Body Contouring

Many people who have lost a substantial amount of weight find their skin and tissue lack the elasticity to conform to the smaller body size.
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In these cases the skin that has been severely stretched is now unsupported.

Surgical body contouring following your major weight loss can improve the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. In addition excess fat and skin are removed at the same time. Body contouring results in a more normal appearance with smoother contours.

Meet Your Physicians

Matthew R. Swelstad, MD

Jeffrey M. Pitcher, MD

Body Contouring FAQ's

Discover the benefits of weight loss, but excess sagging skin can pose a challenge. Surgical body contouring addresses this issue, removing excess skin and fat to create a more proportionate and contoured appearance, fostering confidence in your transformation.

Explore our range of body contouring procedures designed to address specific concerns, including:

  • Arm lift: Correct sagging of the upper arms
  • Breast lift: Restore firmness to sagging or flattened breasts
  • Facelift: Target sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and neck
  • Lower body lifts: Address sagging in the abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs
  • Medial thigh lift: Tackle sagging in the inner thigh
  • Tummy tuck: Rectify the apron of excess skin hanging over the abdomen

Is it right for me?

Body contouring is a highly individualized procedure, and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. 

Body Contouring may be a good option for:

  • Adults with stabilized weight loss
  • Healthy individuals without medical conditions affecting healing or increasing surgery risks
  • Nonsmokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals
  • Committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness

Your consultation is your time to ask the doctor about the procedure you’re considering, how he thinks it will work for you and any concerns you may have.

Questions to Consider:

  • What is the simplest and safest surgery to help me achieve my goals?
  • Are other options available?
  • What results can I expect, and how long do the typical results last?
  • Where will scars be located, and how noticeable will they be?
  • Will scars fade over time, and how long will this take?

Your surgeon will:

  • Assess your overall health and any pre-existing conditions or risk factors.
  • Capture photographs for reference.
  • Examine your body and take measurements. 
  • Discuss your options. 

 

After your consultation with the physician, you will meet with the practice manager to discuss procedure costs.

Comprehensive comprehension of every facet of your body contouring procedure is crucial. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, from excitement about the anticipated transformation to a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t hesitate to openly discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

There are several things to do prior to your procedure that will make your recovery as smooth as possible and ease your pre-procedure anxiety.

Your Pre-Op Checklist:

  • Make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you to surgery and stay with you for a night. 
  • Consult with your surgeon and adhere to their instructions.
  • Take prescribed medications or modify current medication as directed.
  • Complete necessary lab tests within 30 days of your procedure.
  • Cease smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
  • Refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements to mitigate potential bleeding.

 Day of Surgery:

  • Be on time for your scheduled surgery appointment.
  • Bring a companion aged 18 or older.
  • Refrain from eating or drinking after midnight prior to your surgery.
  • Use antibacterial soap for a thorough body wash before the procedure.
  • Opt for loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and remove on the day of your surgery.

Anesthesia:

Medications for comfort during arm lift surgery are administered, with options including intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, tailored to your specific needs by your doctor.

The Incision: 

Body contouring procedures involve significant incisions for the removal of excess skin, with the length and pattern determined by factors such as the amount and location of the skin to be removed, personal preferences, and the surgeon’s judgment. Typically performed in stages, body contouring is tailored to your specific condition, goals, and your plastic surgeon’s expertise. 

Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan, and your doctor will discuss with you about the specific incisions designed to suit your individual needs.

Closing Incisions:

Incisions are closed with either absorbable sutures or stitches, with removal scheduled within one to two weeks post-surgery.

Recovery durations after Body Contouring vary for each patient (days to months).

Following your body contouring procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. To minimize swelling during the healing process, an elastic bandage or compression garment may be wrapped around your body.

In some cases a temporary, thin tube may be placed to drain excess blood or fluid.

You will receive detailed instructions covering:

  • Proper care post-surgery
  • Medications for healing and infection prevention
  • Specific signs to monitor at the surgical site and for overall health
  • Follow-up schedule with your plastic surgeon

Ensure you address specific queries about your individual recovery:

  • Post-surgery destination.
  • Prescribed medications.
  • Duration of dressings/bandages and removal timeline.
  • Are the stitches scheduled for removal, and if so, when is the expected timeframe? 
  • When can I safely resume normal activities and exercise? 
  • What is the recommended timing for my follow-up care appointment?

Your plastic surgeon and/or their team will provide detailed explanations of surgery-associated risks. Consent forms will be signed to ensure your full comprehension of the procedure and potential complications.

Some Risks Involved:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Fatty tissue under the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Infection

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