Body Contouring

Losing weight is exciting and an accomplishment you should be proud of – whether it is through bariatric surgery or traditional diet and exercise. However, what many people don’t consider is the physical changes your body may see after weight loss. After you lose fat tissue, your body may still experience extra, loose skin or isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. To achieve a smooth, more contoured silhouette, there are many body contouring procedures you may want to consider after weight loss.

Loose skin after weight loss is not only aesthetically unappealing, but can also restrict your mobility – making everyday movement and exercises harder. In addition to weight loss, aging, pregnancy, and genetics can contribute to an excess amount of skin. Many people feel embarrassed to show their skin, despite losing a significant amount of weight. Body contouring procedures can also improve dimpled or irregular skin surfaces.

Contouring the body usually involves a combination of cosmetic procedures. Typically, weight distributes itself all over the body. When you lose weight, there may be several areas that need additional tightening or contouring. Sometimes procedures can be combined together, but often patients that have lost significant amount of weigh require few staged procedures scheduled months apart to allow for adequate healing.

Tummy Tuck – A tummy tuck is one of the most popular body contouring procedures. It removes extra fat and skin from the stomach and can repair weak or separated abdomen muscles, which are often stretched during pregnancy. The result is a smoother, firmer midsection.

Arm Lift – An arm lift can remove ‘bat wings’ that sag under the arm. This area is an extremely difficult section of the body to exercise. Many people experience droopy skin under the arm as a side effect of aging. Those who undergo an arm lift enjoy higher self-esteem, particularly in the summer months when wearing tank tops and bikinis.

Thigh Lift – Loose, sagging skin on the thighs can be unsightly and can make wearing pants uncomfortable. A thigh lift can remove fat cells and excess skin, giving you a slimmer silhouette and thinner, more toned thighs.

Body Lift (Upper and Lower) – Most commonly procedures can be divided into addressing the upper body via an upper body lift or lower body via a lower body lift.

An upper body lift can include arm lifts, thigh lift if tummy tuck is not needed or already has been done.

Body Contouring Results

Body contouring results are different for everyone. The procedures best suited for you depend on your specific condition and where you have lost weight, how much weight you have lost, and how much the body has changed as a result. Talk to one of our plastic surgeons about how body contouring can help you.