Just for Men Body Contouring Procedures

After any significant weight loss, such as often occurs with weight reduction surgery, it is not uncommon for the skin and tissue to lose elasticity. This, in turn, can keep the skin from shrinking and conforming to the new, smaller body shape. With the skin unsupported and severely stretched, patients may find that they are left with sagging, loose and/or full upper arms; flat or hanging breasts with downward pointing nipples; an apron of skin in the abdominal area; and sagging buttocks, groin and thighs with hanging pockets of skin.

Surgical body contouring can remove excess sagging fat and skin and improve the shape and tone of the underlying tissues for a smoother, more normal body appearance. Body contouring procedures are an excellent way to "top off" your weight loss experience.

Body contouring is appropriate for individuals who have experienced major weight loss and whose weight has now stabilized. It is important to note that the results of the surgery can be negatively impacted if you continue to lose weight or if you experience rapid weight gain after your surgery. Those considering body contouring should also be physically healthy with realistic expectations, they should be committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise, and they should not smoke.

Body contouring can include several different techniques which may be tailored to your individual needs. These may include the lower body lift, breast lift, arm lift, and/or thigh lift. These procedures may be performed in stages depending upon your particular condition and goals. Patients should be aware that as body contouring procedures involve the removal of a great deal of skin, resultant scars can be extensive. However, every attempt will be made to conceal the incisions as much as possible. Body contouring procedures may be performed with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

• Lower body lift. A complete lower body lift, also referred to as a belt lipectomy, can improve sagging skin located in the abdomen, buttocks, waist, hips, groin and outer thighs. These areas may be treated in a single procedure or in stages. While incisions may vary, a circumferential incision made around the body is commonly used. Excess skin and fat are then removed.

• Breast lift. The breast lift, or mastopexy as it is also known, improves sagging, flattened breasts. This procedure may also be combined with breast implants. Incisions will vary but are often made in the shape of an anchor circling around the areola and then extending in a vertical line downward and then horizontally along the breast crease. Excess skin is removed and the breast is lifted and reshaped.

• Arm lift. The arm lift, or brachioplasty as it is also known, improves sagging of the upper arms. The incision is located in the underarm area and, depending on the degree of sagging, may extend along the inside or back of the upper arm. Excess skin is removed for a smoother, tighter contour of the upper arm.

• Thigh lift. The thigh lift improves sagging skin of the inner, outer and mid thighs. This incision is located in the groin area and may extend along a portion of the inner thigh down to the knee depending on the degree of excess skin present. To treat the outer thighs, the incision may extend around the hip. Through these incisions, excess skin and fat are removed for a firmer, smoother, more toned thigh appearance.