What to Expect During Body Contouring Surgery Recovery
Body contouring surgery recovery can take several weeks of rest and recuperation at home. A large amount of skin may be removed during this surgical procedure — along with significant amounts of fat and tissue. So, after this, your body will need time to rest and heal properly.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect on your recovery journey after body contouring.
What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring after weight loss involves a series of plastic surgeries, which aim to reduce excess skin and sagging skin on various parts of the body.
After significant weight loss, many individuals have a lot of extra skin, especially on the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. Sometimes, stubborn pockets of excess fat can also help create these folds of skin, which can hang over the tummy, create “bat wings” on the upper arms, and generally cause a lot of discomfort and frustration.
The body contouring that you need after your weight loss will depend on your anatomy, how quickly you lost weight, your goals, and other factors. Most body contouring surgeries include a combination of the following surgical procedures:
Lower Body Lift
Reduces excess skin and lifts the lower body (abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs).
Upper Body Lift
Reduces excess skin and lifts the upper body (upper back, chest, breasts, and arms).
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck gets rid of excess skin and fat on the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian butt lift adds volume to, and reshapes the buttocks and hips.
Breast Lift
A breast lift lifts and reduces skin on the breasts.
Arm Lift
Gets rid of excess skin and fat on the upper arms.
Face Lift
Lifts and contours the face for a more youthful appearance with less excess skin and fewer wrinkles.
Liposuction
Liposuction reduces unwanted body fat.
Body Contouring Recovery: What to Expect
Body contouring surgery (also called body sculpting) is major surgery. As such, you can expect an extensive recovery time. This is simply because body contouring procedures tend to involve large incisions and drastic changes to your body’s composition.
Pain and discomfort, swelling and bruising, and other side effects will occur during your recovery. Most patients endure the most discomfort over the first few days, but pain medication and resting will help.
You may need to wear compression garments, sleep in a specific way, and be trained in proper wound care. We’ll want you moving around slowly and gently when you can to prevent blood clots. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery very closely.
What Is the Recovery Time for Body Contouring?
Each patient’s recovery time after body contouring will naturally vary depending on the type of surgery they had. Most patients need to take at least two weeks off from work, but many will need to take up to four or more weeks off. It can take even longer to reincorporate physical activities.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Body Contouring Surgery
1. Start developing healthy habits now.
If you haven’t already, start working on healthy habits at home. Eat three to five meals a day, each of which should be loaded with lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Also, get that exercise in. Even taking a simple walk can go a long way, and adding strength training to the mix is even better.
2. Gain a strong understanding of your surgery.
Before undergoing plastic surgery, you want to be very knowledgeable about your procedure. This means learning everything you can about the individual surgeries you will be undergoing.
You can learn about your surgeries online, from literature provided by your surgeon, or directly from your surgeon themselves. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
3. Prepare your home and personal spaces.
Lastly, do all you can to prepare your home for surgery. We recommend having a designated space in your general living area where you can sit and rest during the day. Then, be sure to cultivate a warm and comfortable space with everything you need in your bedroom as well.
You may need some special pillows, compression garments, prescription medications, are other items that you’ll be better off purchasing now, rather than waiting until after your surgery when you won’t be able to easily go to the store for a time.
FAQ: Body Contouring Recovery
Will I have scars after body contouring?
Yes, body contouring scars are certainly an inevitable part of undergoing body contouring surgery. For an idea of what your scars may look like, we recommend browsing body contouring before and after photo galleries, which will show plenty of accurate examples.
How much is body contouring?
There’s really no way to give a general answer to the question of body contouring cost. The very nature of this surgery means that every patient is going to have a different price quote.
This is simply because every patient needs a different amount and type of surgery, a different type of anesthesia, a different length of time in the operating room, etc. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sieber if you’d like to learn more about the cost of your surgery
Contact Us to Request a Consultation Appointment
If you have achieved massive weight loss either through the use of medications, bariatric surgery, or diet and exercise, you may be considering body contouring to deal with the large amounts of excess skin you’re now facing. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber performs a variety of body contouring procedures for patients at his San Francisco practice.
Let Dr. Sieber help you achieve your ultimate weight loss and body sculpting goals. It all starts with your consultation.
Call today to set up your appointment. It’s the next important step on your journey toward the new you!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-to-prepare-for-post-weight-loss-body-contouring-surgery
