Losing significant weight is a life-changing accomplishment! Every day, we see patients who have lost significant weight either with GLP-1 medications, lifestyle modifications, or both. Unfortunately, despite losing fat and overall weight, the skin may not tighten up, leaving you with loose skin that’s discouraging and keeps you from feeling your best self. At Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery, we specialize in body contouring procedures that help both men and women achieve the body they deserve after putting in the hard work of weight loss.
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring surgical procedures are designed to remove excess skin and fat and reshape the body after significant weight loss. When the skin loses elasticity, it can’t conform to the body’s new shape, leading to sagging areas, particularly in the abdomen, arms, thighs, and breasts. We have a variety of surgical procedures that can address these concerns, helping patients achieve a firmer and more proportionate silhouette.
Body Contouring Procedures
Common surgical body contouring procedures include tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, lower body lifts, and breast lifts. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles while removing loose skin, helping you achieve a smoother abdomen. Arm lifts target sagging skin on the upper arms, while thigh lifts refine the contours of the inner thighs. A lower body lift removes loose skin circumferentially around the abdomen and lower back, and a breast lift can restore shape after weight loss. Liposuction is often used as an adjunct to make sure that treated areas are as smooth and sleek as possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?
Body contouring is best suited for individuals who have lost significant weight and have maintained a stable weight for several months. Ideal candidates should be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about their results. Since body contouring procedures are highly personalized, a consultation with Dr. MacLennan is the best way to determine which treatments will help you achieve your desired results.
Benefits of Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Body contouring offers several benefits that enhance overall well-being. Excess skin can cause chafing, irritation, and discomfort during daily activities. Removing this extra skin can increase mobility and ease of movement, making physical activity more tolerable. Many patients also notice that clothing fits better, boosting overall self-confidence. The mental health benefits can be significant!
What to Expect from the Body Contouring Process After Weight Loss
The process starts with a consultation. We ask that you be at a healthy weight (typically a body mass index of less than about 30, although BMI does not tell the whole story), and that you be stable at your current weight, within about 10# for at least a few months. We’ll evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your goals, and create a surgical plan tailored to your needs. Some procedures can be combined, such as breasts and arms or breasts and abdomen, but we like to limit surgical times to no more than 6 hours at a time for your safety. These procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and the length of surgery depends on the areas being addressed.
Body Contouring Recovery Process
Recovery depends on the procedures that are done. Arms and breasts typically heal within a few weeks with fairly minimal pain, while abdominal or circumferential procedures can require 6 weeks of taking it much easier than usual. While some discomfort is expected, most patients find the benefits outweigh the recovery period. You must keep up a healthy lifestyle and maintain your weight loss in order to maintain long-lasting results.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in body contouring procedures in Burlington, VT, or in the Upper Valley of VT/NH, contact us at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Complete the online contact form to see which procedures are right for you.
