Reveal your new, slimmer self
Highlight your new body contours after massive weight loss. Body contouring corrects sagging skin and localized fat deposits to accentuate the results of major weight loss. Using customized techniques, we can enhance your figure and reveal your new, slimmer self to the world.
Any healthy adult who has undergone massive weight loss may be a candidate for body contouring. Candidates are no longer in the middle of their weight loss but have achieved and are maintaining a stable and healthy body weight. Candidates also have excess sagging skin and localized fat deposits left behind from their former excess body weight.
Body contouring after massive weight loss involves the surgical removal of excess skin and fat to restore body tone and contour. The techniques are highly specialized and customized to meet the needs of each patient. These may include abdominoplasty after massive weight loss, a posterior body lift, massive weight loss chest reconstruction, brachioplasty, and thighplasty. In all cases, the goal is to eliminate the excess tissue and create flatter, smoother, and more even body contours.
You should be in good health and at a stable body weight prior to undergoing this surgery. If you are receiving treatment for any chronic health conditions, you will need to request clearance from your primary care physician. You may also need to get a mammogram, EKG, and basic blood work to evaluate your health in anticipation of a successful procedure and healthy recovery. You will also need to plan for adequate time off work and arrange for assistance during your recovery, especially for activities such as driving, household responsibilities, and childcare.
Recovery will vary from patient to patient depending on the amount of correction performed. Most patients can expect approximately 10 to 14 days of downtime with body contouring after massive weight loss. It may be necessary to avoid bending, straining, and lifting for several days to weeks. Small tubes or drains may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess fluid. On average, patients can expect to return to normal daily activities in around 2 weeks. During recovery, you may need to limit your work responsibilities and seek assistance for basic household responsibilities and childcare.
Your surgical experience will be customized to meet your body's needs. With the help of Dr. Poris, you can achieve the smooth and even body contours you deserve after major weight loss.
<p>An abdominoplasty reshapes the abdomen to flatten the waistline. This procedure is especially beneficial for individuals who have lost a lot of weight from their abdomen. Both the upper and lower belly can be flattened with a tummy tuck.</p>
<p>A chest reconstruction reshapes the contour of the chest. For men, gynecomastia surgery can flatten the chest to create a more masculine shape. For women, breast lift/augmentation techniques can be used to improve breast fullness, position, and shape.</p>
<p>A posterior body lift reshapes the full lower body to correct sagging buttocks, abdomen, hips, and thighs. This procedure may be recommended if you have lost a massive amount of weight (such as 30 percent or more of your body weight) and are left with significant hanging skin in these areas. The corrective potential of a posterior body lift is incredible and can make a vast difference in body contour after weight loss.</p>
<p>An arm lift (brachioplasty) reshapes the upper arms to improve their tone. This body contouring surgery can help individuals with loose, hanging upper arm skin achieve a more defined and youthful upper arm contour.</p>
<p>A thigh lift (thighplasty) reshapes the inner and/or outer thighs to improve thigh contour. This body contouring surgery can help individuals with excess thigh skin and fat by getting rid of the flab and molding smoother, leaner thighs.</p>
Body contouring after massive weight loss may include: Abdominoplasty: Reshaping the abdomen to flatten the waistline. Chest Reconstruction: Reshaping the chest contour with gynecomastia (for men) or breast lift/augmentation techniques (for women). Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Reshaping the upper arms to improve their tone. Thighplasty: Reshaping the inner and/or outer thighs to improve thigh contour. Posterior Body Lift: Reshaping the full lower body to correct sagging buttocks, abdomen, hips, and thighs. Depending on the amount of correction desired, body contouring may be performed all at once or in stages. Your surgical plan will be determined based on what is necessary for a healthy recovery with optimal results.
Body contouring scars can vary greatly after massive weight loss and will depend on the techniques used to improve body contour: Abdominoplasty: The horizontal scar is in the lower abdomen, between the hips. Chest Reconstruction: The scars will be around the areolas and down toward/along the breast crease. Arm Lift: The scars will be along the inside of the upper arms. Thighplasty: The scars will be along the thigh inseam or around the outside of the hips. Posterior Body Lift: The scar may be a full circumferential scar around the body. Wherever possible, these scars are placed where they can be hidden by most clothing. It is important to recognize that the scars are a necessary tradeoff for the vast improvements in body shape provided by body contouring after major weight loss. Your scar appearance and length will depend on the techniques used as well as your body’s natural healing process. Most surgical scars fade significantly over time.
Many individuals who achieve massive weight loss are left with excess flaps or rolls of skin, especially around the midsection. The goal of body contouring surgery is to restore your body shape, and to do so, it removes this excess skin. With body contouring, weight loss patients can be freed from the reminder of their previous size and more fully enjoy their newer, slimmer body contours.
Results from body contouring after massive weight loss are expected to last a long time. Any weight gain, pregnancy, or aging can affect your body contour in the future. It is important that you maintain a healthy and stable body weight to ensure long-lasting results.
Stephenie Poris, MD sees patients at both the Orlando and Winter Park offices.
