With the growing popularity of weight loss medications, combined with traditional methods like lifestyle changes and bariatric surgery, more people are achieving significant weight loss. While this transformation offers numerous health benefits, it can also come with some unexpected challenges. One of the most common concerns for weight loss patients is the presence of loose or excess skin, which can affect both comfort and confidence. Body contouring procedures are designed to address this issue by helping individuals achieve a more sculpted and balanced appearance.
The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire provides a variety of body contouring options tailored to meet the unique needs of patients who have undergone major weight loss.
Understanding Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Following significant weight loss, the skin often struggles to contract fully, leaving behind excess skin. The extent of this excess skin varies depending on factors such as age, genetics, and the amount of weight lost. Body contouring procedures aim to remove this extra skin and reshape the body for a smoother, more toned appearance. These procedures are not intended to aid in further weight loss, but instead, to refine and sculpt the body after the weight loss process is complete.
Dr. Ember Ewings, a board-certified plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Eau Claire, and her team specialize in body contouring. They offer personalized treatment plans to help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their new bodies.
Common Body Contouring Procedures
Several body contouring procedures can address the sagging or loose skin that often accompanies significant weight loss. Some of the most popular options include:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): This procedure removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles, creating a flatter, firmer stomach. It is especially beneficial for patients who experience significant skin laxity in the midsection after weight loss.
Liposuction: Though typically used to remove stubborn fat, liposuction is often combined with other body contouring procedures to refine body proportions. It targets areas where small pockets of fat may remain even after weight loss.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): After significant weight loss, the upper arms can sag. An arm lift removes excess skin and reshapes the arms for a more defined appearance.
Thigh Lift: This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, improving the overall proportion of the lower body. It is particularly helpful for individuals who experience sagging skin on the inner thighs after weight loss.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Major weight loss can result in a loss of breast volume and sagging skin. A breast lift reshapes and lifts the breasts, offering a more youthful and proportionate look. In some cases, the procedure may include augmentation or reduction to achieve the desired breast size.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery): Men who experience excess skin or persistent breast tissue after weight loss may benefit from male breast reduction surgery, which creates a more sculpted, masculine chest contour.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Body Contouring?
Not everyone who has lost a significant amount of weight will need body contouring surgery, but for those who experience excess or sagging skin, the procedure can offer a meaningful solution. Ideal candidates for body contouring surgery should:
Have maintained a stable weight for at least six months, with a body mass index (BMI) under 30 kg/m²
Be in good overall health
Have realistic expectations about the results
Be non-smokers or willing to quit, as smoking can hinder healing
During an initial consultation, Dr. Ewings assesses each patient’s concerns and goals to recommend the most appropriate procedures for their specific needs.
Recovery and Results
Recovery times vary based on the specific procedures performed. Most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Compression garments are typically recommended to help support healing and reduce swelling. While some improvements are visible soon after surgery, the final results become clearer as swelling subsides over the following months. To achieve the best long-term results, patients are encouraged to maintain a stable weight and follow post-operative care instructions closely.
