Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss
What is body contouring?
Overview
When undergoing a major weight loss, the body is left with excess, sagging fat and skin. There is minimal shape and tone to the body. The biggest problem after weight loss is that the skin loses its elasticity, and is unable to conform to the reduced body size.
Body contouring is designed to remove that excess sagging fat and skin, produce a normal appearance with smooth contours and a more defined shape to the body. There may be multiple procedures involved, depending on the areas of the body that are left with the most sagging skin from weight loss.
These procedures may include:
Facelift: in this procedure, the surgeon reduces sagging in the mid-face area, along with the jowls and neck.
Breast lift: sagging, flattened breasts are particularly problematic for women. Dr. Jimerson has several different surgical options available, including implants, to reconfigure the breast area while enhancing breast shape and size.
Tummy tuck: after weight loss, the patient often is left with a large apron of excess skin that hangs over the abdominal area. Dr. Jimerson removes this excess skin, and tightens the underlying tissue and muscle for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Lower body lift: this is a comprehensive procedure that involves removing excess, sagging skin the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thigh area. Using multiple incisions, Dr. Jimerson removes excess skin and underlying fatty tissue to restore shape and tone to the various body areas.
Medial thigh lift: the medial thigh lift is used to remove excess sagging skin of the inner, outer and mid thigh area. Incisions are made, often extending from the groin around the hip. Tissues are then tightened to produce a mother, more appealing thigh.
Brachioplasty (arm lift): this procedure removes the excess skin that is dropping downward from the arms. At the same time, Dr. Jimerson will tighten and smooth all underlying tissues that help to provide a better definition to the shape of the arm.
For all of these surgical procedures, you’ll discuss anesthesia options with Dr. Jimerson to determine what works best for you based on your medical history and preferences. Instructions will be provided on how to care for your incisions following surgery, and you will be given prescriptions for pain medication to use following the procedure.
Are you a candidate for body contouring?
- Your weight is stable and your weight loss is complete
- You enjoy relatively good health without any medical conditions that could jeopardize your healing or present surgical risks
- You’re committed to living a healthy life and follow proper nutrition and fitness
- You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
Cost for body contouring surgery
Costs can vary based on individual patient needs and the amount of surgery required.
The costs involved in this procedure include facility fees, medical tests, anesthesia fees, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or post-operative garments that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure.
The Recovery Process
After your body contouring surgery, you will have dressings and/or bandages placed to cover the incisions. In addition, Dr. Jimerson may place elastic bandages or compression garments to help reduce swelling.
A small drainage tube may be placed in the incision in order to help drain excess blood or fluids after surgery. Dr. Jimerson will prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable after the procedure.
The Surgery
hen meeting with Dr. Jimerson, you will discuss the plan and the timing for the various procedures used in the body contouring process.
Dr. Jimerson may recommend:
Lower Body Lift, to address the sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, groin area and outer thighs. Sometimes an incision around the circumference of the body may be needed to remove the “belt” of excess skin and fat;
Thigh Lift, to address sagging skin on the inner, outer and mid-thigh area:
You will discuss various anesthesia options with Dr. Jimerson, including sedation and general anesthesia. He will determine the best type of anesthesia based on the procedures, your health history and his preferences.
Because the body contouring process is extensive, large incisions may be required to remove the excess skin.
Dr. Jamison will determine the length and type of incisions to be used in order to remove the excess skin. More advanced surgical techniques now allow incisions to be made in inconspicuous areas of the body that can be covered by different types of clothing.
Because extensive surgery is involved, it is usually performed in stages. Dr. Jamison will present you with a surgical plan that best suits your particular needs.
Risks involved in body contouring surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks or complications. You have to determine if the benefits that you’ll obtain from your procedure outweigh the risks involved.
Dr. Jimerson and his trained staff will do everything possible to minimize risks and postoperative complications. Risks may include:
Anesthesia • Bleeding • Infection • Scarring •Poor wound healing • Damage to underlying nerves, muscles or blood vessels • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis • Recurrent skin laxity • Contour irregularities • Numbness or skin sensation changes • Persistent pain • Possible need to revise the surgery • Problems with sutures that may require removal
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Meeting with Dr. Jimerson
Prior to the body contouring surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Questions to ask Dr. Jimerson
Prior to surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos may be taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Body contouring surgery preparation
What happens prior to the body contouring surgery? You will have lab tests, and the doctor may have you take new medications or adjust the medications that you’re currently taking.
Avoid taking medications that can increase bleeding, like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and various herbal supplements;
If you smoke, you must stop several weeks prior the surgery, as it can severely impeded the healing process.
Finally, you should arrange to have someone available to drive you home after your surgery, and to be with you for the first night.
Results
You can expect to see results from your body contouring surgery immediately after the procedure. This will improve over time as the swelling reduces, but it could take up to two years to see the final results. You can expect your results to last a long time, as long as you keep your weight stable and stay fit.
Just be aware that there will be scars from the procedure, but it’s a small price to pay to have a body contour that matches your new reduced weight and proportions.
Be sure to follow Dr. Jimerson’s instruction following your procedure to obtain optimal results.
Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?
Dr. Jimerson and his team have years of extensive training and experience in all areas of cosmetic surgery, liposuction and fat grafting. He has pioneered face and body sculpting techniques that bring patients exceptional, long-lasting results.
The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.
Schedule your appointment
The best way to determine if body contouring surgery is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment click here.
Body Contouring Procedure Steps
When undergoing a major weight loss, the body is left with excess, sagging fat and skin. There is minimal shape and tone to the body. The biggest problem after weight loss is that the skin loses its elasticity, and is unable to conform to the reduced body size.
Body contouring is designed to remove that excess sagging fat and skin, produce a normal appearance with smooth contours and a more defined shape to the body. There may be multiple procedures involved, depending on the areas of the body that are left with the most sagging skin from weight loss.
These procedures may include:
Facelift: in this procedure, the surgeon reduces sagging in the mid-face area, along with the jowls and neck.
Breast lift: sagging, flattened breasts are particularly problematic for women. Dr. Jimerson has several different surgical options available, including implants, to reconfigure the breast area while enhancing breast shape and size.
Tummy tuck: after weight loss, the patient often is left with a large apron of excess skin that hangs over the abdominal area. Dr. Jimerson removes this excess skin, and tightens the underlying tissue and muscle for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Lower body lift: this is a comprehensive procedure that involves removing excess, sagging skin the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thigh area. Using multiple incisions, Dr. Jimerson removes excess skin and underlying fatty tissue to restore shape and tone to the various body areas.
Medial thigh lift: the medial thigh lift is used to remove excess sagging skin of the inner, outer and mid thigh area. Incisions are made, often extending from the groin around the hip. Tissues are then tightened to produce a mother, more appealing thigh.
Brachioplasty (arm lift): this procedure removes the excess skin that is dropping downward from the arms. At the same time, Dr. Jimerson will tighten and smooth all underlying tissues that help to provide a better definition to the shape of the arm.
For all of these surgical procedures, you’ll discuss anesthesia options with Dr. Jimerson to determine what works best for you based on your medical history and preferences. Instructions will be provided on how to care for your incisions following surgery, and you will be given prescriptions for pain medication to use following the procedure.
Your Body Contouring Consultation
Prior to the body contouring surgery you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.