Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss – Cosmetic Enhancement Info

After massive weight loss, skin hangs from the arms, chest, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Procedures such as the belt lipectomy, buttock lift, and arm lift are essential to restore and contour the body’s shape.

Belt Lipectomy

A procedure called a belt lipectomy removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, back, and sides with an incision that goes completely around the waist. In a belt lipectomy, surgeons typically remove about 15 pounds of excess skin from the body. A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a part of every belt lipectomy, as it restores the shape and tone to the patient’s body.

Thigh Lift

Thigh lifts can be isolated to the inner or outer thigh, though the most common procedure is a circumferential lifting. Incisions are commonly placed within the groin crease and extend to the crease of the buttocks. This location allows them to be easily hidden with clothing.

Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

In an upper arm lift, incisions are made from the elbow to armpit and then excess skin is removed. The giant scars that are created are the primary reason that this procedure is not overly popular. However, in many patients who have lost massive amounts of weight it is often necessary to reduce pain associated with the pull of excess skin on the arm.

Buttock Lifting

Buttock lifting is becoming an increasingly popular surgery. In this procedure, an incision is made at the waist and excess skin is removed.

Recovery

Each of these procedures requires a hospital stay of about one week after surgery to ensure adequate healing. A common complaint about many of the body contouring procedures necessary after massive weight loss is scarring. After the skin is allowed to heal, approximately one year, patients may be interested in laser resurfacing to reduce the appearance of scars.

Contact East Islip Surgical in New York for info about body contouring procedures.