Body Contouring

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho

After Major Weight Loss

Massive weight loss is an admirable, life-changing personal accomplishment. It requires unparalleled hard work, persistence, and determination. Unfortunately, the initial results are often disappointing. Excess skin left behind after weight loss can prevent you from achieving the look that you expected, and it may make it difficult to find clothes that fit well. Large areas of excess skin can even cause skin problems or other health conditions. Major weight loss affects each person differently. You may need to concentrate on one or two areas, or you may need skin removed from most areas of your body. One of the most rewarding areas of my practice is helping patients complete this final step of massive weight loss so that you can fully enjoy your beautiful, healthy body.

Abdominoplasty

You may have excess skin in your abdominal area after weight loss. In some cases, your abdominal muscles may have stretched so much that no amount of exercise can bring them back into a natural contour. Removing this excess skin and tissue not only helps achieve your final trim appearance, it can be necessary to prevent serious health conditions. For this reason, panniculectomy and abdominoplasty may be covered by some health insurance companies.

Panniculectomy removes the excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen, often removing the navel at the same time. For patients with a little less extra tissue, an abdominoplasty accomplishes the same thing, but also tightens the abdominal muscles and repositions the navel.

Health problems associated with excess skin include:

Arm lift (or brachioplasty)

Large amounts of excess skin in the upper arms can hang down after weight loss. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes excess skin from the upper arm and brings the remaining skin together into a more proportionate contour. Please see our Arm lift page.

Thigh lift

Excess skin around the thighs can be dramatic following massive weight loss. This can prevent you from wearing shorts or skirts, or even finding pants that fit well. A thigh lift can help restore a more normal upper leg contour. For more information, please see our Thigh lift page.

Lower body lift and Buttock lift

Excess skin and poor muscle tone can leave your buttocks looking flabby and flat after massive weight loss. A buttock lift can remove excess skin and reposition the buttock area to achieve a more natural contour. Fat grafting may be used to augment the shape. A lower body lift is used to circumferentially excise extra skin from the lower back and buttock area, as well as the lower abdomen. Please see our Lower body lift and Buttock lift page for more information.

Other body contouring procedures after major weight loss

In addition to body lift procedures, post-bariatric weight loss patients may benefit from liposuction, face or neck procedures, breast reductions, and breast lifts.

Body contouring following major weight loss can mean multiple extensive procedures. In some cases, all of your procedures can be completed in one session. However, for most patients I recommend several sessions over a period of several months, so that your body has a chance to heal and your health is preserved.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your body contouring consultation.

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