Abdominoplasty, Body Lift, and Other Contouring Procedures near Reno and Carson City

Congratulations! You have lost a significant amount of weight and you look great — in your clothes. You may find that despite all of that weight loss, though, your body contour is still far from ideal. Now you want to take that next step and lose the excess skin. Mild skin or fat excess may be treated appropriately by procedures such as abdominoplasty or liposuction. However, more significant excess requires a more extensive body contouring procedure called a lower body lift. Reno and Carson City residents who have undergone massive weight loss may also require other procedures such as a facelift or breast lift in order to complete their desired look.

Abdominoplasty performed by Dr. McCormack

Pregnancy and weight loss can cause the skin of the abdominal wall to become loose and sometimes leave permanent stretch marks behind. In addition, abdominal wall muscles can become lax and cause the lower abdomen to appear more prominent. This condition is often unresponsive to exercise and skin creams.

Abdominoplasty is a body contouring option we offer to Reno and Carson City residents as well as those of the surrounding areas as a way to correct these problems. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat, and tightens abdominal muscles. The incision is made low on the abdomen, near the pubic region, so that any scarring is hidden by most underwear and bathing suits. For individuals with loose abdominal muscles and minimal skin excess, a “mini abdominoplasty” may be all that is needed. Many patients find this procedure highly beneficial because it results in a shorter scar.

The Abdominoplasty Procedure

A full abdominoplasty at our office near Reno takes between two to four hours depending on the extent of work involved and whether or not it is combined with some degree of liposuction. After the incision is made, the abdominal skin above the umbilicus is lifted. The umbilicus is cut free from this skin and left on its attachment. This is later brought out through a new incision. The abdominal muscles are tightened with heavy sutures to help narrow your waistline. Excess skin and fat are removed and the incision is closed. An abdominal binder or compression garment is placed to support the abdomen and help to decrease swelling during your recovery.

Recovery

Drain tubes are left in place for approximately one week after surgery. During your recovery, you will remain somewhat flexed at the waist and the knees to feel comfortable and to minimize tension on your incision. The abdomen feels “tight” for several weeks after surgery. Numbness is common in certain areas and may be permanent for some. The scar begins to fade two to three months later and may take one to two years to reach its final appearance. Swelling will resolve within six weeks by 75 percent, and the remainder will be gone after six months.

Showering is permitted once the drain tubes have been removed. Heavy lifting, aerobic activity, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for six to eight weeks. Lifting should be limited to fifteen to twenty pounds during the first six weeks. Patients are encouraged to walk around as soon as it feels comfortable, as this will aid in their recovery.

Please contact McCormack Plastic Surgery today if you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty or any of the other body contouring options we offer at our center serving the Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe area.

» Back to top

Body Lift

Following massive weight loss, skin wrinkling and loss of tone can change the body’s contour, leaving excessive skin over a large area of the body. A body lift procedure at our office near Reno can eliminate loose skin and help restore a more toned figure. The procedure consists of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thigh, and buttock lift. The scar required for this procedure is placed very low on the abdomen, near the pubic region. It continues across the sides and along the lower back. This scar is hidden by most underwear and bikini swimsuits. Patients require a two to four night stay in a care facility or hospital following this operation.

Body Lift performed by Dr. McCormack

The Body Lift Procedure

A body lift takes between three to five hours, depending on the extent of work. Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, waist, thighs, and buttocks. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened to help narrow the waist and firm the abdominal wall. In some cases, liposuction is utilized in the body lift to improve contour. As with the abdominoplasty, the umbilicus is brought out through a new incision after the excess skin is removed from the abdomen. Drain tubes are placed under the skin to minimize fluid accumulation after the operation. These are left in place approximately one to two weeks after surgery. Dissolvable skin sutures are carefully placed for skin closure. Patients are placed in a binder or a compression garment for post-operative comfort and to help minimize swelling.

Recovery

Because the procedure is rather extensive, patients often take several weeks to recover from a body lift. Reno residents and those of the surrounding areas who undergo the procedure, however, will find our cosmetic surgeon and her staff available to address any post-op concerns.

Following the surgery, you may shower once the drain tubes have been removed. You will be discharged from the hospital or care facility after two to four days. It is necessary to have someone with you to drive you home and stay with you during your first 24 hours at home. Patients from out of state should plan to stay locally for approximately two weeks.

Discomfort during the first few days is controlled with pain medication. You will be swollen in certain areas for some time. Generally 75 percent of the swelling is gone at six weeks. The remaining swelling may take up to six months to one year to resolve. It is important that you start walking as soon as possible during your recovery. This helps prevent blood clots in your legs and helps to keep your lungs open. Employment involving desk work may be resumed two to three weeks following surgery. If your work involves prolonged standing, heavy lifting or vigorous activity you are advised to wait six weeks before returning. Vigorous exercise should not be resumed until after six weeks. Temporary numbness is common and may become permanent in some cases. You will feel like you need to be flexed at the waist for a few days after surgery. With time, you will be able to stand upright again. The scars will begin to fade two to three months after surgery. Although they never disappear completely, the scars will become considerably less visible over the next one to two years.

If you have undergone massive weight loss and are interested in learning more about body lift, abdominoplasty, or any other contouring options at our center near Reno and Carson City, please contact us at McCormack Plastic Surgery today.

