A life lived in an obese body is one filled with limitations and health risks. Many people feel trapped in a protective cushion. It takes tremendous courage to step out of the perceived comfort zone and make radical life changes. The reality is, the comfort from food is short lived. The discomfort, pain, and guilt are constant. A modified diet, combined with exercise and a strong will to succeed is usually all that is needed. But for people who are morbidly obese and potentially in life-threatening situations, bariatric surgery is necessary. The result is generally very rapid fat loss.
What causes sagging skin after weight loss?
Although the health benefits and quality of life are greatly improved after the desired weight loss is achieved, many of these patients still feel as if they are trapped in an overweight body. Depending on the patients age and the volume of fat that has been depleted, there is always a significant amount of sagging skin. Some areas have more elasticity than others and can retain a certain degree of firmness. A patient who was once morbidly obese will have a lot of excess skin in the areas that stored large deposits of fat.
Some of the most bothersome areas are saggy abdominal skin, arm flaps, and droopy breasts. Loose skin on the thighs can cause irritation for patients when they walk or attempt to exercise, possibly threatening their progress. Some people lose their fitness motivation because there is no way to tighten excessive sagging skin by working out.
What are the best surgical solutions for body contouring after weight loss?
Dr. Marucci suggests that patients wait a minimum of one year after reaching their goal weight. This adjustment time will allow the body a chance to settle into its new form. You will achieve optimum results with your body contouring surgery after the waiting period.
Oftentimes, multiple surgeries will be required to gain the best aesthetic outcome. Some popular post-weight loss plastic surgery options include:
- Breast lift or augmentation: Breast skin is very delicate and doesn’t offer a lot of elasticity. A breast lift will return the bosom to its proper position. Augmentation will help improve the amount of fullness by use of implants or from the patient’s own tissue.
- Liposuction: Liposuction often goes along with other body contouring procedures to remove excess fat and help mold the body into a more desirable shape. Even though the goal weight may have been met, sometimes fat deposits shift or collect in unattractive ways. Liposuction provides a smoother skin surface.
- Abdominoplasty: Sagging tummy skin is a common problem. Most obese people carry a lot of weight in their middle. Loss of a large amount of fat in this area often leaves an unsightly pouch of drooping skin that hangs over the pelvic area. Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, eradicates extra sagging skin. It also helps adjust and tighten the underlying muscle.
- Brachioplasty: Brachioplasty, or an arm lift, involves shaping and skin removal in the upper arm. Sagging arm skin cannot be repaired with strength training. Nothing can restore the skin’s elasticity. Brachioplasty will eliminate the extra skin and smooth out the surface resulting in a more toned look.
