What to do about loose skin.
Weight loss is a big achievement. Maybe your friends, family and coworkers have supported you and now you’re on your way to a healthier lifestyle. But, for many people who lose weight, there’s one more supporting member in your weight loss journey: a plastic surgeon. Many people who lose weight are left with the sagging skin that covered their once bulging body. Some elect to just accept it. Unfortunately, it never shrinks to fit your new size, but hangs around your upper and lower abdomen, upper arms, back, thighs, neck and face as a reminder of your former you. Not only can it feel like your journey to weight loss is unfinished, the deep skin folds may cause hygienic problems. In order to work move past this difficult post-weight loss phase, many patients look to body contouring procedures for removal of the excess skin. The results can boost their self-esteem and confidence. Among the many body contouring procedures specifically designed to reduce excess skin after major weight loss are the following:
- Face or Neck Lift
- Arm Lift
- Breast Lift
- Thigh Lift
- Lower Body Lift
The main focus during these procedures is the tightening (or removal) of excess skin and residual, localized fat deposits using a combination of liposuction and surgical excision. During the panniculectomy, for example, the skin and subcutaneous tissue that hangs from the abdomen like an apron, often covering the genitals, is surgically removed. An abdominoplasty can be performed in conjunction with the panniculectomy in order to reshape the abdominal muscles. Before the sutures are placed, the underlying tissues are tightened and the skin is lifted. As with any weight loss surgery, the key to maintaining your ideal shape is committing to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
