Body contouring following major weight loss improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, and removes excess sagging fat and skin.
HOW THE SERVICE CAN HELP YOU
Following weight reduction surgery or any substantial weight loss, the skin and tissues often lack elasticity and cannot conform to the reduced body size. As a result, skin that has been severely stretched now is unsupported. Post-Weight Loss Surgery can help with issues such as:
- Upper arms may sag and appear loose and full
- Breasts may flatten and hang with nipples pointed downward
- The abdominal area may extend around the sides and into the lower back area, resulting in an apron-like overhang
- Buttocks, groin, and thighs can sag and cause hanging pockets of skin
Surgical body contouring following significant weight loss improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin and removes excess sagging fat and skin. The result is a more normal appearance to the body, with smoother contours. This is the final phase of your total weight loss experience. Dr. David Bauer and Dr. Zachary Young of Arkansas Plastic Surgery are happy to offer this procedure to patients looking to make this last step in their weight loss journey.
Before you undergo body contouring following significant weight loss, your weight loss must be stabilized. If you continue to lose weight, sagging pockets can redevelop. If you rapidly regain the weight, you can cause stress to your already weakened and thinned skin, causing further stress to the skin, visible stretch marks, and wide scars.
If you had weight reduction surgery, your plastic surgeon will work closely with your physician to determine when it is appropriate for you to begin body contouring.
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
Good Candidates for Body Contouring Are:
- Adults of any age whose weight loss has stabilized
- Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body contouring can accomplish
- Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness
Body contouring is often performed in stages. Your particular condition and goals, as well as your plastic surgeon’s best judgment, will all influence how your doctor defines a surgical plan. While it may have taken you two years or more to lose all the excess weight, it may take equally as long for the results of your body contouring to be complete.
For more information regarding body contouring, please contact our office to schedule a cosmetic consultation.
BODY CONTOURING FAQS
How much work will I miss if I get a body contouring procedure?
You will need to take about 3-4 days to recover from liposuction, and about 12–14 days to recover from abdominoplasty.
Will I have scarring?
Liposuction will result in very small ¼” scars. The scar from abdominoplasty is hidden in the bikini/panty line, so it is covered by most bathing suits.
How do I pay for body contouring?
Body contouring is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it will not be covered by insurance. We do offer Care Credit, which allows the patient to extend payments for six months to one year.
How do I know if body contouring is right for me?
The consultation is very important in determining who is a good candidate, and which procedure will achieve the best results. Dr. Bauer or Dr. Young will meet with you for an evaluation and answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will have all the information you need to make the right decision for yourself.
Will fat come back after liposuction?
Fat does not come back after liposuction. However, if you gain weight, you will tend to gain it differently, as the areas outside of the liposuction will tend to gain more than the areas that were treated.
Will I have to stay overnight?
No. Liposuction and other contouring procedures are all performed on an outpatient basis, so you will go home after recovery.
Where do you do body contouring procedures?
Dr. Bauer and Dr. Young operate in The Surgical Pavilion, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility specifically designed for your needs.
Is body contouring safe?
Body contouring is very safe as long as the patient is a good candidate from a medical standpoint, and is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Bauer and Dr. Young are experienced and skilled at determining who is, and who is not a candidate for safe body contouring and will never recommend a procedure they do not feel will benefit you.
How many procedures have you done?
Our surgeons have performed over 500 abdominoplasty surgeries and over 250 liposuctions.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction removes the fat only, but does not treat the loose skin. Abdominoplasty will address both the skin and the fat. Liposuction and abdominoplasty are often used together to treat multiple areas.
Will I need another procedure over time to maintain my shape?
If you maintain your weight within a few pounds either way, the results are long-lasting. Weight loss may cause the skin to loosen up again, and weight gain will more directly affect liposuction. If you are planning a significant weight loss, it is always smart to delay surgery until you reach your desired weight.
I’ve lost a lot of weight and have excess skin. Will that ever go away without a procedure?
Skin may tighten up a little, but skin laxity due to significant weight loss usually will require contouring.
How long is recovery?
Recovery varies. Abdominoplasty usually requires 12-14 days off of work, and 4 weeks before resuming exercise. Liposuction is much easier, and most can return to work in 3-5 days, and exercise in 3-4 weeks.
Will people be able to tell that I’ve had a procedure?
Each patient is different. At your consultation, we will be able to show you the results you can expect.
Does insurance pay for body contouring?
Body contouring is a cosmetic procedure, and therefore not covered by insurance.
How many visits does it take for evaluation, the procedure, and follow-up?
Typically, Dr. Bauer or Dr. Young will see the patient for the initial consultation, as well as on the day of surgery, one week post-op, and four weeks post-op for liposuction procedures. Abdominoplasty usually requires an extra visit in the second post-op week as well.
What can I do to make my body contouring procedure last?
The best way is to maintain your weight by eating healthy and exercising.
Can I get more than one procedure at once?
Yes, multiple procedures can be performed at the same setting. Breast procedures are often combined with body contouring.
I have diabetes. Can I still get a body contouring procedure?
At your consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss whether or not it is safe to proceed. Diabetes does increase the risk of healing problems and infections.
I have an autoimmune disease. Can I still get a body contouring procedure?
At your consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and discuss whether or not it is safe to proceed. Like diabetes, autoimmune disease does increase the risk of healing problems and infection.
WHY CHOOSE ARKANSAS PLASTIC SURGERY
It is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. For over 20 years, Arkansas Plastic Surgery has served the central Arkansas region. You can trust us to provide you with the natural and long-lasting results you’re looking for. Begin your discussion today!
