Post Weight Loss

Body Contouring for Weight Loss

Today, many patients have successfully lost large amounts of weight through either diet and exercise, or weight loss surgery. These patients have unique changes that require specific expertise to correct. The excess skin created by large amounts of weight loss cannot be treated with traditional plastic surgical procedures. Weight loss patients require a coordinated approach to treatment, as they often require more than one surgery to achieve their goals.

BeforeAfter

Dr. Schwartz is a national speaker on body contouring and Ultrasonic Liposuction. He has worked extensively with weight loss patients, and in coordination with the Bariatric surgeon in the community to treat patients after massive weight loss. He and his staff look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

Your First Consultation

The most important visit with your plastic surgeon besides the surgery itself is your initial consultation. You will be able to discuss your goals, concerns and specific desires. You will discuss the specific details of your surgery.

You should also be interviewing your prospective surgeon. You should feel your surgeon would care for you as if you were part of his own family. That your surgery was the most important, and that you are unique. It may never be truer that you get what you pay for. Do not shop for price alone. Ask your friends, and doctors you know and trust for a referral.

Body Lift Procedures

TRUNK LIFT – Unlike a standard abdominoplasty, a body lift procedure is designed to remove excess skin from both above and below the waist area. The techniques to perform this are very different than a typical tummy tuck and require knowledge of weight loss anatomy and wound healing.

THIGH LIFT – Weight loss patients have unique changes in the inner and outer thighs. The correction of these requires aggressive suturing of the deep tissue layers to hold the skin in its new position. In addition, there are techniques for thigh-lifting that are only used after weight loss. This includes using a longitudinal or length of the inner thigh incision, instead of the typical medial crescent incision.

BRACHIOPLASTY (Arm Lift) – Newer techniques for brachioplasty allow better scar position and appearance. They can be combined with liposuction and removal of the skin under the arm onto the chest area as well. This will create a significant improvement in the arm skin and allow patients to wear a much better selection of clothing.

SURGERY LOCATION – Your surgery will be performed at our new AAAASF accredited Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center facility. This state of the art surgical center provides the highest standard of care, safety and privacy. Dr. Schwartz also has privileges to perform procedures at Los Robles Regional Medical center, Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital, and both St. Johns Regional Medical center, and Pleasant Valley Hospitals.

ANESTHESIA – All body contouring procedures are performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Schwartz only works with Board Certified Physician (M.D.) anesthesiologists who are always present for your entire procedure.

Recovery from Body Contouring for Weight Loss

Most patients will require 7-10 days to return to driving and work. While each patient is different, this amount of time allows for adequate wound healing, removal of any drains if needed, and return to full range of motion for most patients. The exact recovery you should expect will be discussed with Dr. Schwartz at your consultation and pre-op appointments.

Body Contouring Risks

While every procedure has risks, it is Dr. Schwartz goal to minimize every possibility of this during your care. You will receive extensive consultation regarding your surgery and any risks during your consultation and pre-op appointments.