Post-Bariatric & After-Weight Loss Surgery

After losing a large amount of weight, whether from bariatric surgery or after pregnancy, or with diet and exercise, you may experience an excess of residual fat and loose skin in your face, neck, arms, chest, waist, buttocks and thighs. Considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Saratoga Springs, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis offers post-bariatric and after-weight loss surgery procedures that can contour your face and body by removing excess skin and fat. 

You may be considering a lower body lift procedure that addresses several areas of loose skin at once. Or you may only require recontouring of your face, neckline, arms, thighs, or breasts. All of these options can tighten the skin and give you a more toned, slimmer, and fit appearance. Please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery for more information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis.

• What Is Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Candidates
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Results
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Recovery
• Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Cost

What Is Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

Post-weight loss body contouring refers to a range of surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and fat that remains after significant weight loss, whether achieved through bariatric surgery, medication, diet, or exercise. After losing a large amount of weight, many patients find that loose skin around the abdomen, arms, thighs, buttocks, and other areas cannot retract on its own, regardless of continued diet and exercise efforts. These procedures address that residual tissue, restoring proportion, improving comfort and hygiene, and allowing your body to finally reflect the transformation you worked so hard to achieve.

Who Is a Candidate for Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

You may be a good candidate for post-weight loss body contouring if you have loose, extra skin and fat deposits in your tummy and around your waistline; excess fat and loose skin in your buttocks, hips, and/or love handles; sagging loose skin in your upper arms and thighs; or loose skin in your face, jowls, and neck.

What Are the Different Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Procedures?

Body contouring surgery after weight loss does not necessarily have to include a full lower body lift. You may only need specific areas recontoured, and Dr. Koumanis offers a full range of procedures to address your individual needs.

Lower Body Lift (Beltline Dermatolipectomy)

Tummy tucks and lower body lift procedures are done as an outpatient at our accredited surgery center and require no overnight stay. An incision is created around the waist and across the lower abdomen, down to the lateral part of your thighs, to above your buttocks to the middle of your lower back. Excess fat and skin is reduced from around your waistline, and the remaining skin of your abdomen, thighs, and buttocks is lifted and tightened.

For patients who have experienced massive weight loss, often 75 pounds or more, a torso lift (also known as a circumferential body lift) takes this approach a step further, removing excess skin from the abdomen, flanks, and lower back in one comprehensive procedure while also improving buttock contour. 

Watch Dr. Koumanis explain how a torso lift can complete the transformation and why so many massive weight loss patients choose this procedure.

Face and Neck Lift

A facelift is often performed along with a neck lift. Together, these procedures tighten skin on your face and neck for a more contoured, youthful profile and appearance

Arm Lift

Arm lifts can reduce extra fat and flabby skin from your upper arms for a thinner more contoured look. This procedure involves an incision made from the armpit to the inner elbow. Excess skin and fat is reduced and the remaining skin is tightened and reshaped. Arm lift surgery typically takes about one to three hours using general anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis. 

Patients can expect some bruising and swelling for a few weeks after arm lift surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Most patients can resume normal daily routines after about a week.

Thigh Lift

Thigh lift can effectively contour your thighs and treat loose, excess skin and fat. A thigh lift begins with incisions made from below the bikini line down to the thighs. Scars are hidden in your groin crease and in the fold beneath your buttocks. Once the excess skin and fat have been eradicated, the skin will be lifted and tightened for a smoother look. Thigh lift surgery typically takes about three hours to complete using general anesthesia and is performed as an outpatient. 

There will be some bruising and swelling in the days following thigh lift surgery. Tight-like compression garments worn for several weeks helps with the healing process. Pain and discomfort is controlled with medication. You should plan on taking it easy at home for at least one week. Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities after two to three weeks; however, strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks after thigh lift surgery.

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery can improve saggy excess skin in your breasts. The procedure tightens the remaining skin, moving the breasts and the nipples and areolae to a higher, “perkier” position.

What Is the Recovery Like After Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

Recovery from post-weight loss body contouring procedures varies depending on the extent of surgery, but patients should plan for adequate time off work and physical activity. A binder or compression garment is typically worn for several weeks after surgery to hold dressings and facilitate healing, and any discomfort during recovery is alleviated with medication. 
Most patients are able to gradually resume normal daily activities within two to four weeks, with strenuous activities avoided for at least six weeks..

What Results Can I Expect from Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

Post-weight loss procedures are designed to reduce extra skin and fat in your face and body, creating a smoother, tighter, more contoured appearance without sagginess or excessive loose skin, including a narrower waistline to better fit your clothing.

How Much Does Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Cost?

The cost of post-weight loss body contouring varies depending on which procedures are performed, the extent of skin removal required, and whether multiple areas are addressed in a single surgery. Since each treatment plan is highly individualized, an accurate fee estimate can only be provided after a thorough evaluation at your consultation with Dr. Koumanis. 
After assessing your needs and creating a personalized surgical plan, you will receive a complete cost breakdown including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fee. For patients who may benefit from financing, we offer a number of plastic surgery financing options with low monthly installment plans.

Schedule Your Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Consultation

If you have lost a significant amount of weight and are ready to take the final step in completing your transformation, we invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Koumanis. Together, you will discuss your goals, evaluate your candidacy, and develop a personalized plan to help you feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Note
The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for you can be determined only at the time of your consultation with Dr. Koumanis. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual. Most people are very happy with the results, but no specific result can be guaranteed.

This procedure is done at our Joint Commission-accredited office facility.