For some men and women, the results of weight loss are not what they expect it to be.
Instead of a sculpted abdomen, they see a sagging stomach with deep stretch marks. Instead of toned arms, they see drooping skin. This is a common experience for individuals who have lost a massive amount of weight. This is where body contouring after weight loss procedures comes in.
Surgical body contouring involves a set of procedures that remove excess fat, sagging skin, and improve the shape of the underlying tissue for a smoother, more sculpted figure.
At Aesthetx, we provide a customized treatment plan for patients who would like to improve their figure. As each patient is unique, the procedures involved in a body contouring treatment will be tailored just for them. Depending on the individual’s desired results, body contouring procedures may include:
• Abdominoplasty
Also called tummy tuck, this procedure removes an apron of skin that hangs loose over the abdomen.
• Brachioplasty
This lifts sagging skin in the upper arms, hence the name ‘arm lift.’
• Breast Lift
This procedure perks up the breast after it deflates due to reduce breast tissue after weight loss.
• Liposuction
A minimally invasive procedure that removes excess or isolated pockets of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
• Facelift
This corrects sagging skin in the mid-face, neck, and jowls.
Ideal Candidates for Body Contouring Surgery
As body contouring consists of highly invasive surgical procedures, we encourage you to consult with Dr. Zeidler or Dr. Berkowitz, our board-certified plastic surgeons at Aesthetx, to determine if you are a good candidate. In general, you are a good candidate if you are:
• A non-smoker
• At a stable weight
• Realistic with your expectations
• Committed to live a healthy and active lifestyle
• In good overall health without any medical issues that could impair healing or increase the risk of complications
Body Contouring Procedure
The procedural steps vary from one patient to another. In general, it takes two to three separate procedures spaced weeks to months apart to treat the areas of concern for all patients. During the consultation, we plan a set of operations with each patient to make sure that we achieve the patient’s goals safely. We also customize the procedural steps to cater to each individual’s unique area of concern.
Typically, the body contouring procedure will start with anesthesia for the patient’s comfort. This will be either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon will recommend the best medication to meet your needs.
Facial surgery often requires careful attention to the neck. It will also include internal repositioning of the SMAS layer or the deep muscles of the face. In some cases, facelift may include fat transfer to aid in facial rejuvenation.
For the abdomen and back, our surgeons may utilize a fleur de lis procedure to restore a smooth, curvy figure, especially in women. This type of abdominoplasty pulls out excess skin and fat in two different directions.
Once our surgeons complete the necessary corrections, excess skin will be trimmed and the incision closed with sutures and/or skin adhesives.
Body Contouring Surgery Recovery
The length of downtime may vary, but you may need several weeks to recover fully from the body contouring surgery. During the recovery, our surgeons will dress the incisions with bandages or dressing, and may ask you to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and blood clots.
It typically takes a few weeks after surgery before you can return to work. However, we may restrict some activities until you recuperate completely.
Our Dr. Zeidler and Dr. Berkowitz will provide recovery instructions to ensure that no complications will arise during the recovery stage.
Body contouring after weight loss is a safe and effective way to get rid of excess skin and fat, and trim certain areas of your body so you can have a shapelier, smoother figure.
Body Contouring FAQs
Am I a good candidate for Body Contouring?
The best candidate for these treatments is someone who is exercising and eating a proper diet but is still having problem areas. A skinny, fit person can still have cellulite and might note be able to get rid of trouble-spot on their own, no matter how much they diet and exercise. A active and healthy person at a stable weight and has good overall health without any medical issues that could impair healing or increase the risk of complications. The candidate must not be a smoker too.
Should I combine my body contouring procedure with any other treatment?
It is not necessary, but many patients who receive body contouring are also interested in breast augmentations, Breast lift, Brachioplasty, face lift, fat transferring, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
How does a Body Contouring Procedure go?
The steps vary from one patient to another, in general, it takes2-3 separate procedures spaced weeks to months apart to treat the areas of concern for all patients. At our consultation, we plan a set of operations with each patient to make sure that we achieve the patient’s goals safely. We also customize the procedural steps to cater to everyone’s unique area of concern.
How long is recovery?
The length of downtime may vary, but you may need several weeks to recover fully from the body contouring surgery.
Can I go back to my daily life tasks after my surgery is completed?
It typically takes a few weeks after surgery before you can return to work and go about your daily life tasks. You may still be restricted in some strenuous activities until you recuperate completely.
Aesthetx is renowned for extremely informative and in-depth consultations. To schedule your private consultation for Body Contouring After Weight Loss, or to learn more about the procedure, contact Aesthetx by visiting HERE or calling (408) 559-7177.
