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Body Contouring

One of the fastest growing areas in plastic surgery is body contouring surgery after massive weight loss. When patients have undergone gastric bypass surgery or lost weight on carefully managed diets, they are often left with large amounts of loose skin on their arms, neck, abdomen, and thighs. Body contouring surgery can help to restore a more normal contour by removing and tightening large amounts of skin. In many cases, multiple surgeries are necessary because there is so much to accomplish.
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What is a body contouring

Body contouring is a set of cosmetic surgical procedures designed to enhance the shape and contour of the body by removing excess skin and fat. These procedures are typically performed to achieve a more proportionate and sculpted appearance.

When a person loses a substantial amount of weight, whether through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, their skin may not shrink to fit their new body shape. This can result in loose, sagging skin. Body contouring procedures are designed to address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat.

Here are some of the common body contouring procedures:

  • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and will often tighten the underlying abdominal muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
  • Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): This procedure targets excess skin and fat on the upper arms to create a more contoured, toned appearance.
  • Breast Mastopexy (Breast Lift): A breast lift reshapes and lifts the breasts. This can be performed in combination with a breast reduction.
  • Liposuction: This procedure removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. Liposuction is often used to sculpt and reshape these areas, improving their appearance.

Body Contouring Consultation

If you are considering a body contouring procedure, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. Dr Bartlett will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. He will discuss surgical options, answer questions about the benefits and risks of body contouring surgery and all aspects of recovery in detail.

Body Contouring Procedure – What to expect

You will be asked to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery and to help out during your initial recovery for 24 to 48 hours.  Pain medication is prescribed and you will be instructed on how and when to take the medication.  Most body sculpting procedures require compression garments such as abdominal binders (tummy tuck), bras (breast lift) or other compression devices (brachioplasty, liposuction).  Garments are used for 3 to 6 weeks and exercise is not permitted during that time.

Local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia may be used and is determined by you and Dr. Bartlett.

2 to 4 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.

Most surgeries are performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room.

"Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!"

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Body Contouring Surgery and Recovery

Dr. Bartlett and his staff will review details of the recovery process, providing instructions and prescription medications ahead of time to allow the patient to have a safe and smooth recovery.

Swelling and bruising may last for 2 to 3 weeks. The final result is judged one year later. Pain medication is typically used for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Numbness and firmness may persist for months but does not affect appearance.  Strenuous jobs will require up to six weeks off but lighter work can be resumed in 2-3 weeks.  Specific recommendations will be made for each patient.

Cost

The cost is dependent on factors such as the time it takes to perform the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and the techniques utilized.

An estimate of the cost can be provided over the phone by the front desk administrator. After your consultation with Dr. Bartlett a specific, detailed quote will be provided by the

Schedule a consultation

Contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding body contouring surgeries in Boston with Dr. Richard A. Bartlett. He can let you know if surgery is the best option for you and can provide you with outstanding results from your procedure.

Need More Help?

Check out these related procedures

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Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a body-contouring procedure that primarily involves removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen.

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Liposuction

Liposuction is very effective in removing stubborn excess fat from many parts of the body.