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post-weight loss surgery

Will I Need Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss?

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fit-male-with-arms-crossedPost-weight loss surgery (or plastic surgery after weight loss) has been around for many years, and continues to be a popular choice for anyone wanting to put the finishing touches on their new body. For anyone unaware, post-weight loss plastic surgery offers body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, a body lift, or arm lift to help remove loose, sagging skin that is often left after losing a significant amount of weight. These procedures can have many benefits, both physical and emotional, and I wanted to take some time today to get into a few ways post-weight loss plastic surgery can help patients.

Question #1: Will loose skin ever firm up on its own?

Every person’s skin is different, but after significant weight loss, it is very rare for skin to firm up naturally. It’s natural for the skin to lose elasticity over time, and this combined with the stretching effect that carrying extra weight can have on the skin makes it difficult to tighten itself after weight loss. But certain areas of the body react differently to weight loss, as does the condition of the patient’s skin. We will discuss all of this during your consultation so I can make recommendations on the best procedure or procedures for your needs.

Question #2: Will I need plastic surgery for my face after weight loss?

While these procedures are typically used to target sagging skin in areas like the abdomen, arms, back, legs, or even the breasts, it’s true that areas like the face and neck can also experience stretched skin over time. I may recommend procedures like a facelift or a neck lift to tighten the skin and reposition tissue in these areas and restore a more youthful look.

Question #3: Does it make sense to combine multiple post-weight plastic loss procedures into one surgery?

It certainly can in some cases, as long as the patient is in good health and it is determined that they can safely undergo more than one procedure. Many people experience loose skin in multiple areas of their body following their weight loss. Combined procedures like a lower body lift or mommy makeover can provide more comprehensive results and also cut back on a patient’s overall surgical costs and recovery time. However, this approach may not be right for everyone. This is why the consultation process and evaluation is so important.

Undergoing post-weight loss plastic surgery can tie a final bow around your new physique and truly help you enjoy the benefits of your new body contour as much as possible. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation appointment, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional tips, videos, news, and more.

Ask Dr. Elliott: Questions on Post Weight Loss Surgery

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Dr.-Elliott-photoFor anyone who has recently undergone significant weight loss, let me begin by offering my congratulations. And although the process of losing this weight can be arduous, many people who experience considerable weight fluctuation have seen firsthand that there may be additional aesthetic work to be done. Carrying extra weight can cause the skin to become stretched. And once the excess fat is gone, loose, stretched skin often remains. This is why I perform post weight loss procedures to help patients put the finishing touches on their weight loss journey. Below I have answered a few common questions I have received over the years about post weight loss plastic surgery.

Question #1: What are the most common areas for post weight loss surgery?

This depends entirely on each patient’s unique situation. No two bodies are the same and the specifics of the surgery performed will depend on the issues each individual experiences following their weight loss. Generally speaking, these procedures are commonly used to address excess skin on the abdomen, arms, thighs, and back.

Question #2: Is post weight loss surgery just for people who have undergone bariatric surgery?

No. Regardless of whether a patient lost their weight naturally through diet and exercise or with the help of a weight loss (or bariatric) procedure like lap-band surgery, post weight loss surgery can be of assistance. During a pre-surgery consultation, we will discuss in-detail all the factors that make patients good candidates for post weight loss surgery.

Question #3: Are there any non-cosmetic benefits to post weight loss surgery?

In some cases there can be. The loose skin that occurs following weight loss can cause certain issues including rashes, discomfort, and even mobility issues in severe cases. Post weight loss surgery to remove this excess skin can help in these cases. Additionally, I have seen firsthand the emotional lift that can accompany post weight loss procedures.

While weight loss is a fantastic accomplishment in its own right, post weight loss surgery can help your new trimmer, healthier physique look its very best. For more information on post weight loss surgery or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Frank Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for more cosmetic surgery tips, photos, videos, and more.

3 Body Contouring Procedures that Help with Excess Skin

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Congratulations! Through your hard work and dedication, you’ve reached your goal weight. Once the pounds are shed, you deserve to celebrate the new you without any hang ups. A common frustration seen by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott is excess skin after significant weight loss. In many cases, excess skin cannot be removed by even the most diligent of diet and exercise plans. Because of this, it’s often best to seek the help of an experienced surgeon. Below, find three popular procedures that post-weight loss patients often seek to achieve the toned, tightened results they desire.

  1. weight-loss-plastic-surgeryTummy Tuck: Tummy tuck surgery removes fat and excess skin in the lower abdominal region to provide a smoother, leaner physique. Also known as abdominoplasty, Dr. Elliott performs this procedure with a small incision across the lower abdomen, easily hidden by a bathing suit or underwear.  If necessary, the abdominal muscles can be tightened. “Mini” tummy-tuck procedures are suitable for individuals who have minimal fat and excess skin, but do not address weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Tummy tucks provide notable long-term results in post-weight loss patients.
  1. Arm Lift: Excess arm skin left after weight loss can be difficult to conceal, leaving you self-conscious about wearing clothing and bathing suits. With arm lift surgery, Dr. Elliott carefully makes an incision towards the back of the arm to minimize scarring. The size of the scar is dependent on the area that needs to be removed. Dr. Elliott will discuss how much improvement you can expect with each option and where the scar will be located. Results after arm lift surgery, also known as brachioplasty, are long-lasting but continuing the healthy lifestyle maintained during your weight loss lifestyle change is encouraged to maintain optimal results.
  1. Thigh Lift: Another place that excess skin lingers is the thighs. The best candidates for thigh lifts, which removes excess skin and tissue from the inner and/or outer thighs to create tightened proportions, are those who are at a stabilized weight. When you reach your weight loss goals, thigh lifts are a great method of body contouring to bring overall balance to your body.

For more information on body contouring procedures, please contact us today. Be sure to stay updated on the latest plastic and reconstructive news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

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