Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss: What Surgeons Want You to Know in 2026

Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss: What Surgeons Want You to Know in 2026

Last updated: February 12, 2026

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have transformed weight management for millions of patients. As these individuals reach their goal weight, many face a new challenge: excess skin and tissue laxity that diet and exercise cannot resolve. This guide covers what surgeons want patients to understand about body contouring after GLP-1 weight loss in 2026 – from candidacy and timing to procedural options and perioperative safety.

Why Is Demand for Body Contouring After GLP-1 Medications Surging in 2026?

Demand for body contouring after GLP-1 weight loss is surging because millions of patients have now reached stable weight-loss plateaus and are confronting persistent skin laxity. In 2024, more than 837,000 GLP-1 patients sought aesthetic care from ASPS member surgeons, with 39% actively considering surgical procedures – a pipeline that is converting rapidly through early 2026.

The scale of this trend is unprecedented in cosmetic surgery. According to McKinsey, 61% of GLP-1 patients pursuing aesthetic treatment had lost 11 to 30% of their body weight, a range that frequently produces visible skin redundancy in the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, and face. Spring 2026 represents a particularly active consultation period, as patients who began GLP-1 therapy during the fall 2024 and New Year 2025 resolution cycles are now reaching stable plateaus and planning procedures before summer.

As ASPS President Scott Hollenbeck, MD noted, “Patients continued to prioritize their aesthetic health in 2024 despite the unpredictable economic uncertainty they faced throughout the year, with growth across plastic surgical procedures, minimally invasive treatments and reconstructive surgery.” The World Health Organization’s December 2025 global guideline on GLP-1 therapies projects these medications will reach fewer than 10% of eligible patients by 2030 – meaning the body contouring surge is still in its early stages.

How Many GLP-1 Patients Are Now Seeking Plastic Surgery?

The ASPS 2024 Procedural Statistics Report provides the clearest snapshot of demand. Among over 837,000 GLP-1 patients who pursued aesthetic care with ASPS member surgeons in 2024, the breakdown reveals a massive surgical pipeline still in formation.

Patient Status	Percentage	Estimated Patients
Already had plastic surgery	20%	~167,400
Considering a surgical procedure	39%	~326,400
Exploring nonsurgical options	41%	~343,200

With 39% of these patients still in the consideration phase and GLP-1 prescriptions continuing to grow, surgical demand is projected to accelerate through 2026 and beyond.

What Is the ‘Ozempic Makeover’ and Why Is It Trending?

C. Bob Basu, MD, ASPS President-Elect and board-certified plastic surgeon, describes the phenomenon directly: “The term Ozempic makeover refers to a personalized set of plastic surgery procedures designed to address the weight-loss-induced changes to the face, breast and body. We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for facelifts and necklifts, tummy tucks, breast lifts and body lifts… This surge in demand for post-weight loss plastic surgery is a key reason why overall cosmetic surgery volumes have remained so strong.”

The Ozempic makeover is not a single procedure but a customized combination tailored to each patient’s specific areas of concern after GLP-1 weight loss. It reflects a broader cultural shift in which patients view post-weight-loss body contouring as a natural and expected step in their transformation journey.

What Happens to Your Body After Significant GLP-1 Weight Loss?

After significant GLP-1 weight loss, the body typically experiences fat volume reduction that outpaces the skin’s ability to contract, resulting in tissue laxity across multiple body areas. Patients commonly develop loose, hanging skin in the abdomen, upper arms, inner thighs, breasts, and face – changes that persist regardless of exercise or nutrition optimization.

Understanding these physiological changes is essential for surgical planning. GLP-1 medications produce weight loss through appetite reduction and metabolic modulation, and the resulting body composition changes have distinct characteristics that differentiate these patients from traditional bariatric surgery populations.

How Much Lean Mass Do Patients Lose on Semaglutide?

Lean mass loss is a clinically significant concern for surgeons evaluating body contouring candidates. A systematic review of six studies involving 1,541 overweight and obese adults found lean mass comprising 0 to 40% of total weight lost with semaglutide, a wide range that underscores the importance of individualized assessment.

