After significant weight loss, many people may consider cosmetic surgery to address excess skin, sagging tissues, and other aesthetic concerns. A board-certified plastic surgeon can assess your health and cosmetic goals before surgery. Here are the best plastic surgery options after you’ve lost weight:
Abdominoplasty
Also known as a tummy tuck, a plastic surgeon performs abdominoplasty to reshape and rejuvenate the abdominal area. Abdominoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation to manage discomfort. During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in the lower abdominal area. The length and shape of the incision may vary depending on the extent of the correction needed.
For a full tummy tuck, an incision extends from hip to hip, allowing for a comprehensive correction. A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision and is used for patients with less excess skin and fat below the navel. In cases where excess skin extends around the sides and lower back, an extended tummy tuck with longer incisions may be required. After removing excess skin and fat, the surgeon tightens the area using sutures.
Breast Surgery
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts after massive weight loss. Board-certified plastic surgeons make incisions based on the patient’s unique needs and the degree of sagging. For an anchor lift, the incision includes a vertical and horizontal component along the breast crease, suitable for substantial lifting. A vertical lift involves an incision that encircles the areola and extends vertically down to the breast crease, appropriate for moderate to significant lifting.
Breast reduction is suitable after weight loss if your primary concern is the size and weight of your breasts. This plastic surgery option entails removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts and reshaping them into a more proportionate size. A skilled surgeon repositions the nipples and areolas to match the new breast contour.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be considered after weight loss to address localized areas of stubborn fat that may not respond well to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates for liposuction after weight loss have stable body weight and good overall health. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, buttocks, arms, thighs, knees, chin, neck, back, hips, and waist.
A plastic surgeon can use traditional liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, or ultrasound-assisted liposuction, depending on the case. Laser-assisted liposuction is a technique that uses laser energy to help liquefy and remove fat. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound technology to break up fat cells before removal. During traditional liposuction, a surgeon injects a tumescent solution comprising a saline solution, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine into the fat for easier suctioning.
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation procedures can be beneficial after losing weight, as weight loss often leads to loose or sagging skin development. A facelift addresses sagging facial skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, restoring a more youthful and firmer facial contour. Neck lifts tighten loose skin on the neck and eliminate the sagging effect that can result from weight loss.
A plastic surgeon can also recommend eyelid surgery to address sagging or puffy upper and lower eyelids, which may become more prominent after significant weight loss. Brow lifts can elevate a drooping or sagging brow, helping to open up the eyes and create a more youthful appearance.
Buttock Lift
A buttock lift, or gluteal lift, is a surgical procedure useful for addressing sagging buttocks and removing excess skin. After significant weight loss, the body’s skin and tissues may not fully retract, and the buttocks can lose their youthful shape. A buttock lift can be an effective way to restore a firmer, more lifted appearance.
The underlying tissues and muscles are often tightened during the procedure to support the new buttock shape. A plastic surgeon trims and excises excess skin and sutures the remaining skin to create a lifted appearance.
Book an Appointment for Plastic Surgery
Before surgery, a plastic surgeon reviews your medical history, including any existing medical conditions and medications you are taking. The expert can also discuss the cost of the procedure, financing options, and payment plans with you. After surgery, a surgeon offers you post-operative care instructions to follow to facilitate healing. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified surgeon for cosmetic surgery.
