Skin Tightening Surgery After Massive Weight Loss

When a morbidly obese person loses a lot of weight, their skin goes through a number of changes. Skin will expand as needed when a person gains weight, but it will only shrink back so far when a person loses that weight. This is the normal nature of skin laxity. At NorthShore Plastic Surgery, we have helped many patients in the New Orleans area address such problems.

With this in mind, that loose and sagging skin that results from weight loss can be aesthetically off-putting given the drooping and the stretchmarks left behind. That's where total body contouring comes into play, tightening skin and reducing the drooping. Below are some common skin tightening procedures after major weight loss.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominolasty)

The tummy tuck is a surgery that targets the lower abdominal region. During a tummy tuck, skin and tissue from the love handles and lower abdomen will be removed in order to improve the overall contour of the patient's waistline.

Given how weight is naturally distributed in people, the tummy tuck is one of the most common procedures performed when addressing body contour issues following major weight loss.

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

The thigh lift is performed in order to address contouring issues with the thigh area. This can target the inner thighs, the lower thighs, and even the hip and saddlebag region. Incisions for the procedure are generally made around the groin area.

Buttock Lift

Another common procedure for the lower body is the buttock lift. This will be able to remove the sagging skin of the buttocks to improve the overall contour and the silhouette of the rear end. Incisions tend to be hidden along the groin area.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

The shoulder area and the tricep area can both be severely affected by weight loss, appearing flabby and very off-putting. To make the arms seem trimmer and more athletic, an arm lift is often performed. The arm lift will involve incisions starting around the arm pit and extending down the lower part of the arm as needed.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is performed on men and women after major weight loss given the way that the weight loss will alter the overall look of the upper torso. In both of these surgeries, excess skin is removed so the chest area does not sag in such a pronounced manner.

Neck Lift

The neck lift is common in many body lift surgeries since the neck area accumulates fat with major weight gain and tends to sag after major weight loss. Sometimes it's the neck lift that goes the longest way to restoring a fitter, trimmer, and proportionately contoured appearance.

Customizing a Total Body Lift for the Patient

One surgery on its own usually won't do the job, which is why a total body lift may be ideal. During a total body lift, multiple surgeries are combined to improve overall body contour. The right combination of procedures for you and your needs can be discussed in more detail during your visit to the practice.

Schedule a Consultation at NorthShore Plastic Surgery

To learn more about skin tightening surgery after you have lost a considerable amount of weight, be sure to contact our cosmetic skin care and plastic surgery practice today. The team here at NorthShore Plastic Surgery looks forward to your visit and helping you have a trimmer, slimmer, and better contoured frame.