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While their praise feels good, you might remain self-conscious about your body because excess skin — stretched to the point it can’t shrink back to your new shape — is draped over your waist like a deflated balloon.
At West End Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Ruff and Dr. Arsalan are experienced in performing post‐bariatric surgery body contouring procedures at our Washington, D.C. practice. These advanced body contouring procedures are designed to remove excess skin, tighten underlying tissues, and restore a natural body shape after weight loss. With the latest techniques in plastic surgery, we help massive weight loss patients achieve lasting results that highlight their hard work. Request a consultation online to meet with our surgeons and learn about the options available, or call our office at (202) 785-4187, and a member of our knowledgeable staff will schedule a consultation.


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Post-bariatric body contouring, also called skin removal surgery or bariatric body contouring, is a series of plastic surgery procedures performed after gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, or other bariatric procedures.
These surgeries address the challenges of excess skin, extra fat, and tissues that no longer have the ability to shrink after rapid weight loss.
Depending on your needs, you may benefit from procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) for the abdomen, arm lift for the upper arms, thigh lift for the thighs, breast lift or breast reduction, or a comprehensive body lift procedure to improve the buttocks, back, or waist. The goal is to smooth, tighten, and reshape the body so you can move freely, wear clothing comfortably, and see the outcome you’ve truly achieved.
Every post-bariatric body contouring journey is unique.
Our plastic surgeons create customized treatment plans based on the amount of weight lost, current health factors, and your individual goals.

his procedure eliminates excess, sagging skin on the arms, legs, trunk, or belly that resulted from significant weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. It’s often performed as a secondary procedure several years after initial post-bariatric procedures, as the skin, accustomed to being stretched to accommodate a larger body, can relax a bit over time, creating sagging.
A lower body lift is the answer to excess fat and skin on the lower body, buttocks, and thighs that occurs with normal aging as well as after massive weight loss. This hanging skin and tissue restricts movement and irritates the skin. Once the excess skin and fat are eliminated and the remaining tissues tightened, you’ll enjoy a much more attractive body contour as well as an increased comfort engaging in physical activities — not to mention fitting into those clothes you worked so hard to get into! Although often performed as a standalone procedure, it can also be done at the same time as a tummy tuck.
An upper arm lift eliminates the “waving” on the underside of the upper arm of loose tissue and skin left behind after weight loss or natural aging. The result is a tighter, more youthful upper arm contour that will have you going sleeveless again!
The cost of an Arm Lift starts at around $7,900. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results. During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them.
The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit. We also offer financing options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, to help you with the cost of your cosmetic surgery.
A thigh lift focuses on eliminating the sagging of the inner thighs, which occurs both with massive weight loss and normal aging. Following liposuction, tightening of the underlying structure is performed, followed by excising the extra skin. Both the inner and outer thighs can be treated with a thigh lift.
The cost of a Thigh Lift starts at around $9,500. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results.
During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them. The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit.
By combining body contouring procedures, we can reshape multiple areas while prioritizing patient safety and recovery.
Patients choose post-bariatric body contouring at West End Plastic Surgery to remove excess skin after massive weight loss.
Improve comfort by reducing irritation and chafing, restore mobility, and make physical activity easier. The results of these procedures also highlight the results of bariatric surgery and weight loss efforts, helping patients achieve a proportional, balanced body shape, improve clothing fit, and boost overall self-confidence.

You may be a good candidate for post bariatric body contouring procedures if you:

Recovery varies depending on the number of body contouring procedures performed. Most patients can expect:
While recovery may take time, patients find the benefits of achieving a restored shape, improved comfort, and long-term confidence well worth the journey.
Results are long-lasting and reveal the body you’ve worked so hard for. By eliminating excess skin and reshaping contours, patients see:
Final results improve as swelling decreases, scars fade, and your body adapts to its new shape.


At West End Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons are experienced in treating bariatric patients and the unique challenges of post-bariatric body contouring. We focus on patient safety, careful planning, and advanced techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes.
We understand the journey of weight loss patients—from obesity and bariatric procedures to the final stage of reshaping. Our team provides premium, compassionate care that supports you at every step.
Most patients should wait 6–12 months, maintaining a stable weight, before skin removal surgery.
Yes, some patients have combined body contouring procedures, but sometimes staging two procedures is safer for healing.
Yes, as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, you should enjoy long-term results from your procedure.
Like any plastic surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, or unsatisfactory scarring. These are minimized with expert care and proper planning.