Dramatic weight loss has many benefits. But after any substantial amount of weight loss due to weight loss surgery and/or lifestyle changes, the skin and tissues often lack the elasticity to conform to the reduced body size.
Surgical body contouring following major weight loss removes excess sagging skin and fat while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. The result is a better-proportioned appearance with smoother contours.

Body contouring procedures may include:

  • Arm lift: correct sagging of the upper arms
  • Breast lift: correct sagging, flattened breasts
  • Facelift: correct sagging of the mid-face, jowls and neck
  • Buttock lift: correct sagging of the buttocks
  • Thigh lift: correct sagging of the inner thigh
  • Abdominoplasty: correct apron of excess skin hanging over the abdomen

The procedures
The procedures necessary to achieve best results will be defined along with a plan for the timing of these procedures.
Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia is needed.
All body contouring procedures require large incisions to remove excess skin. In many cases, these incisions may be extensive. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as personal preference and doctor's surgical judgment. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing, but this is not always possible.
Body contouring is often performed in stages, under a surgical plan.

Recovery
During recovery from body contouring surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions following the procedure.
Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
The results of body contouring following significant weight loss are visible almost immediately; however, it can take two years or more to see the final results. Visible scars are sometimes permanent.