No matter how you achieve your significant weight loss, it’s an accomplishment to be proud of. But many people who lose a large amount of weight, especially if it happens rapidly, end up with excess, loose skin that’s tough to get rid of. While many topical products and even exercise regimens promise tighter skin, the truth is that significant skin tightening—the type that’s needed after a large weight loss—is only possible with surgical intervention. The best plastic surgeons here in Los Angeles know that there isn’t any one prescribed approach to contouring the body after a significant weight loss. Instead, a careful and customized approach with meticulous attention to detail is best. Let’s look at the many options for complementing your look after weight loss:
Abdominoplasty
The popular tummy tuck procedure, also called abdominoplasty, is often associated with women who want to remove excess skin after pregnancy. Tummy tuck, however, is also a great option for most other patients who are bothered by excess skin on the abdomen. Abdominoplasty can be customized to treat the entire abdomen or just the portion beneath the belly button (a procedure called panniculectomy), an area where many people develop some sagging. Tummy tuck is more than just skin reduction, though. During the procedure, weakened or damaged abdominal muscles can also be tightened for improved core strength.
Thigh Lift
Excess skin on the inner thighs is often more than a cosmetic problem. The constant friction of the inner thighs rubbing together can lead to skin conditions and, more generally, discomfort when walking or moving, making mobility difficult. After a weight loss, you deserve to enjoy physical activity. A thigh lift, which reduces skin and tissue on the inner thighs, is the preferred treatment option.
Lower Body Lift
Think of this procedure as a combination of the most popular body contouring procedures. It typically includes a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and a buttocks lift to tackle the areas most commonly affected by significant weight loss.
Upper Body Lift
A bit less common than a lower body lift, an upper body lift contours the upper torso (including the breasts in female patients), a bra line back lift, and an upper abdominoplasty, which is a modified version of the tummy tuck that’s limited to the upper abdomen.
Arm Lift
After weight loss, many men and women are bothered by what they call “bat wings”—sagging upper arms that make them embarrassed to wear sleeveless tops. An arm lift occurs through an incision made on the inside of the upper arm. The procedure reduces the skin that causes the “bat wings” look and tightens the remaining skin for slim, tight upper arms.
Facelift & Neck Lift
Not just for anti-aging! Facelift and neck lift can be performed on younger patients who have lost a lot of weight and are left looking prematurely aged. Using incisions under the chin and behind the ears, these 2 distinct surgeries correct sagging in the mid-face, jawline, and jowls.
Check out the results that are possible for you in my gallery of before-and-after photos. You can also contact my office when you’re ready to learn more.
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