Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston and Katy, TX
Body contouring is a cosmetic surgical approach to bringing your physique into alignment after losing significant weight. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonnor M.D, F.A.C.S. Houston, TX. Call (281) 579-5638 to learn more.
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About Post-Bariatric Treatments
After losing a large amount of weight with bariatric surgery, you may find yourself with areas of loose or sagging skin. Dr. Bonnor specializes in post-bariatric body contouring to help refine your body’s contours and eliminate the excess skin left behind after massive weight loss.
Body Contouring Options
The belly region is often the most difficult to flatten. The skin along the midsection stretches due to weight gain and/or pregnancy. After significant slimming, the midriff may appear deflated and droopy. To alleviate this loose skin, Dr. Bonnor can perform a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Tummy tuck surgery re-drapes skin to accentuate your sleek contours. Dr. Bonnor may also tighten your abdominal muscles as part of your comprehensive contouring procedure[1].
If you experience ptosis (sagging) of the breasts after significant weight loss, then a mastopexy procedure may be ideal for you. Mastopexy is the technical term for a breast lift, and Dr. Bonnor has perfected the short scar approach to this enhancement procedure[2]. The short scar technique allows the doctor proper versatility to raise and contour your breasts while minimizing external scarring.
Some patients maintain unwanted bulk in their breasts, even after bariatric surgery. Dr. Bonnor can address the issue by performing a breast reduction procedure. The process is similar to a breast lift, but it also gently removes excess tissue and fat to bring the breasts into balance with the rest of your body.
After accomplishing your weight loss goals, you may want to show off your upper body. However, “bat wings” (droopy underarms) may hold you back. An arm lift (brachioplasty) is the surgical solution to loose skin along the upper arms.[3] Dr. Bonnor will skillfully conceal his incisions along the inner contours of the arms and sculpt your silhouette according to your goals.
Liposuction is one possible component of the various body contouring procedures outlined above. Bariatric surgery can help you achieve overall weight loss, but specific fat deposits may linger on the “problem areas” of your body. Liposuction involves bathing fat cells with tumescent fluid, thus loosening fat cells from their surrounding tissue and muscle. Once the unwanted cells are sufficiently softened, a thin tube called a cannula extracts bulk while contouring the treatment area(s).
Personal Consultation
When consulting with Dr. Bonnor, he will take a careful look at the condition of your body and listen to your expectations. From there, he will develop a personalized plan for your body contouring surgery.
Body Contouring Procedure
Post-bariatric body contouring procedures are performed to eliminate areas of excess skin throughout the body. Recipients of Dr. Bonnor’s artful care will achieve slim, natural-looking contours. By getting rid of the loose areas of skin, these surgeries help to improve skin elasticity, creating a tighter, healthier-looking figure.
On the day of your chosen procedure, the doctor will meet with you to review the process one last time. Next, you will receive the appropriate anesthesia for your surgery. Body contouring procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia, so you will remain safe and comfortable throughout your procedure. Once Dr. Bonnor has completed his contouring, you will be ushered to the recovery room, where you will wake up from the anesthetic.
Recovery and Results
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After a short recovery period, you will be released into the care of a loved one. Typically, contouring procedures are outpatient surgeries, which means that you will be able to return home the same day. Your caregiver will drive you home and help you for the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Dr. Bonnor will see you at his office the next day for a post-op follow up. You will be encouraged to ask any questions regarding your ongoing recovery and the maintenance of your dressings. Post-bariatric contouring may result in some minor bruising and swelling, but these side effects usually subside after the first week. After 4-6 weeks, your body should fully adapt to its dimensions.
All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. He is a double board-certified surgeon with expertise in body contouring. To help extend the benefits of your post-bariatric surgery, follow Dr. Bonnor’s aftercare instructions closely.
By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy beautiful results for decades to come.
Look and Feel Your Best
Body contouring encompasses a full suite of services designed to address skin laxity. Dr. Bonnor will recommend the optimal procedures to accentuate your ideal proportions. To learn how Dr. Bonnor can help you navigate this evolution, contact Texas Surgical Arts at (281) 579-5638.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Am I a good candidate for body contouring?
If you have recently lost a considerable amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or as a result of weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass lap band or revision bariatric surgery), then body contouring is perfect for you. After weight loss, skin has trouble retracting to adhere to your slim new frame. Dr. Bonnor can gently remove excess skin and/or fat to craft the physique you have worked so hard to achieve. A good candidate should be a BMI close to or under 30.
Does body contouring address the issue of sagging breasts?
After significant weight loss, the breasts may begin to droop. Dr. Bonnor can perform a breast lift to remove excess tissue and raise your profile. A breast lift and tummy tuck may also be included in your mommy makeover, a customized, full body rejuvenation procedure designed especially for mothers seeking to recapture their youthful essence. Dr. Bonnor will help you achieve your ideal appearance with his full suite of body contouring surgeries.
What is the best age or time for body contouring surgery?
There is no “perfect” age for aesthetic enhancement, provided that you are in good general health and have realistic expectations for your surgery. If you are planning to become pregnant, you may want to postpone your procedure. The child bearing process will inevitably increase the size of your breasts and abdominal region. Since body contouring is all about bringing your skin back into alignment with your slim, sleek dimensions, pregnancy would be counter to these goals.
How much does post-bariatric body contouring cost in Houston?
The cost of body contouring depends on the specific nature of the procedures you need to achieve your goals. For example, an isolated liposuction procedure would be less expensive than a full tummy tuck. Visit our financing page to learn about our credit options.
References
- Regan, J. P., & Casaubon, J. T. (2017). Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). PMID: 28613712
- Hammond, D. C. (2005). Short scar periareolar inferior pedicle reduction (SPAIR) mammaplasty. In Vertical Scar Mammaplasty (pp. 49-57). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27218-6_6
- Pascal, J. F., & Le Louarn, C. (2005). Brachioplasty. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 29 (5) 423-429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-005-0058-4