Congratulations on your weight loss! You have more energy, are off most medications, and are feeling better than ever. Whether achieved through surgery or lifestyle changes, massive weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment. Once you have achieved your goal weight, you may find that your body has redundant skin. The skin can affect your ability to exercise, cause rashes, and produce odor. Unfortunately, unlike fat, extra skin cannot be lost through diet and exercise. This is where body contouring in Bend, OR, at invMD comes in.
What is body contouring?
Body contouring describes a family of procedures that remove unwanted skin surgically. Unfortunately, removing skin requires scars. Body contouring is a tradeoff of shape and contour for scars. The procedures target multiple problem areas and can often be combined into a single surgical plan or be done as staged procedures.
Who is a candidate for body contouring?
In general, candidates for body contouring in Bend:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Are at their goal weight with a body mass index below 30
- Have been weight stable for 6 months
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Have normal nutrition labs (prealbumin and iron studies)
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Want to remove redundant skin in exchange for scars
What are the types of body contouring?
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Brachioplasty addresses redundant arm skin. The scar is on the inner arm and can vary in size depending on the amount of redundant skin; scars can extend from the elbow to the armpit and onto the chest. The result of brachioplasty is well-contoured arms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARM LIFTS
Dermal Suspension Mastopexy
Massive weight loss can cause breasts to droop and lose fullness. Dermal suspension mastopexy was developed by one of Dr. Vial’s mentors. It is a novel operation that uses the patient’s redundant breast tissue to lift the breast and increase volume without an implant. The breast is left with an anchor incision that extends onto the side of the chest. The result is a fuller breast that sits in a natural position atop the chest.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MASTOPEXY
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia is a condition that leads to male breasts due to reasons unrelated to weight gain, such as hormonal imbalances, medications, and hyperthyroidism. Gynecomastia surgery is a body contouring procedure wherein Dr. Vial removes unwanted breast tissues using excision and liposuction. Depending on your condition, the procedure may also involve removing redundant skin, leaving you with a contoured, masculine chest.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure that helps you achieve a firm, toned, and sculpted abdomen. Dr. Vial makes a hip-to-hip incision, removes redundant skin tissues and unwanted fat, and strengthens the underlying muscles. Depending on your specific condition, liposuction might be used to remove unwanted pockets of fat. This procedure makes your abdomen look firm and well-defined, reversing the effects of age, weight changes, and pregnancy.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TUMMY TUCKS
Lower Body Lift
Lower body lift addresses the abdominal pannus, lower back rolls, and sagging buttocks. The operation places a scar along the entire length of the waist, like a belt. Although the scar is large, the contour effects are great. The operation contours the abdomen, lifts the buttocks, and indirectly lifts the anterior thighs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOWER BODY LIFTS
Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes unwanted skin from the thighs. Scars range in size depending on the amount of redundant tissue removed; scars start at the groin or buttock fold and can run the length of the upper thigh to the knee. The result is a well-contoured thigh.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIGH LIFTS
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of unwanted fat tissues from targeted areas of your body. Dr Vial inserts a thin tube-like device called a cannula through a small incision on the targeted region. The area is flooded with a numbing solution, after which Dr. Vial vacuums away the unwanted fat cells. Liposuction can be performed on numerous parts of the body, such as the arms, abdomen, and thighs, making it ideal for body contouring in Bend.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIPOSUCTION
What is the recovery process after body contouring?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery, and you must follow those instructions accurately. After your body contouring procedure, the targeted areas will be wrapped in bandages to minimize swelling. You will have to wear compression garments for up to 2 months, depending on the procedure. Most patients can resume work and low-level activities in 2 weeks, and other physical activities after 4-6 weeks. However, each body contouring procedure involves a unique set of recovery guidelines — Dr. Vial will discuss them with you during your consultation.
What are the risks of body contouring?
Dr. Vial places the utmost importance on your safety. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to minimize the risk of side effects or complications. However, all surgeries carry inherent risks, including body contouring. Dr. Vial will highlight the potential risks of your procedure during your consultation.
The complications unique to body contouring that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Wound break down (incisions opening)
Why choose Dr. Vial for body contouring?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in body contouring surgery. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures were invented and continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options for body contouring in Bend.
