Body Procedures

Body contouring or “body sculpting” surgery refers to aesthetic procedures performed to reshape and refine areas of the body. This is accomplished by removing excess skin and/or fat while sometimes tightening the underlying tissue. Unlike weight loss procedures, body contouring doesn’t aim to reduce body weight. Instead, these cosmetic procedures focus on improving shape, proportion and firmness in specific areas.

While treatment plans are personalized, the goal is typically to achieve a sleeker, more defined look in the involved areas by performing the most effective procedure. When appropriate, the underlying support structures are also tightened to help maintain results. These surgical treatment options are commonly pursued after losing significant amounts of weight or after bariatric surgery.

Dr. Turkeltaub takes a patient-centered approach and tailors the specific technique to your anatomy, skin quality and goals.

Yes, body contouring is especially common and often very helpful after extensive weight loss, whether from dieting and exercise, bariatric surgery or other means. When someone loses a large amount of weight, especially quickly, the skin often doesn’t shrink back or contract proportionally. This can leave behind excess, loose or sagging skin in areas like the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, breasts and back.

Loose, hanging skin presents more than an aesthetic concern and may also present functional issues like skin irritation, rashes or infections in folds where skin rubs together. Patients also experience difficulty finding well-fitting clothing, problems with hygiene and interference with certain physical activities.

Body sculpting after weight loss can alleviate discomfort and remove this excess skin and fat, helping restore a more natural and proportional shape. Since massive weight loss patients often have laxity in multiple areas, a staged approach addressing the trunk first (often with a body lift or tummy tuck), followed by arms, thighs and/or breasts in subsequent surgeries may be recommended for certain patients. A healthy and stable weight, usually for at least several months to a year after major weight loss, is important before undergoing these procedures.

Yes, combining procedures is common and many patients do choose to have more than one body contouring surgery performed at the same time. This is referred to as a “combined” or “multi-procedure” surgery. For example, a tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction to comprehensively reshape the abdominal area, while a Mommy Makeover and body lift are often performed to address multiple areas after pregnancy and weight loss respectively.

There are possible benefits to streamlining procedures into one treatment plan, such as a single recovery period, potentially lower overall costs compared to separate surgeries with separate anesthesia and facility fees and more harmonious, symmetrical results as treatment areas are addressed together.

That said, combining surgeries isn’t right for everyone. For individuals with significant excess skin or more complex concerns, Dr. Turkeltaub may advise a staged approach spacing procedures a few months apart rather than combining treatments into one operation. Furthermore, there are also substantial downside risks, especially for certain individuals, which can make this approach an unnecessarily risky proposition and unadvisable approach.

The most prudent approach depends on your anatomy, health, medical history, and other factors.

Preparation for body contouring surgery generally involves both physical and logistical steps in the weeks to months leading up to your procedure. A thorough consultation and physical exam with Dr. Turkeltaub are required to discuss goals, review your medical history and determine which procedures are appropriate. Blood work and other pre-operative testing may be necessary to confirm you’re a “safe” candidate for surgery and anesthesia. If you’ve had weight fluctuations, your weight should be stable for a recommended timeframe (often several months) before your procedure.

In terms of lifestyle adjustments, you will be instructed to stop smoking, vaping and using marijuana well in advance of surgery. Nicotine significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications. Marijuana also has an untoward impact on your anesthesia.

Dr. Turkeltaub will also provide instructions to avoid certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and some herbal supplements. He will give you full, detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions after your surgical plan is confirmed.