Body Contouring: Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss

Major weight loss is an overwhelmingly positive experience for most people, improving health and fitness, and restoring self-confidence. The one drawback is that skin loses elasticity, becoming saggy around the arms, breasts, buttocks, and abdomen. Plastic surgery after weight loss can improve shape and tone. The most common procedure is known as ‘body contouring.’

Anyone undergoing body contouring in NYC should be aware of what to expect. Initial consultations with Dr. Loeb will help you understand what the procedure entails and the recovery period involved. The final result will be more natural contours and a major reduction in loose, hanging skin.

Body contouring surgery may entail multiple procedures, including:

• Lower body lift, to correct sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, outer thighs and groin
• Breast lift
• Arm lift
• Thigh lift

Consultation for body contouring in NYC

During your initial consultation, Dr. Loeb will discuss the procedures in detail. First, you will be asked a series of questions designed to evaluate health status and any risk factors. You should be prepared to discuss:

• Why you want body contouring, and what your expectations are
• What the options for plastic surgery after weight loss are
• Pre-existing medical conditions, current medications and any drug allergies
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, coffee etc.
• History of prior surgeries

You may also be required to undergo a medical evaluation, which may include lab testing. If adjustments to your lifestyle – such as quitting smoking – are necessary, the surgeon will advise you. You may need to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatories as they can increase bleeding. Finally, you will be given instructions regarding the day of surgery itself.

Post bariatric surgery

The extent to which incisions are made will vary widely from patient to patient, depending on the location of excess skin on the body, as well as personal preference and the surgeon’s own judgement. Usually, incisions can be made at strategic points to minimize visible scarring.

Post bariatric surgery performed on patients who have lost massive amounts of weight will require a combination of procedures outlined above. Dr. Loeb will recommend either general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on your medical history and the types of contouring performed.

Recovery

Once your body contouring procedure is over, dressings and bandages will be applied to the incision sites. A tube may be placed under the skin to drain excess blood or fluid that may collect around the incision sites. You must follow the specific instructions given to you by the surgeon, such as taking prescribed medications to aid healing and remaining vigilant for potential post-surgery problems

Recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on the length of time you should take before going back to work or resuming exercise. In all cases, it’s imperative that you protect incisions from force, trauma, abrasions and motion.

Results

The positive results of body contouring surgery are visible almost immediately, but it may take two years or more to fully realize the final outcome. The appearance of scars will diminish somewhat over time, and the overall results should last for many years, as long as you maintain a stable weight.

If you would like to learn more about body contouring in NYC, or other post bariatric surgery procedures available, please contact the Fifth Avenue office of Dr. Loeb at 212-327-3700 to schedule a private consultation.