How Soon After Weight Loss Should I Get Body Contouring?

Losing weight is an extraordinary accomplishment, but it can also leave behind loose skin that hides your hard-earned results. Fortunately, body contouring can remove the loose skin and give your figure a toned look. So how does this surgery work, and how soon after losing weight should you get body contouring in the Greater NOLA area?

The best candidates for this procedure have maintained a stable weight for six months to a year. However, it's best to meet with a trained plastic surgeon to see if you are eligible. Dr. Heath Charvet can assess your case during a consultation at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. Call for an appointment and see if this body sculpting procedure is right for your needs.

Having loose skin after weight loss

Excess skin is a normal result of rapid weight loss. While the extra fat is gone, loose skin can cause problems, like chafing and rashes. Infection is a common complication when skin folds are not cleaned or cared for properly.

Skin folds limit mobility and make it difficult to exercise or wear certain clothes. You may even feel self-conscious and less attractive with the added tissue. Instead, body contouring surgery at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa can remove the excess skin and restore your natural figure.

What goes into body sculpting?

There are many types of body contouring surgery in the Greater NOLA area. In general, they all involve removing excess skin and tightening the underlying tissues. Dr. Charvet can make specific recommendations based on where the loose skin is located. Our most popular procedures are:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): Tighten and flatten the stomach by removing extra skin and fat from the midsection.

• Breast lift (mastopexy): Raise and reshape the breasts to create a perky and youthful look.

• Arm lift (brachioplasty): Create toned arms and minimize the appearance of "bat wings" through excess tissue removal.

• Thigh lift: Remove loose skin on the inner and outer thighs for a flattering appearance.

• Liposuction: Sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat pockets from specific areas.

How soon after weight loss can I have surgery?

Most body contouring procedures are performed 6 – 12 months after the patient has reached their ideal weight. This allows time for the skin to retract and shrink to a more natural state. It also gives people time to mentally and emotionally prepare for surgery. However, each individual is different and will need an assessment at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa before moving forward.

Maintaining a stable weight for up to a year is not the only requirement for body sculpting. Patients must also be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the procedure. Dr. Charvet can answer questions about the process and advise you on the best timing for surgery based on your situation. Our goal is to make sure each patient is safe and satisfied with their results.

Feel great about your figure

Loose skin after weight loss can be a major obstacle to managing your health or feeling good about your body. If you are considering body contouring, call Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa in the Greater NOLA area. Dr. Heath Charvet is proud to offer a variety of body sculpting procedures that address excess skin and help give you the confidence to show off your new figure.