Body Contouring surgery usually consists of a single procedure or series of procedures, organized into various stages, which are designed to remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the loose layer of the body called the fascia, after someone has lost a significant amount of weight.  This surgery is typically recommended for those who have lost a minimum 80 pounds, and have achieved a stable weight for at least 6 months.  Typically the weight is lost as a result of diet and exercise, or a form of weight loss surgery, most commonly gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery.

When someone loses a significant amount of weight, the skin in some areas will sag from laxity and redundancy.  This comes from years of the skin being stretched as a result of obesity.  Body contouring surgery removes the excess skin that has lost its elasticity.

In order to have the surgery performed, it is very important that the patient has completed their weight loss. If not, the patient could see their problems recur.  Women considering having children in the future should consult their surgeon before having this procedure.  In general, this surgery can be performed at any age.

There are several points to consider before having body-contouring surgery:

  • You should maintain your targeted weight for a period of at least 6 months.
  • Nutritional deficiencies must be corrected, and your medical condition optimized, prior to any body contouring surgery, normally in consultation with your Bariatric Surgeon or Nutritionist.
  • You should not smoke.

Body contouring surgery is usually performed in stages.  The areas that often require the surgery include the upper arms, breasts, neck, abdomen, hips, thighs, and back.  Body contouring differs from most surgeries in that some procedures are done on an outpatient basis, and some may require staying in the hospital for a short period of observation.