. How long does it take to recover after body contouring?
A. Your recovery period will vary depending on the type and number of procedures undergone. Most patients can return to work within 2 weeks of their surgery and resume their regular exercise routine after 6 weeks. Most swelling typically subsides after 6 weeks, though it may take up to 4-6 months for all swelling to go away.
Q. Will I have excessive scarring after my body contouring?
A. Scarring depends largely on incision location, and one’s genetics. While great care is taken to place incisions in easily concealable locations, some may be visible. Most patients who have lost a significant amount of weight feel that the mild scarring is worth the dramatic changes that result from body contouring. Scars may initially be red and raised but will flatten, fade and soften over the course of a year.