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So, you’ve lost a massive amount of weight through diet and exercise. That’s a fantastic accomplishment and something that you should feel proud of!
However, as many people notice after any substantial weight loss, there are still issues that need to be addressed, such as excess and sagging skin and pockets of stubborn fat that just don’t seem to go away, no matter how hard you try. This is where plastic surgery comes in.
These post-weight loss issues can only be addressed with various plastic surgery procedures, and the results are stunning!
But that leaves two questions: Which surgeries are the right ones for me? And how long do I have to wait after my weight loss to undergo these surgeries?
Well, here are some answers for you.
What Are My Plastic Surgery Options?
There are two specific issues that follow extreme weight loss: excess skin and remaining fat.
The following plastic surgery procedures can help address either or both of these post-weight loss problems to get you looking toned and fit and feeling better about yourself and your appearance.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a procedure that addresses sagging skin in the midsection.
For this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision just above your pubic area, stretching from hip to hip. Another incision may be made around the belly button to reposition the navel. Liposuction may be used to remove any stubborn fat remaining in the area. Your surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin before tightening the skin and closing the sutures.
You will be left with a contoured midsection that you’ll be excited to show off this summer.
Circumferential Body Lift
A circumferential body lift (extended body lift) is a more extreme version of a tummy tuck. Body lift surgery is preferred for patients who have excess skin and fat in the belly as well as the sides, flank, and back.
With this procedure, the incision extends beyond the hips. Your surgeon will tighten the underlying abdominal muscles while also using liposuction to remove any fat in the entire midsection area, from front to back and in between. Excess skin is removed before the incisions are closed.
This procedure is used to correct significant sagging caused by extreme weight loss. The results are drastic and will give you that toned look you’ve always dreamed of having.
Facelift or Neck Lift
Facelift surgery addresses sagging skin in the lower portions of your face and neck as well as helps correct wrinkles, fine lines, double chin, and jowls.
For a facelift, your surgeon will make an incision that begins at the hairline, starting at the temples. This incision continues down the contour of your face, going behind the ears, and stopping at the lower scalp. Excess fat will be removed, and the underlying tissue will be tightened and redistributed to give a more even look and feel. Finally, any excess skin will be removed, and the remaining skin will be tightened.
After this surgery, you will have a more sculpted and defined facial appearance that no longer carries around any evidence of your weight loss.
Breast Lift
For women, extreme weight loss can leave them with sagging breasts.
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a procedure that lifts the breasts to a higher and perkier position. For this procedure, your surgeon will make a periareolar incision (around the edges of the areolae) and often down the lower pole of the breast and across the inframammary fold.
From this incision, the underlying breast tissue will be lifted and reshaped. Any stubborn fat in the area will be removed. Finally, excess skin will be removed, and the remaining skin tightened. If necessary, the nipple-areolar complex will be repositioned to create a more balanced and natural aesthetic.
Some women choose to increase their breast size with augmentation surgery (breast lift with implants). However, whether you choose to have implants placed or not, after your breast lift, you will have a more contoured and toned appearance to show off all the hard work you put into your weight loss.
Body Contouring
If your post-weight loss issues extend to multiple places, and you are looking to tighten and tone your body, then body contouring surgery may be right for you.
This combination procedure is completely customizable to your needs. At your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your condition to see which procedures are right for you.
When Can I Have My Plastic Surgery?
It is a common misconception that plastic surgery procedures can be used for weight loss. While you may lose a few pounds from your surgery (mainly from the removal of excess skin and any stubborn fat), plastic surgery is meant to improve the aesthetic appearance of your body.
This means that you should be at or very near your goal body weight, and you should have maintained that weight for at least three to six months before your surgery.
One of the biggest concerns with post-weight loss plastic surgery is that patients lose weight, undergo cosmetic surgery to give them the look they desire, and then they gain the weight back, which undoes all the transformative effects of the plastic surgery. Additionally, being at a consistent goal weight before your procedure(s) allows for less chance of complications during and after your surgery.
Once you’ve lost weight, give yourself a toned and completed aesthetic with plastic surgery. Look and feel the way you’ve always wanted!
Interested in Learning More?
If you would like to know more about the different surgeries available to help sculpt your post-weight loss body, then contact our office at (909) 291-4900 or schedule a consultation online today!
