In the past, bariatric surgery was the primary means of losing large amounts of weight. Today, more patients are finding freedom from weight struggles thanks to the rise of Ozempic® (semaglutide) injections. By mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, the drug “tricks” the mind into thinking it's full, which reduces appetite and makes it easier for someone to lose weight.
After Ozempic, however, it can be difficult to tighten and tone loose skin. Some patients are left with excessive fat deposits or sagging skin that requires surgery to remove. While some areas may be treatable through minimally invasive procedures, large amounts of skin after weight loss will need body contouring to eliminate it.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald H. Schuster offers these procedures at his practice in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 30 years of experience and specialized training in body contouring, liposculpture, and abdominoplasty, Dr. Schuster helps patients take the next step in their weight loss journey.
Read more in the sections below:
- BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES AFTER WEIGHT LOSS?
- WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BODY CONTOURING SURGERY
- AM I A CANDIDATE?
- HOW TO PREPARE FOR BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES
- WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM MULTIPLE BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES
- WHY CHOOSE DR. RONALD SCHUSTER?
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BODY CONTOURING OPTIONS
BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
There are a variety of procedures a patient can undergo after massive weight loss to achieve their body goals. Far more than aesthetic, these procedures also help reduce discomfort, self-consciousness, and physical challenges that can arise from having a large amount of excess skin.
The range of procedures targets different parts of the body, and each treatment is customized to suit a patient’s needs and desired results. Some of the most popular body contouring procedures are:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to remove excess skin around the abdomen and tone the silhouette.
- Liposuction to remove excess fat deposits.
- Breast reduction to create more proportionate cleavage.
- Body lift to remove excess skin from massive weight loss.
- Breast lift to move sagging breasts higher on the chest and achieve greater alignment on the body.
- Male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia and remove excessive breast tissue; this also treats excessive sagging skin on the chest in males who have undergone major weight loss.
Dr. Schuster will evaluate your needs individually and suggest treatments based on your current appearance and desired results. He also considers your surgical preferences and works to make every procedure as minimally invasive as possible.
While some patients simply cannot get around the need for surgical skin removal, combining procedures may be ideal to minimize downtime and risks.
We encourage you to arrange a consultation and discuss all your options with Dr. Schuster. He is always available and takes time with each patient to understand their concerns, desires, and preferences.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BODY CONTOURING SURGERY
Body contouring after significant weight loss can have both physical and emotional benefits. While the results are often noticeable in the mirror, many patients also experience meaningful improvements in daily life.
Benefits may include:
- Removal of loose, sagging, or excess skin
- Better fit and comfort in clothing
- Reduced chafing, skin irritation, or hygiene issues
- Improved ability to move and stay physically active
- More defined and balanced body contours
- Boost in self-confidence and body image
- Finalizing the transformation after major weight loss
AM I A CANDIDATE?
To qualify for body contouring, there are some qualifications to meet. These are important because they directly influence how effective surgery will be and whether or not you can safely undergo a procedure.
Ideal candidates for body contouring after weight loss:
- Are close to their goal weight: Losing large amounts of weight after treatment could negatively affect your results.
- Are not currently on any restrictive diets: You should eat full, balanced, nutritious meals before and after your procedure to aid the recovery process.
- Don’t smoke or consume a lot of alcohol: If you do, then you will need to stop 14 to 30 days prior to surgery to minimize the risks of complications. It is also advised not to resume within 30 days after surgery to enhance your body’s ability to heal.
Dr. Schuster will discuss your needs and help you determine whether you’re a good candidate for your desired procedures, as well as how you can become one if you are not currently eligible.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES
The preoperative planning process differs on a case-by-case basis. This is because the extent of surgery will ultimately affect what you need to do to prepare, including what arrangements you’ll have to make to support your recovery.
Here are some general tips to help you plan for your treatment and recovery:
- Closely follow all post-operative instructions given to you by Dr. Schuster: This may include switching or discontinuing some medications and quitting smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Arrange for your post-surgical needs: This can include having a caretaker who can help dress your wounds, drive you home after treatment, and care for you the first 24-48 hours following surgery.
- Make sure your space is suitable for recovery: Having assistive tools to help you reach things on high shelves is important. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Meal prep and keep important items within reach: This should help you avoid the need for stretching, pulling, lifting, etc.
- Take time off work: Depending on the treatments you receive, it can take several weeks to several months to fully heal. You will likely need two to six weeks off work to fully recover.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM MULTIPLE BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURES
Recovery after multiple body contouring procedures can take time. You may experience swelling, bruising, soreness, and fatigue in the first few days, especially if several areas were treated at once. Most patients need help at home for the first 48 hours, and it’s important to rest and avoid strain.
Dr. Schuster will guide you through each stage of healing. You’ll likely wear compression garments to support your results and reduce swelling. Depending on the procedures performed, you may be advised to avoid lifting, stretching, or driving for a few weeks.
While recovery can vary, most patients return to light activities in two to three weeks and gradually resume more strenuous routines over several months. Full healing may take up to six months, but results will continue to improve as your body settles and swelling resolves.
WHY CHOOSE DR. RONALD SCHUSTER?
Dr. Ronald Schuster has spent more than 30 years helping people feel more comfortable in their bodies after major changes like weight loss. He’s board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has led the Plastic Surgery Division at Northwest Hospital Center. His background includes medical training at the University of Maryland and advanced surgical work at Washington University’s Barnes Hospital – places where he learned from some of the best in the field.
Patients often say Dr. Schuster really listens. He makes sure he understands what matters to you and creates a plan that fits. His honesty and consistent results have earned him lasting trust. People turn to him when they want to feel more at ease in their skin without being pushed into anything that doesn’t feel right.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You will need to wait several weeks after surgery before driving. Most patients can resume driving two to three weeks after surgery.
The risks are generally related to anesthesia complications, surgical incision infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes to skin sensation. Dr. Schuster will fully disclose any risks you face and do everything possible to minimize your chance of complications.
The best time to consider body contouring is once you’ve reached a stable, healthy weight and have maintained it for at least six months. This allows your body to adjust and ensures your results will last.
Rapid changes in weight after surgery can affect healing and compromise the outcome. Most patients are ready for body contouring about 12 to 18 months after major weight loss, but Dr. Schuster will evaluate your individual progress and goals during your consultation in Baltimore.
Body contouring can be done either in a single session or in stages, depending on your health, goals, and how many areas need to be addressed. For some, combining procedures, like a tummy tuck with a breast lift, can reduce total recovery time and costs. Others may benefit from spacing procedures out to allow the body more time to heal between surgeries.
While body contouring is not a weight loss procedure, it can support long-term maintenance by making it easier to stay active and feel confident. Removing excess skin can reduce discomfort during exercise and eliminate physical barriers that interfere with daily movement.
Many patients find that the improvements in mobility and appearance help reinforce healthy habits and motivate them to maintain their weight over time.
In most cases, body contouring procedures are considered elective and are not covered by insurance. However, if excess skin is causing medical issues, such as rashes, infections, or limited mobility, some insurance plans may partially cover specific procedures like panniculectomy.
Coverage varies widely, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider. Dr. Schuster’s team in Baltimore can help you understand your options and provide documentation if a procedure may qualify for medical necessity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BODY CONTOURING OPTIONS
Please contact Dr. Schuster’s office in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland, to schedule an appointment. You can submit an online form or call 410-902-9800.
Dr. Schuster is an experienced plastic surgeon with board certification; he currently serves as the immediate Past Chief of the Plastic Surgery Division at Northwest Hospital Center in Baltimore County, Maryland.
