BODY CONTOURING IN DALLAS

Body contouring is surgery that reshapes the body by removing loose skin and stubborn fat, then tightening the tissue underneath. It’s most common after major weight loss, pregnancy or aging, when diet and exercise can’t fix loose skin. Procedures include tummy tuck, liposuction, lower body lift, arm lift and thigh lift, often combined into one plan.

On this page: Photos · Procedures · After weight loss · Recovery · Cost · FAQ

What Is Body Contouring?

Body contouring is a group of plastic surgery procedures that change the shape of the body rather than just its weight. Most of them do two jobs at once: they take away what’s left over (loose skin, stubborn fat) and they tighten what stays (muscle and the support tissue under the skin).

That’s why it often comes up after a big change. Losing 50 or 100 pounds, carrying a pregnancy or two, or simply getting older can all leave skin that has stretched past the point of bouncing back. Exercise builds muscle and diet burns fat, but neither one removes skin.

You’ll also see “body contouring” used for non-surgical treatments like fat freezing or radiofrequency. Those can trim small pockets of fat in people who are already close to their goal, but they can’t remove loose skin or repair separated muscles. Dr. Constantine’s practice focuses on surgical body contouring, and he’ll tell you honestly at your consultation if a non-surgical option would serve you better.

Body Contouring Procedures We Offer

Most patients end up with more than one of these, planned together. Here’s what each one does and who it tends to suit.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck removes loose skin and fat from the lower belly and tightens the abdominal wall. If pregnancy or weight gain has pulled your stomach muscles apart (a condition called diastasis recti), Dr. Constantine stitches them back together, which no amount of crunches can do. The scar runs low across the abdomen, below the bikini line. Learn more about tummy tuck

Liposuction

Liposuction removes stubborn fat from the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, arms or chin through small incisions. It works best when your skin still has good elasticity, because it takes out fat but not skin. It’s often added to a tummy tuck or lift to sharpen the result. Learn more about liposuction

Lower Body Lift

A lower body lift treats the whole midsection in one surgery: abdomen, flanks, lower back, buttocks and outer thighs. It’s the procedure most people mean when they search for skin removal after major weight loss, because the loose skin rarely stops at the front. Learn more about lower body lift

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift removes hanging skin from the upper arm and reshapes the area from the armpit to the elbow. The scar usually runs along the inner arm, where it’s hardest to see when your arms are at your sides. Liposuction is often added to slim the arm further.

Thigh Lift

A thigh lift removes loose skin and fat from the inner or outer thighs to give a smoother, firmer shape and stop the rubbing that loose skin can cause when you walk. It’s common after major weight loss and is often paired with a lower body lift.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover combines procedures that address the changes pregnancy and breastfeeding leave behind, usually a tummy tuck with liposuction and a breast procedure such as a breast lift. Learn more about mommy makeover

Looking to tighten loose skin under the chin and jawline? That’s a face procedure. See necklift.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

If you’ve lost a lot of weight, through diet and exercise or after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, you already know the frustrating part. The number on the scale moved, but the loose skin stayed. It can fold, rub, cause rashes, and make clothes fit badly no matter how hard you’ve worked.

Skin removal surgery is the last step of that journey, and timing matters. Plastic surgeons generally ask patients to wait until their weight has held steady for several months, and weight loss surgery patients are usually 12 to 18 months past their operation before they’re ready. Operating while you’re still losing means the skin can loosen again afterward.

After major weight loss, most patients need work in more than one area. Rather than doing everything in one long operation, the plan is often split into stages, for example a lower body lift first, then arms, thighs or breasts a few months later. Shorter surgeries are safer, and each recovery is easier to manage.

Good nutrition matters here too. Weight loss surgery can leave patients low on protein, iron and vitamins, and the body needs all of them to heal well. You may be asked for recent bloodwork before surgery is scheduled.

Procedures commonly done after weight loss include the lower body lift, tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift and breast lift.

Body Contouring vs. Liposuction

Liposuction is one kind of body contouring, not a separate thing. The difference is what each procedure removes.

A quick test: pinch the area that bothers you. If it’s mostly firm fat, liposuction may be enough. If it’s mostly loose skin that hangs or folds, you’ll likely need a procedure that removes skin. Dr. Constantine will tell you which at your consultation.

Are You a Good Candidate for Body Contouring?

You’re likely a good candidate if you:

• Are at or near a weight you can keep, and your weight has been stable for several months
• Are in good general health, with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure under control
• Don’t smoke or vape, or are willing to stop for several weeks before and after surgery
• Have loose skin or stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise
• Have realistic expectations and understand that skin removal leaves scars

Body contouring isn’t a weight loss procedure. It works best as the finishing step after the weight loss is done. If you plan to lose more weight or have more children, it’s usually better to wait, and Dr. Constantine will talk through the timing with you.

Your Consultation

Your consultation is where your plan takes shape. Expect it to cover:

1. Your goals, in your own words. Bring photos of results you like if that helps.
2. Your health and weight history, including any weight loss surgery, pregnancies and medications.
3. An exam of each area, checking skin quality, how much skin is loose, and where fat sits.
4. A recommended plan: which procedures, whether to combine or stage them, and where the scars will sit.
5. Before and after photos of patients with a similar starting point.
6. A written quote and your financing options.

