Body Contouring

Definition: Removes loose, hanging skin from the body, after gastric bypass surgery, stomach stapling or gastric banding. Excess skin commonly loses its elasticity and hangs from the arms, legs, chest and stomach. Body contouring, also known as body shaping or a body lift, is performed to improve this condition. The complete body contouring process includes liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, and other procedures as necessary on a case by case basis.

Is it right for me?
Good candidates for body contouring are adults of any age whose weight loss has stabilized.

Surgery: 2 to 5 hours, depending on the amount of skin to be removed. Surgeons may schedule follow-up operations over several months. A tummy tuck, (abdominoplasty) is usually the first step in body contouring. Excess skin is then removed from legs, arms and breast area. Patient Status inpatient - Hospital stays can range from 1 to 8 days. Anesthesia – general.

Risks: Possible risks include blood clots, infection, and bleeding under the incisions.

Side Effects: Long scars on the inside of the legs, underneath the arms, across the stomach, and extending across the hips. They may take several years to fade.

Recovery time: Modest amounts of pain, bruising and swelling are present after the procedure. Pain is controlled with medications while any excess fluid is drained away by special instruments. Back to work: 6 weeks. Resume exercise: after 8 weeks. Healing of scars: up to 1 year. Results are permanent, but sensitive to diet and exercise.