Body Contouring
After Weight Loss in Raleigh & Cary, NC

After losing a significant amount of weight you may feel like your journey’s not quite over. This is an exciting, yet challenging time and at CARE we’re here to partner with, educate, and guide you as you explore your plastic surgery options after weight loss. Dr. Coan and the experienced team at CARE will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your destination of reflecting the beauty you feel on the inside to the world outside.
Once achieving significant weight loss on your journey – either through dietary changes or bariatric/weight loss surgery (gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric band, and duodenal switch) – many patients report feeling healthier, yet many also feel as though their body may not reflect how they feel. Skin quality and elasticity are often compromised and don’t fully “spring back” after significant weight loss. The excess skin that remains can cause discomfort, irritation, and overall frustration.

How GLP-1 Medications Like Semaglutide Affect Your Skin and Body Shape 

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide have helped many individuals achieve significant weight loss by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar. However, with rapid fat loss often come changes that go beyond the number on the scale – including sagging skin, shifts in fat distribution, reduced skin elasticity, and even facial volume loss.

At CARE Plastic Surgery, we help patients navigate these post-weight loss changes with a comprehensive approach. changes by offering personalized body contouring procedures that restore balance after weight loss.

Significant fat loss can result in loose or sagging skin, especially in areas like the abdomen, arms, and thighs. We offer personalized body contouring procedures to restore proportion, smoothness, and definition where needed.

But transformation doesn’t stop at the body. Facial volume loss is also common and may leave patients looking older or more hollowed than they feel. Through facial balancing with dermal fillers, our expert injectors restore symmetry and structure to the face, subtly enhancing areas like the cheeks, jawline, temples and chin.

Why Rapid Weight Loss Can Lead to Loose or Sagging Skin 

When weight loss happens quickly, as it often does with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, the skin doesn’t always have time to contract or adapt. Collagen and elastin fibers can become stretched, damaged or weakened, especially in areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs and lower back, resulting in loose or sagging skin. While this is a common and natural effect, it can lead to discomfort or self-consciousness. Surgical body contouring procedures at CARE Plastic Surgery can remove excess skin, smooth your silhouette and help you feel more confident in your new body.

Is Your Body Ready for Surgery After Weight Loss? 

Before considering body contouring surgery, it’s important that your weight has stabilized – usually for at least six months and that you’re in good overall health – especially nutritionally. Adequate protein, vitamins and hydration are essential for healing and achieving the best results. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we also focus on helping patients set realistic expectations and ensuring they’re both physically and emotionally prepared for the procedure and recovery process.

Our priority is to provide a safe, supportive experience with results that are not only transformative but long-lasting.

Personalized Body Contouring Plans After Medication-Assisted Weight Loss 

No two bodies lose weight the same way, especially with GLP-1 therapies. Some patients may see dramatic changes in their midsection, while others notice more volume loss in their face, arms or thighs. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we tailor each body contouring plan based on your unique fat loss pattern, skin elasticity and personal goals. Whether you need a targeted lift, skin removal or a combination of techniques, we design a surgical approach that brings harmony back to your body’s proportions.

Common Trouble Areas After Dramatic Weight Loss 

Following significant weight loss, it’s common to notice excess skin in certain areas where the body was previously stretched and the skin may not fully return to its original firmness. These include:

• Under the arms (bat wings)
• Around the abdomen (apron belly)
• Inner thighs
• Buttocks
• Breasts

Specialized procedures like arm lifts, tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and breast lifts are used to tighten these areas, reduce chafing, and improve overall body shape.
Dr. Brian Coan’s advanced body contouring techniques are designed to enhance your natural proportions and deliver smooth, balanced results. Our goal is to help you feel as confident in your body as you do about your transformation.

Combining Procedures for Comprehensive Results 

Many patients at CARE Plastic Surgery choose to combine procedures into a single surgical session to maximize transformation. Combining treatments means fewer recovery periods, more cohesive results and a faster return to daily life. We’ll work closely with you to design a plan that addresses multiple concerns safely and effectively.

When to Consider Surgery After GLP-1 Weight Loss Treatments 

Timing is everything when it comes to body contouring after GLP-1 medication. We recommend waiting until your weight has plateaued, typically six to twelve months after starting medication, to ensure long-term results. Even if you’re still on semaglutide, you may be a candidate for surgery if your weight is stable and you meet other health criteria. We’ll help you determine the right time to move forward based on your goals, health status and readiness for surgery.

How Body Contouring Can Help Maintain Motivation Post-Weight Loss 

Reaching your weight loss goals is significant, but seeing lingering loose skin can sometimes feel discouraging. Fortunately, body contouring can help bridge the gap between how you feel inside and what you see in the mirror. At CARE Plastic Surgery, many of our patients report a renewed sense of motivation after surgery. Restoring your body’s natural contours can reinforce your progress and empower you to embrace this new chapter with pride and confidence.

How noticeable will my scars be after body contouring surgery?

Scarring is a natural part of any surgical procedure, and body contouring is no exception. At CARE Plastic Surgery, Dr. Coan uses advanced techniques to place incisions in the most discreet, natural folds of the body whenever possible – such as under the arms, along bikini lines, or in the crease of the thighs.

While scars are permanent, they typically fade significantly over time and can often be softened further with medical-grade scar treatments. Most patients find that the improvement in contour, comfort, and confidence far outweighs the visibility of scarring.

