Body Contouring After Weight Loss in Orange County
For men and women who understand the struggles associated with being overweight, losing a significant amount of weight is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Whether by making healthy lifestyle changes or undergoing bariatric surgery, dramatic weight loss can result in displeasing folds of excess skin or pockets of stubborn body fat. At AesthetiCare, our surgeons are dedicated and highly experienced at performing customized body contouring procedures after massive weight loss to address loose, sagging skin and localized fat.
What Can Body Contouring After Weight Loss Correct?
Options for Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Arm Lift
Arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) is designed to remove loose upper arm tissue for more slender contours and a smoother surface. Depending on the extent of correction, the following arm lift techniques may be used:
- Limited-incision: An incision is placed near the armpit, through which excess tissue is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened. This approach is ideal for patients who desire minimal correction.
- Standard: Patients with excess tissue that spans the entire upper arm area can benefit from this technique. A standard arm lift procedure involves creating an incision that extends from the elbow to the underarm.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery corrects sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue. This procedure can also be performed to improve the appearance of downward-facing or enlarged nipples to restore the overall aesthetic of the breasts. The type of breast lift technique used depends on the desired extent of correction. Incision placement options include:
- Periareolar: along the top edge of the areolas
- Circumareolar: around the circumference of the areolas
- Vertical: down the lower breast pole from the areolas to the crease
- Anchor: around the circumference of the areolas, down the lower breast, and along the crease
Tummy Tuck
Patients with significant abdominal skin laxity and relentless fat deposits can enhance their midsection with tummy tuck surgery. A tummy tuck involves removing folds of excess tissue and repairing damaged rectus muscles. One of the following techniques can be utilized during this procedure:
- Mini: A small incision is created at the top of the pubic area and skin is pulled down from the belly button, with liposuction performed above the belly button.
- Full: An incision is created from one hip to the other along the pubic line, and another incision is placed around the navel.
- Extended: An incision is placed from the sides of one hip to the other and along the front of the lower midsection. The incision may be extended to the back if necessary. This approach is appropriate for patients who require extensive correction.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift can address sagging skin and stubborn fat in the buttocks. An incision is made at lower back, just above the buttocks, to lift and tighten the target area. For those who require extensive correction, incisions may also be placed at the top of the hips or underneath the buttocks. Excess tissue is removed to restore the buttocks and hips to a firmer and more pleasing condition.
Thigh Lift
After massive weight loss, patients may be concerned about sagging skin and localized fat deposits in the upper leg area. A thigh lift can remove excess tissue from thighs and produce a smooth and slender aesthetic. Your aesthetic surgeon can place an incision near the groin, and a secondary incision may be created to address the inner thigh. Additional incisions may be needed to lift and tighten the outer leg.
Liposuction
Because patients often struggle with stubborn body fat after losing a sizable amount of weight, liposuction is typically performed on various problem areas. Liposuction can pinpoint specific fat deposits throughout the body to refine your contours and deliver the desired results. Using a thin cannula, your surgeon can remove fat with utmost precision to create customized and attractive body contours. At AesthetiCare, our surgeons utilize a tumescent technique that helps minimize postoperative side effects such as bleeding and bruising.
Concerns
Recovery
Patients can expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort after your body contouring procedure. Wearing the recommended compression garments and following all of your surgeon’s aftercare instructions can help alleviate some of the side effects and promote optimal healing. Patients are advised to take at least two to three weeks off of work and other commitments. Your surgeon will determine when you can continue exercising, but most patients can resume their normal routine within eight weeks. It may take several months for all residual swelling to subside and for the body to adjust to its new contours.
Scars
Scar visibility depends on the techniques performed during each body contouring procedure, the extent of correction during surgery, and individual healing factors. Following all postoperative directions and practicing proper sun protection can help scars fade faster. However, most scarring is likely to blend into the skin as time passes, and many patients report that the cosmetic, physical, and emotional benefits of this procedure outweigh the risk of scarring.
Cost
Because each procedure package for body contouring after weight loss is entirely personalized, cost varies from one patient to the next. The techniques used, the desired extent of correction, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and geographical location all affect the price of any procedure. It is important to consider the cost before undergoing surgery, but quality should always take priority. At AesthetiCare, we offer financing options for patients who qualify.
Pain
Many patients experience the bulk of their postoperative discomfort during the first two weeks of their recovery. Your aesthetic surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage any pain you encounter and make your cosmetic journey as comfortable as possible.