What is Body Contouring after Weight Loss?

Patients who experience major weight loss can often be left with sagging skin and excess fat. Body contouring after weight loss can remove this excess skin and fat for a more proportionate body silhouette. Body contouring after weight loss can consist of a selection of procedures, including a lower body lift, a breast lift, an arm lift, or a thigh lift.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for body contouring procedures are adults who are at a stable and healthy weight, who are non-smokers with no medical conditions, and are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle to maintain results. During your consultation with Dr. Howland, you will be able to discuss any questions and concerns that you may have, as well as share your overall aesthetic goals.

What to Expect

The procedure process will differ depending on the type of body lift that is performed. However, all body lift procedures require incisions to remove excess skin and fat. The pattern and length of your incisions will depend on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed, as well as the location of the skin. Dr. Howland will place incisions as inconspicuously as possible so that, in most cases, they can be covered with clothing.

In the case that a lower body lift is performed, sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, groin, and outer thighs can be corrected. A breast lift can correct sagging breasts, while an arm lift can correct sagging skin on the upper arms. A thigh lift is done to eliminate sagging skin on the inner, outer, and mid-thigh.

Results

During recovery from body contouring after weight loss, compression bandages will need to be worn to control swelling. Drains may also be placed to drain away any excess fluid that may collect during recovery. Bending and lifting will need to be avoided for a few weeks, and patients should sleep with their head elevated. Dr. Howland will provide specific post-op instructions to help aid in your recovery period.

If you have achieved major weight loss and are interested in body contouring procedures, contact our office today to schedule your consultation! We serve patients in the Salt Lake City and Draper, UT areas.