Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Weight loss tends to be an arduous journey for some, but the benefits are worth the work. Many
people have goals regarding their fitness, health, and body image. Tremendous weight loss
through healthy diet, exercise, bariatric surgery or other medical treatments is an incredible
achievement. A massive amount of weight loss has its benefits and advantages. However, there
are some common issues people face after they have lost the weight. Loose, sagging skin can often
look irregular and discordant. The effects of having loose skin can hinder one’s self-esteem.

Massive Weight Loss

Surgical body contouring is an excellent option if you have experienced excessive skin due to your
massive weight loss. The body contouring procedure significantly minimized the excess skin and fat
that accumulates after outstanding weight loss. There are some common areas where the excess
skin and fat develops. You can expect smoother, tighter skin after surgical body contouring. Body
contouring is just another part of your weight loss journey that allows you to feel the rewardable
benefits of your hard work. Also, this procedure helps to give your self-esteem and confidence a
remarkable boost.

What is Body Contouring Surgery?

Excessive skin and fat can cause stress on your health in a variety of ways. If you are significantly
overweight because of minimal exercise, weak muscles, poor skin tone, and loose skin may be
something familiar to you. An excellent method of weight loss for individuals diagnosed as obese is
bariatric surgery. Massive weight loss or weight reduction surgery can present skin and tissue that
have a deficit of elasticity. Due to the immense stretching of the skin, it becomes unsupported
which causes it to sag and develop around certain areas.

Sagging develops in these areas:
  • Neck and Jowls, resulting in a gloomy, droopy appearance
  • Upper arms, resulting in a “winged” appearance
  • Breasts, resulting in a droopy, flat chest
  • Abdominal area, resulting in an apron-like overhang and muffin top
  • Buttocks, groin, and thighs, causing hanging pouches of skin

Excessive skin is not very appealing and does make hygiene a tad bit more difficult. The skin folds that result from massive weight loss is a common outcome. Sometimes drying under the folds can be tedious and frustrating. In fact, those wet parts can become infected which poses even more of a risk to your health.
 
Surgical body contouring after significant weight loss provides many lasting benefits. It helps to tone the underlying tissue. That excess skin can be pesky, making you look bigger than you are even after a significant amount of weight loss. The body contour procedure removes this extra skin and allows you to experience tight, smooth, sculpted skin.
 
However, before you decide to do the body contouring procedure, it is imperative to maintain your weight loss. More skin will sag if you are still losing weight. The skin will also undergo stress if you regain the weight that you have lost within a short period. That can result in some very unpleasant stretch marks and more scarring.
 
If you have weight reduction surgery, Dr. Leonard will work jointly with your physician to regulate the best time for you to begin the body contouring procedure.

Good Candidates for Body Contouring
  • Adults 18+ (stabilized weight loss)
  • No medical conditions that may increase surgery risks
  • No medical conditions that may hinder the healing process
  • Non-smokers
  • People dedicated to living a healthier lifestyle
Where do I begin?

The very first step is to set up a consultation with Dr. Leonard. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about the body contouring procedure. You will learn the benefits of this procedure as well as the process. Some of the matters include:

  • Your body goals
  • Evaluation of your case
  • Available options in body contouring
  • Outcomes of body contouring
  • Any associated risks
  • The direction of treatment recommended by Dr. Leonard
Evaluation

Your commitment and motivation are both critical factors that affect the result of your surgery. Overall health also happens to be paramount regarding the procedure. Everything will be assessed effectively during your consultation with Dr. Leonard. The evaluation will ensure that the procedure is successful, safe, and pleasing to you. However, it is crucial that you are honest about your goals, disclose your medical history and dedicate yourself to following Dr. Leonard’s directions.

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Leonard will go over your body-contouring plan in great detail. You will receive a specific list of instructions regarding medications, surgery instructions, post-operative care, etc.
 
It is a requirement that you sign consent forms confirming to Dr. Leonard that you are very aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Potential complications of surgical body contouring include infection, fluid accumulation, poor healing, blood clots, bleeding, scarring, etc. Dr. Leonard will address all of the risks before you offer consent so that you are fully knowledgeable of any possible risks. Make sure you address any questions or concerns you have with Dr. Leonard. Anxiety is common and normal before these surgeries.

Where is Surgery Performed?

The surgical body contouring procedure may be done in Dr. Leonard’s surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility, or hospital. The performance of these kinds of procedures is typically under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is also another option. However, this all relies on the demands of your particular surgery, considerations of the patient, and Dr. Leonard’s preference. Also, Dr. Leonard and his assisting staff will be sure to aid you during the procedure.

What happens during body contouring surgery?

Step 1 – Anesthesia

General anesthesia and intravenous sedation are both options for this procedure. Dr. Leonard will recommend the best the best choice for you to undergo your surgery. Medications are managed appropriately during the surgical body contouring procedures.

Step 2 – The incisions

Incisions are a necessary part in the removal of extra skin. Incisions are very precise and can be extensive depending on the location of extra skin, your preference, and Dr. Leonard’s judgment as a surgeon. Surgeons can’t always hide incisions with advanced techniques. There are phases in body contouring. Your conditions and expectations will have an effect on how Dr.Leonard plans the procedures. Just like massive weight loss, body contouring is a very intense journey that can take time. It might take years for you to see the results of the body contouring. However, the outcome is worth it. You’ll notice an abundance of confidence in yourself as well as strength.

Following Surgery

Once your procedures are completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions.  Areas of the body that have been treated may be wrapped in an elastic bandage to minimize swelling and support your new contours as you heal.  Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid or blood that may collect.  Before you are released, you and your accompanying caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • How to care for the surgical site and drains
  • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce infection risk
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
  • When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
Progress and Healing

The healing process usually takes several weeks. However, you will need to do light walking as instructed to prevent blood clots. The initial wound healing may take 7-14 days. In a few weeks, you will be allowed to return to work and regular activity. Throughout time, the swelling and incisions will improve, and skin will feel a lot smoother.

Your Results and Outlook

You will see the results of the body contouring procedure almost immediately. Although there will be swelling and scarring, all of it will improve with time. Massive weight loss takes time and so will be getting the final results of these procedures. It is important to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle so that your body does not regress.

Contact Leonard Plastic Surgery

Leonard Plastic Surgery

Water Place │ 500 Liberty Street S.E., Suite 400 │ Salem, OR 97301

(503) 391-2760 │frontdesk@lmsurgeons.com

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