Body Lifting Procedures for a Shapelier You
While there is no substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, many suffering from significant levels of obesity turn to various forms of weight loss surgery to help them get back on track to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, according to the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, nearly 180,000 Americans underwent weight loss surgery in 2013, and that number continues to grow each year. However, those who experience rapid and significant weight loss are often left with excessive amounts of sagging skin, particularly in the thighs, under the arms, around the abdomen and in the breasts. Not only is this excess skin unsightly, but it can also be uncomfortable and interfere with exercise or other physical activities. Fortunately, there are a number of different cosmetic plastic surgery procedures that are specifically designed to remove this excess sagging fat and skin while improving the shape of the underlying support tissue. The result can be a more normal appearance with smoother contours.
Toning the Torso
One of the most common side-effects of significant weight loss is an apron of excess skin hanging over the abdomen. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, not only removes this excess skin but also tightens the distended muscles of the abdominal wall to give the midsection a tighter, flatter, and thinner overall look.
Lifting the Breasts
Substantial weight loss can also rob the breasts of their natural fullness, leaving them looking deflated and stretched. A breast lift, or mastopexy, trims the excess skin and tightens the supporting tissue to give the breast a more firm and lifted appearance.
Sculpting the Arms and Thighs
Long term obesity can, in many cases, even stretch the skin of the arms and legs leaving it flabby and nearly impossible to tone. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, shapes and tightens the skin of the upper arms while thigh lift surgery can do the same for the inner our outer thighs.
Finishing with the Face
Fluctuations in weight not only affect the shape of the body, but also the shape of the face as well. Sagging folds of skin can make the face seem far older than it actually is but can usually be addressed with a full or partial facelift procedure along with fat transfer if needed.
Although extremely effective and potentially life-changing, weight loss surgery is not the answer to every patient’s issues. Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon can give you a more realistic idea of what to expect and valuable assistance in formulating a plan for subsequent post-weight loss procedures. If you are interested in learning more about how you might benefit from any of the various body contouring procedures we offer, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices to schedule a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.
