body contouring after major weight loss

The goal of surgery after weight loss is to remove excess skin and fat and improve body contours.  After significant weight loss, it is quite common to have large amounts of inelastic skin with or without large fatty deposits that cause distortion of the normal body shape.  Virtually any area of the body can be affected.  There are several surgical procedures that fall under this heading to address the various regions of the body.  Often these procedures are more extensive than similar surgeries in the non-massive weight loss patient, therefore staged procedures are usually necessary to address all areas of concern.  It is important to know that the deformities that result from massive weight loss vary greatly between patients and your surgical procedures will vary according to your particular issues.

During your consultation with Dr. Simon, all your areas of concern will be addressed and a surgical plan to accomplish your goals will be outlined.

In general, post-bariatric patients’ weight should be stable for 6 months prior to undergoing any aesthetics procedures.  In addition, there are frequent nutritional abnormalities that can lead to anemia and potential for wound healing problems.  Therefore, patients in this category require additional lab testing preoperatively.

Face and Neck Lift

There are many changes that can occur to the facial appearance after weight loss.  Due to loss of skin elasticity, the skin of the face and neck may become loose and sag.  There may be inferior displacement of the cheek fat pads and jowls.  It is also common to loose volume in the face resulting in a gaunt appearance.
In order to rejuvenate the face and neck following weight loss, the fat pads of the cheek are raised, the jawline is redefined, and loose skin is removed.  The incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear and extend into the hair line.  Please see the facelift section for additional information.

Arm Lift

Also known as a brachioplasty, an arm lift improves the contour of the arms by removing excess skin and fat.  There are several variations on the procedure depending on the severity of the problem.  The incisions range from a minimal approach that is in the underarm to a full brachioplasty which extends along the upper arm to the elbow.   Dr. Simon will demonstrate the position of the incisions at the time of the consultation.

Breast Lift

After significant weight loss, breasts commonly sag and look deflated.  Therefore, Dr. Simon will frequently recommend placement of an implant in addition to a breast lift to create the most aesthetically pleasing breast possible.  Please see the breast lift section for additional details.

Thigh Lift

There are several variations of the thigh lift, ranging from an incision in the groin to one that extends along the medial thigh.  The procedure that will give you the best result possible will be determined during your consultation.  Liposuction may be performed at the same time to improve the overall contour.  The position of the incisions will be demonstrated during your consultation.

Patients must avoid strenuous activity for several weeks following thigh lifting and most patients require 2 weeks off from work.

Tummy Tuck

Many patients require a circumferential tummy tuck or belt lipectomy (the excision of excess skin and fat extends around the entire waist instead of just the abdomen), however some patients may be candidates for a traditional or extended tummy tuck.  Dr. Simon will determine the best procedure to meet your desires at the time of your consultation.  Please see the tummy tuck section for additional details.

Lower Body Lift

The lower body lift or belt lipectomy is a tummy tuck that extends around the flanks and completely around the back to simultaneously improve the contour of the abdomen, hips, flanks, back, buttocks, and thighs.  The buttocks and thighs are lifted by extending the removal of excess skin and fat around the body.  This procedure is often necessary for patients that have lost significant amounts of weight for the best possible outcome.  Dr. Simon will demonstrate to you the lifting of skin and tissues and improvement of shape that will occur with the operation during the consultation.