"Body Contouring for Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients: Overview, Procedures, and Costs"
Body contouring is a group of procedures that are customized to shape, contour, tighten and enhance body image after weight loss. These procedures are becoming increasingly popular among post-bariatric surgery patients, as they help to improve the fit of clothing and make exercise easier. In this article, we will provide an overview of body contouring procedures, including options, healing times, and costs. We will also discuss the benefits of getting back in shape and the speed of getting body contouring treatment, which can provide immediate results compared to long-term exercise.
Who Gets Body Contouring?
Body contouring procedures are becoming increasingly popular among post-bariatric surgery patients. Approximately 25% of post-bariatric surgery weight loss patients are getting body contouring procedures, with this number expected to increase in the coming years. Most patients who lose 50-60 lbs or more will have extra skin to some degree, but it is up to the individual person if they want the skin removed.
Who is a Good Candidate for Body Contouring Procedures?
The best candidates for body contouring procedures are adults whose weight has been stable for at least 3 months, are healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase your risk for surgery, non-smokers, individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals, and people who are committed to continuing their healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness.
Is it Safe? What are the Risks?
The risk of body contouring procedures is based on what is done and also on how many procedures are done at one time. Bleeding, infection and open wounds can occur as with any surgery, but can be slightly more frequent in post-bariatric surgery patients. These risks are most often minor. Larger problems can also occur, which is why it is important to be carefully evaluated beforehand by a plastic surgeon in addition to your bariatric and primary care physician. Blood clots in the legs can also be troublesome in body contouring patients, so measures are taken to prevent them. Safety is the most important consideration.
How Long After Bariatric Surgery do I Have to Wait Before I can Get a Tummy Tuck or Arm Lift Surgery?
It is important to wait until you are at your lowest weight for a minimum of three months and have any health issues sorted out before getting a tummy tuck or arm lift surgery. This is typically 12 months or more after bariatric surgery, but this can vary from person to person.
How Much Body Contouring Can Be Done at One Time?
The answer to this question can be complex, as every patient is different. It is common to do two or three areas at one time, but it is never wrong to do them in multiple stages. Each patient is evaluated individually, and the amount of time under anesthesia is limited to ensure safety.
Procedures:
- Liposuction
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
- Thigh Lift
- Face Lift
- Neck Lift
What is a "Body Lift?"
A body lift is a combination of several procedures rolled into one, including an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thigh lift, and buttock lift.
What is a "Butt Lift?"
A butt lift is a procedure that lifts the buttocks by removing excess skin in the low back and buttocks. The incision is made at the low back and usually connects around the waist to the tummy tuck incision in a "lower body lift." Liposuction fat can also be used from the flanks and inserted into the buttocks to give a shapelier appearance that is not flat.
Costs:
The cost of body contouring procedures can vary depending on the type of procedure, the extent of the surgery, and the location of the practice. On average, the cost of a tummy tuck ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, while the cost of a body lift ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. Other procedures such as liposuction, arm lift, and thigh lift can range from $3,000 to $8,000. It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine the cost of the specific procedures you are interested in.
Benefits of Body Contouring:
- Improves the fit of clothing
- Makes exercise easier
- Enhances body image
- Can provide immediate results compared to long-term exercise
Conclusion:
Body contouring procedures are a group of customized procedures that can shape, contour, tighten, and enhance body image after weight loss. These procedures are becoming increasingly popular among post-bariatric surgery patients, as they help to improve the fit of clothing and make exercise easier. The best candidates for body contouring procedures are adults whose weight has been stable for at least 3 months, are healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase your risk for surgery, non-smokers, individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals, and people who are committed to continuing their healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness. It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine the specific procedures that are right for you and the costs associated with them.