Body Contouring After Weight Loss

After significant weight loss you may experience loose or hanging skin. Body Contouring can improve the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin and removes excess sagging fat and skin. The results of a body contouring following aggressive weight loss are visible almost immediately. However, it may take as many as one to two years or more for the final results of all the recommended body contouring procedures to fully develop. Visible scars will remain, but the overall results are long lasting, provided that you maintain a stable weight and general fitness. As your body ages, it is natural to lose some firmness. However, most of your initial improvement should be relatively permanent.

A note about medical insurance and body contouring...

In the state of Washington, if a patient has had gastric bypass, most insurance companies will pay for part of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and some will partially cover a brachioplasty (arm lift). We recommend you call your insurance company to discuss exactly what your plan covers. For an abdominoplasty, the "CPT code" the insurance company would need is 15830. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance company to see if any fees would be covered prior to your consultation. Patients are welcome to come in for a free consultation with Dr. Nichols and speak to our Finance Manager regarding additional fees including surgeon's fees and anesthesia.

Please note: this is only for gastric bypass patients and the patient must meet certain criteria.

Click here to read about Marty's body contouring surgery experience and see her before and after photos.

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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and also tightens the abdominal muscles to create a smooth, tight, better contoured waistline. For weight loss patients who have loose or excess skin or loss of skin elasticity, this procedure can help restore weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

For more information on Tummy Tuck – click here.

Thigh Lift

Many patients are concerned about the size or sagging of their inner thighs. The inner, or medial, thigh lift procedure removes excess skin and fat from the thighs, resulting in a smaller, smoother upper leg.

For more information on Thigh Lift – click here

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

If you are concerned about excess or sagging skin of your upper arms, you may consider an arm lift, or brachioplasty. This procedure removes loose, sagging skin and a small amount of fat from the upper arms. The results give you smaller, firmer, better contoured upper arms.

For more information on Arm Lift – click here

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Breast Augmentation

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, breast augmentation involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction. Augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Implants are available as saline-filled or silicone gel-filled, either of which may have benefits tailored to you. We also offer various pain management options to make your post-operative time a little easier and more comfortable.

For more information on Breast Augmentation – click here

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Your breasts' appearance may have changed due to the effects of gravity along with weight loss. The loosening of the skin is what causes sagging of the breasts as well as loss of shape and firmness. A breast helps shape, reduce asymmetry, establish better proportion and, if you choose, reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). We also offer various pain management options to make your post-operative time a little easier and more comfortable.

For more information on Breast Lift – click here

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SmartLipo™ LaserBodySculpting^SM

SmartLipo™ LaserBodySculpting^SM produces similar results to traditional liposuction. SmartLipo™ is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently destroys fat cells, improving overall body shape by permanently removing unwanted fat and tightening skin. Laser technology liquefies the fat cells while often smoothing and tightening the skin that often remains a bit loose after traditional liposuction. LaserBodySculpting^SM is meant for areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. This laser-assisted lipolysis procedure is performed using a one millimeter cannula (or tube) inserted into the skin. A laser fiber inside of the cannula delivers energy directly to fat cells, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid. Simultaneously, tissue around the area coagulates, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure which usually requires only local anesthesia. Some light trauma can occur, but you'll be able to return to work in a few days and resume exercise after 2 weeks. Typically only one treatment is required. Early results can be seen within a week, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months. A compression garment must be worn for a short period after treatment.

All SmartLipo treatments include a post-surgical compression garment and two complimentary massages to help reduce swelling and assist lymphatic drainage.

For more information on SmartLipo – click here

View SmartLipo videos

To find out which body contouring procedures are right for you, schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling our office at 253.759.4522.

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