Losing a large amount of weight through diet and exercise, or as a result of weight loss surgery is a major accomplishment. However, when there is great weight loss within a short amount of time, the body is left with large amounts of heavy folds of skin around the face, buttocks, breasts, thighs and arms. When skin is stretched for a long time, it tends to sag and lose elasticity. After the body loses fat, the skin fails to shrink back to its former shape and size.
If you have excess skin left behind after losing fat, body contouring procedures such as lower body lift, breast lift and tummy tuck can help improve your body tone and shape. Body contouring also helps to reduce the incidence of skin rash and infection, and also help with skin hygiene. If you are wondering if this procedure is right for you, this post will address some of the commonly asked questions on the topic.
What Problems Can Excess Skin Cause?
Having excess skin limits one’s mobility, cause medical and hygiene problems, and makes getting dressed a chore. Constant skin-on-skin contact can result in sores and rashes that can lead to infection. Also, people who lose weight want to reflect a more positive image and having excess skin can get in their way of achieving that.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Body Contouring?
Just because you have lost a considerable amount of weight does not automatically mean that body contouring will work for you. These procedures are recommended for people who have reached their goal weight and they are committed to keeping it off. A patient will benefit the most if he or she has excess skin in certain areas but has minimal excess fat. It is important to note that while surgery can improve one’s overall appearance, each patient heals differently and the results vary as well. Before the procedure, it is best to talk to your surgeon about the results you can expect.
How Long Does One Take To Recover?
As mentioned earlier, body contouring procedures are different. This means that recovery time will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Generally, a full recovery may take weeks or even months. After the procedure, expect to be sore during the first few weeks. Ensure that you follow your discharge instructions to the letter to optimize your surgical outcome.
Will There Be Scarring?
Again, the extent of scarring will be determined by the type of procedure used. If you encounter issues with wound healing during recovery, the scars may be worse. To minimize scarring, it helps to follow your surgeon’s instructions after discharge and in case of any complications, do not hesitate to go back for checkup.
Are There Any Surgical Risks?
Just like any surgical procedure, body contouring procedures also have general surgery risks involved. The main risks of body contouring include:
- Persistent contour deformities
- Asymmetry
- Fluid accumulation
- Scarring
- Wound-healing difficulties
Surgical risks vary according to the individual. Talk to your surgeon to know which approach is best for you.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
