Body Contouring After Weight Loss Redlands CA

After major weight loss skin may not return to its previous elasticity and shape. A body lift (or body contouring) can correct irregular or unwanted contours once the desired pounds have been shed. This can include:

  • Reshaping the abdominal area and extending to the sides and lower back (abdominoplasty)
  • Reshaping buttocks that appear saggy, flat or uneven
  • Reshaping the groin area (pubis) that may drape over the upper thigh
  • Reshaping the thigh—inside and outer thigh, as well as the circumference
  • Reshaping upper arms, including inner arms (brachioplasty)

Please call us for information about getting body contouring after weight loss in Redlands, CA: (909) 798-9950

Body contouring or body lifts are often done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center, under general anesthesia. Each body lift will be individualized to the specific patient’s needs. Some concerns unique to each patient will be:

  • Uneven or dimpled appearance—soft tissue (cellulite)
  • Loose skin that has lost its elasticity
  • Excess fatty tissue that has not responded to weight loss and exercise
  • Undesirable body contours and silhouette

Dr. Punjabi can help you determine what body contouring surgery can do for you. Your individual health history, existing medical conditions, status as a smoker or non-smoker, as well as your specific goals will all impact your body contouring procedure. Realistic expectations of this procedure are important to your satisfaction and self-esteem following surgery.

Post Operative Care

You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. In certain cases an overnight stay in the hospital will be recommended. You will experience pain and bruising over the couple of weeks that can be controlled with pain pills and diligent care. Tightness and swelling are normal and are usually alleviated with elastic bandages and drains (small thin tubes that extend to one or more fluid collection bag externally).

You will be instructed to engage in light walking as soon as possible after surgery, to avoid complications such as blood clots. However your physical activity will be limited as you’ll need to avoid bending, straining or lifting for a short period of time following surgery. Some patients will be instructed to avoid standing straight and may be given specific instructions for sleeping positions. It’s important to follow Dr. Punjabi’s post-operative instructions carefully, keeping post-op appointments, avoiding sun exposure on scars, etc.

While you will see immediate results, the final results may take a few months to develop. Scars may fade with care and swelling will subside. Though skin may lose elasticity with age, as long as you continue your previous weight loss, diet and exercise plan you should be able to enjoy your new shape for years to come.

Possible Complications

Delayed wound healing may occur in persons with diabetes, history of radiation, autoimmune disease or smokers. Other complications include bleeding, infection, or irregularity of the skin, which can include widening of scars, asymmetry and numbness (which is common and not usually permanent). It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation beforehand to address these potential risks, outcomes and complications.

Conclusion

Body contouring after weight loss can give both men and women the shape they have worked hard to obtain by removing the excess skin and tissue that remain in problem areas. Those who are psychologically stable, continue to use a healthy balance of diet and exercise to stabilize weight, and have realistic expectations will benefit the most. A preliminary consultation can help you determine whether body contouring is right for you.

Our Body Contouring Brochure

For more information about body contouring in Redlands, CA, please download our brochure below:

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