After putting in the work to lose a significant amount of weight — whether through bariatric surgery, physician-guided programs, or weight loss medications like GLP-1s — loose and sagging skin can keep you from fully enjoying your results. Surgical body contouring with Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, removes excess skin and fat that remain after major weight loss.
At LUXURGERY on Fifth Avenue, he carefully evaluates each area affected by stretched, inelastic skin and tailors a surgical plan to fit your body and goals. He can help give you a smoother silhouette and better proportions.
Watch Dr. Shridharani Perform Post-Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring Surgery
Am I a Candidate for Plastic Surgery With Dr. Shridharani?
If you have excess skin after bariatric surgery, significant weight loss, or pregnancy, you may be a candidate for body-contouring surgery with Dr. Shridharani in Manhattan.
Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Stable Weight:Your weight has remained stable for at least 12 months, with no plans for further significant weight loss.
- Substantial Weight Loss: You have lost a meaningful amount of weight, often 30–50% of your peak body weight.
- Excess, Hanging Skin:You have loose skin that causes discomfort, hygiene issues, rashes, or difficulty with clothing and activity.
- Good Overall Health: You are healthy enough to undergo surgery and anaesthesia safely.
- Non-Smoker: You do not smoke, or you are willing to stop well in advance of surgery to reduce healing risks.
- Realistic Expectations: You understand that while surgery improves contour and proportion, scars are part of the process, and recovery requires time.
A consultation with Dr. Shridharani allows for a detailed evaluation of your goals, medical history, and areas of concern to determine the safest and most effective surgical plan.
What Are My Options for Excess Skin Removal?
After significant weight loss, excess skin can affect multiple areas of the body. Treatment is customized based on your specific concerns, anatomy, and goals. The most commonly addressed areas include the face, abdomen, breasts, arms, and thighs.
Surgical options may include:
- Face and/or Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy): Improves sagging skin and visible aging along the jawline and neck.
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat.
- Panniculectomy: Removes excess abdominal skin and fat without muscle tightening.
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Lifts sagging breasts after weight loss.
- Breast Reduction: Reduces breast size when the breasts remain disproportionately large.
- Brachioplasty (Arm Lift): Removes extra skin from the upper arms.
- Thigh Lift: Removes excess skin from the thighs.
- Liposuction (Combination Procedure): May be performed alongside these surgeries to further refine contour and proportion.
How Should I Prepare for Body Contouring Surgery?
This is a major surgical procedure with Dr. Shridharani. Preparation includes stopping blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, and most supplements one week before surgery. Smokers must stop at least two weeks before and after surgery, as smoking restricts blood flow and delays healing.
Preparation should also focus on recovery planning. These procedures involve long incisions, particularly with a tummy tuck. You will not be able to lift more than a few pounds for several weeks, and stairs may be restricted for at least a couple of weeks. If your bedroom is upstairs, consider setting up a temporary sleeping area on the main floor.
Create a comfortable recovery space with pillows, blankets, and entertainment. Arrange for assistance with household responsibilities and childcare if needed. Fill prescriptions in advance. Plan for at least two weeks of limited activity, with only light walking encouraged.
Patient Testimonial
"I could not have been happier to have been put in contact with this amazing practice. From the second you walk in the door, you feel comfortable and welcomed and know that you will be well taken care of. Dr.S and his staff go above and beyond to make the experience a breeze and explain everything so well to make sure you are comfortable! I’ve had two surgery’s so far with Dr.S and could never imagine going anywhere else!"
What Will My Recovery Be Like After Body Contouring Surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the combination of procedures performed.
A body lift is an extensive surgery and may occasionally be divided into two stages. Patients typically stay one to three nights in the hospital. Drains are placed beneath the skin to remove fluid and usually remain for one to two weeks. A compression garment supports healing, reduces swelling, and helps the skin adapt to its new contour.
