With body contouring, the main goal is to achieve your desired appearance throughout your torso, arms, and legs by tightening the excess skin and fatty tissue that results after massive weight loss. Body contouring may be necessary after undergoing bariatric surgery in Tampa. The techniques involved in body contouring can also facilitate in removing subcutaneous fat that hides in hanging skin folds after weight loss.
In order to assist the patient in achieving these goals, Dr. Albear may recommend one or more of the following procedures:
- Arm, butt, thigh, or breast lift
- Liposuction
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Panniculectomy
When to Consider Body Contouring in Tampa
The most common indication for body contouring surgery is sagging skin throughout one of many areas of the body as a result of significant weight reduction. Additional indications for body contouring include:
- Fat and loose skin resistant to healthy diet and exercise
- Localized fat deposits
- Loose skin as a result of aging
Patients should be healthy before body contouring surgery, meaning you should not smoke, have a stabilized body weight and have realistic expectations, among other health-related criteria. They should also have fully completed treatment following bariatric surgery.
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
Pasco County plastic surgeon Dr. Albear will carefully explain your body contouring plan. Prior to any surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include information about diagnostic testing, medications, day of surgery instructions, anesthesia and post-operative care.
Before and After Body Contouring Procedures, Tampa (Wesley Chapel) FL
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In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms to assure your plastic surgeon that you fully understand the procedure(s) and any associated risks or potential complications. Possible risks of body contouring include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, delayed or poor healing, skin loss, blood clots, excessive or widened scars, numbness and other changes in skin sensation, and irregular or asymmetric scars. Any surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. Be sure to discuss these feelings with Dr. Albear.
Where is Body Contouring Performed?
Body contouring procedures may be performed in an ambulatory surgical facility or hospital, possibly with an overnight hospital stay. Procedures are most commonly performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be used. These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and considerations of patient and surgeon preference. Your surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.
After Body Contouring Surgery in Tampa
Postoperative care varies for the procedures used. Dr. Albear will provide a complete instruction list to follow to reduce the risk of complications and assist you in your recovery. Most patients can resume regular activity between 2-4 weeks after surgery, but this depends on the extent of procedures used, your medical history, and any complications that may arise. Possible complications may include unmet expectations, contour problems, persistent numbness, infections, anesthesia reactions, and scarring.
To learn more about the benefits, costs or possible side effects of body contouring surgery in Tampa, please schedule a consultation. If you have contemplated body contouring surgery, we encourage you to contact the office of plastic surgeon Paul R. Albear in Wesley Chapel, serving Tampa, the New Tampa and Tampa Bay area - located in Pasco County.