The SEMALEAN study of 106 obese patients on semaglutide 2.4 mg offers more nuanced findings. Over 12 months, total fat mass decreased by 18%, while lean mass dropped by approximately 3 kg initially before stabilizing. Notably, handgrip strength actually improved by 4.5 kg, and sarcopenic obesity prevalence fell from 49% to 33%. These results suggest that functional strength can be preserved even as lean mass declines – an important finding for surgeons assessing wound healing capacity and tissue quality before body contouring.

How Does Skin Laxity After GLP-1 Medications Differ From Traditional Bariatric Surgery?

According to a systematic review published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, GLP-1 patients present with distinct tissue redundancy patterns compared to traditional bariatric surgery patients. GLP-1 patients typically lose less total body weight than gastric bypass patients, but their skin laxity patterns often feature pronounced deflation in the face, breasts, and upper arms rather than the circumferential trunk laxity more common after massive weight loss from bariatric surgery.

This distinction matters for surgical planning. GLP-1 patients may require different procedure combinations, incision strategies, and tissue management approaches than surgeons traditionally employ for post-bariatric body contouring.

Which Areas of the Body Are Most Affected by GLP-1 Weight Loss?

The most common complaint areas driving surgical consultations after GLP-1 weight loss reflect the ASPS 2024 data showing procedure-specific growth across body regions.

Body Area	Common Concern	2024 Procedure Growth (ASPS)
Abdomen	Skin apron, tissue laxity	Consistent high demand
Upper arms	Hanging skin, “bat wings”	+2%
Buttocks and thighs	Inner thigh sagging, deflation	+3%
Breasts	Volume loss, ptosis	Consistent high demand
Face and neck	Jowling, neck bands, volume loss	+2% (neck lifts)

What Body Contouring Procedures Are Most Common After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

The most common body contouring procedures after GLP-1 weight loss include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh lift, circumferential body lift, breast lift with or without augmentation, and facial rejuvenation procedures. Procedure selection depends on each patient’s specific areas of laxity, overall health status, and aesthetic goals.

Is a Tummy Tuck the Best Option for Loose Abdominal Skin After Ozempic?

Abdominoplasty remains the most frequently requested procedure among post-GLP-1 body contouring patients. The procedure addresses skin redundancy, removes excess tissue, and can repair diastasis recti – a separation of the abdominal muscles that often persists after significant weight loss.

GLP-1 patients may present differently than traditional weight-loss patients during consultation. Because GLP-1 weight loss tends to be more moderate than bariatric surgery outcomes, some patients are candidates for a standard or mini abdominoplasty rather than the extended procedures typically required after massive weight loss. Surgeons assess the degree of skin laxity, subcutaneous fat distribution, and abdominal wall integrity to determine the most appropriate approach.

Should You Consider an Arm Lift or Thigh Lift After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Brachioplasty (arm lift) and thigh lift procedures address two of the most visible areas of post-weight-loss laxity. The ASPS reported that upper arm lifts grew 2% and buttock/thigh lifts rose 3% in 2024, reflecting increasing demand from GLP-1 patients.

Both procedures involve incisions that produce permanent scars, making scar placement a primary consideration. In brachioplasty, the incision typically runs along the inner arm from the armpit toward the elbow. For thigh lifts, incisions may be placed in the groin crease for mild laxity or extend down the inner thigh for more significant skin excess. Patients should discuss scar expectations thoroughly during consultation.

What Is a Circumferential Body Lift and Who Needs One?

A circumferential body lift – also called a 360-degree body lift – is a comprehensive procedure that addresses skin laxity around the entire trunk. The operation combines abdominoplasty with a lateral thigh lift and buttock lift in a single circumferential incision.

This procedure is typically reserved for patients with the most significant weight loss who have circumferential skin redundancy that cannot be adequately addressed by individual procedures alone. While less commonly needed among GLP-1 patients than among traditional bariatric patients, some individuals who lost 30% or more of their body weight on GLP-1 therapy may be candidates for this approach.

