Body Sculpting
You’ve done the heavy lifting, but biology doesn’t always play fair. Even after significant weight loss or pregnancy, skin elasticity has its limits.
There comes a point where diet and exercise simply can't change the structure of the skin itself.
At Delatte Plastic Surgery, Skin Care, and Wellness, we see body sculpting as the finishing touch to your hard work. It’s not about "fixing" a failure; it’s about completing the project. We want to remove the excess skin and refine the contours that are hiding the strength you feel on the inside.
Body sculpting (or body contouring) is the strategic removal of excess skin and fat to refine the body's shape. It's a collection of surgical procedures designed to tighten and tone areas that have lost their elasticity.
It's like tailoring. When you lose weight, your skin doesn't always shrink to fit your new frame; you have to tailor it. Body sculpting removes that redundancy. By excising loose tissue and tightening the underlying support structures, Dr. Delatte restores a smoother, firmer silhouette. It’s the difference between looking smaller and looking shaped.
The impact of body sculpting goes far beyond the mirror. It changes how you move through your day.
If you're at a stable weight but find that your skin hasn't caught up to your body, you're likely a good candidate for body sculpting.
We look for patients who:
We don't do the same exact treatments for every person. You're unique, which means your treatment plan should be, too. Dr. Delatte will create your personalized surgical plan with you during your consultation.
This is the core reset. It removes excess skin from the abdomen, but it also goes deeper. Dr. Delatte repairs the internal abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that often separate during pregnancy or weight gain, restoring true core tension and a flatter profile.
We use liposuction to refine the edges. It’s not for weight loss; it’s for contour. We target stubborn fat pockets in the flanks, waist, or thighs to smooth the transitions between body parts.
This addresses the upper arm "bat wing." By removing the loose skin from the underarm to the elbow, we create a cylindrical, toned arm contour that looks great in sleeveless styles.
This targets laxity on the inner or outer thighs. It smooths the leg profile and is particularly effective at stopping the uncomfortable rubbing that happens with loose inner thigh skin.
For massive weight loss patients, this is the comprehensive solution. It extends the tummy tuck incision around the back, lifting the buttocks, hips, and outer thighs while flattening the abdomen. It’s a total lower-body reset.
Your consultation is a strategy session. We’ll sit down, review your history, and map out a plan. Dr. Delatte is transparent about incision placement—we aim to hide scars within natural lines or under swimwear whenever possible.
We will give you a clear "pre-game" guide. This involves nutrition, hydration, and setting up your home recovery space so you are ready to heal the moment you leave the OR.
Recovery is where the results are made. It requires patience, but we have a protocol to get you through it.
As the swelling goes down, your new baseline emerges. The loose skin is gone. The contours are sharper. The results of body sculpting are permanent, provided you maintain your weight. The scars will fade over time, becoming a quiet testament to the work you’ve put in.
Body sculpting is an investment in your quality of life. Costs vary based on the complexity of your surgical plan. Since this is cosmetic surgery, insurance typically doesn't cover it. We offer transparent pricing and financing options to help you cross the finish line.
Body sculpting is deceptive. It looks simple. Remove the skin, stitch it up. But it's actually one of the most technical surgeries we perform. It involves an intimate understanding of tension, blood supply, and vectors.
I approach body contouring with a reconstructive mindset. I’m trying to make you look natural and balanced. I’ve seen too many patients come in from other places with pulled, unnatural scars or belly buttons that look "done." I want your scars to be forgettable and your silhouette to look like it belongs to you.
When you choose this practice, you’re choosing radical honesty. I will tell you exactly what is possible, where the scars will hide, and what the recovery is actually like. I care more about your safety and your long-term result than hitting a specific dress size. We do this right, or we don’t do it at all.
Stephen J. Delatte
You’ve done the hard part, now let us take it from here. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Delatte to discuss how body sculpting can refine your silhouette and get you back to living fully.
Typically, body sculpting is elective and not covered. The exception is sometimes a panniculectomy (removing the hanging skin apron) if it causes documented medical issues like infections. We can help assess if you qualify.
This is shaping, not necessarily losing. You might drop a few pounds of skin and fat, but the real change is in your measurements and how your clothes fit, not the number on the scale.
We want you walking immediately to keep blood flowing, but real gym time needs to wait. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous cardio for about 6 weeks to ensure your incisions heal securely.
Physically, yes. Aesthetically, it’s better to wait. Pregnancy stretches the skin and muscles we just tightened. For the best longevity, we recommend doing this after your family is complete.
Scars are the trade-off for removing skin. There is no magic wand. However, Dr. Delatte places incisions strategically (low on the hips, under the arm, or in the groin) so they are hidden by most clothing and swimwear.
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