Body contouring plastic surgery may be required after a person has achieved significant weight loss following bariatric surgery. The body contouring surgery will involve a considerable recovery component, which is integral to the overall success of the procedure. The surgeon will discuss all aspects of the procedure, including recovery, at the time of initial consultation.
The patient should be prepared to carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-operative recovery in order to achieve safe and predictable outcomes. Stellar and focused bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides weight loss procedures to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding communities across the horizon in this region of the state.
Immediate Phase after Surgery
Body contouring surgery will usually be performed after the patient has completely recovered from bariatric surgery, and the body weight has stabilized. Following body contouring, the patient may be able to return home the same day after a few hours. The surgeon will give instructions about maintaining the temporary drain tubes, if they have been placed as well as about normal symptoms and any potential signs of complications.
In the first few days, the patient will experience mild pain and soreness in the incision sites. This can be mitigated with prescription pain medications. Bruising will be more pronounced in the first week, but will quickly subside from the second week. Swelling around the treated areas will reduce gradually over several weeks and months.
Sutures and drain tubes are usually removed at the end of first week. Patient should stay at home for at least the first week, but the surgeon will encourage them to perform short walks and light activities at home.
First Month of Recovery
The patient may be able to return to their normal routine or go back to work in about 10 to 14 days. This will largely depend on whether body contouring was performed extensively in both lower and upper body, or in just one or two targeted areas. In any case, strenuous exercises and heavy lifting of weights should be avoided for the first month.
The patient will be instructed to avoid smoking and refrain from taking certain medications such as blood thinners and NSAIDs for a certain period. The patient will usually be required to wear compression garments in the treated areas such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, breasts or upper arms. This will help to firm up the skin and tissue as desired.
Sustainability of Results
Results from upper and lower body contouring are long-lasting but will vary from one patient to another depending on the changes in their body. If the patient gains or loses weight following the surgery, some of the results will diminish. But patients who are able to maintain a healthy body weight will be able to enjoy the body contouring results for many years.
The lift effect in the lower body is usually permanent. Accomplished bariatric surgeon Dr. Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and nearby areas for weight loss surgery.
Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.
To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.
