Often, people who experience dramatic weight loss see a drastic change in their overall lifestyle and health. Except for some things that can hinder their optimum confidence: excessive skin, lack of elasticity (laxity of skin), deflation, and overhang on sections of the body. Massive weight loss body contouring in Chicago enlists a variety of cosmetic procedures from which the patient may choose with the consul of their surgeon to reach their ideal physique. From face, neck, and thigh lifts to tummy tucks, fat grafting, and breast augmentations, see how massive weight loss body contouring can help you regain your confidence.
After lifestyle changes and/or dramatic weight loss, skin and tissue tend to lack the elasticity needed in order to conform to the newly reduced size of the body. Sagging skin develops around the abdomen, breasts, thighs, face, neck, upper arms, buttocks, and can cause the body to appear misshapen and irregular. Surgical contouring following massive weight loss surgery removes excessive, deflated skin and fat while improving the shape of the underlying tissue. The result of which is a body that is well proportioned with smoother contours and curves.
Massive weight loss body contouring employs a number of cosmetic procedures to help patients reach their ideal physique. With the help of a licensed cosmetic surgeon, patients will choose from a variety of surgical techniques. The procedures include arm lifts, breast augmentation/breast lifts to repair sagging and/or flattened breasts, face lifts to correct the sagging of the face (particularly the jowls and neck), lower body lifts for sagging abdomen, buttocks, and the outer thighs, thigh lifts, and tummy tucks and fat grafts. Fat grafting takes unwanted fat via the liposuction technique from the hips, thighs, and abdomen and transfers the fat to areas with low fat volume, like the lips or cheeks.
First, a consultation with your licensed surgeon will clear you for your procedure and help dictate if you are a suitable candidate for massive weight loss body contouring. Your surgeon may ask that you get a lab test, stop smoking prior to your surgery, prescribe or adjust certain prescriptions, and ask that you avoid taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements that could cause excessive bleeding. Massive weight loss body contouring is usually done in stages. Your goals, physical condition, and your surgeon’s medical judgment will dictate your overall procedural plan. It is important to keep a realistic ideal of your procedure in mind.
Prior to your surgery, a general anesthesia and/or intravenous sedation will be administered. A large incision will be made to remove any and all excess skin and fat. The scar may be extensive, and the incision length and pattern depend on the amount of skin and/or fat that is to be removed, as well as the location of the incision and the patient’s personal preference, and the surgeon’s overall judgment. Advanced and revolutionary techniques allow the incisions to be placed strategically in order that they are hidden by certain types of clothing, but this isn’t always possible.
Generally, the ideal candidates for massive weight loss body contouring include adults who have stabilized weight loss, who are healthy and without medical conditions that impair recovery and are not at risk for surgery. Patients should preferably be non-smokers, committed to living a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy diet and fitness routine. Patients should have realistic goals for their procedure while maintaining a positive outlook and understanding that massive weight loss body contouring results could take some time to complete. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your surgery and personal recovery plan.
Following the procedure, bandages will be applied to the incisions. Small, narrow tubes might be applied under the skin to temporarily drain fluids like blood that could collect in the treatment area. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your personal recovery plan. Such instructions may include incision care, medications to take to help the recovery process, their specific concerns regarding your overall health and/or the incision sites, and the importance of maintaining your scheduled follow-up appointments. Your surgeon may ask that you avoid bending, stretching, standing upright, and to sleep with your knees elevated by pillows.