One of the biggest benefits of bariatric surgery and weight loss is how it can change your life. However, one downside is that you may have a lot of excess skin after you’ve lost a lot of extra body weight. That’s why body contouring is so popular among individuals who have had bariatric surgery or are in good health and are looking to improve their appearance through body sculpting.
Body contouring is a category of cosmetic surgery that can help you shape, tone, and improve your shape. Body contouring usually involves removing excess fat and skin from almost anywhere on the body. Patients often schedule it after major weight loss, and our plastic surgeons use the latest techniques individualized to your goals and priorities.
Ideal body contouring candidates include are:
- Adults whose weight loss has remained stable for at least one year
- Generally, healthy people whose medical conditions won’t impair healing or increase surgery risks
- People committed to a healthy lifestyle
What to expect before, during, and after a body contouring procedure
Body contouring surgery is an excellent way to reshape your body. You’ll start by speaking with your surgeon about your specific goals. From there, your surgeon will tailor a body contouring plan to meet your expectations. Procedures may include liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift, and arm or thigh lift. Together, you’ll develop a plan that works for what you envision for yourself.
When you schedule your surgery, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare and help your procedure go smoothly. Drinking lots of water before surgery is key for healthy blood flow in your body. Also, some doctors prefer that you don’t take any vitamins or supplements before surgery to avoid any complications.
After surgery, you’ll wear compression bandages for about two weeks to help your new body contours through the healing process. Your care team will check in with you throughout recovery to make sure it’s going smoothly and offer nutrition recommendations. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, we’re here to help.
Body contouring costs
Your body contouring costs are based on the extent of your treatment plan and will likely include a series of treatments. Your surgeon will discuss your specific surgery with you during your consultation.
Can you tell us a bit about body contouring surgery?
Body contouring is a category of procedures (including abdominoplasty, breast lift, arm lift, and thigh lift) that can be performed on patients not just from an aesthetic perspective, but also from massive weight loss patients who have a lot of excess skin, and sometimes there’s fat that’s still there. The great thing about body contouring is it really can help reinvigorate a patient’s self-esteem and confidence.
How long after weight loss should patients start thinking about body contouring?
I like to see my bariatric patients when their weight is stable so that they are in the best position to make healthy changes. But, if they’re still losing weight after a year, then it may be an appropriate time to start thinking about these things. We also have to make sure they’re healthy from a medical and nutritional standpoint.
What should patients expect after body contouring surgery?
One of the most challenging parts of a body contouring consult is sorting out who is a good candidate for surgery. Not everyone that comes in the door is a great candidate for different reasons.
If you’re looking for body contouring, it’s important to know that insurance is probably not going to cover the cost of your surgery. In most cases, a plastic surgeon will not be able to get paid by the patient’s health insurance company.
What’s the best part of this job?
It’s always a pleasure to work with these patients. They are always grateful and happy. That’s one of the reasons why I do this work. Because the patients are very happy with the results, and they’re very grateful.
Also Read: All you need to know about facelift surgery
