Our Blog

woman measuring her hips with a tape measure

How to Prepare for Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring Surgery

If you’ve recently lost a dramatic amount of weight, but folds of sagging skin are still overshadowing your accomplishment, you may be an excellent candidate for body lift surgery. At Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Eric Desman works with many patients who find themselves frustrated by excess skin after reaching their weight loss goals through surgery or by diligently following a nutrition and fitness regimen.

Body contouring can help you attain your ideal appearance, enable you to wear a broader range of clothing styles, and make you more comfortable. Here are the top four steps we recommend taking to prepare yourself for this procedure.

Become an Informed Patient

The prospect of having a surgeon transform your body is exciting, but you shouldn’t make the decision lightly. Ask plenty of questions about what to expect during your operation and while you recover. If you have any concerns, address them with Dr. Desman, so he can ensure you are comfortable and confident in your choice to get surgery. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly or frivolous question when it comes to your peace of mind.

Be Realistic

Mental preparation is crucial before undergoing plastic surgery. While a body lift can put an exclamation point on your weight loss efforts, the procedure doesn’t provide immediate results. Remind yourself that you will have several weeks of recuperation, during which you will need to be patient and let yourself heal as your swelling resolves and your appearance gradually improves. For many people, some emotional ups and downs are a natural part of the recovery journey after their body contouring procedure. Rely on healthy coping mechanisms to boost your mood and stay optimistic during and after healing.

Have a Support System

Getting plastic surgery can be life-changing, and the good news is that you do not have to go through this momentous experience alone. Your close friends and family members will be a significant source of encouragement along the way. Be honest with them about your goals and concerns, or join online support groups for plastic surgery patients. You’ll also need help around the house while you heal, so be sure to arrange for at least one person to pitch in with cooking, cleaning, and chores such as laundry. Having someone there to take care of you will help reduce stress while you concentrate on giving your body the rest it needs to achieve the best results.

Establish Healthy Habits

It’s crucial to attain your target body weight and follow a healthy lifestyle before having post-weight loss surgery. If you are already eating a balanced diet and working out consistently, you can position yourself to bounce back more quickly from your body contouring procedure. Quitting smoking far in advance of your surgery will also help reduce the risk of infections and other complications during your healing process. When preparing for surgery and recovery, many patients prepare and freeze nutritious meals, so they have foods on hand to nourish their body without having to worry about cooking.

Achieve Your Ideal Physique With Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery

As a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served patients from Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area for more than two decades, Dr. Desman is proud to use his experience and talents to help women and men attain higher self-confidence and love the way they look from every angle. Contact us to schedule your private, no-obligation body contouring consultation.