Major weight loss achieved through diet and exercise or by bariatric surgery is a great accomplishment that improves a patient’s self-esteem, quality of life and overall health. After significant weight loss, many patients find that their skin is loose and drooping, no longer conforming to their new body. Although the new body is much improved, there often may continue to be some problem areas of local fat deposits. Post-weight loss contouring is the surgical re-draping of skin after significant weight loss to reveal a slimmer, more contoured body. I will work with you and your bariatric surgeon to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your personal surgical goals.

Timeline

Body contouring procedures are appropriate in patients who have reached and maintained their desired weight for over six months. It is helpful for sagging skin in the face, neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The procedures are often performed in stages to create an improved contoured body image. Often two procedures are performed at the time same time, patients heal for several months and then undergo the next stage of surgery. I often encourage patients to focus on the area that bothers them most during the first procedure.

The Location

Surgery is performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure in a surgery center or hospital depending on the extent of surgery. Surgical procedures are limited to roughly six hours to decrease operative risks and potential complications.

The Recovery

The recovery will depend on the extent of surgery. Most procedures will take one to two weeks to recuperate.

Exercise

You can begin light exercise on day one but it is best not to overexert yourself as it will lead to increased swelling. In order to minimize scarring, you should not resume strenuous exercise for six weeks.

Longevity

Although the results from surgery are visible immediately, as the swelling subsides you will see more refinement. Tissue retraction, definition, and contouring will continue to improve for one year. The change in your contour should be long-term but weight change, pregnancy, and natural aging may subsequently alter your appearance.

A Picture is Worth a Million Words

A picture may be worth a million words but in the age of the internet, online photos can be viewed by billions of eyes. In respect of patient privacy, a before and after section was not created on our website. Several patients have agreed to allow their photos to be viewed by prospective patients in the office. You may request to view photos during your consultation. Some patients have also agreed to speak with prospective patients if you would like to learn more about the procedure from a patient’s perspective.

The First Step

If you are considering body contouring after weight loss surgery, please call our office at (212) 600.4109 to arrange for a consultation. Our New York City practice accommodates out of town and international patients who need to travel in for surgery as well as those who are local to Manhattan.