Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss
Losing large amounts of weight, through bariatric surgery or through diet and exercise, is an exciting and great thing for people who are combating morbid obesity and trying to live a healthier lifestyle. However, in many cases, once the weight has been lost, the body is affected by loose, extra skin and pockets of fat that have accumulated in a variety of body areas. This is a very common occurrence, and it can have a very negative effect on one’s self-esteem. Fortunately, Dr. James F. Boynton offers a number of plastic surgery procedures that can be performed in combination or over a series of treatments that work to tighten the skin, recontour the body, and really bring out the positives of your new, slimmer physique.
If you would like more information on plastic surgery after weight loss treatments, please contact Dr. Boynton to schedule a consultation.
Post-Bariatric and After-Weight Loss Surgery Options
Drooping skin folds and areas exhibiting excess fat and skin that has lost elasticity can frequently follow significant weight loss, having an effect on your self-confidence and also increasing the risk of skin infections and hygiene conditions. The following treatment options can be included in a custom-designed plastic surgery after weight loss treatment plan, helping you eliminate the excess and rejuvenate a number of body areas.
Body Lift
Body lift surgery is designed to focus on a number of areas that may be affected by loose, excess skin after significant weight loss. A procedure such as an upper body lift involves the elimination of extra skin and folds in the arms, back, and breasts, followed by the tightening of skin in these areas.
A lower body lift involves an incision made around the beltline—also known as belt lipectomy—and across the lower stomach, then down to the inner thighs. This procedure removes extra skin and fat from areas such as the hips, flanks (love handles), abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Once the excess has been removed, the remaining skin is tightened and pulled taut for a smoother, more fit appearance. Sometimes this surgery is done in a single surgery, and other times it is better to do in “two parts” to optimize the healing and scar appearance.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, medically known as abdominoplasty, targets the extra folds of abdominal skin that are often left over after weight loss. The procedure tightens underlying abdominal muscles and eliminates excess skin. The remaining skin is then pulled taut for a flatter and smoother look.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be very useful for getting rid of small to large pockets of fat that often accumulate in certain body areas after weight loss. This popular cosmetic procedure can remove excess fat cells in virtually any region of the body.
Arm Lift
An arm lift addresses the loose, flabby skin that can often accumulate under the arms after you large amounts of weight are lost. Beginning with an incision from the armpit to the elbow, arm lift surgery eliminates excess skin and tightens the remainder, giving the arms a smoother, more toned appearance. Any scarring from the incisions should be very discreet and should fade with time.
Breast Lift
Losing large amounts of weight can sometimes cause the breasts to take on a sagging or drooping appearance. This can be significantly improved with breast lift surgery, a procedure that tightens the breast skin and gives the breasts a firmer, more “perky” appearance.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation with implants adds volume to breasts that may appear smaller after losing weight. Breast enlargement can not only give you fuller breasts, it can also have a positive effect on your overall appearance and accentuate your new curves.
Breast Reduction
Some people may lose large amounts of weight in a variety of body areas but be left with breasts that have retained fat and appear too large and/or disproportionate to the rest of the body. This can cause discomfort, difficulty fitting into desired clothing, and self-consciousness. Breast reduction surgery is designed to eliminate excess fat and decrease the size of the breasts.
“Dr. Boynton is not only a fantastic Plastic Surgeon, but a great person. He listens to your questions, is honest about procedures, and offers the best advice. He will structure a plan, and suggest procedures that are individual and specific to YOU. Results are natural, and beautiful. His staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Love the comfortable atmosphere. There is a reason so many of my friends visit this outstanding practice – SIMPLY THE BEST! Thank you Dr. Boynton and staff for making my feel myself again!”
Thigh Lift
After weight loss, many people may experience a build-up of excess skin in the thighs. Thigh lift surgery removes the excess and pulls the remaining skin taut, re-sculpting the thighs for a more fit look with less friction between the thighs as you walk.
Facial Enhancement
Weight loss may affect your facial appearance in a number of ways. Excess skin and fat deposits may cause wrinkles or jowls to appear more prominently and accentuate signs of aging along facial features. Dr. Boynton offers a number of facial enhancement treatments that can rejuvenate the face for smoother, more refreshed-looking skin.
Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss FAQs
How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
Any hospital stay requirements will depend on how many procedures you elect to have performed, whether they are staged or performed in combination, and what types of procedures they are. In some cases, patients may be eligible to have outpatient surgery for their plastic surgery after weight loss treatment; however, procedures such as upper and/or lower body lift will require overnight hospital stays.
How long is recovery?
Recovery from plastic surgery after weight loss procedures will completely depend on the type and amount of procedures you undergo. With major surgery, you should plan on staying home for a period of weeks—in some cases, only one to two weeks may be necessary, niy in others, more time will be required to ensure the best possible healing process. Dr. Boynton will go over all of your options and explain the details of recovery for each procedure during your initial consultation.
Will there be any scarring?
As with all surgical procedures, there will be some residual scarring. However, Dr. Boynton is a very skilled and experienced plastic surgeon and will work diligently to minimize the visibility of scars.
What are some of the advantages of plastic surgery after weight loss treatment?
One of the best advantages of plastic surgery after weight loss treatment is the fact that it can take you another step toward reaching your ultimate goals. Losing large amounts of weight is a very big accomplishment, and it can be very disappointing to see that once the extra weight is gone, it is replaced with loose, excess skin. Plastic surgery after weight loss addresses this issue with the aim of giving you the results you were hoping for before you lost the weight.
Schedule a Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Consultation
Dr. Boynton will be happy to meet with you for an initial consultation to discuss all options and aspects of plastic surgery after weight loss treatment. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation here at our practice, please contact us online or by phone today.
