Body Contouring Surgery – Chicago, IL
OVERVIEW
Individuals who are in the process of losing weight, who have been pregnant, or who are experiencing wrinkles and sagging skin due to aging may find themselves less confident as the skin loses its elasticity. Body contouring is a solution that can address certain problem areas by surgically trimming excess skin, tightening underlying tissues, and removing pockets of fat. The physical change can be dramatic and life-changing for many (especially for weight loss patients). Advances in medical technology and training allow our Chicago Body Contouring Specialists the ability to produce outstanding aesthetic results, which include a more toned and smooth appearance.
Candidacy for Body Contouring
Significant weight loss, pregnancy, and the natural aging process can all lead to stretched skin and lingering fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. If you’re dealing with sagging arms, loose abdominal skin, deflated breasts, or excess skin on the thighs or buttocks, surgical body contouring can help reshape and tighten these areas. If you want to know how to get rid of loose skin after weight loss, we can help you find the right solution.
You may be a good candidate for body contouring if you:
- Are in good overall health and cleared for surgery
- Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months
- Are bothered by excess or sagging skin in multiple areas
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery and during recovery
- Have realistic expectations about the results and recovery process
- Are finished with childbearing if considering procedures like tummy tuck or breast surgery
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
The process of body contouring is specifically designed to help patients reshape, tighten, and firm up problem areas of the body where loose and sagging skin is present. Common areas addressed are the neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs, buttocks, and knees. Dr. Gutowski may consider combining several procedures into one surgery (where necessary). This typically involves the upper body parts or lower body parts that are staged together to minimize the risk of infection and shorten the recovery time.
Procedures that may be part of your body contouring treatment plan include:
Tummy Tuck
Patients who struggle with loose abdominal skin, separated muscles, or persistent fat around the midsection often benefit from our tummy tuck surgery in Chicago. Dr. Gutowski will make an incision low on the abdomen, tighten the underlying muscles, remove extra tissue, and reposition the skin for a smoother contour. Recovery involves several weeks of limited activity, but the results can dramatically improve both appearance and comfort.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift targets the outer thighs, buttocks, hips, and lower abdomen in one comprehensive surgery. We may recommend it for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and now deal with loose, hanging skin that affects mobility, hygiene, and clothing fit. It is an extensive surgery that provides dramatic improvements to the overall shape and tone of the body.
Arm Lift
Loose skin along the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings,” can be frustrating, especially when it limits clothing options or causes discomfort. An arm lift allows Dr. Gutowski to remove excess skin and fat, typically through an incision along the inner or underside of the arm, depending on the amount of correction needed. The area is then reshaped and smoothed to restore a leaner, firmer contour.
Thigh Lift
When weight loss or aging leads to skin laxity on the inner or outer thighs, a thigh lift can help improve comfort and appearance. Dr. Gutowski removes excess skin and fat, then lifts and tightens the remaining tissue to reshape the legs and reduce friction or chafing. In some cases, we add liposuction to refine the contour.
Breast Lift
Breasts can lose volume and firmness over time due to pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process. A breast lift repositions the nipple, tightens the surrounding skin, and creates a youthful and elevated shape. We may recommend this procedure for patients who notice sagging or a deflated appearance but are not necessarily looking to increase breast size. Implants may be added to enhance fullness if desired.
Back Lift
A back lift addresses loose, folded skin along the upper or lower back, often referred to as “back rolls.” These areas can be difficult to target with weight loss if skin elasticity is poor. We remove the excess tissue, reshape the area, and smooth the contours to improve the fit of clothing and overall body proportions. The incision is placed in a location that can be hidden under a bra line or other clothing.
Buttock Lift
After major weight loss, the buttocks may look flat, saggy, or stretched. A buttock lift tightens and lifts the area by removing excess skin and reshaping the underlying tissue. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more elevated contour.