We’ll provide detailed scar care instructions and product recommendations to help your incisions heal beautifully.

Before Plastic Surgery, after Weight Loss Quotes Some Patients Have Reported:

• “I’m tired of my batwing arms.”
• “I wish I felt comfortable standing in front of a mirror looking at myself.”
• “This excess skin is a reminder of where I was. . . I’m ready to break out and show off the new me!”
• “I want to be able to roll around on the floor with my grandchildren.”
• “I’m not comfortable being intimate with my partner because I feel self-conscious about my excess skin.”
• “I’ve come this far and this is going to be the final step.”

For many patients, body contouring involves a series of procedures that eliminate excess skin. These procedures may range from a lower body lift, breast reduction and lift, Brachioplasty (arm lift), and thigh lift. Combining liposuction with various procedures is beneficial for stubborn deposits of fat to create a more proportional/balanced contour of the body.
At CARE Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian S. Coan specializes in total body contouring after weight loss. His plastic surgery results have earned him numerous awards and distinctions both locally and nationally. Named Durham’s Best Plastic Surgeon every year since its inception in 2010 by Durham Magazine in North Carolina has been a great honor. Dr. Coan was also recently featured on the Emmy award-winning TV show The Doctors for his life-changing body contouring after a weight loss procedure performed on internet figure Tevante Clark (for a link to his personal story click here).
Dr. Coan is board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and is a member of the most world-renowned plastic surgery societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). They are passionate about guiding, educating, and caring for weight loss patients.
CARE Plastic Surgery is committed to providing patients with extraordinary aesthetic results always with the highest standards of safety. During your body contouring consultation, Dr. Coan will discuss the most suitable procedures to create a treatment plan that meets your aesthetic aspirations. Each body contouring plastic surgery procedure is customized to your body and goals.

What Are Typical Body Contouring Procedures After Weight Loss?

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – to reduce excess skin, tighten loose muscles, reduce excess fat
• Buttock Lift – to lift and/or augment the buttocks
• Lower Body Lift Belt Lipectomy or Tummy Tuck combined with Buttock Lift – sometimes referred to as “around the world” or “circumferential 360°” tummy tuck – this procedure lifts and tightens the skin around the entire waistline including front, back, and sides
• Facelift – to reduce pronounced jowls, hanging skin, and “turkey neck”
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) – to reduce “batwing” arms (excess skin hanging from arms)
• Thigh Lift (Thighplasty) – to reduce thighs that chafe and cause discomfort due to excess skin
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy) – to reduce hanging, sagging breasts and/or lift and possibly reduce nipples
• Breast Lift/Breast Augmentation – to lift sagging breasts and increase lost breast volume
• Breast Reduction – to reduce breast size and reduce discomfort from large breasts
• Male Breast Reduction – to reduce excess skin, fat, and/or tissue from male breasts (nipple reduction may also be included)
• Liposuction – to reduce excess adipose/fat from stubborn areas (including arms, abdomen, neck, thighs, groin/mons, back)
• Labiaplasty/Groin Surgery – to address the groin area and excess skin/fat

Can Body Contouring Procedures Be Done Simultaneously?

Combining procedures is determined on a case-by-case basis. Frequently, more than one body contouring procedure can be combined, such as a lower body lift with a breast lift. If you are a candidate for several body contouring procedures, you will need to have more than one surgical session. Our CARE specialists will listen to your priorities and create a customized surgical plan for the stages of your procedures. The ultimate goal is to be able to get back to enjoying life as soon as possible.

What Can You Expect During Recovery From Body Contouring After Weight Loss?

The recovery period after a body contouring procedure is unique depending on your case. The amount of time you must take off from work and other activities is determined by the specific body contouring procedure or procedures, the amount of tissue removed, and your general health.
For several of the procedures, you will need to wear a custom-fit support garment for up to six weeks post-surgery. You will be informed before your surgery how much time you will need off from work. You will feel sore for several days to weeks. In the majority of cases, there is little or no bruising. Swelling will take several weeks or months to fully resolve, and after some procedures, such as the lower body lift, it may be difficult to walk completely upright for several days. For more involved procedures, you may not be able to resume exercise or heavy lifting for up to six weeks.

Meet Dr. Coan

Award-winning, nationally renowned, double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the distinguished Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

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Real Testimonials

When I had the initial surgery, I wanted to feel better in my clothes and look better. After the surgery, I realize that it changes your body mechanics too!  I can run-not a fast jog- for the first time in 30 years!

It is an indescribable feeling to have a youthful body again, not only appearance-wise, but being able to do things you haven’t thought about in years!

- Verified Care Plastic Surgery Patient

I could not be happier with my decision to go with Dr. Coan! Not only did my body lift come out FABULOUS but I went back 2 months later and had my breast and arms done! When I look in the mirror I cannot believe what Dr. Coan has accomplished!

- Verified Care Plastic Surgery Patient

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Patient Stories

Learn about our amazing patient experience and see what you can expect from the CARE team.

• Kelley
• Emily
• Kathleen

I am so happy and I feel so confident!

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New Patient Resources

Need to know more about our process? Check out a few of our blog posts below.

Dr. Brian Coan Featured on “The Doctors” TV Show for Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring

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Benefits of BodyTite and FaceTite

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