Body Lift

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.

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”.
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.

• Adults whose weight loss has stabilized
• Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that could impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body contouring can accomplish
• Individuals committed to leading a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness.

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.

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.