Body contouring after major weight loss reduces the excess skin and fat that is left behind from the expansion of skin, loss of fat and lack of tissue elasticity that often occurs after a major weight loss. This sagging skin commonly develops around the face, neck, upper arms, breast, abdomen buttocks and thighs and can make your body appear irregular and misshapen. If you have undergone dramatic weight loss either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, and you are at your optimum weight loss goal, you may choose to have this procedure.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified world-renown plastic surgeon and educator who specializes in cosmetic surgery body sculpting. He has performed well over 700 body lifting procedures and has over 15 years of experience in plastic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally on body sculpting. He has been featured on Prime Time Live, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Barbara Walter's The View discussing body scultping.

If you're considering body contouring after massive weight loss, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. For more information view the "Frequently Asked Questions".

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate. In general, the following are guidelines for body contouring after massive weight loss.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery, its limitations and risks, and discuss your needs and concerns. This will help Dr. Rohrich understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved. He will examine your body and will consider such factors as the quality of your skin tone and the contour of your body. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you.

After your consultation a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and surgery and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss the surgery fees and available scheduling dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to view computer imaging so that you can visualize the results of the surgical technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for you.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received including previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

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How is the surgery performed?

There are many types of body lifts that can be performed. Dr. Rohrich will determine which is best for you at the time of the initial consultation. Elements that will influence the decision include your body habitus, amount of redundant skin and adipose tissue that you have in your central abdominal wall and central trunk area.

One type of body lift procedure Dr. Rohrich performs is a thigh lift. A thigh lift lifts the outer and/or inner thighs and lower back area. This procedure is best for patients who desire tightening of excess skin that has begun to sag from age or from massive weight loss. Dr. Rohrich also performs an "extended abdominoplasty", also called a central body lift. This surgery makes an incision circumferentially around the waist and is the best approach for patients who want to change the diameter of their waist as well as remove excess skin.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Prior to surgery, Dr. Rohrich will draw the incision line on your abdomen with a marker. Depending on the technique used, the incision line will usually extend at least from hip to hip right above the pubis area. While under anesthesia, a catheter to drain your bladder is put in place for your comfort and safety.

The incision is made and the skin is lifted up from the abdominal wall. The umbilicus is released from its position in the skin but stays attached to the abdominal wall. The muscles are then tightened and the skin re-draped over the abdomen. The umbilicus is marked for a new position and the excess skin is removed. The skin is sutured in place with the combination of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. Two drains are placed under the incision that will remain for a week to ten days. These drains will remove the normal healing fluid that the body produces. For a complete list of recovery instructions and drain care, you can link to Dr. Rohrich's "Patient Care" section of this site.

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What is the recovery like?

Your abdominoplasty will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is typically used for patients undergoing abdominoplasty. The surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the technique used and if you have any other procedures such as liposuction. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.

Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home the next day and stay with you to assist you the first couple of days while at home. The "Patient Care" section of this site provides instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, medications to avoid, drinking and smoking as well as recovery instructions. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking 4-6 weeks in advance of surgery. Smoking significantly increases the risk of postoperative complications. Read Dr. Rohrich's article "Why I Do Not Perform Cosmetic Surgery On Patients Who Smoke" to get more information about smoking and surgery.

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What should I know about my results?

You will have some discomfort and/or pain following surgery. While you are in the hospital your pain control is intravenous narcotics for the first 24 hours. We will use a pain pump that will deliver continuous pain medication to the abdomen for about 3 days. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics as well. You will be instructed to avoid bending, straining or lifting for several weeks.

Plan on at least 6 weeks to fully recover. The first ten days you will walk stooped over. As the skin stretches you will slowly straighten up. The drains may be removed within ten days depending on their output. You will keep a log to record how much fluid is draining. Wound care around the drain sites is easy and you will be taught how to care for these areas before you leave the hospital.

You will wear a compression garment or binder for two weeks day and night following surgery and then during the night for the next two weeks.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Fees are due in full two weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for our surgery.

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