Neck Lift
Loose skin or excess fat under the chin and along the neck can create a heavier, aged appearance. A neck lift allows Dr. Gutowski to tighten the skin, remove excess fat, and redefine the neck and jawline. The procedure is often paired with liposuction or a facelift for more comprehensive results.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, helping to improve shape and proportion in many areas of the body. We can perform liposuction on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck, especially when skin elasticity is still good. A thin cannula is used to break up and suction out fat for precise sculpting.
Preparing for Your Body Contouring Surgery
You will need to complete a full medical evaluation and stop any medications or supplements that may increase bleeding. Maintaining a stable weight, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and avoiding smoking in the weeks before and after surgery will all support proper healing. Make sure to arrange for help at home so you can rest after your surgery. Preparing in advance by grocery shopping, setting up your recovery space, filling prescriptions, and making a few easy meals to put in the freezer can help reduce stress and make the recovery period smoother and more comfortable.
During and After Your Body Contouring Surgery
During surgery, the surgeon will trim away and remove excess skin, and the underlying tissues will be tightened. Liposuction is often a part of this process. All procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery and the length of the hospital stay will depend on how many procedures were combined in a single operative setting. Recovery from this surgery is slow and challenging, but the improvements that are visible create a significant boost of self-confidence for the majority of patients.
Recovering From Body Contouring Surgery
You will need to spend the first few days resting and limiting movement while your body begins to heal. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected, and compression garments help reduce these symptoms and support your new shape. Depending on the extent of surgery, return to work may take two weeks or longer, while full activity restrictions can last for six weeks or more. Follow post-operative instructions closely, including how to care for incisions and when to resume normal activities. Make sure you attend all of your follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and recovery.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
Body contouring results can last for many years when paired with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. Skin removed during surgery does not return, but gaining or losing weight after surgery can stretch the remaining skin and impact your results. The best way to enjoy long-term results is to stay active, eat a balanced diet, and avoid large weight fluctuations. It is also helpful to continue using good skincare habits to support elasticity in the treated areas.
Body Contouring FAQs
Which Procedures Can I Combine?
Procedures are combined and scheduled in stages depending on the overall physical health of the patient and the body areas that need to be addressed. Typically, the grouping will be staged with a combination of either the upper body parts (abdomen, breasts, arms, neck, face) or lower body parts (buttocks, thighs, flanks, knees). This staging helps reduce the risk of complications, such as blood loss and infection, since the surgery is limited to an area. This also shortens the length of time for recovery. The combination of procedures will be outlined during the initial consultation with the surgeon.
What Is the Ideal Timing for Body Contouring?
Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight will need to be at or near their goal weight in order to proceed with a body contouring procedure. Body contouring should also be reserved for those who have already had children and are not planning to become pregnant in the future. This is a recommendation only because it preserves the toned appearance created through surgery without compromising the surgical outcome.
Does Body Contouring Cause a Lot of Scars?
Body contouring procedures will result in scarring. Most patients report that once the incisions heal, the scarring is no longer a primary worry, as the benefits of this life-changing surgery are so significant. We will make every effort to minimize the scars by carefully placing the incisions inconspicuously. Post-surgery care is also very important. Topical creams may be prescribed to help in the healing process. Over time, the scars will lighten and blend in with the patient’s natural skin tone.
About Our Services in Chicago
We offer a full range of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments for patients throughout the Chicago area. Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Karol Gutowski, our practice specializes in procedures for the face, breast, and body, including advanced techniques in body contouring. Patients often choose our office for the combination of surgical expertise, personalized care, and experience with complex aesthetic concerns.
Contour Your Body After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
Our body contouring in Chicago can address loose skin, reshape key areas, and give you a more balanced appearance after weight loss or aging. At the practice of Dr. Karol A. Gutowski, we offer surgical solutions to improve form and function for patients throughout Chicago, IL. To schedule a consultation or ask questions about your options, call (847) 906-1527 or contact us using the online form.
