Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Month: April 2022

Top 5 Recovery Tips for Body Contouring after Weight Loss

Reaching your goal weight is a monumental achievement, whether through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise. The journey can be challenging, especially when significant weight loss is necessary. But after losing, say 50, 75, or even 100 pounds, you will notice some excess skin left behind.

This skin can become unsightly and uncomfortable when wearing tighter clothing. The answer to this common post-weight loss problem is cosmetic body contouring surgery. These procedures include tummy tuck, lower body lift, arm lift, buttock lift, thigh lift, and breast reshaping.

As with all surgical recoveries, optimal healing is necessary for your best results. With that in mind, here are 5 recovery tips we recommend for our body contouring procedures after significant weight loss.

#1: Eat a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet

You need your body to heal quickly after body contouring surgery, so it’s essential to eat nutritious foods, like protein-rich salmon and chicken, and add some healthy fat to your diet so that your skin can recover and heal correctly.

#2: Take Walks

Your mobility will be limited after body sculpting surgery, especially following procedures like body lifts and tummy tucks. So, plan on taking a 20- to 30-minute stroll each day or stepping on the treadmill for a light walk. Walking is an excellent exercise for circulation and helps the healing process during your recovery after surgery.

#3: Prepare Your Recovery Space

When you get home after surgery, you’ll probably want to go straight to bed. You’ll be in no mood or condition to start arranging and rearranging things to ensure you don’t reach, bend, or cross the room for anything you need.

It’s crucial to prepare a recovery space for healing from plastic surgery before you leave for the operation. This area should not involve stairs and be close to the bathroom.

Fill your bed, sofa, or recliner with soft pillows and blankets. You’ll need to keep the surgical area elevated, so a plethora of pillows is a must. Medical-grade cushions can position your body to a comfortable angle after breast and body contouring procedures.

Place water, medicine, ice packs, and other essentials at your bedside or where you relax for easy access. Keep your books, tablet, and remote control within arm’s reach.

#4: Wear Recommended Compression Garments

You will endure significant swelling around the incision sites for weeks after surgery. Therefore, we recommend you wear compression garments 24/7 to support your new contours during the healing process. This can help manage inflammation and help the skin to re-drape over underlying tissues.

#5: Stay Hydrated

You must drink plenty of water before and after your procedure in order for your body to flush out toxins and reduce surgical risk. Before your surgery, it’s essential to get into the routine of drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and support your recovery.

Contact Dr. Florence Mussat today to learn how she can give you the perfect body shape for your life today. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat or call (312) 751-9000.

What Is the Best Procedure for Sagging Breasts?

Many women will experience some degree of breast sagging during their lifetimes, thanks to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and a loss of skin laxity due to the natural aging process. If stretched skin and excess fat have given you elongated, pendulous breasts and downward-pointing nipples, you may be considering breast lift surgery.

However, in some cases, a breast lift alone isn’t necessarily enough to provide the results you need. Here’s how you can tell if you might be a better candidate for a breast reduction to enhance your feminine figure.

How Does a Breast Lift Work?

Due to the aging process, your body will produce less collagen and elastin over time. Without a sufficient supply of these components, your skin will lose its elasticity and begin to sag. Factors such as weight gain, genetics, and lifestyle choices can also take a toll and cause this cosmetic concern. When performing a breast lift, Dr. Mussat will reinforce the breast wall and reposition the nipple-areola complex to deliver perky, youthful breasts with that sensual upward curve.

What Happens During a Breast Reduction?

Women who have large, heavy, sagging breasts may experience significant discomfort, including:

 

  • Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
  • Chafing
  • Marks from bra straps digging into your shoulders
  • Embarrassment
  • Difficulty finding comfortable, well-fitting clothes
  • Postural problems

 

Dr. Mussat performs breast reduction surgery on an outpatient basis while you are under general anesthesia, using one of three incision patterns that she believes will best satisfy your needs and cosmetic goals.

Making the Right Choice

Deciding between a breast lift or reduction can be challenging. Dr. Mussat can help you decide during your in-person consultation. However, there are at-home ways to tell whether you need a reduction or a lift.

For example, after childbearing or weight loss, you may find the upper poles of your breasts lack volume. Depending on your nipple location and skin tone, you’ll have two options to enhance your breast appearance. First, you may choose a breast lift as a stand-alone procedure or a breast lift with implants. A breast lift with no implants will resolve breast sagging, but not increase size.

However, if you have heavy breast tissues that cause pain, embarrassment, and difficulty exercising, you may want to ask Dr. Mussat about breast reduction. Not only will the procedure reinforce the breast wall, but it will also reduce breast tissue, improve your posture, and ease your discomfort.

Benefits include reducing neck and back pain, no more chafing or rashes at the breast crease, and the ability to buy fashionable clothes off the rack.

Improve Your Quality of Life With Breast Procedures

Exciting new advancements are available in aesthetic breast surgery to help women realize their cosmetic goals. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat today to learn how she can reshape and reinforce your breast appearance and enhance your figure. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mussat or call (312) 751-9000.