What is body contouring?

Body contouring is a surgical procedure that removes excess sagging fat and skin after a major weight loss while leaving your skin looking natural.

Post Gastric Bypass Surgery

Removal of Abdominal Skin

While weight loss can improve the health of many obese individuals, drastic weight loss, particularly when associated with bariatric surgery, can leave behind large amounts of excess skin. The excess skin and fat in the lower stomach area that hangs below the belt line is called the pannus, or abdominal “apron,” and can have several negative affects on one’s quality of life. The extra fold or folds of skin can hinder hygiene, put stress on the back, and make everyday activities difficult. Often, the areas in the pubic region under the pannus can become moist as perspiration is trapped. This can cause rashes, skin ulcers, and odor. Clothing may not fit comfortably, and, if severe, even simple activities such as standing and walking can become difficult. n such cases, a surgical procedure called panniculectomy, a type of abdominoplasty procedure, may be appropriate.

People who have lost a large amount of weight and are experiencing negative side effects due to excess skin in the abdominal area are good candidates for panniculectomy. Be aware that a panniculectomy patient should have had stable weight for at least six months, and, if a woman, should not be planning to bear children. A potential patient should also be following a reasonable diet and should be in relatively healthy condition.

Panniculectomy is an invasive surgical procedure which can take from three to five hours to complete, and always requires at least one overnight stay at the hospital. Unlike abdominoplasty, panniculectomy does not tighten muscle or reposition the belly button. It only removes the excess skin and fat of the pannus from the lower abdomen, using a horizontal incision that runs from hip to hip with a downward curve, and a vertical incision from below the sternum to the pubic area. After overhanging skin and fat are removed, the remaining skin is pulled tight and sutured together.

Arm Lift

Brachioplasty, also known as an arm lift, is a surgical procedure to remove skin and fat from the upper arm, reducing skin redundancy that makes clothing fit improperly or makes you feel uncomfortable in short sleeves or sleeveless tops.

Body Lift

A complete lower body lift treats sagging buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips, and outer thighs in one procedure or in staged procedures. Incision patterns vary, and may include a circumferential incision around the body to remove the “belt” of excess skin and fat.