Many benefits come with dramatic weight loss, but underlying tissue and skin often lack the flexibility to conform to the smaller body size.
Surgical body contouring after major weight loss eliminates excess skin and stubborn fat while improving the shape of the underlying tissue. The outcome is a smoother contour and shapelier physique.
Am I a Candidate for Post Weight Loss Body Contouring?
Patients who complete bariatric surgery or experience weight loss via gastric sleeve surgery seek body contouring as a viable option to enhance their body’s appearance and boost their self-esteem. The process may include multiple surgeries to remove excess skin and flatten wrinkles and cellulite dimples. It’s critical to enter the process with realistic goals and a positive attitude.
Your weight should be at normal levels and stable. Good candidates are also committed to a healthy lifestyle and have no plans to lose more weight after the procedure is complete.
Patients should also understand that all of these procedures are cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. In some cases, panniculectomies and breast reduction procedures may be covered by insurance if you meet certain medical criteria, but you’ll need to contact your insurance company to confirm this.
If you are interested in learning more about our body contouring procedures, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Mussat or call 312.751.9000.
What is Involved in a Body Lift?
Each body contouring patient is unique. They may have excess skin in various body areas where fat deposits once resided, or their skin responded differently to their shrinking body mass.
Board-certified Dr. Florence Mussat tailors body contouring treatments for patients seeking to improve their body shape after losing substantial weight.
Body contouring treatment plans may include:
Lower Body Lift
This procedure is often the first stage of body contouring. For certain patients, Dr. Mussat may perform breast reshaping concurrently with a lower body lift. But, in many cases, treatment for the lower body is sufficient on its own.
Surgical procedures are used to diminish excess fat on the back and abdomen while emphasizing lean body outlines by lifting the buttocks and thighs. It also tightens lower abdominal muscles, smooths the presence of cellulite dimples, and resolves other aesthetic issues in these areas.
Arm Lift
Brachioplasty, more popularly known as an arm lift, is a procedure which reshapes the upper arm. Massive weight loss often produces a sagging tissue in this area, which exercise doesn’t address.
When your upper arm appears loose and sagging due to excess skin, you may consider an arm lift.
Body Lift
A body lift helps correct your body’s shape to a proportionate and youthful appearance. This procedure is great for patients who have excess skin around the hips, buttock, abdomen, and thighs.
Buttock Lift
For patients who suffer from lack of shape or definition, a buttock lift can deliver an uplifted, firmer posterior. Dr. Mussat will remove excess buttock and thigh skin to tighten the overall appearance and diminish wrinkles, dimples, and loose skin.
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift reshapes the outer and inner thighs by removing excess fat and skin. This body contouring procedure may include liposuction to improve overall body contour and reduce wrinkles and stubborn fat accumulation.
Breast Reshaping
Dr. Mussat offers a full range of high-quality breast surgeries, including reduction, enhancements, and reconstruction in her body contouring menu. These surgeries are available to re-shape breasts, allowing them to sit higher on the chest wall and achieve the desired volume. For men, this can include tissue reduction in the area.
Breast reshaping procedures include: