Body Contouring Surgery (Surgery After Major Weight Loss)

• Reshapes the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks
• Incision made around the body’s circumference
• Ideal for individuals with loose skin and thin layers of fat in multiple areas
• May be combined with abdominal skin tightening
• Possibility to extend the lift to tighten inner thighs
• Related procedures: liposuction, tummy tuck, and panniculectomy

Dr. Diaz may recommend a standard butt lift if you desire to reshape, lift, or reduce the size of your butt due to weight loss or aging. Here are the key considerations:

• The quality of your skin, excess skin or fat, and body shape are factors in determining the best approach.
• For significant skin removal, Dr. Diaz may suggest combining a standard butt lift with a lower body lift.
• To maintain volume in the butt area while removing skin, Dr. Diaz may recommend a combination of a butt lift with a Brazilian butt lift (fat transfer) or butt implants.

• Removes excess skin and fat below the belly button
• Tightens skin tissue, eliminating stretch marks
• Fascia overlying the abdominal muscles tightened with sutures
• Repositions the skin, bringing the belly button out
• Incision closed with sutures along the bikini line
• Scar length and visibility vary

• Dr. Diaz performs liposuction to remove excess fat from various areas, such as the hips, side body, chest, thighs, neck, upper arms, and knees.
• Tiny incisions are made in the targeted area, through which a thin, hollow rod (cannula) is inserted to create tunnels and remove fat.
• Suction is applied to the cannula, effectively removing the fat and improving body contour.
• After the procedure, dressings are applied, and patients are typically advised to wear a compression garment.

• Dr. Diaz specializes in performing breast lifts to address concerns such as sagging and uneven breasts, decreased breast volume, drooping nipples, and stretched areolas.
• Incisions are carefully made based on individual factors, including excess skin, nipple position, aesthetic goals, and Dr. Diaz’s expertise.
• Through these incisions, Dr. Diaz repositions and reshapes the breast tissue, surgically removes excess skin, and adjusts the nipple and areola for a more youthful appearance.
• The remaining skin is tightened, and Dr. Diaz uses advanced suturing techniques to support and shape the breasts.
• To assist with healing, skin adhesives and surgical tape may be applied.

• Loose and flabby upper arms are commonly caused by aging or significant weight loss.
• The procedure involves removing excess skin and fat to enhance the contour and youthfulness of the arms.
• The length and pattern of the incision depend on the amount and location of excess skin, as determined by Dr. Diaz.
• Incisions are typically made on the inside or back of the arm, extending from the underarm to just above the elbow.
• Liposuction may be performed to address additional fat in the area.
• For patients with minimal excess skin, a mini brachioplasty with an incision limited to the underarm area may be recommended.

• Dr. Diaz performs thigh lift procedures to eliminate excess skin and fat, resulting in toned and proportionate thighs.
• Thigh lifts can be combined with thigh and lower body liposuction for comprehensive results.
• The specific type of thigh lift suggested by Dr. Diaz depends on factors such as excess fat and skin, skin quality, treatment areas, and patient preferences.
• The most popular technique is the inner (medial) thigh lift, involving incisions in the groin fold to address moderate amounts of skin and fat.
• A vertical thighplasty may be recommended for patients with significant fat and loose skin, involving a vertical incision from the groin crease to the inner knee.
• The outer thigh lift, known as spiral thighplasty, targets the front, back, inner, and outer thigh areas. The incision extends from the groin, follows below the buttock fold, and continues over the groin crease where the thigh and pubic area meet.

For more detailed information, refer to specific procedures such as tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation, gynecomastia, liposuction, and lower body lift. Ensure you have ongoing support at home and delegate the care of children to someone else for two weeks.

• Expect some pain and swelling, which may last for weeks or months.
• Wear bandages, compression garments, and possibly surgical drains.
• Arrange for assistance with daily tasks and medication for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous activities, including lifting, for four to six weeks.
• Seek instructions from Dr. Diaz on proper sleeping positions to minimize tension on incisions.
• Contact Dr. Diaz immediately if you experience increased swelling, pain, redness, drainage, bleeding, fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeat.
• After breast reduction or lift, wear the provided surgical bra for support. Swelling usually subsides within a few weeks.
• Use an abdominal binder after a tummy tuck and shower once the dressing is removed. Pat dry and replace the binder.

• Combination procedures may require a longer and more intense recovery period.
• The first week typically presents the greatest challenges, with a potential recovery duration of two to three weeks.
• Discomfort, swelling, and numbness can be expected.
• Early mobility is encouraged, though rest and recuperation are essential for several weeks or longer, depending on the extent of surgery.

• Pain and discomfort management options, such as pain pumps and medications, can be discussed with Dr. Diaz.
• A follow-up evaluation with Dr. Diaz usually occurs within five days to monitor progress and remove drainage tubes.
• By the end of the first week, frequent walking is recommended, while driving should be abstained.
• Full driving capability may be regained in two to three weeks or upon the removal of sutures and drains.
• Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, contact sports, and jogging should be avoided for approximately six weeks.

Please consult Dr. Diaz for personalized advice and information regarding your specific post-bariatric surgery recovery process.

• A wait period of six weeks after surgery is advised before engaging in strenuous activities.
• Swelling and numbness may gradually diminish over several months.
• Visible results are noticeable within three months.
• Scars typically fade and flatten within a timeframe ranging from three months to two years.

Generally, barring pregnancy or significant weight gain, patients can expect permanent outcomes. However, it’s important to note that cosmetic surgery cannot halt the natural aging process.

For those who underwent breast lift or augmentation alongside cosmetic surgery after significant weight loss and received breast implants, it’s vital to be aware that implant replacement will be necessary over time, meaning results won’t be permanent.

While post-bariatric surgery results can vary from person to person, reviewing before and after photos can provide a helpful depiction of successful outcomes associated with cosmetic surgery after substantial weight loss.