How Do Breast Lifts and Breast Augmentation Options Differ After Weight Loss?

Breast deflation after GLP-1 weight loss often requires mastopexy (breast lift) with or without volume restoration. The 2026 trend toward anatomy-first breast aesthetics emphasizes natural proportions, smaller implants, and hybrid augmentation approaches that combine a modest implant with autologous fat transfer.

For patients who have experienced significant breast volume loss after GLP-1 therapy, the decision between lift alone, lift with implants, or lift with fat transfer depends on the degree of ptosis, remaining breast tissue, chest wall anatomy, and the patient’s desired outcome. Fat transfer offers a natural option for mild to moderate volume restoration but is limited by the amount of donor fat available – a consideration that may be particularly relevant for patients who have lost substantial body fat.

What Facial Rejuvenation Procedures Address ‘Ozempic Face’?

“Ozempic face” describes the facial volume loss and sagging that occurs after rapid weight reduction on GLP-1 medications. The face loses fat from the cheeks, temples, and periorbital areas, producing a gaunt, aged appearance that may seem disproportionate to the patient’s overall improved body composition.

Surgical options include facelifts, necklifts, and fat transfer to restore volume to deflated areas. The 2026 trend toward quiet facial optimization favors subtle, natural-appearing results over dramatic transformation. Regenerative aesthetics – including biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) – are increasingly incorporated as complementary treatments to improve skin quality before or after surgical facial rejuvenation.

Are There Nonsurgical Alternatives for Skin Tightening After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Nonsurgical alternatives for skin tightening after GLP-1 weight loss include energy-based devices, biostimulatory fillers, and regenerative treatments. According to the 2024 ASPS report, 41% of GLP-1 patients pursuing aesthetic care were exploring nonsurgical options, though these treatments have meaningful limitations for moderate to severe skin laxity compared to surgery.

Nonsurgical approaches work best for patients with mild skin laxity or as complementary treatments before or after surgical procedures. For moderate to severe tissue redundancy – the kind that produces hanging skin folds – surgery remains the only effective solution. Setting realistic expectations during consultation is essential.

Which Regenerative and Energy-Based Treatments Show Promise in 2026?

Regenerative aesthetics represent one of the fastest-growing categories in cosmetic medicine for 2026. The following treatments show the most promise for post-GLP-1 patients.

• Biostimulatory fillers (Sculptra, Radiesse) – Stimulate collagen production over months, improving skin thickness and quality rather than simply adding volume
• PRP and PRF therapies – Use the patient’s own growth factors to promote tissue regeneration and collagen remodeling
• Radiofrequency and ultrasound devices – Deliver energy to the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen contraction and new collagen formation
• Micro-dosed neuromodulators – Applied superficially to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines without the muscle-freezing effect of traditional Botox dosing

These treatments are best positioned as complementary to surgical body contouring or as preparatory treatments that improve tissue quality before surgery.

When Are You Ready for Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Patients are generally ready for body contouring after GLP-1 weight loss once they have maintained a stable weight for three to six months, achieved adequate nutritional status, and undergone body composition assessment. Timing surgery correctly is critical for optimizing outcomes, minimizing complications, and ensuring long-term result stability.

How Long Should You Wait at a Stable Weight Before Surgery?

Most cosmetic surgeons recommend maintaining a stable weight for a minimum of three to six months before body contouring surgery. Weight stability means no significant fluctuation – typically defined as staying within five to ten pounds of a consistent baseline.

This waiting period serves multiple purposes: it allows skin to contract as much as it naturally will, enables accurate surgical planning based on a predictable body shape, and reduces the risk of needing revision procedures if further weight loss occurs post-surgery. GLP-1 patients may have different stabilization timelines than diet-and-exercise-only patients because medication dosing adjustments can affect the weight-loss trajectory. Surgeons should confirm that the patient’s GLP-1 dosing has been stable and that weight loss has genuinely plateaued before proceeding.

Does Lean Mass Loss From GLP-1 Medications Affect Surgical Candidacy?

