Losing weight takes determination and significant effort. It requires lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss. The challenges do not seem to end. After significant weight loss, the saggy excess skin becomes a nuisance when it comes to fitting in clothing and maintaining proper hygiene. Self esteem can ultimately be affected if this problem is not addressed. There are body contouring surgeries designed to address these problems to give you the body so deserved.
What are the body contouring surgeries after weight loss?
Face/neck
Facelift and neck lift will address the excess skin of the face and neck to rejuvenate your features.
Arms
Arm lift or brachioplasty is designed to remove the excess skin of the upper arm to improve the contour and tighten the upper arms.
Chest
For female, breast lift or mastopexy with or without implant elevate the breast and create a fuller attractive contour of the breast. For male, removal of excess skin and potentially free nipple graft are the techniques used to create a more masculine chest with the nipples and areolas adjusted to a more anatomically correct position.
Abdomen
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck removes the excess skin and tightens the muscle underneath to improve the contour. Panniculectomy removes the excess skin below the belly button without tightening of the abdominal wall muscle.
Buttocks and outer thighs
To address the sagging of the buttocks and out thighs, a lift is also done with the abdominoplasty. This surgery is known as a belt lipectomy, removing the excess tissue circumferentially to improve the abdomen and buttocks.
Thighs
Thigh lift addresses the excess, sagging skin of the inner thighs.
Can more than one surgery be done at the same time?
Yes, the surgeries are usually combined. Customized surgical plan will be discussed to address your specific needs after throughout evaluation.
Post-Weight Loss Surgery Ideal Candidate
Ideal candidates are non-smoker, healthy individuals who have maintained an active lifestyle but are unable to get rid of the excess skin. If you do smoke/vape or use any nicotine product, you need to stop using for at least 2-3 months prior to surgery and remain nicotine free for 3 months after surgery to optimize healing. It’s essential to have your diabetes controlled and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued. Hypertension must also be well controlled because of high risk for bleeding and hematoma after surgery if blood pressure remains high.