Body Sculpting After Massive Weight Loss

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Men and women in the Los Angeles area who accomplish massive weight loss as a result of diet & exercise and/or bariatric surgery often find that after the weight is gone, they are left with unattractive and uncomfortable folds of flesh and skin. Body Sculpting after losing large amounts of weight can improve the body you have worked so hard to achieve. We tailor each body sculpting procedure to fit your body’s needs. It can include a variety of contouring surgeries such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, breast lift, or liposuction for Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Torrance men and women.

Options in Post-Weight-Loss Body Sculpting

Almost any area of the body can be sculpted to eliminate loose skin and remaining fat and tissue, including the face and neck, upper arms, back, breasts, stomach, thighs, and buttocks. Depending upon your physical condition and your goals, it is possible to combine several areas of the body such as the face and neck, thighs and buttocks, and the back, buttocks, and abdomen. Because our surgeons are concerned with safety, they generally do not perform body sculpting on every area during the same surgery. For example, the arms would be done in a separate procedure from the back, buttocks, and abdomen. You can see our body sculpting patients’ dramatic results in our before-and-after photo gallery.

The Body Sculpting Procedure

Body sculpting procedures performed by our South Bay plastic surgeons are performed under general anesthesia. After general anesthesia has been instilled, the treated area is incised, and excess tissue and remaining fat are removed. The excess skin is trimmed, and the area is sutured. A dressing and supportive garment is placed on the treated area. Many body sculpting procedures are done on an outpatient basis. However, depending upon the surgery to be performed, you may benefit from an overnight stay in the hospital following your procedure, particularly if it involves a large area, such as the back, abdomen, and buttocks.

Some Body Sculpting Procedures Require More Than One Surgery

Many of our patients find that a liposuction procedure to eliminate excess fat prior to the actual body sculpting procedure is to their advantage. This two-step procedure allows your plastic surgeon to remove stubborn pockets of fat for a flatter, more attractive final appearance. If this is an appropriate option for you, it will be discussed, in advance, during your private consultation.

Does health insurance cover post-weight-loss body sculpting?

Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast answer to that question. In general, procedures involving the face and neck, the thighs, and the upper arms are not covered by health insurance. A breast reduction and/or breast lift after massive weight loss is sometimes covered. Most often covered (but not always!) are the combination back, abdomen, and buttocks, called “The Works” at our Torrance plastic surgery practice. Many massive weight loss patients have what is called a panniculus, which is an overhanging pouch of skin and tissue that hangs down in front of the abdomen. Some of these patients suffer a great deal with a large panniculus that results in rashes and near-constant discomfort, making exercise difficult, if not impossible. If your surgeon thinks that insurance might cover your procedure, he or she will submit photographs and extensive written details to your insurance company. The insurance company may approve the coverage and, if they deny it, you can appeal.

We admire those who have lost large amounts of weight because we know it’s not easy. Changing one’s diet and exercise habits, undergoing surgery, and sticking with a program are difficult challenges. Our post-weight-loss body sculpting patients are delighted with their results. Please call upon us at (310) 784-0644 for a private consultation to learn about your body sculpting options, or use our online contact form to request a consultation.