Secondary Body Contouring

Secondary or revision body contouring refers to procedures that correct the results of previous body contouring procedures performed by other cosmetic or plastic surgeons. Revision surgery has become a growing part of Dr. Michaels’ practice, given his training, knowledge and experience in treating post-weight loss body contouring patients.

Body contouring after weight loss has become its own subspecialty within the field of plastic surgery. Over the past decade, the demand for these procedures has dramatically increased. Compared to non-weight loss patients, weight loss patients have a higher chance of post-operative complications following surgery. These procedures can be technically challenging and should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area.

Many cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons that offer after weight loss body contouring procedures do not have sufficient training and / or experience. As a result, you may have had an unsatisfactory result that requires correction or revision. For this reason, Dr. Michaels offers patients revision or secondary body contouring procedures to correct the suboptimal contour that was achieved by a prior procedure.

What is Secondary Body Contouring?

Unfortunately, complications and suboptimal results can occur, even when performed by the most experienced and careful plastic surgeons. It is also normal for weight loss patients to have residual skin laxity following a skin tightening procedure. This results from the loss of skin elasticity that occurs following weight loss. Residual skin laxity following a body contouring procedure is not considered a complication. The degree to which a patient’s skin will relax after a procedure depends on multiple factors and can vary between patients.

Patients seeking the services of Dr. Michaels for secondary or revision procedures may have any number of concerns. Common complaints include incomplete correction of the contour, contour deformities, poor scar placement, open wounds, and residual skin laxity.

The Procedure

Your revision or secondary procedure will be individualized to your specific concerns and needs. These procedures are often complex given the degree of scarring that can result from previous surgery. The exact duration of the procedure and whether an overnight stay will be required can only be determined after consultation. In addition to your revision procedure, Dr. Michaels can include additional body contouring procedures to address the skin laxity in a different area of your body that has yet to be treated.

Results

Following your procedure, you will need to take several days to two weeks off from work or your usual schedule, depending upon the specifics of your procedure. During this time, you should rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity. You should walk around the house every few hours to ensure proper blood flow in your legs.

The treated area may be bruised, swollen or numb. These symptoms should gradually subside with time and are common following these procedures. It may take 8-12 weeks for all of the swelling to resolve and for you to realize your final results. You will be provided with post-operative instructions prior to your surgery date.

Quick Facts

If you would like to learn more about secondary body contouring, click here or call (301) 468-5991 in Rockville, Maryland or (703) 957-8610 in Fairfax, Virginia to schedule a consultation.