Comprehensive Weight Loss and Body Contouring Support
in Grand Rapids, MI
At the Centre for Plastic Surgery and Pure Skin, your well-being always comes first. We believe that achieving a healthy weight builds a crucial foundation for reaching your ultimate body goals. While our body shaping and contouring options provide incredible results, they do not substitute for foundational weight loss. We offer a holistic approach to help you safely and effectively reach your ideal weight with guidance from trusted medical professionals. From medical weight management—including access to GLP-1 medications, exercise, and nutrition coaching—to surgical procedures that address loose skin and lax muscles, we equip you for success at every stage of your journey.
Why Consider Weight Loss Support at Centre for Plastic Surgery?
Led by experienced physicians, our supportive team guides you every step of the way to empower lasting, confident change. We understand the physical and emotional changes that happen before and after significant weight loss. Because we offer both medically supervised weight management and advanced plastic surgery, you never have to switch providers as your needs evolve. We blend proven weight-loss medications with expert lifestyle coaching to help you shed pounds safely. Once you reach your target weight, our expert surgeons step in to refine your shape, removing excess skin and tightening muscles so you can fully enjoy your hard-earned results.
Your Journey with Us: What to Expect
During your initial consultation, your physician will listen to your concerns and review your medical history, lifestyle, and current health. This detailed assessment helps us determine the right next step, whether that’s weight-loss medication, surgery, or both. Our goal is to create a personalized, medically supervised treatment plan that meets all your needs. This could include weight management with GLP-1 medications, nutrition and exercise coaching, a tailored surgical plan, or a combination of approaches. Whatever path you choose, our team is here to support you every step of the way, taking a holistic approach to prioritize your long-term health and aesthetic goals.
Understanding Your Timeline
Every patient experiences a different timeline, as our bodies respond to weight loss in unique ways. Achieving success requires a strong commitment to your follow-up appointments and strict adherence to your personalized plan. Ideally, the goal is for you to maintain a healthy, stable weight for six full months. You can achieve this milestone with the support of diet, exercise, GLP-1 medications, or previous weight loss surgery. Once you successfully maintain your weight and a healthy lifestyle for six months, surgical body contouring can become the next exciting step toward looking and feeling your absolute best.
The Ideal Candidate for Weight Loss Support
Weight loss support at the Centre for Plastic Surgery is designed for healthy individuals ready to address their weight loss concerns with medical guidance. Our services are particularly suited for those who may not qualify for insurance-covered medications or procedures. Ideal candidates are those looking to achieve a healthier weight, maintain post-surgery results, or address concerns like loose skin and muscle laxity after successful weight loss.
Our Team
Meet our experts
Douglas Leppink, MD
A Board-certified plastic surgeon at the Centre for Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At our private practice, he specializes in truly personalized services that are uniquely tailored to the needs and desires of each patient.
Dr. Benjamin Rechner
A board-certified plastic surgeon in West Michigan, combines his unique background of engineering and advanced surgical training to deliver exceptional cosmetic and reconstructive results.
With expertise honed through general surgery, plastic surgery residency, and a pediatric craniofacial fellowship, Dr. Rechner is dedicated to creating beautiful outcomes while teaching future medical professionals as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Michigan State University.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Support
Is cosmetic surgery after weight loss safe, and what should I expect during recovery?
Body contouring after significant weight loss is generally safe when performed on the right candidate at the right time. As with any surgery, individual health factors, the extent of the procedure, and how well your body has healed from weight loss all play a role. During your consultation, we’ll review your health history and discuss realistic expectations, recovery timelines, and any steps you can take beforehand to support a smooth outcome. Every treatment plan is individualized — because no two patients or journeys are the same.
What if I haven't reached my goal weight yet?
We encourage patients to be at or near a stable, healthy weight before surgery — and we understand that getting there is a journey. If you’re not quite at your goal, we’re happy to talk through your options, discuss what timing might look like for you, and explore whether our medically guided weight loss program could help. There’s no pressure, just an honest conversation focused on your safety and the best possible results.
When is the right time to consider body contouring after weight loss?
Timing matters — and it’s different for everyone. Most surgeons recommend waiting until your weight has been stable for at least six to twelve months before pursuing body contouring. This helps ensure that your results are lasting and that your body is fully ready for surgery. If you’ve recently lost weight or are still on a medically guided program, we’ll help you identify when the timing is right for you specifically.
Do most patients need more than one procedure after significant weight loss?
This is deeply personal and varies from patient to patient. Some people achieve their goals with a single procedure; others choose to address multiple areas over time. Our role is to help you understand your options clearly, build a plan that fits your body, your goals, and your life — and support you through every step of that process. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured into more than you’re ready for.
Who is a good candidate for medical weight loss with GLP-1 medications?
Our program is designed for generally healthy individuals who carry a higher-than-ideal body weight and are looking for structured, physician-guided support. It’s especially well-suited for those who don’t meet insurance preauthorization requirements for weight loss treatments, have a plan that doesn’t cover weight loss medications, have tried diet and exercise without the results they hoped for, or are considering cosmetic surgery and want to reach a healthier weight first.
How do I prepare for a consultation about cosmetic surgery or medical weight loss support?
Coming prepared helps us make the most of your time together. For a cosmetic surgery consultation, it helps to bring photos that reflect your concerns, a list of any prior surgeries, and a clear sense of your goals. For a weight loss consultation, please bring a thorough health history, recent lab results (CBC and CMP are especially helpful), and a complete list of your current medications and supplements. Most importantly, bring your questions — this is your time, and we want you to leave feeling informed and supported.