Nellie Movtchan, MDPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Nellie Movtchan, MD

Body / Body contouring

Body contouring.After significant weight loss.

After significant weight loss, excess skin may remain even when your weight has settled. Explore procedures that address that skin, the areas you want to focus on and how surgery and recovery may be staged.

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Illustrative concept photograph; not a patient result

Understanding the procedure

Addressing excess skin.

After significant weight loss, skin may not shrink back fully. Body contouring removes excess skin and tissue and may include a lower body lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, or breast lift. These procedures leave scars and are often planned in stages. They are not a weight-loss treatment.

Other body procedures

Is it right for you?

Could body contouring be right for you?

A consultation considers your medical history, weight stability, nutrition, and expectations. Weight is usually expected to be stable for a period before surgery.

  • Share how long your weight has been stable.
  • Discuss nutrition and any conditions related to weight loss surgery.
  • Be open about smoking or nicotine use.
  • Understand the scars involved and the possibility of staged surgery.

Talk through your options

Your consultation with Dr. Movtchan.

Meet with Dr. Movtchan to discuss your options. Bring your medical history, weight-loss history, prior procedures, medications, and the questions you most want answered.

Illustrative consultation scene; not Dr. Movtchan or her patients

  1. Your goals

    Describe the areas that concern you most, including any skin irritation or hygiene problems.

  2. Your options

    Discuss which areas to address, scar placement, and whether procedures would be combined or staged.

  3. Your preparation

    Ask about anesthesia, the care setting, nutrition, and what you would need to arrange beforehand.

  4. Your decision

    Talk through the potential outcome, risks, recovery, and costs before deciding.

Benefits & limitations

Risks and limitations.

Understand the alternatives and limitations as well as the potential benefits. Results vary, and surgery cannot guarantee a particular appearance.

Nutrition and prior weight-loss surgery can affect healing. Your health and the planned operation affect the risk assessment. Possible risks include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Fluid collections
  • Wound separation or poor healing
  • Changes in sensation
  • Unfavorable or widened scars
  • Asymmetry
  • Revision surgery
  • Blood clots or heart, lung, or anesthesia complications

Recovery planning

Planning for your recovery.

If your surgery is planned in stages, you will need to prepare for each recovery. Discuss time away from work, help at home and the timing of later procedures.

  1. Before surgery

    Plan practical support

    Ask about transport, help at home, nutrition, and time away from responsibilities.

  2. Early recovery

    Follow your care instructions

    Understand dressings, any drains, garments, medication instructions, follow-up, and symptoms that need a call to the surgical team.

  3. Returning to routines

    Check before increasing activity

    Discuss separate milestones for work, driving, lifting, and exercise, and the timing of any later stages.

Recovery varies with the operation and the individual. Follow the instructions given by your surgical team.

Questions

Questions about body contouring.

How long should my weight be stable first?

Ask for guidance based on your history. Surgeons generally want weight to be stable for a period before body contouring.

Will insurance cover skin removal?

Coverage varies by plan and situation. Ask what documentation might be needed and confirm directly with your insurer; coverage cannot be assumed.

How many surgeries will I need?

It depends on how many areas are involved. Ask whether procedures would be combined or staged and why.

What should I ask about the cost?

You’ll receive a written estimate after your consultation. Review the surgeon’s fee, facility, anesthesia, follow-up and any additional care before deciding.