There’s no pressure to book on the day. Many patients go home, think it over, and call back with more questions.

Surgery and Recovery

Most body contouring is done under general anesthesia. Some smaller procedures, like limited liposuction, can be done as same-day surgery; larger combinations or a lower body lift may mean an overnight stay.

Recovery depends on what you have done. These are typical ranges, and your own plan may differ:

For the first week or two, expect swelling, bruising, tightness and some soreness, managed with prescribed pain relief. You’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks, and you may have small drains for a few days after skin-removal procedures. Short, gentle walks start on day one to keep blood moving.

Most swelling settles over the first two to three months, and the final shape keeps refining for up to a year as scars mature. Results last as long as your weight stays stable, though normal aging still continues.

Will There Be Scars?

Yes. Any procedure that removes skin leaves a scar, and it’s the trade-off for a flatter, firmer shape. Dr. Constantine plans each incision so the scar sits where underwear, swimwear or the natural creases of your body cover it. Scars usually look pink or red for the first few months, then flatten and fade over the following year. Silicone sheets or gel, sun protection and not smoking all help them heal well.

How Much Does Body Contouring Cost in Dallas?

There isn’t one price for body contouring, because no two plans are the same. A single area of liposuction and a full lower body lift with arms and thighs are very different operations. Your cost depends on:

• Which procedures you have, and how many areas
• How long surgery takes
• Anesthesia and surgical facility fees
• Whether you need an overnight stay
• Garments, medications and follow-up visits

You’ll get a written quote after your consultation, once Dr. Constantine knows exactly what your plan involves. Many patients spread the cost with financing.

Does Insurance Cover Skin Removal Surgery?

Cosmetic body contouring isn’t covered by insurance. Some insurers will cover removal of a hanging apron of lower belly skin (called a panniculectomy) when it causes ongoing medical problems such as rashes, infections or skin breakdown that haven’t cleared up with other treatment. Coverage depends on your plan and usually needs records from your doctors and approval in advance. If you think this applies to you, bring it up at your consultation.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Constantine

Dr. Fadi Constantine is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas with a large reconstructive practice, including microsurgical breast reconstruction. That work demands close attention to blood supply, tissue handling and healing, and he brings the same care to cosmetic body contouring.

He has also published on this exact subject. Dr. Constantine co-authored “Putting It All Together: Recommendations for Improving Pain Management in Body Contouring” in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2014), the leading journal in the field.

“Because body contouring covers a wide range of procedures, I always put a lot of emphasis on patient assessment. By fully assessing each patient and noting the elasticity of the skin, the amount of excess skin to be removed and the area of the body where the surgery is required, I’m able to decide on the best technique to use in order to get the most satisfactory results.” Dr. Fadi Constantine

He performs your surgery himself, plans scars with care, and aims for results that look natural rather than “done.” Meet Dr. Constantine

Body Contouring FAQ

What is the difference between body contouring and liposuction?

Liposuction is one type of body contouring. It removes fat through small incisions but doesn’t remove skin. Procedures like a tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift or thigh lift remove loose skin as well, so they suit patients whose main concern is skin that hangs or folds.

Who is a good candidate for body contouring?

People at or near a stable weight, in good general health, who don’t smoke and are bothered by loose skin or stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. If you’ve had weight loss surgery, your weight should be steady before you plan skin removal.

How long after weight loss surgery can I have skin removal?

Most surgeons recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for several months, which for gastric sleeve or bypass patients is usually 12 to 18 months after surgery. Dr. Constantine will check your weight history and nutrition before setting a date.

Can several body contouring procedures be done at the same time?

Often, yes. A tummy tuck with liposuction, or a mommy makeover, is commonly done in one surgery with one recovery. Larger plans may be split into stages for safety. Dr. Constantine decides based on your health and the total length of surgery. Learn more about combining cosmetic procedures.

Does body contouring leave scars?

Procedures that remove skin do leave scars. Dr. Constantine places incisions where underwear or swimwear usually covers them, and scars generally fade and flatten over about a year.

How much does body contouring cost?

It depends on which procedures you have, how many areas are treated, and anesthesia and facility fees. You’ll receive a written quote after your consultation, and financing is available.

Does insurance cover skin removal surgery?

Cosmetic body contouring isn’t covered. Some plans cover removal of a hanging lower-belly skin fold (panniculectomy) when it causes ongoing rashes or infections that other treatment hasn’t fixed. Coverage varies by plan and usually needs prior approval.

How long is recovery from body contouring?

It depends on the procedure. Liposuction patients often return to desk work within a week. A tummy tuck usually takes about two weeks, and a lower body lift two to four. Heavy lifting and hard exercise wait about six weeks for most skin-removal procedures.

When will I see my final results?

You’ll see a change right away, but swelling hides the final shape. Most swelling settles over two to three months, and results keep refining for up to a year as tissues soften and scars mature.

How long do body contouring results last?

The skin and fat that are removed don’t come back, so results are long-lasting as long as your weight stays stable. Normal aging continues, and significant weight gain or a future pregnancy can change the result.