What Are the Most Common Procedures for Removing Excess Skin After Weight Loss?

Reaching a goal for significant weight loss, whether through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery, is a monumental achievement for one’s health and quality of life. What may come as a surprise though is the appearance of loose, sagging skin that can result after weight loss. This may occur due to inelastic skin that cannot fully retract in the areas of the body that no longer carry excess weight. Fortunately, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, James F. Boynton, MD, FACS, offers a variety of plastic surgery after weight loss procedures that can lift and tighten those affected areas for a smoother, more contoured physique:

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The abdominal region is one of the most common areas to experience excess, drooping skin after dramatic weight loss is accomplished. During tummy tuck surgery, redundant abdominal skin is removed, superfluous fat is extracted, and abdominal musculature is tightened for a tauter, firmer appearance. Men and women who have lost upwards of 80 pounds may be better suited for an extended abdominoplasty, which can also address love handles (flanks) located between the waist and hips. 

For patients who have lost 200 or more pounds, Dr. Boynton advises that the abdomen may need to be surgically revisited several times for an optimal outcome due to the high rate of recurrent laxity. Massive weight loss (MWL) patients can also benefit from advanced techniques to improve the fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone area (mons pubis) for a more comprehensive treatment plan. 

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift surgeries are some of the most popular procedures performed in the U.S. for women in general, as well as among female post-weight loss patients who experience additional breast sagging and excess skin after their body transformation. A breast lift can elevate the position of the breasts while removing abundant skin and tissue for a lifted, reshaped appearance. Dr. Boynton often utilizes innovative approaches that can allow the removal of more tissue from the bottom of the breast and conservation of tissue at the top to create a shape and projection that looks natural, youthful, and “perky.”  

Facelift and/or Neck Lift

Facial enhancement treatments, such as a facelift and/or neck lift, can help to correct the appearance of sagging skin in the midface and lower portions of the face and neck areas following weight loss. Depending on the treatment plan, Dr. Boynton may be able to perform many of the face and neck enhancements as in-office procedures without the need for general anesthesia. His advanced surgical techniques can help many patients achieve exceptional results with reduced recovery time.

Full Male Breast Reduction (Pedicled Chest Lift)

Additionally, men who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excessive amounts of sagging skin in the breast area can often benefit from pedicled gynecomastia surgery (pedicled chest lift) to tone and reshape the chest area for a more masculine appearance. 

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

An arm lift is designed to eliminate the loose, hanging skin in the upper arms for a more toned and fit appearance, often boosting confidence and improving mobility for a variety of activities. 

Thigh Lift (Thighplasty)

Not only can a thigh lift improve one’s appearance by removing excess skin and fat from the inner and/or outer thighs, but the procedure may also help patients to move and exercise more comfortably, as skin flaps in the area can be eliminated. For patients who have lost more than 100 pounds, Dr. Boynton may use a “vertical” thigh lift method to further enhance the shape and tone of the thighs. Dr. Boynton may also recommend a body lift procedure, especially for MWL patients, that can combine an abdominoplasty and a posterior (back) thigh lift; however, he will always perform the treatment as a “two-stage” approach for safety reasons. This means a tummy tuck will be completed first and then after a few months of healing, surgery will be performed on the backside areas. Dr. Boynton strives to perform these extended lift procedures using incisions that are mostly hidden in the natural contours of the patient’s body rather than utilizing a “one-size-fits-all” incision approach for body lifting. 

For more information about post-weight loss body contouring, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boynton, please contact Boynton Plastic Surgery today.