Body Contouring

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is a series of surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and reshape the body following significant weight loss. It is often sought by individuals who have lost a substantial amount of weight through diet, exercise, bariatric surgery, or medical weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin that may affect their comfort, self-confidence, and overall body image. Dr. Landis has years of experience treating massive weight loss patients and will develop a plan for each individual patient that is unique to them. Since these surgeries are often performed in a series, this plan will take into account each patient’s desires for areas of the body to address first, the ability to take time off work, and financial plan.

Reasons for Body Contouring Surgery:

• Excess Skin: After significant weight loss, the skin may lose its elasticity and fail to shrink back to the body’s new shape. This can result in folds of loose, sagging skin in various areas of the body, including the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, and buttocks. Body contouring surgery can remove this excess skin, providing a more toned and proportionate appearance.
• Improved Body Proportions: Massive weight loss can lead to changes in body proportions, such as a disproportionate distribution of fat and loose skin in certain areas. Body contouring procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh lift, breast lift, and lower body lift, can help restore balance and symmetry to the body.
• Enhanced Comfort and Function: Excess skin can be uncomfortable, causing chafing, rashes, and difficulty fitting into clothing. Body contouring surgery can alleviate these physical discomforts and improve mobility, allowing individuals to engage in physical activities with greater ease.

Procedure:

Body contouring surgery is unique to each patient, and Dr. Landis will guide them through the process. Body contouring surgery typically involves a series of procedures that can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals which are discussed and decided upon with Dr. Landis during the consultation. This may involve a combination of techniques, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), thighplasty (thigh lift), mastopexy (breast lift), or lower body lift. Dr. Landis will make incisions, remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissues. Liposuction can often be used as an adjunct to further contour the body.  The remaining skin is repositioned and sutured to create a smoother and more contoured thigh appearance. The patient is placed in appropriate compression garments and will recover at home for a minimum of one week.

Recovery and Aftercare:

Recovery time and aftercare instructions will vary depending on the specific procedures performed and the individual’s healing process. Generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. It is important to follow Dr. Landis’s post-operative instructions, including proper wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions, to ensure optimal healing and results. It may take several weeks to months to fully recover and see the final results.

Potential Risks and Complications:

As with any surgical procedure, body contouring surgery after massive weight loss carries potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Numbness or changes in sensation
• Asymmetry
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome

Dr. Landis will discuss the potential risks and benefits of body contouring surgery, as well as your expectations and concerns, before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Cost:

Body contouring cost includes the surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and any labs or imaging that may be required before or after surgery. The total cost for body contouring ranges from $7,500-$22,000 and varies if any additional surgery is required. Dr. Landis will formulate a plan specific for each patient and a detailed estimate will be provided. CareCredit is available to our patients, and we’d be happy to discuss this option with you!

Conclusion: 

Body contouring surgery after massive weight loss is a series of surgical procedures aimed at removing excess skin and reshaping the body after significant weight loss. It can address issues such as excess skin, improved body proportions, and enhanced comfort and function. If you are considering body contouring surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Landis. She has experience in these surgeries and can evaluate your individual needs and goals, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and create a personalized treatment plan to achieve the desired results.