Cosmetic Surgery after Weight Loss

Losing weight is an accomplishment that deserves celebration. Excess fat is linked to many cancers such as breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. By losing weight you are helping to decrease your chance of getting diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension among many others. Individuals with a normal weight lead healthier and more active lives. However, after moderate to extreme weight loss, many people are left with loose and excess skin as their skin no longer has the surplus fat to adhere to. This sagging skin can only be effectively treated through a cosmetic procedure referred to as a body lift. Dr. Stoker is an authority in performing combined procedures and has been a featured surgeon on The Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

People are left with excess skin after weight loss because the skin is stretched to accommodate the individual’s original, larger size. When weight is being lost, especially at a rapid pace, and the skin has decreased in elasticity, it is unable to bounce back to its original orientation and thus hangs loosely. Cosmetic surgery can help correct this undesirable body shape by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscle structure. A body lift is the general term for an allover removal of excess skin to create a more firm and taut body. A body lift works by improving the shape and tone of the tissue that supports fat and skin. This can include an arm lift, thigh lift, neck lift, and a tummy tuck among other specific procedures.

A tummy tuck is the most popular body lift procedure. Also known as an abdominoplasty, it is for individuals who have lost a massive amount of weight in their abdomen area or have loose and stretched skin from pregnancy. A tummy tuck is a procedure where the lower abdomen is tightened through the removal of excess fat and skin to achieve a more youthful and flatter belly. There are two main types of tummy tuck surgery: a full tummy tuck and a partial tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck removes a great amount of skin compared to a partial tummy tuck. However, they both will leave a scar from the incision that is concealed beneath the bikini line and should gradually fade over time.

Arm and thigh lifts are very similar to an abdominoplasty. The only major difference is the targeted area is now the arm or thigh respectively. Liposuction and skin removal are implemented to create a firmer body contour. However, there will still be an incision scar where the excess skin was removed. Nevertheless, this scar should fade gradually over time and become less noticeable.

If you have lost a massive amount of weight and are looking to have cosmetic surgery to achieve a body shape that you are happy with, call Dr. Stoker’s office at 310-300-1779, or you can request your consultation online.