What is body contouring following weight loss?
Surgical body contouring following major weight loss improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin, and removes excess sagging fat and skin. The result is a more normal appearance to the body, with smoother contours.
What if I lose more weight following surgery?
It is important for your weight loss to be stabilized prior to surgery. If you continue to lose weight, sagging skin will redevelop. If you rapidly regain the weight you have lost, you will traumatically stress your skin causing visible stretch marks and possibly widen your scars.
How visible will the scars be?
In many cases, the incisions may be extensive. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed. Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits, but this is not always the case.
During a lower body lift, a circumferential incision is made around your body, similar to wearing a belt. For a thigh lift, an incision is often made vertically along the inner thigh and/or in the groin and buttock creases.
During your surgical consultation with Dr. Atagi, she will further discuss where your scars will be.
Will I need general anesthesia?
Both the lower body lift and the inner thigh lift procedures are performed under a general anesthesia with a doctor anesthesiologist.
Will my procedure take place in the office or at a hospital? If at a hospital, where should I go?
The lower body lift and inner thigh lift procedures will be performed in a hospital or out-patient facility. Dr. Tanya Atagi has privileges at Sky Ridge Medical Center, Rose Medical Center, and the Renewal Surgery Center.
What can I expect following surgery?
Once your procedure(s) are completed, areas of the body that have been treated will require a support garment, which helps to minimize the swelling to provide support.
When can I return to work?
Initial wound healing may take 7 to 14 days, after which time sutures will be removed. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
