Body Contouring
Skin Removal After Weight Loss
For More InformationBody contouring surgery may be an option if loose, baggy skin affects how you look and feel about your body. This type of excess skin is common after dramatic weight loss from bariatric surgery. Body contouring surgery may help you complete the final phase in your weight loss journey, as it can enhance your appearance and make you feel better about yourself.
Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss
The Cosmetic Reality of Dramatic Weight Loss
Excess skin can be a harsh reminder of dramatic weight loss, multiple pregnancies, or the aging process. It occurs when skin and fatty tissue have lost their elasticity after being stretched for a long time, and hang from your abdomen, arms, breasts, buttocks, or face. From a cosmetic perspective, the excess skin can prevent you from feeling your best. However, it can also limit your mobility, inhibit your clothing options, and cause medical issues including painful rashes, sores, and infections. The only way to remove excess skin after dramatic weight loss is through plastic surgery.
Risks and Benefits
Body contouring surgery can improve the quality of your skin, smooth the body’s natural contours, and improve your self-esteem. However, it is not without risks. As with any surgery, the risks include bleeding, infection, wound healing concerns, scarring, and the possibility of unsatisfactory results. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who routinely performs these procedures in an accredited facility will minimize the risks and maximize the benefits associated with skin removal procedures.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Your First Consultation
Body contouring includes many different procedures. We discuss your reasons for pursuing body contouring, your desired outcome, and your expected results. You may wish to see us before you have reached your weight loss goal so you can understand your options and be prepared to undergo a procedure once you have reached your weight loss goal. Sometimes procedures can be combined. We identify your problem areas and help you create a plan.
Medical History
We conduct a thorough medical history, including your family history, general health status, previous operations, and any medications you may be taking.
Physical Exam
We examine the areas of your body being considered for contouring procedures and take photographs for your medical record.
Surgical Recommendations
We devise a surgical plan, which could include combining surgeries such as a lower body lift or upper body lift, depending on your needs. We discuss the potential risks and complications and your post-operation recovery.
Paying for Body Contouring
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, there are some instances when a body contouring procedure may be considered a medical necessity, which would be covered. We will review this during your exam.
You can learn more about breast reduction, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, body contouring, and other procedures performed at the Duke Aesthetic Center at one of our informational seminars.
Why Choose Duke
The Comforts of a Private Practice
Our surgeons combine the comforts you expect from a private practice with the advantages you gain from seeking experts at a large medical institution. Our clinics are conveniently located in Durham and Raleigh and offer free parking.
Experts in Body Contouring After Weight Loss Surgery
Our board-certified surgeons work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs. Body contouring procedures are often staged and can take place over a one- or two-year time period. Our doctors work with you throughout the entire process to closely monitor your health and the results of your surgery.
Other Cosmetic Options
You may also want to consider varicose vein removal and other techniques -- such as Botox, fillers, and laser treatments -- that can enhance your skin and features. We work closely with you to achieve optimal results based on your goals.
Teachers of Future Surgeons
Our plastic surgeons share their experience by teaching advanced cosmetic techniques to doctors across the country and around the world.
Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.