Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Body contouring after weight loss can be a major surgical procedure, so discomfort is expected during recovery. However, Dr. Rivera prioritizes patient comfort by using surgical techniques that minimize trauma to the tissues and prescribing appropriate pain management medications. Most patients report soreness, tightness, and swelling in the treated areas, similar to an intense workout, but this gradually improves over the first few weeks.

The number of appointments required for body contouring depends on the complexity of the case and the specific procedures included in the treatment plan. Typically, patients will have an initial consultation, a pre-operative visit to finalize details and answer any remaining questions, the surgery itself, and multiple follow-up visits to monitor healing. For those undergoing staged procedures—where different areas of the body are treated in separate surgeries—additional appointments will be necessary.

Initial results from body contouring after weight loss will be visible almost immediately, but the final look takes time to appreciate due to swelling and bruising. Most patients notice a significant improvement in their body shape within the first few weeks, with continued improvement as swelling subsides over the next 3 to 6 months. The skin and tissues need time to heal and adjust to their new contours, and maintaining a stable weight during this period is essential for long-lasting results.

Yes, aside from just procedures to contour the body after major weight loss, facial procedures can be beneficial as well. A facelift can tighten loose skin and restore definition to the lower face, while a neck lift removes excess skin and fat under the chin for a more sculpted jawline. Another popular option is buccal fat removal, which slims the cheeks and enhances facial contours for those who have retained fullness in this area despite overall weight loss. During your consultation, Dr. Rivera will recommend the best approach to address your concerns and goals.

Infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, fluid accumulation (seroma), and changes in skin sensation are potential but rare risks of this procedure. Because this surgery often involves multiple procedures, there is also a higher chance of scarring and prolonged swelling, though these effects typically improve over time. Choosing a skilled surgeon and closely following post-operative care instructions—such as wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activity—can significantly reduce these risks.

You have sagging skin in many areas, such as the chest, breasts, arms, abdomen, back, and/or thighs. You have experienced significant weight loss from diet and exercise, weight-loss medications (Ozempic), or bariatric surgery. Your weight has stabilized following the weight loss, which is typically about 18 months in cases of post-bariatric surgery (one year to lose the weight and six months of stable weight). If you’ve lost weight with diet and exercise, you want to have at least six months of stable weight. After body contouring surgery, a compression garment is temporarily used to help the skin contract, decrease swelling and recovery time, and decrease the chances of seromas (collections of fluids). Every year, thousands of people undergo these procedures. A personal consultation will determine what is best for you.

Something important to know about body contouring surgery: What Should I Be Aware of Before considering it?

One caveat about Dr. Rivera-Serrano’s body contouring surgeries is that it may look like some loose skin is still in the operated area approximately a year after surgery. Nevertheless, this is not anywhere near the amount prior to surgery. This is extremely frequent due to skin relaxation. He always tells patients to remember how tight the area felt immediately after surgery. This is because he always removes as much skin as technically possible, hence the tightness.