When you experience significant weight loss, several changes occur in your body, including the potential development of excess skin, particularly in areas like the abdomen, arms, thighs, and chest. This happens because your skin may have lost some elasticity due to being stretched for a long period and cannot shrink back to its previous size and shape. Beyond cosmetic concerns, this excess skin can sometimes lead to discomfort or skin irritations and infections due to the folds trapping moisture.
Significant weight loss often leaves excess skin that is prone to infection, which can often cause physical pain and discomfort.
A number of individuals with long-term obesity end up with few options other than surgery or a highly regimented nutrition and exercise program.
Body Lift Plastic Surgery After Losing Weight
Body lift surgery is a comprehensive procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from various areas of the body following significant weight loss. This type of surgery typically involves the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and breasts and can include procedures such as abdominoplasty, thigh lift, and buttock lift. The goal is to remove the excess skin that often remains after substantial weight reduction, which can cause physical discomfort and skin irritation. By removing this excess skin, the surgery helps to alleviate issues such as chafing and infections that can occur in the folds of the skin. Additionally, a body lift can reposition and tighten tissues that have been affected by weight loss.
If you’re considering plastic surgery after significant weight loss, Dr Craig Rubinstein is available to discuss your options.
The main thing to know is that losing weight alone doesn’t always achieve your aesthetic goals. One surgery may not be enough to get you the look you aim for. A body lift is actually often a combination of procedures. It might be a lower or upper tummy tuck, along with a back lift, breast lift, arm lift, thigh lift, or even a face or neck lift.
For some patients, it may require only one scheduled surgery day. However, for most post-bariatric patients, it may require two or more separate surgery days spread out over a period of time. Maintaining a stable weight and getting good nutrition is essential. It’s also important to know how to take care of your body during the recovery period to prevent complications and achieve good clinical outcomes.
How a Body Lift Plastic Surgery is Performed
Body lift surgery is a complex procedure that typically requires general anaesthesia and can last several hours depending on the extent of the areas being treated. The surgery is often performed in stages, targeting different areas of the body. Common areas addressed include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and occasionally the arms and breasts. The surgeon makes incisions in predetermined locations based on the amount of excess skin and the desired outcome, often placing them in areas where they can be concealed by clothing.
During the surgery, the surgeon carefully removes excess skin and fat through these incisions. For the abdominal area, an incision is typically made around the waistline, extending around the hips and possibly across the lower back. The skin is then lifted, and underlying tissues are tightened with sutures. Similar procedures are performed on the thighs and buttocks, where the skin is lifted and excess tissue is removed. If necessary, liposuction may be used in conjunction with skin removal to achieve the desired shape.
The final steps involve suturing the incisions closed and applying bandages and possibly drains to collect excess fluid and reduce swelling. Post-surgery, the patient is usually required to wear compression garments to support the new contours and minimise swelling during the recovery period. Regular follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the healing process and manage any potential complications.
