Bariatric surgical procedures such as gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap-band) surgery have been shown to be a highly effective means of losing weight for those suffering from morbid obesity (those with a body mass Index of 40 or higher). However, people that lose weight through these procedures or through diet and exercise are left with large amounts of loose folds of excess skin, which sags and loses elasticity after being stretched for a long time. The skin usually does not shrink back to its former size and shape after significant weight loss; this can cause many health complications, as well as posing a cosmetic issue. Often, the only way to remove excess skin after extensive weight loss is through body contouring plastic surgery.

In order for body contouring surgery to be achieved successfully, the patient must meet specific criteria. For instance, your weight trend specifics-to achieve the best results, body contouring surgery should not be done for at least 2 years following any massive weight loss program. This allows the skin to shrink as much as possible and your nutrition to be stable, which are factors that will aid in recovery.

Overall good health- People in poor health with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are not good candidates for body contouring procedures.

Proper nutrition

A history of smoking – The patient must quit smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery.

Psychological statusExpectations 

The patient must also take into account the risks and side effects of body contouring surgery. Most body-contouring procedures involve making an incision in the least obvious part of the area to be trimmed, removing excess skin, and suturing the area with fine stitches to minimize scarring. With these types of procedures, scarring is unavoidable. Liposuction may be used in conjunction with some procedures.

Other risks and side effects may be involved than there are with typical cosmetic surgery due to the significant amount of skin that is removed. Body contouring surgery is performed in stages to minimize complications such as infection and blood loss, and is often done over a period of years as one or two areas of the body are addressed at a time. Also, touch-up surgeries are often required later. Your surgeon will make recommendations about the best strategy to address all of your needs in the safest and most efficient manner.Also, it is important that you to check your insurance benefits if you are considering body-contouring procedures. Your surgeon’s office can give you estimates of how much you can expect each procedure to cost.