YOUR JOURNEY
The body undergoes an incredible transformation during a person’s weight loss journey, both inside and out. While the changes are overwhelmingly positive, one of the downsides is loose skin that doesn’t fully shrink back. These extra areas can rub and chafe, causing skin irritation, and make it uncomfortable and difficult to fit well into clothing. And after so much effort to lose weight, it can be frustrating to see leftover skin that just won’t go away – no matter how much exercising you do!
WHY SURGERY?
This is where body contouring surgery can help. Procedures that remove the extra skin can be life-changing for folks who have lost weight, by helping to prevent skin irritation and pain, to smooth the silhouette, and to make it easier to fit comfortably into clothes.
Just about any area of the body can be reshaped, and commonly addressed areas include the:
• Abdomen (stomach)
• Upper and Lower Back
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Thighs
• Breasts
• Pubic Area
Body contouring is highly individualized, with every patient’s anatomy requiring a unique approach. Dr. Shore will take the time to listen to your goals, devising a plan with eye for detail and a respect for your shape, to help make your vision a reality.
• Abdomen (stomach)
• Upper and Lower Back
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Thighs
• Breasts
• Pubic Area
THE PROCEDURE
Body contouring surgeries can last anywhere from 2-6 hours, depending on the extent of surgery and the number of areas treated per stage. Sometimes surgeries are separated out into multiple stages, to optimize safety and recovery. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, usually at an outpatient surgery center. Local anesthetic blocks are given during surgery to control postoperative pain and to minimize the need for strong pain medicine afterwards. Drains are used, and the patient are caregivers are taught how to care for the drains before going home. The patient is dressed into a padded compression bodysuit before waking from anesthesia. After a 1-2 hour period of recovery, the patient is discharged to continue recovery at home.
RECOVERY
Most contouring procedures are done as outpatient surgery, with all recovery done at home. You will wear a compression bodysuit 24/7 for the first four weeks, and will gradually wear it less and less as the weeks pass. Full return to most physical activity happens around six weeks. Most patients feel “back to themselves” at around 3 weeks, but may feel more tired than usual for the first month after surgery.
WILL INSURANCE COVER SURGERY?
If a patient meets certain criteria, surgery to remove extra lower abdominal skin (panniculectomy) may be partially covered by insurance. This must go through a rigorous pre-approval by your insurance company, and requires supportive documentation and photographs.
Insurance does not cover surgery to contour the arms, thighs, back, buttocks, or face/neck. Insurance may cover surgery to reduce and lift the breasts, if specific criteria are met.
We are here to help. If you have questions about insurance coverage and costs, please talk to Giselle or Dr. Shore.
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