Body Lift/Contouring (After Weight Loss)


Introduction

If you are among the rapidly growing number of Americans who have successfully shed a significant amount of weight, you have a great deal to be proud of. All too often, unfortunately, the self-satisfaction this great accomplishment should bring is diminished by the large amount of unwanted skin patients are left with. Modern techniques for body contouring help address these issues, allowing patients to thoroughly enjoy the lifestyle their more healthy weight allows.


Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for body contouring are healthy patients whose weight loss is complete and whose weight has been stable for at least 4-6 months. This ensures that all skin contraction that may occur naturally will be stable at the time of surgery, as well as limiting the possibility that a second surgery will be required if further weight is lost. We advise our weight loss patients to have a full work-up with their primary physician prior to surgery so that health can be optimized before surgery, maximizing the safety of the procedure.


How It's Done

Most people who lose a large amount of weight have multiple, varying concerns in different areas of the body. We believe the best approach to the achievement of any individual patient’s goals is to listen to their goals and priorities and make those priorities our own, understanding (and helping the patient understand) that the final achievement of these goals will often require several procedures. This is important in achieving the appropriate balance of safety and aesthetic improvement.

During the procedures, incisions are placed in the most inconspicuous locations possible and excess skin is removed. It is important to understand that, while Dr. Soto does make every effort to hide them and scars will fade with time, all scars are permanent. Remaining pockets of fat may be removed with liposuction or VASER Liposelection in order to create a smoother result. Depending on the body areas being addressed and the amount of surgery performed, temporary drains are often inserted during surgery, to be removed in a few days. Supportive dressings are applied, and most often the patient is discharged home in the care of a responsible loved one after a brief stay in the recovery area.


Recovery

Individual patient recovery may be affected by the details of the procedure, your overall state of health, lifestyle and nutritional considerations, and compliance with Dr. Soto’s instructions. In general, Dr. Soto recommends use of compressive support garments continually for the first month. Restrictions on physical activity will apply for 4-6 weeks, and with most forms of employment Dr. Soto will recommend 2-3 weeks off for most procedures. The final outcome of surgery can be appreciated with complete resolution of all swelling, which may take 4-8 weeks.