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As a means of removing excess skin and fat following weight loss, plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD is proud to offer body contouring for his patients. Also referred to as “body sculpting,” this type of cosmetic surgery can help you:
After losing a large amount of weight, the excitement patients often feel can be dampened by the reality of excess skin and fat hanging from the body. In these cases, additional diet and exercise will not remove the skin and fat and patients must turn to body contouring techniques to fully realize their new physiques.
Using a combination of excision to remove excess skin and liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits, Dr. Goldberg contours the patient’s body to create the desired effect. The ideal candidate for body contouring should be at a stable weight following proper diet and exercise and have adequate skin tone and elasticity. Some older patients may need more than one procedure to remove all of the loose skin.
For many areas of the body where stubborn fat deposits are found, liposuction can be used for slenderizing purposes. In liposuction, small incisions are first made. Through these incisions, Dr. Goldberg will insert a thin tube, called a cannula, which is connected to a vacuum-like device. The fat is then suctioned from the area and the incisions are closed. Compression garments are then applied to aid in healing.
When excess skin hangs around the stomach, the patient will often undergo a tummy tuck procedure. When a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is performed skin is removed from the lower abdomen and skin from the upper abdomen is then pulled down. The excess skin is removed and the incision is closed leaving an opening for the umbilical stalk. Our plastic surgeon may tighten the abdominal wall (particularly the lower abdomen) with multiple sutures.
While a tummy tuck tightens the skin and muscle of the abdomen, a panniculectomy only removes excess skin without tightening the abdominal wall. This procedure is often performed in cases of extreme obesity.
Arm lift and thigh lift surgery may be performed in a fashion similar to a tummy tuck or panniculectomy. Dr. Goldberg will remove excess skin from the troublesome area and tighten the remaining skin to slim the area of the body.
For most of these procedures, you should expect a recovery time of up to two weeks and may be required to wear compression garments during this time to aid in healing. You should also be aware that some scars may be visible from areas where skin is excised.
As with any surgical procedure, you should be aware of some possible complications and risks. These may include unmet expectations, infection, healing problems and possible implant issues such as rupture or shift.
If you’re considering body contouring as part of your cosmetic goals, we can help you determine which procedure or procedures may be able to help you obtain the desired outcome. To assist you in your research, Dr. Goldberg has answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about body contouring options. If you don’t see your question below, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, please reach out to our skilled medical team for more information.
These two terms encompass a wide array of procedures, most of which overlap. The primary difference is the purpose of the technique. If you want to trim away excess skin after significant weight loss, either from traditional diet and exercise or as a result of bariatric surgery, we might refer to the treatment as post-weight loss surgery. If you would like to enhance the shape of your body through a combination of liposuction and “lifts,” that may more likely be called body contouring. Both terms are used in a general and nonspecific way. Therefore, it’s much more helpful to discuss the modalities being performed, such as abdominoplasty, liposuction, arm lift, thigh lift, lower body lift, or another option. The best course of action is to explain to Dr. Goldberg what concerns you have and he can help you determine which approaches offer the optimal result based on your needs and goals.
These two techniques, although often used together to achieve more comprehensive aesthetic enhancement, have distinct purposes. A tummy tuck is primarily intended to reduce excess skin and tighten loose abdominal muscles that have become lax with time, weight loss, or pregnancy. Liposuction, on the other hand, is designed to remove fatty tissue from targeted areas. The best way to determine if liposuction and/or a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a consultation with an extensively trained and board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Goldberg. With a thorough evaluation and discussion of your goals, he can guide you towards the optimal treatment for you.
It’s very common for a patient to want to contour several areas of the body at once, but it is not always possible to address all of them. In general, we recommend focusing on up to three areas in close proximity to each other for the best outcome. For many patients, this can include the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Or the abdomen, breasts, and arms. In some cases, more areas may be possible; in other situations, it may be safest and most advantageous to do fewer. Everyone is unique, as is their treatment plan, and Dr. Goldberg can create a customized program that takes into consideration your needs and goals and emphasizes your safety and results.
Small fluctuations in weight are normal and should not have a noticeable long-term impact on your results. However, we encourage patients to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to preserve their outcome. In the event more significant weight gain occurs, there will likely be some changes in your body contour that you may or may not like. If you wish to receive additional cosmetic procedures to restore your figure to its previous appearance, we can help you select the ideal techniques to do so.
Cosmetic surgeon Neal Goldberg treats patients from Scarsdale, Yonkers and many other communities in Westchester, Bergen, and lower Fairfield County. For more information about Body Contouring, call our office for a consultation at 914-722-1600.
*Individual Results May Vary
“Your expertise put me back in my dancing shoes. It was appreciated more than you know. You are a perfectionist.”