Embarking on a weight loss journey is a significant decision, and for many individuals, it involves more than just shedding pounds—it is about transforming the entire body and achieving a new level of confidence. The combination of gastric sleeve surgery and body contouring procedures has emerged as a powerful and transformative duo, offering a comprehensive approach to weight loss and body reshaping. The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles offers both procedures to help our patients achieve the internal health they need and the external appearance they desire.
The Foundation: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, serves as the foundation for significant weight loss. During gastric sleeve surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed, reducing its size and limiting the amount of food it can hold. This results in decreased appetite, hormonal changes, reduced calorie intake, and, ultimately, weight loss. Gastric sleeve surgery is effective for individuals struggling with obesity, helping them achieve substantial weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.
The Aftermath: Loose Skin and Body Contouring
While gastric sleeve surgery facilitates impressive weight loss, it often leaves individuals with excess skin, especially in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms and breasts. Body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts, address the issue of loose and sagging skin. These surgeries help sculpt and reshape the body, providing a more toned and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The Perfect Combo: Why Combine the Two?
The combination of gastric sleeve surgery and body contouring addresses both the internal and external aspects of weight loss. While gastric sleeve focuses on internal changes, body contouring complements the journey by enhancing the external appearance. Removing excess skin and achieving a more sculpted physique can significantly boost an individual’s confidence and self-esteem, reinforcing the positive impact of weight loss.
Timing and Coordination of Body Contouring Surgery
The timing of body contouring procedures is crucial. It is often recommended to wait until weight loss stabilizes after gastric sleeve surgery before undergoing body contouring. This ensures that the contouring procedures can be more accurately tailored to the individual’s final body shape. Some of the common body contouring procedures after weight loss surgery include:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles for a flatter and more toned midsection.
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Addresses sagging skin on the upper arms, providing a more contoured and youthful appearance.
- Thigh Lift (Thighplasty): Removes excess skin and reshapes the thighs for improved tone and proportion.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts, creating a more youthful and perky bustline.
While body contouring enhances aesthetics, it can also have health benefits. Removing excess skin can alleviate skin irritations, discomfort, and hygiene issues associated with folds of loose skin.
The combination of gastric sleeve surgery and body contouring procedures presents a comprehensive and transformative approach to weight loss and body reshaping. This dynamic duo addresses not only the internal changes brought about by gastric sleeve surgery but also the external aspect, ensuring a complete and satisfying transformation. With the perfect combo of gastric sleeve and body contouring, a renewed and confident self awaits on the other side of the transformation journey. To learn more about changing your health and appearance with a sleeve gastrectomy or other weight loss procedures, contact our team at The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles to schedule your free initial consultation.
Posted on behalf of Dr. David G. Davtyan MD, FACS, FICS
