Body contouring surgery addresses loose skin and tissue caused by significant weight loss through non-surgical lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or bariatric surgery. Loose skin commonly develops on the abdomen, arms, thighs, and back. Body contouring after weight loss resuspends soft tissues and tightens loose skin in the targeted areas, providing patients with a new physique, youthful tautness, and an attractively proportioned shape.

After a large weight loss occurs, excess skin that cannot shrink down to the new body shape is left behind. This can occur in areas such as the upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, resulting in a saggy, deflated appearance with a lack of tone. Supporting a significant amount of fat for an extended period of time may also result in stubborn fat deposits that have not decreased proportionately with the rest of the weight loss, creating an uneven appearance. Body contouring after significant weight loss is intended to address these concerns so that you can fully enjoy the benefits of your weight-loss efforts. Patients can also experience emotional and psychological benefits following weight loss body contouring.

Body contouring following weight loss combines a number of procedures intended to remove excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying tissue. Naturally, the procedures recommended will be based on your specific physique and desires.

A weight loss body contouring plan may include some of the following procedures:

• Arm Lift

• Breast Lift

• Tummy Tuck

• Thigh Lift

• Butt Lift

• Liposuction

• Back Lift

Good candidates for body contouring after weight loss are individuals in generally good health, and have some of the characteristics listed below:

• Have a significant amount of loose tissue in one or more body areas as a result of bypass surgery or lifestyle changes

• Individuals who have reached or are close to weight-loss targets and are able to maintain/ stabilize their weight

• Do not have medical conditions that impede healing or increase surgical risks

• Non-smoker or willing to quit

• Have realistic goals and expectations

The recovery period for body contouring after weight loss is entirely dependent on the procedures performed and the combination of procedures. Patients can anticipate soreness for the first few weeks after weight loss body contouring. After a few weeks, post-procedure bruising and swelling will naturally go away. In most cases, patients are able to return to office-based work within 1 to 2 weeks. For 4 to 6 weeks, patients should refrain from exercise and strenuous activity such as weightlifting.

Body contouring after weight loss is considered to have long-lasting results if weight remains stable. It is critical to maintain a healthy body weight after surgery to ensure that weight fluctuations do not jeopardize the results of weight loss body contouring. Weight gain can cause fatty tissue deposits and soft tissue bulges, which can have a negative impact on results.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to body contouring after weight loss. Some of the risks and side effects include, but are not limited to:

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Poor healing/ scarring

• Bleeding

• Pain or significant swelling

The cost of body contouring after weight loss will vary from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of the procedure. The cost of body contouring weight loss procedures in Canada is between $3,300 to $20,000.

512/531 of people who have undergone body contouring after weight loss have rated the procedure “Worth It” (96%).

• Source – Realself.com