Body Contouring Surgery for Excess Skin

Body contouring is a type of plastic surgery that can help you reshape your body so that you feel more confident. Whether you struggle with excess skin after the success of losing weight, or you've noticed a lack of body tone due to aging, our specialists can help.

Body contouring refers to various plastic surgery procedures that generally address the torso, upper arms and legs and neck/face areas. Typically, body contouring surgery is performed to address concerns over excess skin and tissue following major weight loss, including weight that’s lost after bariatric surgery. However, body contouring can also be used to address lax skin and additional fat that often accompanies aging.

Usually, excess skin and tissue cannot be further reduced through diet or exercise. It can, however, be surgically removed through 1 or more body contouring procedures.

Ideal candidates for body contouring are healthy adults who have reached a stable body weight but are bothered by loose skin or excess fat on areas such as the:

• Abdomen
• Arms
• Back
• Buttocks
• Flanks
• Thighs

If you have successfully lost weight and are now ready and motivated to continue on that journey with body contouring, you may also be a good candidate for body contouring surgery.

Depending on the specific type of procedure performed, body contouring surgery can:

• Remove excess skin
• Remove stubborn fat deposits
• Tighten remaining skin

Body contouring can also be combined with breast enhancement procedures like breast augmentation for even more dramatic results.

If you're considering body contouring plastic surgery, it's important to maintain realistic expectations about the outcome and the risks involved. Possible side effects of some body contouring procedures may include infection, scarring or unmet expectations.

However, body contouring surgery is the only option to remove excess skin and tissue following a significant amount of weight loss. Many people view body contouring surgery as the final step in their weight-loss journey.

Some of the benefits of body contouring surgery include:

• Enhanced comfort during exercise
• Improved self-confidence
• More flattering body shape
• Smoother, tighter body contours

Your body contouring surgery will be customized to meet your unique goals. Our specialists perform a variety of body contouring procedures to remove stubborn fat deposits and skin.

Melody Griffin hit a low point when her weight reached 256 pounds in 2006. For her 4-foot, 9-inch frame, she was severely obese. She struggled with diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea – and she knew she had to do something. After having gastric bypass surgery in 2006, she lost 130 pounds. Within months, her chronic health conditions resolved. She no longer requires long-term medication.

Melody calls gastric bypass “the best decision ever” – but it was just the start of her journey to overall health. Because of her significant weight loss, Melody had excess skin that slowed her down and made exercising difficult. Melody is thankful for the team of skilled plastic surgeons at The University of Kansas Health System, particularly Julie Holding, MD who performed Melody’s skin removal surgery. “I was so, so impressed with [Dr. Holding].”

In Dr. Holding’s words, “She’s done all the work; I’m just going to show it to her by taking the skin off.” Dr. Holding removed approximately 3 feet of excess skin during Melody’s procedure. Dr. Holding notes that, for many patients, excess skin can cause significant health concerns, including skin infections, chaffing and skin tears. Extra skin can be a painful reminder of the past – and it poses challenges for the future.

After significant weight loss, excess skin can only be removed through skin removal surgery. Dr. Holding and her colleague Michelle De Souza, MD, plastic surgeon at The University of Kansas Health System, recommend seeking help from a board-certified plastic surgeon who is specially trained to perform these types of procedures.

To this day, Melody is grateful for the support she received from her care team, who advocated for her with her insurance company and continue to encourage her on her path to overall health.

For patients considering plastic surgery, choosing the best surgical team is essential to ensuring your ideal outcome. Whether seeking a cosmetic enhancement or reconstructive procedure, our team of specialists offers the right combination of support and education so you can make the best decision about your care. Our care team is here to support you.