Body contouring procedures following weight loss

The process of losing weight is often a struggle for many of us. Between rethinking our diets, increasing exercise levels and lowering stress, there are so many steps to take toward achieving a healthier, stronger and slimmer body. Shedding unwanted weight can be exceptionally rewarding, improve overall health and increase confidence levels, but there's one aspect that is often overlooked in the process – loose, sagging skin.

We can experience laxity in our skin where we have lost weight, often masking the progress that we have made. It can be frustrating to not be able to see the full reach of your results when you have extra skin hanging around the abdomen, arms and thighs.

One way to help achieve the physique that you are after is to have either surgical or nonsurgical body contouring procedures in combination with a weight loss plan. These innovative procedures serve to address stubborn fat and loose, sagging skin to provide a more svelte appearance.

If you're interested in learning more about the array of available options to help tone and contour the body, we're happy to help. We reached out to ASPS Member Surgeons Alex Kim, MD, and Dennis Hurwitz, MD, to gather their insights around the most effective body contouring procedures and best practices to make the most of your results.

The ins and outs of body contouring

Body contouring encompasses both surgical and nonsurgical options that are used to tighten the skin and shape the body, typically by removing stubborn fat and excess skin. Procedures can include liposuction, body lifts, radiofrequency treatments and more.

While nonsurgical options are growing in popularity, they are often less effective than surgical ones and require more treatments to achieve the patient's goals.

"The nonsurgical way of dealing with this problem is very limited," said Dr. Kim. "The basic problem of these patients is that they have extra skin, no matter which area it is, and it doesn't shrink back to where it was before they gained weight. No matter what your goal, you need to remove the extra skin to achieve it."

A few key groups of people typically consider body contouring procedures.

"For the most part, there are three types of individuals who present for body contouring surgery," said Dr. Hurwitz. "One is the group after pregnancies that have laxity abdominal fascia (diastasis recti, or separated abdominal muscles) and skin as well as breast sagging, another presents with loose skin after massive weight loss and another group has the skin associated with aging of the body."

The most common patients tend to be those with massive weight loss, typically more than 50 pounds. Additionally, there also are specific areas of the body where body contouring is most popular.

"The three main issues are: stomach and torso area skin, which hangs and creates a lot of problems, such as uncomfortability wearing clothes and performing physically; the thighs, in which the skin gets very loose and rubs, causing rashes and pain; and the arms, primarily the upper area, where the elbow to armpit skin will hang," said Dr. Kim.

Maximizing your body contouring results

As with any procedure, whether surgical or nonsurgical, there are a few key steps you can take to set yourself up for success from the start of your body contouring journey.

Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member to perform body contouring procedures to get the best results with the least risk of complications.

"Finding the right surgeon can be difficult," said Dr. Kim. "We always advocate to find board-certified plastic surgeons who are ASPS members."

It's also important to take a close look at the practice itself. Try to find a surgeon who performs a high volume of body contouring procedures with effective results.

"I recommend surgical practices that devote a considerable portion of their practice to body contouring and usually have a variety of options which feature the latest technology in body contouring," said Dr. Hurwitz. "These groups also routinely employ safety protocols and low narcotic usage postoperative management along with a variety of treatments and massage therapies to speed recovery."

Remember, your plastic surgeon is only one element of your surgical team. If possible, meet the rest of the surgical team that will be providing support to your surgeon throughout your procedure.

"They usually organize a supportive team that are very involved in perioperative care that improves the experience and the outcomes," said Dr. Hurwitz.

If you're strongly considering body contouring, it's important to first reach your weight loss goals before you book the procedure.

"I tell patients that the best preparation for them is to complete the weight loss," said Dr. Kim. "Everyone has their own goal weight, and they really need to get down close to where their goal weight is. If you don't and you compromise, you just won't get the best results. What I stress to patients is that you need to keep going."

Additionally, do not neglect other areas of your health in preparation for the procedure. This can involve taking adequate vitamins, minding stress levels and ensuring that you get enough sleep each night to get your body to the right place to prepare for an intensive contouring procedure.

Many patients may be tempted to go back into their daily routine following a body contouring procedure, but it's important to take the time to rest and recover.

"Once the surgery is done, a lot of patients need a longer recovery, about two to four weeks, to feel good and six weeks to go back to the gym," said Dr. Kim. "They need to have prepared themselves for the operation and after. The pain isn't bad, but they'll be uncomfortable after surgery."

Body contouring is a great option to tone the body and tighten the skin for those who've lost a significant amount of weight and have skin laxity after slimming down. Plastic surgeons offer a variety of surgical and noninvasive options that can cater to any patient.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.