Body Contouring Following Massive Weight Loss

Shedding a substantial amount of weight represents a significant accomplishment, deserving congratulations for your dedicated efforts.

Yet, for numerous individuals who have reached this milestone, the journey doesn’t conclude once the fat is shed.

Notably, a common and vexing aftermath of significant weight loss is the surplus skin that remains. This tends to manifest predominantly in regions such as the lower abdomen, breasts, arms, thighs, and buttocks. The presence of excess skin following substantial weight loss primarily stems from the skin’s expansion during initial weight gain.

Whether an individual will have a large amount of excess skin after weight loss depends on a number of factors — from what their peak weight was and how quickly they lost the weight, to what they did to achieve the lost weight and their overall genetic makeup.

Sometimes, it can feel up to chance. For example, someone who may have 150 or more pounds to lose may not end up with any excess skin of note, while someone else who lost 50 to 75 pounds may unfortunately end up with extra skin on the arms, abdomen, hips, and legs.

Excess skin after massive weight loss is something that many people experience, but the good news is, there are cosmetic body contouring procedures that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of this common challenge.

“Weight loss surgery” as a general term generally refers to body contouring procedures that trim excess skin and, in some cases, use liposuction to reduce stubborn fact that is difficult to lose through diet and exercise.

Up ahead, we’ll go over what a body contouring procedure entails, how to know if you’re a good candidate for a body contouring after weight loss procedure, and how to move forward if you’re ready to learn more and possibly schedule a body contouring surgical procedure yourself.

Table of Contents

WHAT IS BODY CONTOURING SURGERY?

Body contouring surgery refers to a range of surgical procedures, all of which are the goal of reducing excess skin and tightening and smoothing the overall appearance of the body.

TUMMY TUCKS

The tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) reduces excess skin and some excess fat on the abdomen and abdominal muscles as well as tightens the muscles of the stomach.

THIGH Lift AND ARM LIFTS

Thigh and arm lifts also remove excess skin and tissue to give the upper legs and upper arms a smoother, tighter appearance. These body contouring procedures use liposuction and skin tightening techniques.

BREAST LIFTS AND BREAST AUGMENTATION

Many women who have gone through significant weight loss are unhappy that their breasts have lost fat and volume and appear to sag and droop. The nipples may point downward instead of directly out or even upward as they once did.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

In the case of sagging, drooping breasts, a breast lift is the best option. Body contouring after weight loss helps bring the nipple line up and gets rid of excess skin. For other women, breast augmentation may be a good option. This is generally the case when the patient is interested in going up a few cup sizes. Breast augmentation (breast implants or fat transfer augmentation) can be combined with a breast lift as well. This is all a part of what is commonly referred to as body contouring.

SELECTING THE Body contouring PROCEDURES THAT ARE RIGHT FOR YOU

In the end, most body contouring patients choose several of the procedures listed above.

For example, a patient may opt for a breast lift and a tummy tuck if they want to remove excess skin located on their abdomen, and they are struggling with drooping breasts. Another patient may be more interested in reducing excess skin on their upper arms and some of their abdomen and as a result, will go with an arm lift and a mini tummy tuck. Each body contouring after weight loss surgery is unique.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BODY CONTOURING AFTER WEIGHT LOSS for excess skin?

It can be difficult to know if you are a good candidate for any major body contouring procedures after weight loss without booking a consultation appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. On the other hand, there are a few signs that may help you know if body contouring is right for you.

Most notably, have you recently lost a significant amount of weight? If so, have you reached a healthy weight range — in other words, a dramatic weight loss, healthy BMI (body mass index) or a healthy target weight? If you answered yes to these questions, do you have a lot of excess skin that is causing you problems?

Excess skin can be extremely frustrating for individuals who have endured months and sometimes years of blood, sweat, and tears to achieve their healthier, happier lifestyles. Sagging or loose skin also can make it difficult to feel confident in intimate situations and when wearing certain clothing like tight jeans or bathing suits.

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

It can also be problematic when exercising as excess skin can rub in an uncomfortable way and make specific movements more of a challenge. Reducing excess skin can give individuals more self-esteem as they will be able to achieve the shape and silhouette they worked so hard for.

Another prerequisite for body contouring surgery is living a healthy lifestyle now. It’s important to continue eating a proper diet and exercising regularly. Overall good physical health is mandatory before any kind of plastic surgery or major cosmetic surgery, and especially when it comes to weight loss surgery as any future weight gain could hamper your results.

Lastly, it’s important that candidates for body contouring surgery are non-smokers and have realistic expectations when it comes to their body contouring surgeries and results.

The best way to know for sure if you are a good candidate for a lower body lift or contouring after weight loss surgery is to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.

Questions and Answers

Can you lose weight after body contouring?

Although your weight might experience minor fluctuations after undergoing treatment, the most noticeable transformation will manifest in the overall shape of your body. A significant number of patients tend to reduce an inch or more in their desired area, a result typically achieved over a course of 4 to 6 treatment sessions.

How do I tone my saggy body after weight loss?

Employing Resistance Training.
Prioritizing Nutrition and Hydration.
Incorporating Collagen Supplements.
Utilizing Firming Creams.
Considering Body Contouring Surgery.

Should I lose weight before body contouring?

The weight you shed prior to undergoing body contouring plays a crucial role, not only in terms of safety but also in optimizing your aesthetic outcomes. Maintaining a BMI below 30 reduces the chances of encountering blood clotting and wound healing complications.

Additionally, this approach will contribute to a visually smaller abdomen and waist due to the reduction in mass within those specific regions.

Is weight loss surgery the same as bariatric surgery?

Gastric bypass and similar massive weight-loss surgical procedures, collectively referred to as bariatric surgery, entail modifying your digestive system to facilitate weight loss.

Bariatric surgery becomes a consideration when conventional methods such as diet and exercise have proven ineffective, or when your weight poses significant health complications. Massive weight loss patients tend to do bariatric surgery vs body contouring after weight loss.

SCHEDULE YOUR BODY CONTOURING AFTER WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

Achieving major weight loss is an amazing feat that not everyone can do. It requires diligence, a tremendous amount of hard work, and seemingly endless resolve to stay the course. A huge congratulations to you if you’ve achieved your weight loss goal.

Now, here’s something else to ponder: You’ve come this far. Why stop now?

If excess weight on you are abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, or elsewhere is holding you back from feeling confident in your new body, body contouring plastic surgeons can help. Dr. Sieber a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has helped numerous patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area achieve the body of their dreams and boost their self-esteem and self-confidence as a result. He can help you too.

If you have been considering weight loss surgery and body countering after major weight loss, contact us today to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.