Dramatic weight loss is an enormous goal that requires time and commitment, so if you are within reach of your ideal weight, you deserve a huge congratulations. However, as you have probably discovered, the journey to a fit and slim body does not end once you shed the weight. In place of that weight you now have loose and sagging skin that has no place to go. Here’s the good news: there are quite a few surgical procedures available to contour your body after weight loss and help you love your new look.
Tummy Tuck
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin from the area. It’s also possible for the muscles in the abdominal wall to be tightened during this plastic surgery procedure. Excess skin is cut away, extra fat is removed with liposuction, abdominal muscles are pulled into a tighter position, and the skin is stretched back down and sutured to close the incision. As long as you are within range of your ideal weight, the tummy tuck surgery in particular is an effective way to remove excess fat and skin from the stomach, restore weakened muscles, and create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
Arm Lift
Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift is designed to tighten the loose upper arm skin and underlying tissue brought on by excessive weight loss. The surgery is relatively simple. Each arm requires about 45 minutes to 1 hour of surgical time. Your plastic surgeon will make an incision in your arm that is placed to minimize scar appearance, then remove excess fat and skin in gradual sections. Liposuction is also utilized to smooth out any irregularities after the bulk of fat and skin has been removed. A brachioplasty is the procedure for you if you want to lose that excess fat and skin and embrace thinner, more contoured arms.
Thigh Lift
The thigh lift does for the thighs what a brachioplasty does for the arms. The procedure contours the loose inner thigh skin that is commonly affected by poor elasticity after weight loss. If you are within 10 to 15 pounds of your desired weight, then you can further enhance the appearance of your legs with a thigh lift. This customized surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The final product will give you more defined legs that are liberated from heavy excess skin and fat.
At Landon Plastic Surgery in Tampa and Trinity, Florida, Dr. Landon is a Tampa Plastic Surgeon with more than two decades of experience helping men and women refine and contour their bodies after weight loss. Call (813) 499-1408 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Landon and get closer to the body you’ve been working toward.