Losing a significant amount of weight is a big accomplishment and is only achievable through considerable effort. However, for many people, weight loss is only the first step towards achieving the body they desire. Usually, body contouring surgery is also needed to remove the excess skin that remains after a person loses a considerable amount of weight. So, what are the signs you are ready for that contouring surgery?
#1: You are close to your weight loss goals
There's a common misconception that you need to have met your weight loss goals before you go in for body contouring surgery. In reality, you only need to be close to your weight loss goals. If you are within 10 or 20 pounds of your goal, then it is time to consider body contouring. For example, if your goal was to get down to 200 pounds and you are now 220, you can schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. After all, a lot of skin will be removed during this procedure, and you may indeed have met your goal after surgery after the weight of that skin has been taken away.
#2: You're in good overall health
Body contouring is a major procedure. Whether you have skin removed just from around your abdomen, or from multiple areas all at once, you will be left with large incisions that your body needs to heal. You will also be put under general anesthesia for the surgery, which comes with considerable risks. You want to make sure your heart and lungs are in great shape, and that your immune system is functioning well so that you don't end up with an infection. Your doctor can run a battery of tests to ensure you're a good candidate for body contouring. If you are not a good candidate, they will help you work to improve your health so you can have this surgery later on — maybe in another 6 months or a year.
#3: You can dedicate a month to recovery
Recovering from body contouring can take quite a while. You will be largely immobile for a couple of weeks, and you'll probably need to be off from work for at least a month — longer if you have a physically demanding job. Make sure you can afford to take a month of rest before you schedule your body contouring surgery. Also, make sure you have friends or family members who are willing to care for you during this time.
If you have lost most of your intended weight, are in good health, and can afford to take it easy for a month, then you're likely ready for body contouring. Consult with a cosmetic surgeon to get started down this path.
