Dramatic weight loss has many benefits. But after weight reduction surgery, or any substantial amount of weight loss achieved naturally, the skin and tissues often lack the elasticity to conform to the reduced body size.
Surgical body contouring following major weight loss removes excess sagging fat and skin while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. The result is a more normal appearance with smoother contours. These procedures below are also very effective in improving appearance in patients experiencing normal aging or a small amount of weight loss.
Body contouring procedures may include:
- Facelift: sagging of the mid-face, jowls, and neck
- Breast lift: sagging, flattened breasts
- Tummy tuck: apron of excess skin hanging over the abdomen
- Lower body lifts: sagging of the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thighs
- Medial thigh lift: sagging of the inner, outer and mid-thigh
- Arm lift: sagging of the upper arms
If you are considering body-contouring surgery, here is what the surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery suggest you should do first:
- Choose a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery — not just a board-certified doctor. Three surgeons at Edina Plastic Surgery are board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and one is board-eligible.
- Stabilize your weight — at your goal — for at least three months, and be sure to correct all nutritional deficiencies (which are common after weight loss surgery).
- Establish a reliable support network of family and friends to help you during recovery.
- Make sure you can get enough time off from work to recover.
- Prior to surgery, stop smoking. This is a must to speed healing and reduce complications.