Lean mass status directly influences surgical planning for post-GLP-1 body contouring candidates. With the systematic review finding lean mass comprising 0 to 40% of total weight lost with semaglutide, surgeons must assess each patient’s tissue quality, wound healing capacity, and nutritional reserves before recommending procedures.

The SEMALEAN study’s finding that functional strength can be preserved – with handgrip strength improving by 4.5 kg despite lean mass decline – is reassuring but does not eliminate the need for thorough pre-operative evaluation. Surgeons may order laboratory work including albumin, prealbumin, and micronutrient levels to assess healing potential. Patients with significant lean mass depletion may benefit from a structured exercise and nutrition program before surgery.

Should You Stop GLP-1 Medications Before Body Contouring Surgery?

Most patients should continue GLP-1 medications before body contouring surgery, according to the 2024 multi-society perioperative guidance endorsed by five major medical organizations. This recommendation reversed earlier guidance that advised holding GLP-1 therapy pre-operatively, and it represents a significant shift in how surgical teams manage these patients.

What Does the 2024 Multi-Society Perioperative Guidance Recommend?

The 2024 multi-society guidance was endorsed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), International Society for Perioperative Care of Patients with Obesity (ISPCPO), and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Key recommendations include:

• Continue GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy in most patients before elective surgery
• Perform standardized risk assessment for delayed gastric emptying
• Prescribe a liquid-only diet for at least 24 hours before the procedure for high-risk patients
• Use point-of-care gastric ultrasound on the day of surgery to assess residual gastric contents

What Are the Anesthesia Risks for Patients on GLP-1 Medications?

The primary anesthesia concern for patients on GLP-1 medications is delayed gastric emptying, which increases the risk of aspiration – the passage of stomach contents into the lungs – during general anesthesia. GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric motility as part of their mechanism of action, and this effect can persist between doses.

The multi-society protocol mitigates this risk through the structured approach outlined above. Patients should disclose all GLP-1 medications, dosages, and timing to both their surgeon and anesthesia team. With proper risk stratification and pre-operative preparation, body contouring surgery can be performed safely in patients on active GLP-1 therapy.

How Do You Choose a Qualified Surgeon for Post-GLP-1 Body Contouring?

Choosing a qualified surgeon for post-GLP-1 body contouring requires verifying board certification, confirming specific experience with post-weight-loss body contouring, and ensuring the surgeon understands GLP-1 pharmacology and current perioperative protocols. This patient population requires specialized assessment beyond standard cosmetic surgery expertise.

What Credentials and Experience Should Your Surgeon Have?

Board certification in plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery is the baseline credential. Beyond certification, patients should ask about the surgeon’s specific volume of post-weight-loss body contouring cases, familiarity with the 2024 multi-society perioperative GLP-1 guidance, and fellowship training in body contouring or aesthetic surgery.

Organizations like the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery play an important role in advancing surgical education and maintaining high standards for these evolving procedures. Surgeons affiliated with such organizations demonstrate ongoing commitment to education and best practices in cosmetic surgery.

Why Does Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration Matter for GLP-1 Patients?

GLP-1 body contouring patients benefit from coordination between multiple providers: the physician prescribing and managing GLP-1 therapy, the cosmetic surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and potentially a nutritionist or physiotherapist focused on lean mass preservation. This collaborative model mirrors the multi-society approach seen in the ASA perioperative guidance.

In clinical practice, the most successful outcomes occur when the prescribing physician and surgeon communicate directly about medication management, the anesthesiologist has access to a current GLP-1 dosing history, and the patient receives pre-operative nutritional optimization guidance tailored to their body composition status.

What Should You Know About GLP-1 Medication Safety and Supply in 2026?

GLP-1 medication supply has stabilized in 2026 following FDA resolution of the semaglutide shortage, with compounded alternatives phased out by late May 2025. Patients planning body contouring should use only FDA-approved branded GLP-1 products and be aware of ongoing safety advisories regarding unapproved alternatives.

Has the GLP-1 Medication Shortage Been Resolved?

The FDA resolved the semaglutide injection product shortage and clarified compounding policies as national GLP-1 supply stabilized. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide products were phased out by late May 2025. Patients should now use only FDA-approved branded products such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for their GLP-1 therapy.

