You did it! Great job! You worked hard and lost a significant amount of weight, but now you’re left with excess skin and/or leftover fat deposits that can leave you feeling even more self-conscious than you were before. Rather than flattening the excess skin in uncomfortable spandex, there is a permanent solution to remove excess skin and fat: body contouring surgery.
Also known as a body lift, rather than just one big surgery, body contouring surgery should be looked at as a series of smaller surgeries tailored to your unique body needs with the goal of completing your weight loss transformation by creating a slimmer profile and tighter skin.
If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight and have extra folds of skin tissue that is causing discomfort, rashes or ulcers, trouble walking, or poor self-esteem, body contouring procedures are an option for you.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from prospective patients looking to reshape their appearance after months and years of hard work losing weight.
If you’re considering body contouring surgery after weight loss, these questions are a great place to start learning about the procedure and the recovery process.
Body contouring is meant for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and whose new weight has remained stable for at least 3 months. Body contouring is not a quick fix weight loss solution and it’s not permanent either. If you aren’t as committed to proper nutrition and fitness as you were during your weight loss journey, afterwards your body could regress back to the way it was. Patients who are committed to a healthier lifestyle and are realistic about the results of their body contouring procedures fair the most happy with their results.
Also, if you’re a woman and planning to get pregnant in the near future, it’s in your best interest to wait until you’re done having children before having body contouring surgery.
If you can think it, that part of the body can probably be contoured, but it doesn’t mean it has to be! We like to advise patients to concentrate on their problem areas first and then work from there. During your consultation with our plastic surgeon Dr. Garcia, you’ll receive personalized recommendations according to your body’s needs.
From top to bottom, some of the most popular body contouring procedures after weight loss are facelifts and necklifts, eyelid surgery, breast lift, arm lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, and buttock and thigh lifts.
The cost of body contouring procedures largely depend on the number and type of surgeries you are getting. But generally speaking, a depending on the surgery (or surgeries) you are getting, body contouring procedures after weight loss can run you anywhere from as little as $5,500 to as high as $45,000. Many patients may find the cost of body contouring procedures to be significant, but you should remember what’s at stake. Just like you would invest in a new car or a new house, body contouring is an investment in your body’s future. After spending so much hard work losing weight, a body lift can clear up skin problems that may arise from your excess skin and allow you the mobility to continue to keep the weight off.
It’s important to realize that body contouring surgery is a trade-off. In order to receive the slim contour you’re looking for, skin will need to be removed and that leaves permanent scars. Dr. Garcia has received training in techniques to tighten skin and minimize the appearance of scars by placing them in discrete areas of the body. While there are topical creams and laser skin services that can lighten the appearance of scars, they won’t disappear completely. Realizing this can help you be realistic about your surgery goals.
Learn more about scarring after plastic surgery.
Recovery greatly depends on the number of surgeries you choose to undergo, but generally recovery is approximately 6 weeks. Because surgeries may occur on several different areas of the body, it’s important to establish a network of support and enlist the help of family and friends while you recover to help you out. Exercise and any running, jumping, or heavy lifting should be avoided the first six weeks after surgery as your body heals.
Body contouring after weight loss is a very individualized procedure because everyone’s body and weight loss journey is unique. For example, while one person may hold more sagging skin on their belly, another may hold it on their arms. You should look for a surgeon who is well-versed in a number of cosmetic surgery procedures and see if you like their style. You can check out Dr. Garcia’s work by seeing his before and after pictures and by reading real patient testimonials.
If you’d like to set up a consultation with us to discuss your body contouring goals, we’d be more than happy to meet with you!
We’ve been providing high quality plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery services to clients in Glens Falls, Saratoga, Lake George and the Adirondacks and beyond for more than a decade! If you’re ready to take the next step towards looking and feeling your best, we’d be happy to partner with you on the journey.
Schedule an appointment with us today! Give us a call at 518-793-0475 or contact us online to get the conversation started.
Looking for additional information about cosmetic procedures and what to expect when it comes to plastic surgery? Be sure to check out the cosmetic procedures section of our blog for valuable insight from our experienced team.
Still not sure if plastic surgery is the right choice for you? Learn more about important things to consider and factors to weigh as you approach the decision.
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