Plastic Surgery and Weight Loss
If you have been following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to get the latest plastic surgery news, you’ve probably noticed that virtually everyone has some issue with their face or body that they would like to see improved, and the path to that improvement often lies through plastic surgery. For example, many men and women strive to attain a healthier and more athletic-looking physique through weight loss, and cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can definitely play a role in helping some patients achieve that goal. However, the connection between weight loss and plastic surgery can be complicated, primarily because plastic surgery alone is neither a safe nor effective way to lose significant amounts of weight. Even liposuction, a procedure specifically designed to address fat deposits, can potentially be dangerous if more than a few pounds of fat are removed during a single session, depending on the physiology of the patient. Still, after working to reach their ideal weight, many men and women can benefit from several specialized plastic surgery techniques.
Weight loss that is achieved through either traditional diet and exercise or bariatric (weight loss) surgery can often leave behind folds of unsightly, sagging skin in the chest, abdomen, arms, legs, or even in the face and neck. These issues can be very effectively addressed through a combination of specifically targeted techniques, collectively known as post-bariatric procedures. These procedures will generally include one or more of the following:
- an arm lift (or brachioplasty) to remove excess skin hanging from the upper arms (commonly called “bat-wings”) and give the arms a more toned appearance
- a thigh lift to specifically address excess skin around the upper and/or inner thighs
- a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) to tighten stretched, abdominal muscles and to remove excess skin to contour the midsection
- a breast lift to help restore sagging and drooping breasts to a higher, more youthful position
Even though cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures can accomplish a great deal, they do have their limits and are not ideally suited to every circumstance. Every patient is different which is why it is so important, when considering plastic surgery, to speak with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who will give you an honest and thorough assessment of what specific procedures might be right for you. If you are interested in learning more about any of the facial rejuvenation or body contouring plastic surgery procedures we offer, or if you would like to discuss the variety of financing options, including Alphaeon® and CareCredit®, that we can provide to assist you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. to schedule a consultation.
