Losing a significant amount of weight is a major victory! Excess skin and the fat that remain are common concerns after major weight loss. Dr. David Lo and Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Center in Knoxville offer procedures to address these concerns.
The goal of plastic surgery after massive weight loss is to address the loose skin left behind while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. Removing the excess sagging skin results in better-proportionate body contours, and it can also improve hygiene issues caused by overhanging skin. You can achieve a body contour that matches your new weight and the healthier, trimmer new you!
Body contouring procedures after massive weight loss may include:
Breast lift
When you lose a significant amount of weight, you will notice changes in your skin’s excess elasticity and the underlying volume. This can be very apparent in certain areas like your breasts.
The goal of the breast lift procedure is to remove extra sagging skin and ‘lift’ the breast tissue, giving your breasts a more youthful and attractive look.
Typically with weight loss patients, the skin to be removed is around the areola and the breast itself.
Breast augmentation
Your skin is not the only thing that will be affected after weight loss. You will notice changes in your breast tissue as well. What used to be full and supple will become loose and “deflated.” If you’re concerned with this, then breast augmentation is a good option.
Also known as the “boob job,” breast augmentation surgery can restore the lost volume in your breasts through the placement of breast implants.
There are so many options and considerations with breast augmentation. However, Dr. Lo will walk you through the process and help you decide the best implant and approach that suits your needs.
Abdominoplasty
The abdominal area can be one of the major trouble spots after a significant weight loss. The sagging skin can rob you of the joy of losing weight.
If this is your biggest concern, abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck) is a great option.
Abdominoplasty involves removing the redundant skin and fat of the abdomen and, in most cases, restores the weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother, leaner look of the abdomen.
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals following massive weight loss.
Arm lift
The undersides of your upper arm can droop when you lose a significant amount of weight. While exercise can tone and improve the look of the upper arm, it won’t resolve the issue of excess skin as a result of lost elasticity.
In cases like this, the arm lift procedure is your best option. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat between the armpit and elbow, creating a more toned look in your upper arms.
Medial thigh lift
After losing a dramatic amount of weight, you may notice loose skin and stubborn fatty deposits on your inner thigh. This can be frustrating especially after you’ve worked so hard to get where you are right now.
If the sagging skin in your inner thigh is a big issue for you, a medial thigh lift can help. This procedure can help tighten the skin and remove the residual fat in the inner thigh.
Additional surgical options after massive weight loss are:
- Minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening
- Lower body lift
- Face and/or neck lift
Surgery at Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Center
Our process begins by discussing with you your expectations and goals. We then offer information on the recommended procedures that are most appropriate for you. Our recommendations may include options that will target one or more areas of the body in multiple stages.
Before you decide, we highly recommend that you maintain or be within 5 to 10% of your target weight. Our team can offer support and information to help you optimize your nutritional needs prior to surgery.
With proper diet, exercise, and commitment to follow post-op instructions, plastic surgery after major weight loss can be life-changing. Patients who undergo surgery to address the extra skin and tissues remaining after major weight loss, feel more confident in wearing what they want, doing activities that they previously weren’t able to, and report a higher quality of life.
Please note: Most procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery does offer financing through CareCredit.
At Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery in Knoxville, we care about you and your goals. Our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. David Lo, performs a number of general reconstruction and aesthetic procedures for helping you achieve the best version for you.
For appointments, you call us at (865) 306-5680 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/dr-lo-appointment-request/ today!