Body Contouring After Weight Loss

The obese patient who loses a significant amount of weight will usually experience partial or complete resolution of a host of medical problems, such as diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, the skin usually fails to contract enough to live up to their cosmetic goals and expectations. The abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, breasts, and neck are common areas of complaint and surgical improvements are almost always possible.

It is recommended that the patient achieve and maintain his or her target weight for several months. During a consultation at Horizons Plastic Surgery, attention is focused on the medical, nutritional, psychological, and physical condition of the patient. Priorities are established and the patient’s goals and expectations are explored.

The most common starting place is surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the front of the abdomen with tightening of the mid-line muscle components. In some patients, the next procedure will be to contour their backside, elevate the buttocks and tighten the outer thigh.

Other procedures include arm tightening, rejuvenation of the female breast, and a host of facial procedures such as facelift, eyelid correction, and fat grafting to add soft tissue volume back to overly thin facial features.

These procedures are performed under general anesthesia in the surgical Suite at Horizons Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.