» Back to top

Thigh Lift

Time and gravity can cause the skin of the inner thigh to lose tone and elasticity. This is especially true following massive weight loss. The thighs may be affected by both a fat collection and saggy skin, which can produce an unpleasant contour that does not respond to diet and exercise. A thigh lift involves liposuction along with the removal of excess skin to restore a healthier looking contour. If the skin tone is good and excessive fat is the main problem, liposuction alone may improve the condition.

Thigh Lift performed by Dr. McCormack

The Thigh Lift Procedure

A thigh lift takes approximately two hours. The procedure involves liposuction as well as removal of the loose skin. After excess skin and fat have been eliminated, dissolvable sutures are used to close up the incisions. You will be placed in a compression garment for two to four weeks to help minimize swelling.

Recovery

It is not unusual to have some drainage from your incisions for the first couple of days. Walking during the first 48 hours is encouraged. Climbing stairs, squatting and aerobic activities should be avoided for several days. You will be seen back in the office two to three days following your surgery. Most patients have a “tight” and swollen feeling in the thighs. This gradually goes away. Most of the swelling is gone by six weeks time. Individuals with a “desk job” may return to work after one week. Positions that require lifting more than 25 pounds, prolonged periods of standing, walking, or heavy lifting should not be resumed for three to six weeks. The scars will begin to fade two to three months after surgery and will have diminished considerably in one to two years, though they will not disappear completely.

To learn more about the thigh lift or any other body contouring procedures we offer to Reno and Carson City residents and those of the surrounding areas, contact McCormack Plastic Surgery today.

» Back to top

Arm Lift

Hanging skin on the underside of the arm with loss of skin tone frequently occurs following massive weight loss. The loose skin is sometimes associated with fat deposits from the elbow up. The arm lift is a procedure that is performed to remove excess skin and some fat in order to restore a more youthful appearance in the arm. A scar is left along the length of the upper, inner arm where it is hidden whenever your arms are by your side. Liposuction – another body contouring procedure – is a good alternative to an arm lift for those with good skin tone and disproportionate amounts of fat.

The Arm Lift Procedure

The arm lift, or brachioplasty, takes between two to three hours to perform. Some liposuction is commonly done as well as removal of excess skin. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. Often, a drain tube is left in each arm. Each patient is placed in a compression garment to help minimize swelling.

Recovery

The arms remain swollen for several weeks following the procedure. You will be seen in the office two to three days after your surgery to remove dressings and possibly drains. You should refrain from lifting anything greater than 15 pounds for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work in about one week. The scars will not disappear completely though they will begin to fade in two to three months, and will reach their final appearance in one to two years. It is important that these scars are not exposed to sun while they are still red as this may lead to darkening/pigmentation. If sun exposure is to occur, a sun block of 15 SPF or higher should be used.

» Back to top

Risks of Body Contouring

Although body lift, abdominoplasty, and other contouring techniques are regularly performed by cosmetic surgeons in Reno and elsewhere, there are risks involved with these procedures, as with all surgeries. Infection and blood clots are rare. However, if an infection does occur it can be treated with antibiotics and drainage, which will prolong your recovery. The risk for developing blood clots can be minimized by moving around or walking as soon after surgery as possible. Poor wound healing may result in a conspicuous scar that could require a second revision operation. Smokers are advised to discontinue smoking three weeks prior to surgery, as smoking increases the risk of complications and delays wound healing by altering the circulation to the skin. During your preoperative visit, our surgeon will discuss other complications that may occur.

» Back to top

Before Your Body Contouring Procedure:

Medical History

A full medical history is required prior to surgery. This helps to ensure that anesthesia and the stress of surgery are well tolerated. If you have significant medical problems, a consultation with other specialists may be required before surgery. You may also require specific laboratory tests. A full weight loss history is also important. This includes any prior surgeries and how long your weight has been stable. If you are continuing to lose weight it may be wise to wait until your weight stabilizes for 6-12 months before embarking on body contouring surgery to maximize your results.

Physical Exam

Dr. Tiffany McCormack of McCormack Plastic Surgery perform full physical exams to determine which body contouring procedures are best for patients in and around the Reno and Carson City area. Photographs are also an essential part of the process.

Out of Town Patients

We try to accommodate out of town patients by accomplishing as much of the preoperative work up as we can prior to the patients arrival in the Reno, Carson City, or Lake Tahoe area. Patients can fill out our online medical questionnaire and supply us with pictures through this website or by regular mail. Patients are asked to arrive at least 2-3 days prior to surgery for a full physical evaluation and to complete the final preoperative workup. We ask that patients spend at least 10-14 days locally, assuming that no complications occur. We can assist you with arranging to stay in a nursing care facility or local hotel after your discharge from the facility. We recommend that you put us in touch with a physician from your hometown who is willing to help take care of you until you are completely back to normal. Frequently, you will see your primary care physician ahead of time so that labs and any necessary tests for medical clearance can be obtained.

Who Is Not a Candidate for Body Contouring

If you are still massively obese you are not a candidate for body contouring. This is because your contour will not improve and the surgical risks are much greater. If you have significant medical problems that put you at greater risk while under general anesthesia, then this type of surgery is not safe for you.

» Back to top

Contact McCormack Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about various body contouring techniques such as abdominoplasty and liposuction, contact our Reno and Cason City area plastic surgery office. Patients of McCormack Plastic Surgery can trust the expertise and commitment of our cosmetic surgeon.

» Back to top

Learn About Post-Bariatric Body Contouring:

• Abdominoplasty
• Body Lift
• Thigh Lift
• Arm Lift
• Risks of Body Contouring Surgery
• Preoperative Procedures

Patient Information

• General Surgery Risks
• Preparing for your Surgery