Best Ways to Prepare for Body Contouring after Weight Loss
If you have lost a lot of weight and are left with folds of loose, stretched-out skin, body contouring surgery can help reduce this skin and refine your body contours. Not only will post-bariatric body contouring improve your overall appearance, but it can also boost your self-esteem, help you fit into your clothing and reduce occurrences of skin chafing, rashes or infections.
According to Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a body contouring surgeon in New York City, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for surgery and increase your chances of a great cosmetic result.
Get a Clean Bill of Health from Your Doctor
Some of Dr. Greenwald’s body contouring patients that lose a significant amount of weight have a history of weight-related medical issues. It is important that you get a clean bill of health from your primary care doctor before undergoing elective plastic surgery.
Allow Your Weight Time to Stabilize
Achieving and maintaining your target weight helps Dr. Greenwald create the best treatment plan. Otherwise, if you are fluctuating in weight at the time of surgery, you might not see optimal results.
Focus on Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Focusing on healthy lifestyle habits before surgery will help you maintain your goal weight as well as lower some of the risks of surgical complications. You should eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol and stay well-hydrated. It is also a good idea to get plenty of sleep and minimize sources of stress or anxiety in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
Make Arrangements for Your Recovery
If you have scheduled your surgery, there are some logistical details to work out. Arrange to take at least two to three weeks off from work to recuperate at home. Arrange for a family member or friend to help with caretaking for kids, elderly parents and/or pets. Fill your prescriptions and stock your fridge and pantry with easy-to-prepare meals and snacks. Reach out to your surgeon about any questions or concerns you might have.
Visualize the End Result
To calm any pre-surgery jitters and maintain a positive outlook, visualize your end result. Think about how you will look after surgery and how great it will feel to be comfortable in your own skin.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Greenwald
If you are interested in speaking to Dr. Greenwald about body contouring after weight loss, we invite you to schedule an in-person consultation at one of our offices. Call or email us to request an appointment.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.