Why Does the FDA Warn Against Compounded or Unapproved GLP-1 Products?

The FDA has issued safety advisories regarding compounded and unapproved GLP-1 products due to risks including inconsistent dosing, potential contamination, and lack of clinical testing for safety and efficacy. Patients who used compounded GLP-1 products during the shortage period should inform their surgeon, as inconsistent dosing history could affect perioperative planning and weight-loss trajectory assessment.

What Does the Future of Post-GLP-1 Body Contouring Look Like?

The future of post-GLP-1 body contouring points toward sustained and growing demand through at least 2030, driven by expanding global GLP-1 access and evolving surgical techniques designed specifically for this patient population. The WHO projects GLP-1 therapies will reach fewer than 10% of eligible patients by 2030, indicating the current body contouring surge represents just the beginning of a long-term trend.

How Will Growing GLP-1 Adoption Shape Cosmetic Surgery Demand?

The pipeline mathematics are compelling. With 837,000 GLP-1 patients already seeking aesthetic care in 2024 and 39% still in the consideration phase, hundreds of thousands of surgical candidates have yet to convert. As global GLP-1 prescribing expands – the WHO’s December 2025 guideline acknowledges fewer than 10% of eligible patients currently have access – the body contouring patient population will grow proportionally for years to come.

Industry data consistently shows that post-weight-loss body contouring will be one of the defining growth areas in cosmetic surgery through the end of the decade, reshaping practice patterns, training priorities, and patient consultation workflows across the specialty.

What Emerging Techniques Are Surgeons Developing for This Patient Population?

Surgical technique evolution for the GLP-1 population includes several notable trends for 2026 and beyond:

• Anatomy-first breast aesthetics – Prioritizing natural proportions and tissue-based planning over standardized implant sizing
• Fat transfer and hybrid augmentation – Combining modest implants with autologous fat for more natural breast and body contour results
• Biostimulatory pre-treatment protocols – Using regenerative treatments to improve skin quality before surgical procedures
• Refined circumferential body lift techniques – Adapted for the moderate rather than massive weight-loss patterns typical of GLP-1 patients
• Functional lifestyle-aligned aesthetics – Designing outcomes that support patients’ active lifestyles rather than purely cosmetic objectives

The World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery continues to advance surgical education for these evolving approaches, ensuring that practitioners worldwide have access to the latest evidence-based techniques for this growing patient population.

Frequently Asked Questions About Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss

How Much Weight Should You Lose Before Considering Body Contouring?

Most body contouring candidates have lost at least 11 to 30% of their body weight, which aligns with the McKinsey finding that 61% of GLP-1 patients seeking aesthetic treatment fell in this range. The more important factor than a specific number is reaching your goal weight or a clear plateau, then maintaining stability for three to six months before surgical planning begins.

Can You Continue Ozempic or Semaglutide After Body Contouring Surgery?

Most patients can continue GLP-1 therapy after body contouring surgery, consistent with the 2024 multi-society perioperative guidance that supports ongoing GLP-1 use around elective procedures. Maintaining GLP-1 therapy supports weight stability, which is essential for preserving long-term surgical results. The prescribing physician and surgeon should coordinate post-operative medication management.

How Long Is Recovery From Post-Weight-Loss Body Contouring?

Recovery timelines vary by procedure type and complexity.

Procedure	Return to Light Activity	Full Recovery
Tummy tuck	2 – 3 weeks	6 – 8 weeks
Arm lift	1 – 2 weeks	4 – 6 weeks
Thigh lift	2 – 3 weeks	6 – 8 weeks
Circumferential body lift	3 – 4 weeks	8 – 12 weeks
Breast lift	1 – 2 weeks	4 – 6 weeks
Facelift	2 weeks	4 – 6 weeks

GLP-1 patients may have specific recovery considerations related to lean mass status and nutritional optimization. Individualized surgical planning accounts for these factors.

