Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss
Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC
Skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring or body lift surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from various areas of the body to improve its appearance and function. If you’re struggling with excess skin after weight loss, it may be time to consider a procedure such as a neck lift, an arm lift, a thigh lift or an abdominoplasty. These surgeries can help achieve a smoother, more toned body contour, boost your self-confidence, and allow you to fully embrace your new, healthier lifestyle.
At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Amber L. Allen specializes in skin removal surgery after weight loss. To learn more about these procedures, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen at her Raleigh office, call us at (919) 676-5052 or complete a form on our website.
Contents
About Massive Weight Loss
There are a number of ways a person can lose a significant amount of weight. They may include maintaining a consistent exercise regimen and maintaining a balanced diet, or weight-loss surgeries such as the sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgeries are weight-loss procedures that can have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being. They involve reducing the size of your stomach by either removing a portion of it or using a silicone band to limit the amount of food you can consume. This results in rapid weight loss, which can often lead to excess skin.
The Trouble with Excess Skin
Losing a significant amount of weight is an incredible accomplishment that can improve your health and well-being. However, the excess skin can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and painful for some individuals, as it limits their ability to comfortably wear certain clothing or engage in physical activities. Studies also reveal that burdensome skin may decrease a patient’s quality of life, limit mobility, and increase their likelihood of developing depression. (1)
Benefits of Skin Removal
A skin removal procedure can let you fully enjoy the results of your weightloss journey! Dr. Allen’s approach to skin removal after weight loss is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. The benefits of this procedure include:
- Improved Body Contour: Skin removal surgery can help smooth out the skin, creating a more toned and defined appearance.
- Increased Comfort: Excess skin can cause irritation, chafing, and discomfort. Skin removal surgery can alleviate these issues, allowing patients to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Boosted Confidence: After working hard to lose weight, many patients are still self-conscious about their appearance due to sagging skin. Skin removal surgery can provide a much-needed confidence boost, helping patients feel proud of their bodies.
- Improved Mobility: Excess skin can weigh you down and make it difficult to move around comfortably. Skin removal surgery can make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Allen will take the time to review your medical history and discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding the procedure. She will then conduct a physical examination to assess the condition of your skin, underlying tissues, and muscle tone. This information will be used to create a customized treatment plan specific to your needs.
It’s important to keep in mind that while skin removal surgery can provide a dramatic transformation, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure. Factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the excess skin will be taken into consideration when determining if surgery is appropriate. If it is determined that surgery is not the best option for you, Dr. Allen can recommend alternative treatments such as minimally-invasive body contouring options.
If you’re ready to take the next step in achieving your desired appearance after weight loss, contact Allen Aesthetic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen.
About Body Contouring
Body contouring refers to a series of surgical procedures designed to remove excess skin and fat from various parts of the body to create a more toned and sculpted appearance. These procedures can target areas such as the neck, abdomen, thighs, and arms.
Neck Lift
One area of the body that is particularly affected by excess skin after weight loss is the neck. Sagging skin around the neck can make you look older and more tired than you feel. A neck lift can help to tighten and smooth the skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. The procedure involves making small incisions behind the ears and under the chin, through which excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is then lifted and tightened, creating a smoother, more defined neckline.
Arm Lift
Another common problem area for those who have undergone significant weight loss is the arms. Loose skin around the upper arms can be unsightly and uncomfortable. An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, can remove excess skin and fat from the upper arms, giving them a more toned and sculpted appearance. The procedure involves making an incision along the inside of the arm, through which excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and stitched back together.
Abdominoplasty
If you have excess skin around your midsection, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, may be the solution for you. This procedure can remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as well as tighten the underlying muscles. The result is a flatter, more toned stomach that looks and feels great. It involves removing the excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles to create a firm and toned appearance. Incisions are carefully placed in inconspicuous locations in the panty line to minimize scarring. Dr. Allen takes great care to ensure that the incisions are well-hidden and blend in with the natural contours of your body.
A similar surgery, known as a panniculectomy, can contour the abdominal wall in massive weight loss candidates further, removing significant excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, or panniculus. (2)
Thigh Lift
For those with sagging skin around the thighs, a thigh lift can help to create a smoother, firmer appearance. This procedure involves making an incision along the inner thigh, through which excess skin and fat are removed. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and stitched back together, creating a slimmer, more sculpted look.
At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we understand that excess skin can have a significant impact on your quality of life. That’s why we offer a range of skin removal procedures designed to help you achieve the body you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen and begin your journey to total body rejuvenation.
Personal Consultation
Are you someone who has recently lost a significant amount of weight but is now dealing with excess skin and sagging? If so, then a personal consultation with Dr. Allen at Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina can help determine if skin removal surgery is the right option for you.
If you do decide to move forward with skin removal surgery, Dr. Allen will discuss the different techniques available and determine which would be most suitable for your needs.
How Does Skin Removal Surgery Work?
For skin removal treatments it’s necessary to put the patient under general anesthesia both for the patient’s comfort and to ensure they don’t move during the surgery. Procedures involving the removal of significant portions of skin often take place in a hospital.
What is Skin Removal Recovery Like?
Skin removal treatments require a day or two minimum in the hospital after the procedure. Some physical therapy may be necessary in cases where there is extensive removal of skin. If the skin is removed from the upper or inner thigh, there are a few days that must pass before a patient can return to walking. In the periods following the procedure carried loads should be kept under 10 pounds, and it will be a few months before they can return to vigorous activity or demanding work.
Cost of Skin Removal After Weight Loss in Raleigh, NC
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type and extent of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Allen will provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific needs and goals. Please keep in mind that most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery procedures.
Book your personal consultation at Allen Aesthetic Surgery by calling (919) 676-5052 or by filling out a form on our website.
For more information about plastic surgery procedures in Raleigh, NC, read Dr. Allen’s blog.
FAQ
What is skin removal after weight loss?
Skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin in areas such as the arms, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. This is typically done following significant weight loss to eliminate sagging or loose skin that may have remained.
Am I a good candidate for skin removal surgery?
If you have recently lost a large amount of weight through bariatric surgery or diet and exercise, and have excess skin that is hindering your ability to comfortably wear clothing or move freely, you may be a good candidate for skin removal surgery. It is important to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.
How long does skin removal recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery performed. Usually, patients can return to work and light activity within two weeks, but should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks following surgery. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery.
What results can I expect from skin removal?
Those who have achieved extensive weight loss can expect effective results from body contouring procedures. In many cases, they will see a return to natural contours with minimal scarring, as well as regaining the ability to exercise freely and the elimination of skin irritation.
References
- Sandvik J, Hole T, Klöckner C, Kulseng B, Wibe A. The Impact of Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty on Secondary Weight Regain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00459
- Sachs D, Sequeira Campos M, Murray J. Panniculectomy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499822/