If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, you should be proud of your accomplishment and of the work you’ve done to live a healthier life. However, if you’re not happy with how your body looks, you’re not alone. Many people who have undergone massive weight loss still lack confidence or express dissatisfaction with their body due to excess skin and sagging. Fortunately, thanks to body contouring and other types of plastic surgery following extreme weight loss, you can be as happy with your appearance as you are with the number on the scale. To help you determine which procedure may be the best for you, our plastic surgeon in Raleigh is breaking down the different options available.
Why Choose Plastic Surgery After Extreme Weight Loss
Long-term obesity can cause the skin to stretch in order to accommodate the weight. The more it stretches, the more the elasticity of the skin is stretched beyond capacity. If you lose 50 to 100 pounds or more, the end result is often excess skin. Sagging skin can affect any part of the body including the face, arms, midsection, buttocks, and thighs, and naturally, the larger the weight loss, the more excess skin you’re dealing with.
Plastic surgery to remove this excess skin and, in some cases, repairing and tightening the muscles underneath can lead to a smoother, more toned appearance that better reflects the hard work you’ve done to lose the weight. Many people see the surgical removal of excess skin as the final step in their weight loss journey as it allows them to finally accept their new body and truly feel confident and comfortable in their appearance.
It’s important to note that if you’ve had bariatric surgery or significant weight loss that you’ve reached a point where your weight has stabilized. Having a procedure done then continuing to lose weight can affect your results.
Choosing a Belt Lipectomy for Mid-Section Toning
The most common procedure following significant weight loss is a body lift, also called a belt lipectomy. The goal is to remove excess skin as well as any stretch marks and fat deposits from the abdomen sides, and lower back, though the hips, buttocks, and thighs can also be included in the procedure.
The procedure is performed by creating a series of incisions along the lower back and belly (the “belt line”) and extra skin and fat is removed from the area. The tissue that has been left is pulled upwards, lifting and tightening the skin and creating a smoother physique.
Other Plastic Surgeries For Extreme Weight Loss
Depending on the extent of your weight loss, many of the contouring procedures plastic surgeons offer can help you achieve the body you want. For example, many women who have lost weight experience sagging breasts as much of the fat that was adding volume to the area has been lost. A breast lift or breast lift with augmentation can create a more flattering and youthful appearance.
Additionally, if you still have stubborn areas of fat deposits that no amount of diet and exercise seem to affect, that’s normal, but certainly frustrating. If this is a concern you have after significant weight loss, you may find liposuction to be the right solution.
Body Contouring for a Custom Experience
Body contouring allows you and your plastic surgeon to create a customized set of procedures, depending on your unique needs and to remove large areas of excess skin from much of your body. For example, if you are concerned with sagging skin around the jawline, upper arms, and abdomen, your body contouring experience could include a facelift, arm lift, and a tummy tuck.
Each procedure involves removing excess skin, smoothing the tissue underneath, and creating a smoother, tighter area. When several procedures are done at once, you can minimize recovery time, reduce costs, and complete your weight loss journey sooner.
Schedule a Body Contouring Consultation with Our Plastic Surgeon in Raleigh Today
If you’re ready to feel confident in your appearance and get the physique you’ve been dreaming of, we can help. Schedule a consultation with board-certified Raleigh plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz, today by calling our office at 919-532-2270 or filling out our contact form today to learn more.
