Body Contouring

This document summarizes the main points of body contouring after major weight loss. Includes headings and key information only.

What is Body Contouring?

• Removes excess sagging skin and fat following significant weight loss.
• Improves the underlying supportive tissue to create smoother, better-proportioned contours.

Body Contouring Procedures May Include

• Arm lift – correcting sagging upper arms.
• Breast lift – addressing sagging or flattened breasts.
• Facelift – tightening sagging mid-face, jowls, and neck.
• Lower body lifts – treating abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs.
• Medial thigh lift – lifting inner thighs.
• Tummy tuck – removing apron of excess skin over the abdomen.

Candidates

• Individuals who have gone through major weight loss and stabilized.
• Good overall health and wellness.
• Realistic expectations of what body contouring can achieve.

Cost

• Cost depends on how many areas are treated, surgical complexity, facility fees, etc.
• Additional expenses may include anesthesia, post-operative garments, follow-up care.

Consultation

• Discuss medical history, weight stability, areas of concern.
• Review variety of procedure options based on which body areas need contouring.
• Plan recovery timeline and understand risks involved.

Questions to Ask

• Which procedures are best suited for my goals.
• Surgeon’s experience with contouring after weight loss.
• What scars will result and how they will heal.
• Expected downtime, recovery support, and long-term results.

Risks and Safety

• Risk of infection, bleeding, or delayed healing.
• Issues with skin sensitivity or nerve changes.
• Possible visible scarring or asymmetry.
• Need for revision surgery in some cases.

Preparation

• Wait until weight has stabilized.
• Health evaluation and lab tests as required.
• Stop smoking and adjust medications that increase risks.
• Arrange for help and support during recovery period.

Procedure Steps

• Anesthesia is given.
• Surgical removal of excess skin and fat in targeted areas.
• Tightening underlying tissue as needed.
• Skin closure with sutures, adhesives, or tapes.

Recovery

• Dressings, compression garments, drain tubes may be part of initial recovery.
• Strict wound care and activity limitations.
• Follow-up sessions to check healing and remove sutures/drains.

Results

• Smoother body contours, reduced skin sagging.
• Full results may take time as swelling reduces and tissues settle.
• Scarring is permanent but tends to fade with time.

Glossary of Terms

• Includes terms like “arm lift,” “lower body lift,” “medial thigh lift,” etc.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

• Select a surgeon experienced in body contouring post-weight loss.
• Verify they use accredited surgical facilities and provide full post-operative support.