Body Contouring

Body contouring is a term used to describe surgical procedures performed to enhance a patient’s figure by removing excess skin and fat, especially after massive weight loss. The surgeries are dependent upon the desires and goals of the patient as well as the indicative decision by the surgeon. Common areas done are the upper arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

The best candidates are those in good overall health, steady with their weight, and realistic about the outcomes of surgery.

A Lower Body Lift consists of removal of excess skin/fat in the mid-section. The incision is a continuous incision at the belt line. This is also referred to as a Belt Lipectomy, or often times a Circumferential Tummy Tuck. The procedure has several variations.  It is important to determine these options at a consultation visit with your surgeon.

An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, consists of removal of unwanted skin/fat in the upper arm. The procedure will leave a scar at the triceps region of the arm, typically from armpit to elbow.

A Lateral Thigh Lift, or Outer Thigh Lift, consists of removal and tightening of skin in the outer portion of the thighs. This procedure will leave a scar at the hip region, extending from the front across the hips to the backside. It is along the waistline.

A Medial Thigh Lift, or Inner Thigh Lift, consists of removal and tightening of skin in the inner portion of the thighs. This procedure will leave a scar in the groin area, and often times the inner pubic region.

Each body contouring procedure will have different recovery schedules, but all will require the use of wearing some sort of a compression dressing or garment. Some may require the use of drainage tubes as well.

Be sure to discuss with your surgeon all your options related to surgery, as well as the option of having multiple surgeries performed simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much are the procedures?
Each procedure will vary in cost*. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation appointment.

*Cash discounted rates are provided

Where can I find a post-operative garment?
You can search online at various stores for options.  We do include the first post-operative garment.  If you have questions on what type to purchase, please let us know and we can help.

What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia is administered by a board certified anesthesiologist via an IV.

When can I eat after surgery?
You will need to eat/drink something prior to taking your oral medications. As soon as you are ready to do so, you may.

If I have drain tubes, when do they come out?
Typically they are removed about 5-7 days after surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to have them in longer depending on the amount of drainage.  Sometimes drains are not used.

I have fluid coming out where the drains are inserted, is this normal?
Yes, this is common. We want that fluid to drain out where it can. Just be sure to wear inexpensive clothing. You can also apply feminine napkins in front of the insertion sites to collect the drainage.

When can I exercise?
No physical exertion is permitted for two weeks after surgery. Once you begin an exercise regimen, you must listen to your body. If it hurts or causes swelling, don’t do it.

When can I drive?
Driving is permitted as long as you are not under the influence of medications.

I have numbness by my scars, is this normal?
This is common. The scar itself may never have feeling, but the areas around it will normalize over time. It is also to have numbness in the areas that had liposuction. Again, this will subside over time.

Do the sutures dissolve?
Yes. Sometimes they might poke through the skin before dissolving completely. If so, simply pull the knot up with tweezers and clip it off with small scissors. You may also come in and have us do it for you.

How long do I have to wear the garment?
The garment is required for a minimum of four weeks, and then it is optional. It is important to continue wearing some form of support if there is any swelling or tenderness in the areas surgery was performed. You may go into a lingerie type garment instead of wearing the surgical garment provided.