Post Weight Loss Surgery
Losing a significant amount of weight is a life-changing accomplishment, but it can leave behind excess skin and tissue that obscure your hard-earned results. Dr. Cassie Hartline specializes in post-weight loss body contouring, offering customized surgical solutions in Texas to refine and enhance your natural shape. With a balance of reconstructive precision and aesthetic artistry, she ensures results that look as natural as they feel.
What is Post-Bariatric Surgery?
Life after dramatic weight loss due to surgery or diet and exercise can be difficult for many women and men. While our patients have taken an important step towards becoming healthier, how they feel on the inside often does not match how they look on the outside. Massive weight loss after the hard work of changing diet and lifestyle or undergoing gastric bypass surgery can leave patients with large amounts of excess, hanging skin. This can be uncomfortable, lead to infections, and make finding clothes that fit correctly difficult.
We offer post-weight loss surgery with a suite of surgical procedures for patients that can help improve the look of your body after major weight loss. Also known as post-bariatric body contouring, these procedures are designed to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying tissues following significant weight loss. Post-weight loss surgery addresses concerns such as sagging, skin irritation, and difficulty finding well-fitting clothing by sculpting and contouring the body for a smoother, more proportional appearance.
Benefits of Post Weight Loss Surgery
Post-bariatric surgery helps many patients reach the culmination of their weight loss journey, allowing them to achieve their vision.
Eliminates Excess Skin: Removes sagging skin for a smoother, tighter appearance.
Enhances Body Contours: Highlights the natural curves and muscle tone achieved through weight loss.
Reduces Skin Irritation: Prevents chafing, rashes, and discomfort caused by excess skin folds.
Improves Mobility & Comfort: Restores ease of movement and enhances physical activity.
Boosts Confidence: Helps you fully embrace your transformation and feel comfortable in your own skin.
Procedures Tailored to Your Transformation
Dr. Hartline offers a range of body contouring procedures to address different areas affected by weight loss:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles.
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): Contours the upper arms by eliminating loose skin.
Thigh Lift: Lifts and reshapes sagging skin in the thighs for a firmer appearance.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and/or Augmentation: Restores breast shape and position after weight loss.
Facial Rejuvenation: A facelift and/or neck lift can remove years from your appearance and enhance confidence.
Body Lift: A comprehensive procedure targeting the abdomen, waist, buttocks, and thighs.
Liposuction: Refines body contours by removing stubborn fat deposits.
Mommy Makeover: A personalized combination of cosmetic surgical procedures—typically including breast enhancement, tummy tuck, and liposuction—designed to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body contours.
Each surgical plan is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring proportional, natural-looking results.
Preparing for a Post Weight Loss Surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Hartline will assess your skin elasticity, overall health, and goals to design a surgical plan that aligns with your body’s needs. She emphasizes patient education, ensuring you have realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect from a Bariatric Body Contouring Procedure?
Because each patient has different anatomy and needs, your post-weight loss surgery treatment plan will be custom-tailored to achieve your cosmetic goals. While your treatment will be unique to you and your goals, all patients can expect:
Personalized Approach: Every surgery is customized based on your body’s needs and recovery goals.
Advanced Techniques: Dr. Hartline utilizes innovative surgical methods, such as VASER liposuction, to enhance precision and minimize recovery time.
Safety & Comfort: Procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility with the highest standards of patient care.
Recovery
Post-weight loss surgery requires a structured recovery period. Swelling and mild discomfort are expected in the initial weeks, with most patients resuming light activities within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but Dr. Hartline and her team provide comprehensive post-operative care to support a smooth and successful healing process.
Consult Our Premier Surgeon in Texas
You’ve done the hard work—now let Dr. Cassie Hartline help you refine and reveal the body you’ve worked for.
Dr. Hartline combines her expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery with a warm, approachable style that puts patients at ease. With a meticulous eye for detail and a down-to-earth personality, Dr. Hartline enhances natural contours while prioritizing safety and lasting results.
Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward a more sculpted, confident you.
FAQs About Post Weight Loss Surgery
Am I a Good Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Ideal candidates for post-bariatric body contouring:
Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months
Are in good overall health and free from conditions that impair healing
Experience significant skin laxity that affects comfort and mobility
Have realistic expectations about results and recovery
Dr. Hartline will assess your eligibility and develop a surgical plan that aligns with your unique anatomy and goals.
How Long Does Each Procedure Take?
The duration of each procedure varies depending on the complexity and areas being treated. A tummy tuck or arm lift typically takes 2-3 hours, while a body lift or combination surgery may take 4-6 hours. Dr. Hartline will provide a detailed surgical plan during your consultation, outlining the expected timeline for your procedure.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
As with many surgical procedures, scarring often results but is strategically placed and will fade over time. Dr. Hartline uses advanced closure techniques to minimize their appearance.
Are there any Risks with Post Weight Loss Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, post-weight loss surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, fluid accumulation, and changes in skin sensation. Dr. Hartline takes every precaution to minimize these risks by using advanced surgical techniques and providing thorough pre- and post-operative care. During your consultation, she will discuss potential risks in detail and ensure you feel confident and informed before proceeding with surgery.
1 ASPS. Body Lift. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift. Accessed March 5, 2024.
2 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for body lift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-lift/candidates. Accessed March 5, 2024.
Cassie Hartline M.D. has either authored or reviewed and approved this content
Page Updated: May 15, 2025