Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures

This procedure is often considered by women after weight loss or pregnancy has left them with excess fat and skin on the abdomen. Some of this skin can tighten and improve with weight loss and exercise, depending on the patient’s age and skin quality. The normal body contour is often lost as well, with stretching of the deeper tissues that define the shape of the abdomen. "Stretch marks" can be obvious following pregnancy as well. These are related to stretching of the deeper layer of skin and partial separation of the deeper skin layer. Whether all of these factors or just some of them are present, there are a variety of options that may help to improve the appearance of your abdomen. The length of the incision be positioned just along the front portion of the lower abdomen, or it can be extended to the hip area depending on the location of the excess tissue. Depending on your specific circumstances, Dr. Scott will work with you to make a plan that is tailored to your specific circumstances. Dr. Scott will discuss with you the methods available for tightening the deeper tissues in order to contour and narrow the abdomen.

What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with Dr. Scott in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist about the anesthesia that is safest for you. Dr. Scott will mark your abdomen prior to surgery according to the plan discussed with you. Typical incisions are placed in the lower part of your abdomen, and can be designed according to the excess tissue present. An individually tailored plan for you is created in clinic with Dr. Scott and staff depending on your wishes and the circumstances. In some selected cases, the use of liposuction can be of benefit to improve the shape of the abdomen.

The recovery: The abdomen will have some bruising and swelling that typically improves for several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored by Dr. Scott and the staff. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation. We will teach you how to use some light pressure garments to help support the area after surgery. Our staff will help teach you about managing your drains which are in place temporarily after surgery.

Some of the unlikely complications: Infections, fluid collections, or a hematoma (blood collection) can occur following any type of abdominal surgery, and may require surgical drainage. Occasionally some numbness can occur around the incisions. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are always directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety.

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This group of distinct procedures are often referred to as "body contouring" procedures. They can be performed for patients who have lost weight, possibly following bariatric surgery or "weight-loss" surgery. Excess skin and fat are removed in each of these surgical procedures, which are aimed to provide you with an improved overall body contour, whether the location is the arms, thighs or other parts of the lower body. Each of these procedures requires an incision in order to remove the excess tissue, and this is an important factor to consider when thinking about these procedures. Some of the important issues to consider when deciding about these procedures is whether your body weight is stable or is likely to increase or decrease in the coming years. It is important to ensure that you are at a stable weight for at least one year prior to considering these surgeries. Achieving a high level of nutrition and overall health is also important prior to considering these procedures. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott to discuss your particular circumstances and learn more about these procedures.

What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with Dr. Scott in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with Dr. Scott and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist about the anesthesia that is safest for you. These procedures often involve an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on the circumstances. The markings are designed by Dr. Scott prior to surgery.

The recovery: You will have some bruising and swelling that typically improves over several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored by Dr. Scott and the staff. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation. We will provide you with some light pressure garments to help support the area after surgery. Our staff will help teach you about managing your drains which are in place temporarily after surgery.

Some of the unlikely complications: Infections, fluid collections, or a hematoma (blood collection) can occur, and may require surgical drainage. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety.

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