Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss: What You Need to Know About Body Contouring

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Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss: What You Need to Know About Body Contouring

After you have conquered the scales of major weight loss, many face the new and equally frustrating challenge of sagging skin. Unfortunately, no amount of diet or exercise can fix this. According to a press release by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, many of the people who went through massive weight loss struggle with excess skin. Most of this skin is often around the arms, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and even the chest.

These excessive skin pose a significant challenge not just for cosmetic purposes, but because they can be uncomfortable, affect hygiene, limit clothing options and movement while causing emotional distress. Fortunately, skin removal surgery is an option for people who qualify.

Skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring or body sculpting, is a surgical procedure that aims to remove fat, shape specific areas of the body, and tighten the skin there. In this article, you will explore available procedures, recovery time, and the risks associated with body contouring.

Most Common Body Contouring Options After Weight Loss

Each person will have a different outcome when they lose excess weight. For some, the sagging skin will be more in their abdomen. For others, it will be in their thighs. This means that to make obvious and maintain the weight loss results long-term, you may need different procedures to target specific areas, and in most cases, they need to be combined for comprehensive results. Some of the most common skin removal surgeries include:

1. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The tummy tuck tightens the abdominal wall and trims away excess skin and fat. If your belly muscles stretch out before weight loss or during pregnancy, a tummy tuck will cinch them back under the skin.

2. Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift removes loose skin between the armpit and the elbow. This improves contour by removing the droopy skin and tightening the tissue for a leaner and sculpted look. 

3. Thigh Lift

If you have sagging skin on the inner or outer thigh, you can get a thigh lift done. It helps with rubbing, discomfort during movement, and unwanted folds.

4. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

For flattened or deflated breasts, which can be a result of weight loss or breastfeeding, a breast lift reshapes and repositions your breasts. You even have the option to add implants for volume, if desired. But you have to seek expert opinion from professionals at Dr. Jay Calvert plastic surgery clinic to know if these surgeries are right for you.

Who Can Get Skin Removal Surgery?

It is a common misconception that all you need to get plastic surgery is a ready card and a desire to get one. Quite contrary to this belief, a plastic surgeon will have to assess you and be sure you are a good fit. Before booking your procedure, factors such as your overall health, habits, and mental state will all be factored in to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Some of these factors include:

• A Stable Weight

If your weight still changes, surgeons may recommend waiting. You need to be at or near your goal weight and have held it for at least 12 months. Weight gain or loss can undo surgery results.

• Non-smoker

Smoking is a big risk for surgery. Its nicotine content disrupts blood flow, hinders wound healing, and increases the risk of complications. Smokers are often required to quit smoking weeks before and after surgery.

• Realistic Expectations

Body contouring works wonders, but it won’t make you look photoshopped. There will be scars and swelling. It also takes time. While surgery can reshape your body, it won’t be ‘perfect’.

• Good Overall health

Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may disqualify you from getting the surgery. These conditions need to be managed first since surgery is safest when your body is in its best shape.

Recovery Timeline and What to Expect

Recovery from body contouring surgery is a process. It requires a lot of patience, support, and commitment to aftercare. Recovery can take as long as 12 months for the final reveal.

In the first two weeks, you:

• Will have drains in place to remove fluid buildup
• Wear compression garments to support healing and reduce swelling
• Will have limited movement

In months 1 to 3 post-surgery:

• The bruising and swelling will reduce
• Physical activity will resume in stages, with light walking first
• Wearing compression garments is still necessary

In months 6 to 12 after the surgery, your:

• Scars will begin to soften and fade for final results will be more visible
• Full recovery will happen, depending on the extent of the procedures performed
• Numbness and tightness may linger, but will improve over time

Pros and Cons

Like any surgery, body contouring carries its risks. These may be cons to some people, while others will believe the pros outweigh these cons. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with skin removal surgery.

How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Body Contouring

Selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon can directly impact your results and safety. When choosing your plastic surgeon, your sole focus should not be on who has the fanciest website or online presence. You want someone with real experience in this specific surgery. Here’s what to check before booking that appointment:

• Look for board-certified surgeons. Your plastic surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Ask to see before and after photos of past patients like you who have lost significant weight.
• Check that the surgeon operates in an accredited center or hospital in case of an emergency, for your safety, and to avoid cases of medical negligence.

Endnote

Having done the work of pushing through cravings, workouts, and lifestyle changes to lose weight, you shouldn’t let yourself be held back by excess skin. Body contouring surgery is a legitimate step towards achieving your fully functional and cosmetically pleasing body. If you assess yourself and decide you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, go ahead and create time to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options.