Body Contouring

Body contouring is performed to achieve shape changes in areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise.

What is Body Contouring?

Body contouring is performed to achieve shape changes in areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise. It can also address undesirable shapes resulting from weight fluctuation or pregnancy. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati offer a wide variety of body contouring procedures, from power-assisted liposuction to the innovative iTuck® abdominoplasty, as well as buttock and hand rejuvenation. The following paragraphs provide additional details on these options. Remember, the first step to achieving your surgical goals is a consultation that includes a complete review of your options, a discussion of the risks and benefits, and a clear explanation of procedure costs.

Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

More and more patients are achieving massive weight loss (MWL) through diet and exercise, weight loss medications, or surgical weight loss procedures. After significant weight loss, it is essential to allow time for the patient’s weight to stabilize and for the skin to retract as much as possible. Surgery to correct excess skin is typically performed no earlier than six months to one year after achieving a stable weight.

Ensuring good nutritional status before proceeding with any surgery after MWL is crucial. Laboratory testing is usually required to confirm acceptable protein and electrolyte levels, which are necessary for proper healing.

MWL Treatment

The most treated areas after MWL include the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and goals. Many patients require multiple procedures performed over several months to years. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati prefer to keep all body contouring operations following MWL on an outpatient basis. During the initial consultation, a thorough planning session is conducted to determine the best ways to combine operations safely and efficiently, avoiding the need for hospitalization.

Specific Procedures:

  • Neck: Treatment of the neck is similar to the procedures described in the Face section. Following MWL, neck treatment alone is more common than a combined face and neck lift due to the nature of skin laxity after weight loss.
  • Arms (Brachioplasty): Detailed in the Arm Lift section, this procedure addresses excess skin on the arms.
  • Abdomen: Contouring the abdomen after MWL can be performed using the iTuck® abdominoplasty or may involve more extensive procedures, depending on the amount of excess skin. Some patients have extra skin in both horizontal and vertical directions, necessitating a vertical incision in addition to the standard horizontal abdominoplasty incision. Known as a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, this results in a T-shaped scar. Please refer to the Tummy Tuck section for more information. It should be noted that a drain may be required following a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.
  • Thighs: The medial thigh lift typically involves the most significant recovery period of any MWL procedure and is rarely combined with other operations. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati perform medial thigh lifts using a vertical incision running down the inner thigh.

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati are Plastic Surgeons devoted to advanced techniques in Cosmetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body.

body contouring before and after photo

Body Contouring

Frequently Asked Questions

Will insurance pay for body contouring after massive weight loss?

Our experience with getting insurance to cover body contouring procedures after massive weight loss has been disappointing. Insurance companies typically require a "functional benefit" to justify medical necessity. Most issues caused by excess skin, such as rashes, can be managed with medications and hygiene at a much lower cost than surgery. As a result, insurance carriers are unlikely to pay for these procedures, which are primarily considered to have cosmetic benefits.

How many body contouring operations after massive weight loss will be needed?

The number of body contouring operations needed depends on how many areas are affected and the amount of excess skin present. Most individuals who have lost 100 pounds or more will benefit from several operations to achieve the best shape. These procedures are usually performed one or two at a time, with several months of recovery between each session.

What are the most common body areas treated after massive weight loss?

The most common areas addressed after massive weight loss are the abdomen, breasts, arms, and thighs. Many patients also choose to improve the contour of their neck as part of their body contouring plan.

Can multiple body contouring operations be combined in a single trip to the operating room?

Yes, it is efficient to combine two or more procedures together, but this must be done judiciously always keeping safety in mind. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati prefer to keep all body contouring operations in an outpatient setting.

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Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati photo

Meet Dr. David Kirn

Dr. David Kirn is an American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified Plastic Surgeon who is devoted to advanced techniques in Cosmetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body. In private practice since 1998, he is located in a state-of-the-art facility which includes a full service skin care center. The practice is focused on personalized patient care and attention to detail. Where possible, Dr. Kirn utilizes minimally invasive procedures.

Meet Dr. Ahmed Al Bayati

Having completed his training in plastic surgery and serving as Chief Resident at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Al Bayati brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his practice. His commitment to advancing patient care and achieving exceptional outcomes reflects his unwavering passion for plastic surgery.

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