Dr. James D. Namnoum | Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Body Procedures
Post Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery is a significant and important step for patients that are looking to get their health back on track and experience a higher quality of life.1 We often see patients who have lost a large amount of weight after surgery experience a drop in skin elasticity. This results in sagging and excess skin in various areas of the body, like the chest, arms, abdomen, flanks and thighs. Dr. James Namnoum offers a variety of post-weight-loss body contouring options that can help to smooth and tone your look, revealing the beautiful new figure that you’ve worked so hard for.
Am I A Candidate For Post-Weight-Loss Surgery?
Deciding to undergo body contouring surgery after weight loss is a personal and important decision. Ideal candidates are usually2:
- Over the age of 18
- At a stable and maintained weight
- Healthy non-smokers
- Patients with realistic and positive expectations for results
- Committed to living a healthy and active life after surgery
Preparing for Body Contouring Surgery After Weight Loss
Dr. Namnoum and his team recommend scheduling a consultation with our office prior to making the final decision to undergo any procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Namnoum will review your medical history and overall goals for your body. With this information, he can confidently and accurately determine the right procedure or combination of procedures that will help you to achieve your ideal figure.
Body Contouring Options After Significant Weight-Loss
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. James Namnoum, specializes in a variety of body contouring procedures, designed to smooth, tone and tighten multiple areas of the body. These procedures may be performed alone or in combination to achieve superior and balanced results. Often a staged approach is utilized to address the various changes after significant weight loss.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical body option that focuses on removing unwanted skin and fat from the lower abdomen, to improve skin laxity and tone the area. Learn more.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed on multiple areas of the body, including the arms, abdomen, thighs, flanks, buttocks, and neck. This procedure targets stubborn pockets of fat in those areas, to create a slimmer and more sculpted look. Fat removed during liposuction can also be utilized to plump and fill other areas of the body. Learn more.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Arm Lift surgery, or brachioplasty, specifically targets excess skin and fat in the arms that can create a droopy look, due to loss of skin laxity. Dr. Namnoum can remove the extra skin in your arms to reveal toned and beautiful arms you’ll want to show off every season. Learn more.
Thigh Lift
Dr. Namnoum performs thigh lift surgery to remove extra skin and fat from the inner and outer thighs. By using artistic and careful techniques, he can create tight and toned thighs, removing any discomfort or chafing experienced due to the remaining excess skin. Learn more.
Brazilian Butt Lift
Fat grafting of the buttocks during a Brazilian Butt Lift shapes a fuller, plumper and tighter behind to accentuate your curves in a way that will artfully highlight your new figure. Learn more.
Lower Body Lift
For patients with a larger amount of loose or sagging skin around their lower abdomen area, Dr. Namnoum will often recommend a Lower Body Lift. This procedure is designed to contour the appearance of your torso to give a longer, thinner look. Learn more.
Reverse Abdominoplasty
Excess skin that is largely confined to the abdomen in patients that would also like to increase their breast volume usually requires a Reverse Abdominoplasty. This procedure utilizes the extra tissue from the abdominal area to create larger breasts, using the patient’s own natural fat and skin. This option would eliminate the need for implants and offer the patient a voluminous and perkier chest. Learn more.
Dr. Namnoum may also recommend a breast augmentation procedure in combination with any of the above body-contouring options, depending on your unique needs.
Post-Weight-Loss Surgery Results & Recovery
Depending on the procedure or combination of procedures you and Dr. Namnoum have decided to incorporate in your surgical plan, recovery time will vary. Patients should expect to see results fairly quickly, while understanding that any swelling and bruising will go down as the recovery process progresses. Dressings and bandages will keep your incisions clean and secure after surgery is complete.3 Our team will give you extensive and clear instructions on how to care for your incisions. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
View Makeover After Massive Weight Loss Before & After Photos
FAQs About Post-Weight-Loss-Surgery
What is body contouring surgery following massive weight loss?
Body contouring surgery is a set of procedures that remove excess skin and fat to improve the appearance of the body following massive weight loss.4
How much weight loss is considered "massive"?
“Massive weight loss” typically refers to a loss of 100 pounds or more, either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery.
What procedures are included in body contouring surgery?
Body contouring surgery can include procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), arm lift, thigh lift, breast lift, and lower body lift. Dr. Namnoum customizes each post-weight-loss body contouring procedure to the specific needs of each patient.
How long does it take to recover from body contouring surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery, but typically patients need to take 2-4 weeks off from work and avoid strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks.
Are there any risks or complications associated with body contouring surgery?
Like any surgery, body contouring surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring among others.5 Specific risks and complications associated with body contouring surgery include poor wound healing and loss of sensation.
Will insurance cover the cost of body contouring surgery?
Insurance may cover the cost of some body contouring procedures if they are deemed medically necessary, such as removing excess skin that causes skin infections or impairs movement. However, insurance typically does not cover procedures performed for cosmetic reasons.
How long do the results of body contouring surgery last?
The results of body contouring surgery can be long-lasting, but they may be affected by future weight fluctuations or aging. While body contouring surgery can improve the appearance of the body, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help maintain the results of the surgery and promote overall health.
How long do I have to wait after a bariatric procedure to have post-weight-loss body contouring surgery?
The ideal timing for body contouring surgery after bariatric surgery varies depending on several factors, including the type of bariatric procedure performed, the amount of weight lost, and your overall health. In general, it is recommended that you wait at least 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery before undergoing body contouring surgery. This allows time for your body to heal and for weight loss to stabilize. During this time, you can work on maintaining your weight loss and improving your overall health before considering body contouring surgery. However, the exact timing should be determined in your consultation with Dr. Namnoum.
What is scarring like after post-weight-loss body contouring surgery?
Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery. However, the extent of scarring can vary depending on several factors, including the type and extent of the procedure, and your skin type and healing ability. In general, body contouring surgery involves making incisions to remove excess skin and fat. These incisions are typically made in areas that can be easily hidden by clothing, such as the natural creases of the body. However, some scarring will be visible, especially in the early stages of healing.
Over time, scars will typically fade and become less noticeable. However, it’s important to follow Dr. Namnoum’s post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. This may include keeping the incision sites clean and dry, avoiding sun exposure, and using scar creams or silicone sheets.
Dr. Namnoum will discuss scar management techniques with you before and after surgery, such as massage or laser treatments. By following these recommendations, you can help minimize scarring and achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome after post-weight-loss body contouring surgery.
1 Toma, T., Harling, L., Athanasiou, T. et al. Does Body Contouring After Bariatric Weight Loss Enhance Quality of Life? A Systematic Review of QOL Studies. OBES SURG 28, 3333–3341 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-018-3323-8.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Body Contouring. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring. Accessed December 16, 2020.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What should I expect after body contouring surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring/results. Accessed December 16, 2020.
4 UCSF. Post-Bariatric Body Contouring. Available: https://bariatricsurgery.ucsf.edu/conditions–procedures/post-bariatric-body-contouring.aspx#. Accessed April 27, 2023.
5 ASPS. Body Contouring Skin Removal After Major Weight Loss. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring/safety. Accessed April 27, 2023.
