Post-Bariatric Body Contouring

An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure performed to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. Tummy tucks are effective for patients with pockets of fat or loose skin that doesn’t respond well to diet and exercise. During the abdominoplasty procedure, the skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. Excess skin is removed from the area and the navel is reattached into a natural position before the incision is closed.

In addition to the cosmetic concerns many patients experience about the excess skin in their abdominal area, this condition can sometimes be a medical concern, when the hanging skin develops rashes, infections, odors and ulcers as a result of trapped perspiration. This condition can be corrected through a procedure called a panniculectomy, which removes the hanging skin and closes any existing hernias before closing the incision.

After significant weight loss, many women (and sometimes men as well) are left with sagging, uneven breasts, drooping nipples and stretched areolas. A breast lift, or mastopexy, can reverse these changes and restore a more youthful shape and lift to the breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissues. After this procedure, breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch.

A breast lift is often combined with augmentation for women who want to further enhance the appearance of their breasts. For men suffering from sagging breasts, liposuction alone is often effective in removing excess fat and tissue and restoring a more youthful and masculine contour to the chest.

Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift removes loose, hanging skin from the upper arms that is often caused by aging or significant weight loss. An arm lift is performed under general anesthesia and involves zigzag incisions across to the skin of the upper arm to remove the excess fat and skin. The remaining skin is then redraped to create a slimmer, firmer appearance.

Patients can usually return to work a week or two after an arm lift procedure, but should avoid physical activity for three to four weeks. Most incisions heal well and can be easily concealed with certain clothing. Although an arm lift produces a long scar, many patients choose to deal with this over their excess, hanging skin.

A thigh lift is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper legs in patients experiencing loose, inelastic skin after extreme weight loss. This procedure is usually performed on both legs and can involve the inner or outer thigh, depending on each patient’s individual goals. A thigh lift is often combined with a buttock lift or liposuction to maximize results.

During the thigh lift procedure, an incision will be made in the inner thigh where the leg meets the groin (medial thigh lift) or from the groin around to the back of the body (lateral thigh lift). The underlying tissue will be removed and reshaped, while the skin is redraped over the area for a more flattering appearance. After a thigh lift, patients can usually return to work and other normal activities within one to two weeks.

If you are interested in learning more about body contouring options after bariatric surgery, please call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Glasberg, during which he will discuss these options with you and develop a treatment plan specifically for you.

Click on a procedure below to view the animation:

• Tummy Liposuction
• Buttocks Liposuction
• Neck Liposuction
• Arm Liposuction
• Thigh Liposuction