Does Insurance Cover Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

Insurance generally does not cover cosmetic body contouring after GLP-1 weight loss. However, a panniculectomy – removal of a large hanging abdominal skin fold that causes medical issues such as rashes, infections, or mobility limitations – may qualify for insurance coverage when classified as reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Patients should verify their specific policy terms and obtain pre-authorization when applicable.

Is It Safe to Have Multiple Body Contouring Procedures at Once?

Combining multiple body contouring procedures in a single operation is common and can be safe when carefully planned. Surgical teams assess safety based on total operative time, expected blood loss, the patient’s overall health, and lean mass status. For GLP-1 patients with significant lean mass reduction, staged procedures – performed in two or more separate operations – may be the safer approach. The decision between combined and staged surgery should be individualized during consultation.

What Is the First Step Toward Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

The first step is scheduling a consultation with a board-certified surgeon experienced in post-weight-loss body contouring. During this visit, the surgeon evaluates areas of concern, assesses skin laxity and tissue quality, reviews GLP-1 medication history, and discusses body composition findings to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Patients who have maintained a stable weight for three to six months and are in good overall health are well positioned to begin this conversation. Bringing a complete medication list – including GLP-1 dosing history – and any relevant laboratory results helps the surgeon make informed recommendations. Choosing a surgeon affiliated with organizations committed to advancing cosmetic surgical education, such as the World Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, helps ensure access to the latest techniques and safety protocols developed specifically for this rapidly growing patient population.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you wait after GLP-1 weight loss before body contouring surgery?

Most cosmetic surgeons recommend maintaining a stable weight for three to six months before body contouring surgery. Weight stability means staying within five to ten pounds of a consistent baseline. This waiting period allows skin to contract naturally, enables accurate surgical planning, and reduces the risk of needing revision procedures if further weight changes occur after the operation.

Do you need to stop taking Ozempic or semaglutide before body contouring surgery?

Most patients should continue GLP-1 medications before body contouring surgery, according to the 2024 multi-society perioperative guidance endorsed by five major medical organizations including the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Surgeons mitigate gastric emptying risks through standardized assessment, a liquid-only diet for 24 hours before surgery for high-risk patients, and point-of-care gastric ultrasound on the day of the procedure.

What body contouring procedures are most common after GLP-1 weight loss?

The most common procedures include abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), brachioplasty (arm lift), thigh lift, circumferential body lift, breast lift with or without augmentation, and facial rejuvenation such as facelifts and fat transfer. Procedure selection depends on each patient’s specific areas of skin laxity, overall health, lean mass status, and aesthetic goals. Many patients combine multiple procedures in one operation.

Can nonsurgical treatments tighten loose skin after Ozempic weight loss?

Nonsurgical treatments such as radiofrequency devices, biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse, and PRP therapy can improve mild skin laxity and skin quality. However, for moderate to severe tissue redundancy – including hanging skin folds in the abdomen, arms, or thighs – surgery remains the only effective solution. Nonsurgical options work best as complementary treatments before or after surgical body contouring.

How long is recovery from body contouring after weight loss?

Recovery varies by procedure. Arm lifts and breast lifts typically allow return to light activity in one to two weeks with full recovery in four to six weeks. Tummy tucks and thigh lifts require two to three weeks before light activity and six to eight weeks for full recovery. A circumferential body lift – the most extensive option – takes three to four weeks before light activity and eight to twelve weeks for full recovery.

Does insurance cover body contouring surgery after GLP-1 weight loss?

Insurance generally does not cover cosmetic body contouring after GLP-1 weight loss. However, a panniculectomy – the removal of a large hanging abdominal skin fold causing medical issues such as recurring rashes, infections, or mobility limitations – may qualify for coverage when classified as reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Patients should verify specific policy terms and obtain pre-authorization when applicable.

What results should you expect from body contouring after GLP-1 medications?

Body contouring removes excess skin and reshapes areas affected by weight loss, producing a smoother and more proportionate contour. Results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight, which is why continuing GLP-1 therapy after surgery is generally recommended. Permanent surgical scars are part of every body contouring procedure, so patients should discuss scar placement and expectations thoroughly during their consultation.