Information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about belt lipectomy, skin excisions following weight loss, lower body lift, arm lift, and male chest contouring, performed by Columbus, Ohio Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Robert Houser.

Dr. Robert Houser. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Columbus, Ohio. Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery of Columbus, Ohio Inc. Belt lipectomy, skin excisions following weight loss, lower body lift, arm lift information and frequently asked questions.

Belt Lipectomy

A belt lipectomy is very similar to the full tummy tuck, but skin is removed in a "belt" around the low abdomen. This essentially performs a tummy tuck, lift on the outer thigh, and a lift of the buttock all in one procedure. This is often very beneficial in people who have lost large amounts of weight. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

Skin Excisions Following Weight Loss

Significant weight loss often results in excess skin in areas not addressed by the more commonly performed body contouring procedures. Excision of skin on the lateral chest, flank, or lower leg may be needed to complete the skin tailoring. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

Lower Body Lift

This is very similar to the belt lipectomy, but the incision in the back goes down along the buttock along the panty line. This produces a more direct lift to the lateral thigh. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift, or brachioplasty, reshapes the upper arm, by removing excess fat and skin, from the underarm area to the elbow.

Male Chest Contouring

In many ways, this is similar to gynecomastia excisions (male breast reduction), but sometimes factors such as massive weight loss necessitate skin removal for restoring a proper form to the chest. This may be confined to the front of the chest or it may extend to the side or back. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.

Frequently asked questions about body contouring procedures

How do I know which procedures are right for me?

It is common to be overwhelmed after reading about so many possible procedures. Dr. Houser is an experienced plastic surgeon. He is active in resident education in Columbus, both at Ohio State University in the plastic surgery program as well as in the general surgery program at Mount Carmel Medical Center in Columbus. During your private consultation and examination Dr. Houser will answer all of your questions and together you will arrive at the appropriate course of action for you.

Will I need to quit smoking before my surgery?

You will be required to quit smoking before your surgery. Smokers should also stop smoking for 2 weeks AFTER plastic surgery to reduce post operative complications caused by smoking. This includes use of nicotine in any form (tobacco, nicotine patches or gum.) Skin loss is 8 to 10 times more likely in smokers. Smoking may cause poor or delayed healing - even death of skin (gangrene) in addition to lung complications and bleeding.

What other cosmetic surgeries are common following weight loss?

Other procedures which are common following significant weight loss include breast augmentation, breast lift, thigh lift / buttock lift, abdominoplasty, chest contouring for men, and facial procedures such as face and neck lifts.

Are the results of body contouring procedures and skin excisions permanent?

The results of these surgeries are permanent in some patients. The patients who see the best long-term results are those who maintain a stable weight, refrain from smoking and are in good overall health.

Is it safe to have body contouring surgery during the same visit that I am having another cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery?

In some cases. For many patients it is much more convenient have multiple procedures performed at one time. However, not all patients are good candidates for combined plastic surgeries. It depends on the health of the patient, the length and difficulty of the surgery, and other factors. Dr. Houser evaluates each patient on an individual basis. If you are interested in multiple plastic surgery procedures, please be sure to talk Dr. Houser about this during your consultation in our Columbus, Ohio office.

I have noticed that not all surgeons performing thigh lifts or buttock lifts are board certified. Why choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS)? Is this important?

An ASPS member surgeon has fulfilled the following requirements:

Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
Is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
Only operates in accredited facilities.

Why is it important to choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Many physicians who perform cosmetic procedures will claim board certification, but it is important to clarify which board. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is a part of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been in existence since 1937. Certification by this board signifies that the surgeon has completed an approved plastic surgery residency, has passed a comprehensive written examination, and has passed an oral examination. Following this, he or she is then required to maintain certification through case submissions, continuing medical education and written examinations. This rigorous process ensures that those who identify themselves as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery are held to the highest standards of patient safety, patient satisfaction and ethical behavior.

I don’t live in the Columbus, Ohio area. Is there a post surgical care facility for outpatient surgeries in Columbus?

Dr. Houser has many patients who travel from outside the Columbus, Ohio area to have plastic surgery. Because of this, we have partnered with a post-surgical care facility located in a luxury hotel in downtown Columbus. The professionals at Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Suites / Columbus, Ohio provide private and attentive care following surgical procedures. For more information see cosmeticsurgeryrecoverysuites.com. Other options are available as well to meet individual needs.

How can I obtain more information on body contouring surgery following weight loss?

Dr. Houser would be happy to meet with you and answer your questions at our Westerville/ Columbus, Ohio office. Please contact us to schedule a private consultation.

Dr. Robert Houser, board certified plastic surgeon. Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery of Columbus Ohio Inc. Our Westerville, Ohio office is conveniently located for patients in Columbus, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Powell, New Albany, Granville, and all of the Central Ohio / Franklin / Delaware county area.