You’ve received congratulations and compliments from your friends, family and coworkers. Whether you chose diet and exercise, or the lap band surgery, you lost a large amount of weight, and now you’re on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
But still, you wonder, what can be done about all that loose skin?
You are not alone. Many patients who undergo major weight loss surgery are left to deal with the sagging skin that covered their once bulging body. Some elect to just deal with the excess skin. 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 often boost self-esteem and confidence.
Among the many body contouring procedures specifically designed to reduce excess skin after major weight loss are the following:
- Face and Neck Lift
- Arm Lift
- Breast Lift
- Medial Thigh Lift
- Panniculectomy
- Lower Body Lift
The main focus during these procedures is the 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.
