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Surgery After Weight Loss

Losing a significant amount of weight—whether through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or new medications like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®)—is an incredible achievement.

Post-Weight Loss Surgery in Portland, OR

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Complete Your Transformation. Restore Comfort and Confidence.

But for many women, the journey doesn’t end at the scale. Rapid or major weight loss often leaves behind loose, stretched skin that exercise cannot correct. Body contouring surgery after weight loss with Dr. Hetal Fichadia in Portland, OR, helps you finish your transformation with natural-looking results that honor your hard work. A double board-certified female plastic surgeon, Dr. Fichadia specializes in helping women feel at home in their bodies again—combining surgical precision with empathy, artistry, and long-term support.

Call (503) 488-2344 or request a consultation online to explore your personalized post-weight loss surgery plan. Serving patients across Portland, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Clackamas, Vancouver, Hillsboro.

What Is Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

Post-weight loss surgery is a customized series of procedures designed to:

  • Remove excess, hanging skin
  • Reshape and lift tissues
  • Restore proportion and balance to your body


Areas commonly treated include the abdomen, arms, breasts, thighs, back, and face.

Dr. Fichadia creates staged, personalized plans that prioritize safety and natural aesthetics. For some patients—particularly those on GLP-1 medications who may lose weight quickly—she offers a gradual approach to let the skin stabilize before surgery.

For mild to moderate laxity, Renuvion® skin tightening may be used alone or alongside surgery for enhanced results.

Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia in Portland?

Dr. Hetal Fichadia in scrubs during surgery

Choosing the right surgeon for your neck lift is about more than just credentials—it’s about who will truly listen to your goals, honor your individuality, and deliver elegant, natural-looking results with your safety and well-being at the center.

Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon with over a decade in private practice. Her thoughtful approach is rooted in medical expertise, artistic refinement, and a deep commitment to personalized care.

Here’s what sets her apart:

  • Double Board-Certified Expertise: General and plastic surgery background ensures both safety and artistry. With a patient-first philosophy rooted in honesty, education, and genuine care, Dr. Fichadia has been consistently selected by her peers as a Portland Monthly Top Doctor every year since 2018.

  • Woman-to-Woman Understanding: As a mother and caregiver, she brings empathy to every consultation.

  • Holistic Surgical Care: Nutrition, lifestyle, and healing are built into your plan. For patients with massive weight loss, this is crucial as having key micronutrients and proteins is the winning combination for great healing.

  • Refined Aesthetic: Balanced results that align with your proportions and goals.

  • Continuity of Care: Dedicated follow-ups and long-term support.

Benefits of Surgery After Weight Loss

Many patients say this final step allows them to truly “see” their transformation and feel fully at peace in their bodies. Body contouring can help you:

  • Eliminate sagging skin on arms, abdomen, thighs, and more
  • Improve clothing fit and comfort
  • Relieve rashes, irritation, and hygiene issues in skin folds
  • Enhance mobility and physical activity
  • Define your body’s new shape
  • Boost confidence and emotional well-being

Common Procedures After Weight Loss

Some women focus on one area, while others pursue a phased, full-body contouring plan. Dr. Fichadia will help design the sequence that works best for your goals and healing. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

  • Thigh Lift: Removes lax skin from inner or outer thighs
  • Breast Lift or Reduction: Restores breast position, shape, and comfort
  • Back Lift: Targets roll or sagging on the upper or lower back
  • Facelift or Neck Lift: Addresses facial deflation and laxity after weight loss

Special Considerations for GLP-1 Patients

If you’ve achieved weight loss with medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Mounjaro®, you may notice:

  •  Faster or more dramatic changes in skin laxity
  • “Deflated” appearance in the face, arms, or breasts
  • Increased need for staged contouring due to skin’s limited elasticity


Dr. Fichadia has experience supporting GLP-1 patients and will guide you in timing surgery safely—typically once your weight has stabilized for at least 6 months. She also offers options like Renuvion® to refine results without additional large incisions when appropriate.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for post-weight loss body contouring if you:

  • Have maintained a stable weight for at least 6 months
  • Are in good overall health and a non-smoker
  • Have excess, hanging skin affecting comfort, mobility, or appearance
  • Have realistic expectations and are emotionally ready for surgery
  • Are committed to long-term healthy habits

 

Whether your weight loss came from surgery, lifestyle, or GLP-1 medications, Dr. Fichadia will personalize your care plan.

What to Expect

Surgeries are typically performed in accredited facilities such as East Pavilion Surgery Center. Depending on your needs, your plan may include multiple procedures staged over time. Her gentle technique, use of long-acting anesthetics, and comprehensive pain management support smoother recoveries.

On surgery day:

  • Fichadia will review markings and your surgical plan
  • Surgery is performed under general anesthesia
  • Most patients return home the same day or after short observation
  • You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and follow-ups

Recovery After Body Contouring

Compression garments are usually recommended to support healing and optimize shape. You’ll have regular follow-ups to ensure you feel supported throughout recovery. Healing times vary, but general expectations include:

Weeks 1–2

Initial swelling, bruising, and tightness

Weeks 2–3

Return to desk work for many procedures

Weeks 4–6

Resume most exercise and lifting

Months 3–6

Final results and contour refinement

How Much Does Post-Weight Loss Surgery Cost in Portland?

Costs vary depending on:

  • Number and type of procedures
  • Surgical time and facility fees
  • Whether refinements like liposuction, mesh support, or fat grafting are included


During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote, and financing options such as CareCredit are available.

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Before & Afters

Maintaining Your Results

To protect and enhance your results long-term:

  • Maintain a stable weight
  • Support your body with balanced nutrition and regular activity
  • Avoid smoking or tobacco
  • Follow scar care and sun protection guidelines
  • Attend your follow-up visits

 

For additional refinement, Dr. Fichadia may recommend Renuvion® skin tightening, facial fat grafting or injectables for areas of subtle laxity or facial deflation.

Complete Your Transformation with Compassionate Expertise

You’ve worked hard to achieve your weight loss—through lifestyle, bariatric surgery, or GLP-1 medications. With surgical artistry and woman-to-woman understanding, Dr. Hetal Fichadia helps patients across Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Clackamas, Hillsboro, Vancouver finish the journey with results that feel natural, empowering, and uniquely theirs.

Call (503) 488-2344 or request a consultation online to schedule your post-weight loss surgery consultation.

FAQs About Post-Weight Loss Surgery in Portland

Will insurance cover this surgery?

Some procedures, like panniculectomy for rashes or infections, may have partial coverage. Most body contouring is elective and self-pay.

It’s best to wait 12–18 months after bariatric surgery or at least 6 months of stable weight on GLP-1s before pursuing contouring.

Yes. Strategic combinations (e.g., tummy tuck + breast lift) are common. Dr. Fichadia will recommend the safest sequence for your goals.

Yes, but incisions are placed carefully and fade over time with proper care.

It’s best to wait until your weight has plateaued to achieve lasting results.

 It depends on your anatomy and goals. Some women choose one stage, others complete contouring in phases.

Yes. With proper evaluation, body contouring is generally safe. Dr. Fichadia may coordinate with your other healthcare providers for optimal safety.

Excess skin may remain indefinitely, sometimes causing rashes or mobility issues. Surgery is the only way to permanently remove it.

No. Body contouring is not a weight-loss procedure but can make exercise and daily life easier, supporting healthy habits long-term.