Three Common Plastic Surgery Procedures after Weight Loss
Following weight loss many patients decide to have a plastic surgery procedure to remove folds of loose, excess skin left behind. Three of the most common procedures following weight loss are the body lift, tummy tuck and breast lift. That’s why we thought it would be helpful to take a look at these three plastic surgery procedures and explain how they can assist with putting the finishing touches on a patient’s weight loss journey.
Body Lift
The body lift procedure is one of many types of body contouring that can remove excess skin from the abdominal area often extending into the buttocks, lower backs and hips. This procedure is often performed following bariatric surgery or extensive weight loss. The procedure involves making one cut along the abdomen to remove the excess skin and fat. Your plastic surgeon then tightens the abdomen, waist, hips and thighs in the same procedure. A body lift can also reduce a dimpled and irregular skin surface.
A body lift is not without some risk however and as with any surgery there can be complications as well as some scarring. The higher the patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) the higher the risk of complications, such as bleeding, infections and fluid buildup. It is critical to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing body lifts. It is also important to discuss these risks with your doctor to ensure this is the best choice for your needs.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen as well as repair the abdominal muscles. The procedure can create an abdominal profile that is firmer, flatter and smoother. In the procedure, your plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the belly button and the pubic hairline. Once the excess skin is lifted, the surgeon can repair the weakened abdominal muscles and reposition the bully button.
Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, allows your plastic surgeon to change the shape of the breasts. Many patients want a breast lift as a result of weight loss, aging, childbirth, breastfeeding, and genetics that may cause the breasts to droop and sag. During the procedure your surgeon will remove excess skin and tighten the breast tissue. They can also correct an enlarged areola or even tubular breasts. However patients should wait to have a breast lift if they plan on having additional children.
One note: a breast lift will not make the breasts bigger or smaller.
These three procedures are far from the only procedures that can be performed after extensive weight loss. A few other popular procedures people may choose include facelift, neck lift, and arm lift. We will review these in one of our future blog articles.
For more information on this topic and any other plastic surgery procedures we perform, schedule a consultation appointment today at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. We have offices in Atlanta Sandy Springs, Canton /Cherokee and Cumming/Forsyth area locations. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.
