What Is Body Contouring After Weight Loss?

Body contouring after weight loss is a group of surgical procedures that remove excess skin, smooth body contours, and tighten tissues. These procedures enhance comfort, function, and aesthetics for patients who have lost significant weight through lifestyle changes, GLP-1 medications, or bariatric surgery. Body contouring may address:

  • Loose skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs, and back
  • Bra rolls and folds that remain after fat reduction
  • Discomfort caused by excess skin movement
  • Flattened or irregular contours after weight changes
  • Imbalance between upper and lower body proportions
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Our Body Contouring Procedures

Arm Lift

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, removes sagging skin from the upper arms. This procedure creates smoother contours and allows patients to feel more confident wearing sleeveless clothing, eliminating the discomfort of hanging or loose skin.

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Circumferential Body Lift

The circumferential body lift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses loose skin around the abdomen, waist, lower back, and buttocks. It lifts and tightens multiple areas at once, improving overall shape after massive weight loss.

View More About Circumferential Body Lift

Bra Roll Lift

The bra roll lift targets folds and bulges that form around the upper back and along the bra line. Removing excess skin in this area creates a more refined contour and smoother silhouette.

Learn More About Bra Roll Lift

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift reduces excess skin and tissue in the upper legs, reshaping the inner or outer thighs. This procedure restores proportion and allows greater comfort in clothing and physical activities.

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Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes loose abdominal skin and tightens underlying muscles. It creates a firmer, flatter stomach, improving both comfort and body balance after weight loss.

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Fleur-de-Lis

The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty addresses both vertical and horizontal laxity in the abdominal area. By removing skin in two directions, it achieves dramatic reshaping, especially for patients with extensive abdominal skin folds.

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Extended Abdominoplasty

An extended tummy tuck goes beyond the standard abdominoplasty to include the flanks and hips. It provides more comprehensive contouring for patients with significant skin laxity around the midsection and waistline.

Learn More About Extended Abdominoplasty

Monsplasty

Monsplasty reduces excess skin and tissue from the mons pubis area, which can become enlarged or sagging after weight loss. The procedure creates a smoother, firmer appearance that restores balance to the lower abdomen.

Learn More About Monsplasty

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Why Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Patients select Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa for their unmatched blend of surgical artistry, medical integrity, and compassionate care. Dr. Kara Criswell, Chair of Plastics for Novant Health, and Dr. Bryan Criswell, both board-certified, bring dual perspectives for more balanced and customized outcomes.

Their team includes RN injectors and master estheticians who maintain results with advanced non-surgical treatments. Long-tenured staff members ensure patients feel cared for like family, while the accredited surgery center upholds the highest standards of safety and quality.

The practice is also known for taking on complex revision and post-weight-loss cases with honesty and skill. Patients trust their guidance because recommendations are always grounded in what is best for long-term health, safety, and confidence.

My first procedure was a tummy tuck. Amazing phenomenal work! After one week, I feel amazing and look amazing! Everyone needs the Criswells in their life if they are looking for a miracle makeover!

S.G.

Benefits of Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Body contouring offers benefits that extend beyond appearance, allowing patients to fully enjoy the results of their hard work. By removing skin and restoring smoother contours, patients often describe the transformation as life-changing. Common benefits include:

  • Removal of sagging or uncomfortable skin
  • Improved body proportion and symmetry
  • Greater comfort in clothing and daily activities
  • Long-lasting outcomes with stable weight
  • Renewed confidence in appearance and lifestyle
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Am I a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?

The best way to determine candidacy is through a consultation with one of the surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa. Patients should be in good health, have reached a stable weight, and be nonsmokers or willing to quit before surgery.

Candidates should also be free of uncontrolled medical conditions that could interfere with healing. Realistic expectations and a willingness to follow recovery instructions are important to achieving safe, satisfying, and long-lasting results.

I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me.  I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results.  I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful,
natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

What to Expect During the Process

Consultations are comprehensive, focusing on personal goals, medical history, and individualized planning. Each surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s specific areas of concern, ensuring the best combination of procedures. General steps for body contouring may include:

  1. A detailed consultation and surgical planning.

  2. Preoperative preparation and anesthesia.

  3. Strategic incisions to remove excess skin.

  4. Tightening of tissues and reshaping contours.

  5. Closure with careful attention to minimizing scars.

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Recovery and Results

Recovery timelines depend on the combination of procedures performed. Most patients require at least two weeks before resuming light activities, with strenuous exercise restricted for four to six weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually resolve, revealing smoother, more proportionate results.

Final outcomes may take several months to fully appear as the body heals. With stable weight and proper care, results are long-lasting, allowing patients to enjoy renewed confidence and comfort in their transformed bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions Body Contouring After Weight Loss

How is pain managed after body contouring?

Pain is controlled with prescribed medications and compression garments. Most discomfort improves within the first two weeks of recovery.

Will I need multiple surgeries?

Yes, in some cases. Extensive weight loss may require procedures to be staged for safety and optimal results.

Are there risks with body contouring?

Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, or asymmetry. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon reduces these risks significantly.

How visible are the scars?

Scars are placed discreetly when possible and fade over time, though permanent marks will remain.

Does body contouring improve stretch marks?

Yes, if stretch marks are located on skin that is removed, they may be improved. Stretch marks outside these areas will remain.

Can men undergo body contouring after weight loss?

Absolutely. Men often benefit from chest contouring, tummy tucks, or thigh lifts to refine their physique.

How soon can I return to work?

Most patients return to light work in two to three weeks, depending on the extent of surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are ready to complete your weight loss journey by refining your shape, contact Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa today. Schedule your private consultation to learn how body contouring after weight loss can restore balance and confidence.

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Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

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