Lifting and strenuous activity are restricted for four to six weeks. Final results can take up to a year as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
During the first several days, you will need to rest and limit movement. Avoid lifting anything heavier than a small household item. Stairs may be restricted temporarily. Assistance at home is necessary for at least two weeks.
Dr. Shridharani and his team review all recovery expectations during your consultation and preoperative visits so you can plan accordingly. While recovery requires patience, people often find the improvement in contour well worth the process.
Why Choose Dr. Shridharani for Post-Bariatric Body Contouring?
Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and fellowship trained in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters in leading medical journals, including JAMA and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and regularly presents his work at national and international conferences. His clinical focus includes advanced body contouring techniques designed to improve shape and proportion after significant weight loss.
At LUXURGERY© on Fifth Avenue, patients receive care in an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility with the option of treatment onsite or at select New York City hospitals and surgicenters. Dr. Shridharani is known for techniques such as his drainless abdominoplasty (TubelessTuck SM) and other refined contouring approaches that aim to support recovery and optimize results. From consultation through recovery, he and his team emphasize safety, discretion, and detailed surgical planning tailored to each patient’s goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Soon After Gastric Bypass Can I Have Body Contouring Surgery?
After weight-loss surgery, your weight should remain stable for at least one year. You should not be actively trying to lose additional weight. Many surgeons recommend waiting closer to two years after bariatric surgery to allow the skin to contract fully before proceeding with body lift surgery.
Can I Exercise After My Procedure?
Most patients can resume light cardio exercise after four weeks and return to full activity at six weeks. Many find that their exercise routine improves significantly because excess skin no longer restricts movement. After skin removal surgery, muscle tone is often more visible as well.
Are There Risks Involved With Body Contouring Following Weight Loss Surgery?
Body contouring combines multiple procedures into one surgical session, which increases overall complexity. As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and reactions to anaesthesia.
Specific risks may include:
- Fat necrosis: Disruption of fat cells can compromise blood supply, causing firm or irregular areas that may require additional treatment.
- Skin necrosis: Reduced blood supply to the skin can lead to blistering, peeling, or darkened areas. This is more common in smokers.
- Deep vein thrombosis: Blood clots may form in the legs and, in rare cases, travel to other organs. Early movement during recovery helps reduce this risk.
- Rectus diastasis: Abdominal muscle weakness or separation may occur, sometimes requiring further correction.
- Uneven incision healing: Long incisions may heal unevenly, especially if excessive strain is placed on them during recovery.
Can Multiple Areas Be Treated at the Same Time, or Will I Need Staged Procedures?
Many patients choose to address multiple areas during one surgery, often called a body lift. This can include combinations such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift, or thigh lift. Doing so allows for a single recovery period.
That said, safety always comes first. Depending on your health, the number of areas treated, and total operative time, Dr. Shridharani may recommend staging procedures to reduce risk and support optimal healing.
How Long Should I Take Off Work After Body Contouring Surgery?
Most patients need about two weeks off from work. If your job involves lifting, standing for long periods, or physical activity, you may need closer to four to six weeks.
Recovery timelines vary based on the procedures performed. Swelling, drains, and compression garments are common early on, and you’ll need time to move comfortably before returning to normal routines.
Will Insurance Cover Any Part of Post-Bariatric Skin Removal Surgery?
Body contouring is typically considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. However, a panniculectomy may qualify for partial coverage if excess abdominal skin causes documented medical problems such as chronic rashes or infections.
Insurance approval requires proof of medical necessity. Our team can review your situation and help determine whether the submission is appropriate.
What Happens if I Regain Weight After Body Contouring Surgery?
Body contouring removes excess skin and reshapes specific areas, but it does not prevent future weight gain. Significant weight gain can stretch the skin again and change your results.
Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve your outcome long term. Minor weight fluctuations are normal, but larger changes can affect contour and proportion.
Ready to Get Started?
To learn more about post-weight-loss surgery and determine whether you are a candidate, call 212.508.0000 to schedule a consultation with board-certified NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Shridharani.
