Skin Tightening Surgery after Weight Loss
After putting in the hard work and dedication that is required while losing weight, it can be frustrating to be stuck with loose, hanging skin around your body. This skin may prevent you from seeing the full results of your weight loss and may leave you self conscious about your body’s appearance. Dr. Stephen P. Hardy, an experienced Missoula plastic surgeon, offers skin tightening surgery to patients who have lost large amounts of weight and are looking to further contour their body.
Are You a Candidate?
Not everyone who has lost weight is an ideal candidate for plastic surgery to tighten the skin. The patient who is the best candidate for skin tightening surgery and the most likely to have successful results will
- Be free of medical conditions that can increase the risks of surgery
- Be at a stable weight
- Be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Have realistic expectations of the results of surgery
If you meet these qualifications, Dr. Hardy can let you know which skin tightening procedures may be right for you.
Body Lift
The most popular skin tightening surgery after weight loss is the body lift. A body lift can tighten skin around multiple areas of your body in one surgery. With one incision along the abdomen, your surgeon can remove excess skin and lift the skin to tighten the buttocks, hips, abdomen, arms and thighs. During a body lift surgery, liposuction is often used to remove any excess fat. This surgery will dramatically contour your body. This is a permanent surgery that will produce long lasting results as long as you maintain your weight.
Tummy Tuck
For Dr. Hardy’s patients in Missoula, tummy tuck may be offered on its own or as part of a body lifting surgery. Medically known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area as well as tighten the abdominal muscles. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made from one hip bone to the other, and around the navel. After the skin has been tightened, the navel will be placed into a natural looking position. You will be left with a trimmer and firmer waist line.
Breast Lift
After extreme weight loss, your breasts may also be left sagging. A mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed to repair this problem. During a breast lift, excess skin and fat is removed and the nipple is repositioned higher on the chest. In some cases an implant may also be used to improve the overall shape of the breasts.
Complications
As with all surgeries, there are some complications that can arise after skin tightening surgery. Some possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection
Dr. Lipman can discuss these complications with you as well as the best way to avoid these situations.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have lost a large amount of weight and would like to maximize your results through skin tightening surgery, schedule an appointment today. Dr. Lipman is happy to answer all your questions and discuss with you the best way to achieve your desired results.